While there’s nothing like an intense, crowded concert experience, sometimes tunes are best enjoyed while grabbing a cup of coffee or sitting down for some pizza.
By Jordan Steyer
ORANGE took a look at five hot spots around town to satisfy any hungry appetite and musical palate.
SPIDER HOUSE CAFE
Photo courtesy of the Austin American-Statesman.
2908 Fruth St.
Spider House Cafe is about a 10 minute walk from the University of Texas at Austin campus. The cafe serves specialty coffee drinks, cocktails, craft beer, sandwiches, pizza and snack foods. The patio, located around the corner from the music venue’s ballroom, is home to a variety of food and coffee trailers, as well as a tattoo shop. The ballroom hosts events every night of the week, offering everything from slam poetry to comedy.
Try: the pollo tacos and the cucumber margarita.
STINSON’S BISTRO
3300 N IH-35 Suite 140 and 4416 Burnet Road
Stinson’s offers an extensive coffee, espresso and tea menu, as well as a variety of hearty dishes ranging from breakfast tacos to flatbread pizzas. Stop by the bistro any Friday and Saturday night for a live show featuring Austin musicians, as well as occasional weeknight sets.
Try: cold brew coffee and breakfast tacos
CHERRYWOOD COFFEEHOUSE
Photo courtesy of David Sanger
1400 E 38th 1/2 St.
Throughout the week, Cherrywood Coffeehouse hosts events such as, intimate concerts on their outdoor patio space. The menu includes pastries, tacos, salads, sandwiches and burgers. The neighborhood hangout spot is a great place to get some studying done, as well as catch an acoustic set by local artists. Their drink menu features smoothies, beer, wine and enhanced fair trade Ruta Maya coffee beverages.
Try: the poblano pork tacos and the chai latte.
HOLE IN THE WALL
2538 Guadalupe St.
Hole in the Wall is a self-described Austin classic. It has been the music scene’s go-to place for touring acts, beginner bands and famous rock stars. The Hole in the Wall is considered a live music staple. They offer more than six hours of diverse musical acts every day. The staff is energetic and the new kitchen specializes in serving Japanese bar food.
Try: the mushroom tempura and mochi ice cream.
TOMS CAFÉ
Photo courtesy of Stylecurated
1401 South Congress Ave.
If you are familiar with TOMS shoes, the “One for One” purchase and donation concept is carried throughout the store. You can shop for shoes and eyewear, but you can also sit down and have something to drink. This location is meant to be a space for lounging and meeting up for coffee, as well as a community center that offers weekly events like yoga, craft nights, musical events and creative lectures.
Try: horchata tea and iced coffee.
