If you were looking for me during that first week of sunshine in February, you’d have to search among the many sunbathers dotting the hills of Barton Springs. That might have been the only time I felt grateful for Texas’s unpredictable weather. Was it global warming? A hint of early spring? We may never know. What I do know are the perfect spots to grab coffee with friends as this weather returns to campus.
When most people think “coffee,” they picture something cozy—dim lighting, floor-to-ceiling wooden panels and soft jazz playing in the background. In Austin, though, coffee spaces are reimagined. They’ve traded the warm lighting for natural sunlight, torn down the walls for open-air surroundings and added some indie-pop vocals. Suddenly, people are alive with laughter, sporting sunglasses, accompanied by dogs wagging their tails. As the sun peeks its way back into our lives, I’ve compiled a list of coffee shops for you to explore this spring around Austin.
- Cosmic Saltillo
I don’t believe in saving the best for last, so I’m delivering you my top pick. As soon as you enter, this vibrant space welcomes you down a runway of greenery, complemented with rustic architecture. It feels like a water tower turned trendy social hub. Cosmic Saltillo is hard to define. Is it a coffee shop? An outdoor bar? A taco restaurant? This interesting take on all three gives it a Californian feel as it embraces the outdoors, nonetheless.
Located in Downton East Austin, it’s perfectly tucked away and gives you the fresh opportunity to remove yourself from campus. What sets Cosmic Saltillo apart is not just its extensive menu but also its commitment to sustainability. With compostable containers, plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware, this spot is a great choice for eco-conscious consumers. The focus on providing quality food and drinks in an environmentally friendly manner is commendable. From the curved architecture to the orange sand, Cosmic has a way of cultivating their warm ‘70s theme across every inch for you.
Don’t know what to order? Try this.
Introducing their Cosmic Comet Latte.
One of their signature coffee drinks, this is a cold brew with Mexican vanilla, potent orange honey and oat milk. It carries a refreshing feel as the orange flavor pulls strong and complements the ambiance of the area. It’s unique, like the rest of Cosmic.
- Terrible Love
Oh, you want to discover a hidden gem? I can do that too. Tucked away in Tarrytown, Terrible Love is a place where time slows down. With its minimalist interior and air of tranquility, it feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of campus life. Completely outdoors, the space is modest but inviting, with soft natural lighting that makes you want to stay a little longer. What started out as a coffee trailer, it is now in full operation at a defunct boiler room. You’ll find yourself in an ideal spot for a slow morning, journaling or catching up with an old friend. If you’re looking for a coffee shop where you can romanticize your life, this is the spot for you.
Don’t know what to order? Try this.
Introducing their Grapefruit Brown Sugar Latte.
This one is for the bold coffee drinkers. Citrus grapefruit pairs unexpectedly well with the deep, caramelized sweetness of brown sugar. It’s light but flavorful, giving you that perfect afternoon pick-me-up when you need it.
- Fleet Coffee
Fleet Coffee is the definition of small but mighty. At the Manor Road location, it’s a tiny coffee truck adjacent to The Long Goodbye bar and La Santa Barbacha Mexican food truck, which makes for a whole evening of things to taste. Fleet’s open-air setup, warm tones and effortlessly cool ambiance gives it that unmistakable Austin feel. On occasional Sundays, they’re surrounded by a vintage market that fills up the space with so much life and antiques for people to promenade.
Don’t know what to order? Try this.
Introducing their Cherry Almond Oat Milk Latte.
Botanical and creamy, this drink offers a twist on a classic oat milk latte with the cherry lending a unique freshness. It’s refreshing yet grounding, making it an excellent choice for those who like their coffee with a slight kick like me.
- Mozart’s
You can’t talk about Austin coffee without mentioning Mozart’s. A lakeside icon, this classic spot is as much about the view as it is about the drinks. Whether you’re looking for a place to study, a romantic date spot or just a place to soak up the sun, Mozart’s delivers. Mozart’s main attraction lies in their spacious deck overlooking Lake Austin. This is where you can sip on your drink while watching boats drift by or listen to live jazz music during their seasonal events.
Another major draw of Mozart’s is its wide selection of house-made pastries and desserts. From rich cheesecakes to flaky croissants, there’s something for everyone to indulge in. Their coffee selection is also diverse, with everything from classic espresso drinks to specialty creations that highlight unique flavors. Whether you’re a longtime Austinite or just passing through, a visit to Mozart’s is practically a rite of passage.
Don’t know what to order? Try this.
Introducing their Vanilla Matcha Latte.
Everyone knows matcha is a hit or miss. Sometimes it’s as plain as milk, sometimes it’s as bitter as grass. At Mozart’s, I can confirm their matcha is perfectly balanced, making this the ideal drink for both matcha lovers and those looking to switch things up from their usual coffee order.
Spring in Austin doesn’t last long. It’s a fleeting moment between winter chills and summer heat waves. So with that said, take advantage of the sunshine, grab a friend and sip your way through the season while it lasts.
