I’m the biggest sucker for latte art and if any of you have ever grabbed a cup of coffee with me, you know that I beg (and bribe) Baristas to “make my drink look pretty please!” #sorrynotsorry
I’ve also been known to scout out coffee shops with WiFi since I work remotely on occasion. I can appreciate a solid spot with an excellent choice of pastries, savories, lattes, adequate table space to spread out my laptop and other goodies, as well as feel like I’m somewhere vacation-y.
Thanks for stopping by to hear what I’ve got to say about my favorite caffeine-providing locations around the ATX!
First up, an East ATX gem, Sa-Ten Coffee & Eats.
Discovering this beautiful Japanese coffee and eats “mecca” in The Canopy was life-changing for me. I live only a mile away and am happy to boast that I’m a frequent flyer 🙂 Perhaps, I’d like to call myself their “Ambassador of all things yummy.” Because there are quite a few small businesses and art studios in the area, you’ll see people hosting meetings and talking strategy (as well as conducting some business deals). Nevertheless, Sa-Ten makes for the perfect spot for you to have a productive day working, meeting up a friend for a lunch/dinner/coffee date, stay warm with a hot bev in hand (cool off with an iced coffee during most of the year in Austin), or nourishing yourself with their ever-so-tasty bites.
My fave: Almond Milk Latte with a splash of hazelnut. Try a peppermint mocha as well. Check out their monthly specials which are always perfection. Oh, and their Turkish Mint tea is great if you want an herbal tea.
WiFi: Yes, it works well and rarely kicks you out
Grub: Tons of options (toasts, curries, katsu) and they also have pastries from Quack’s
Bike Racks: Yep
Parking situation: Parking Lot for all of The Canopy
Website: http://www.sa-ten.com/
Specialty Creation – they make their own syrups and come up with the best monthly specials. This was the nutella latte.
Peppermint mocha (check out that art)!
But First, Coffee! Yes, this is my mission as soon as I walk into Picnik on Burnet, which is next up on my list! I was absolutely thrilled when Picnik expanded to a brick-and-mortar up North in 2016. It’s a stunning spot that has me feeling light, relaxed and grateful to be in the company of like-minded people. Aside from serving up entrees and bites with the freshest, local ingredients (that meet any kind of dietary restriction you may have), they are one of the earliest providers (in Austin) of a tasty cup of butter coffee. The butter coffee craze has been going on a while, but I only became familiar with it when trying out Bulletproof Coffee at an event back in 2014. Anyhow, Picnik makes some amazing butter coffee creations and if you are a vegan, you can get coconut milk instead!
My fave: I have a few — Mocha Latte, Candy Cane Mocha, and Pumpkin Spice Latte
WiFi: Nope, put that laptop away! You’re here to soak in the beauty and RELAX!
Grub: The loaded guacamole is a must! I frequently devour the Picnik Cobb as well as their breakfast tacos. Be sure to get a blondie ice cream sandwich on your way out for a late afternoon treat.
Bike Racks: I’m not 100% but probably since there are lots of restaurants nearby and there neighborhoods in the vicinity.
Parking situation: They have a parking lot behind the building as well as even farther back in the overflow lot.
Website: http://picnikaustin.com/
Mocha Latte (perfectly foamy and grass-fed buttery)
Walton’s Fancy and Staple – the cutest spot for sandwiches, salads, epic desserts and of course, COFFEE!
I can’t recall the first time I laid eyes on Walton’s, but I do remember it being love at first sight. If you like feeling like you’re in an earthy garden with succulents and floral arrangements surrounding you all while nibbling on a macaron and sipping on a Turkish mocha, then Walton’s Fancy and Staple is the place for you!
Located on West 6th street, in the heart of all the excitement Austin has to offer, this little haven will quickly become your go-to spot for an indulgent latte and a perfectly-crafted sweet treat. I’ve worked from there many times as they have a quiet area in the back as well as counter space in the main dining area. It might get noisy during the lunch rush, but you’ll figure out a way to stay here a while.
My fave: The Turkish Mocha was to die for – not sure if they make it anymore. They know what they’re doing, so you won’t go wrong with a latte and syrup of your choice.
WiFi: Yep!
Grub: I order the “Fancy Lunch” and generally have half of a Ham on Pretzel and a side caesar salad. Get a dessert, please – macaron, slice of cake, whatever…just get something!
Bike Racks: In the vicinity or you can do what I do, lock my bike to a street parking sign.
Parking situation: They have street parking all around that area but you’ll have to pay the meter.
Website: https://www.waltonsfancyandstaple.com/
Turkish Mocha!
The Baristas know what they’re doing at Fleet Coffee!
Being an Eastsider, I passed the building where The Lost Well is located everyday and suddenly saw some activity going on at the far end of the place. After a lot of curiosity, patience and sleepless nights with anticipation, I came across an article in Eater Austin (I think), about Fleet Coffee. Reading that the owners are the best-of-the-best when it comes to Austin Baristas, I started stalking that location for an opening date. It opened in mid-2016, and I fell in love. What a place! It’s gorgeous, quaint, intimate and serves up the most unusual coffee “cocktails” you’ll ever get your hands on. Love their newly added patio with additional seating. Don’t let the tonic water in the E.T. scare you – that concoction is v good! They had a fruity pebble milk/treat at one point and they update their menu with new seasonal items regularly. If you want a good ‘ole dairy-free latte, they make their syrups in-house and they have a local almond milk (Dulcis), which is so good!
My fave: Cappuccino or a butterscotch almond milk latte
WiFi: Yep!
Grub: I think I’ve seen pastries. The vegan BBQ truck, BBQ Revolution, is in the parking lot and Gourmand’s and Dog & Duck are across the street.
Bike Racks: In the vicinity
Parking situation: They have street parking on Webberville
Website: http://www.fleetcoffee.com/#nowopen
Cappucino – that blue with the art – wow!
Houndstooth – serving up your dose of caffeine Downtown and on North Lamar!
Too many friends have told me about Houndstooth being their favorite in town, yet I hadn’t managed to stop by. Until today…This morning, I saw a picture of someone’s cinnamon cappuccino on Instagram, and that gorgeous photo had me convinced it was time for me to try them out. Finding a parking spot Downtown to hit up the location on 4th street was harrowing and I circled the block probably 5 times before finding a spot on the street where I could pay the meter. I guess the downtown location caters more to those who work in the Frost Bank Tower and other walkable areas? Nevertheless, I was determined to enjoy a pretty drink (it was way later than I typically have caffeine, but whatever)! Totally worth it – I had the Rhum Nut Cappuccino (pictured below) and was blown away with the flavors and colored-art!
My fave: Being that I’ve only been once, the Rhum Nut Cappuccino is my fave – with almond milk.
WiFi: Yep!
Grub: They have pastries
Bike Racks: In the vicinity
Parking situation: Downtown parking – such a pain. Find a metered spot though. Can you believe the parking garages and parking lots are $10+ compared to $3 for 3 hours at a meter?
Website: http://www.houndstoothcoffee.com/
Rhum Nut Cappuccino. What a beauty!
You can betcha I’ll be adding and updating this in the months ahead, but until then, I hope you enjoy my recommendations!
Cheers!
January, 2017
No Comments