Note to Self - Visit Coffee Shops, Enjoy Life to the Fullest

A Brief Review of 7 Coffeehouses that I like in Austin, TX

1.) Bouldin Creek aka Cafe Caffeine: South 1st Street. This place speaks Austin to me. In case some of you didn't know, Austin has a language all its own and Bouldin Creek is one of the few places that screams this language and whispers it at the same time. The mismatched tables, the creative, vegan and vegetarian food menu, the extremely inventive and delicious coffee go unmatched in my mind. Nothing makes me feel more at home in Austin than a trip to Bouldin Creek with a good friend. Every Austinite needs visit. The people are inviting, the atmosphere is homey, and it’s comfortable enough to do just about anything - chat, catch up, intellectualize, sip delicious depth charge coffee, and read. Or, if you’re lucky, like I was on my last visit, you could have a conversation with the infamous fashionista of Austin known as Leslie.

2.) Austin Java: Barton Springs Road. Good coffee, lots of athletes. My kind of place! The last time I was there I had a conversation with the guy that won the EAS 10 miler Run for the Water. He kind of cut in on my conversation with a friend, actually. My friend Jodi and I were talking about the 10 mile loop of Town Lake while waiting in line for our lattes. We had just done a 12.5 mile run and were saying something about 10 miles when he suddenly cut in with this: "I really love the 10 miler, it's my favorite distance" and then magically we were in a conversation with him. It was a good experience in a funny way. My running group, Austin Fit, always meets at this shop after our runs, so it is a very familiar and great place of memories and fun for me. The food isn't bad, either!

3.) The Green Muse: Oltorf and South 1st. Nestled back next to Pizza Patron. Its unobtrusiveness speaks to its charm. This is a great place for studying, sitting up with a book, quiet or intellectual conversation, or writing.

4.) Dominican Joe's: On Riverside and Congress, near the Freebirds. Good overall coffee. This is more of a place I frequent because it is nearby my workplace. Worthy of a visit though!

5.) Joe's Coffee: Congress. Hip place to pass by on the street and a great place to people watch. I am not overly impressed with the coffee or the espresso.

6.) Hot Mama's Espresso Bar: East 6th Street. Amazing espresso, I've never tasted anything like it! It's a shame I don't stop by there more often, I love the coffee and the cozy atmosphere. Its location in the now hip east side makes it even more attractive and fun to visit.

7.) Ruta Maya International Headquarters: 3601 S. Congress Avenue. This is a great place for poetry listening. Plus, it has a great bar. I have yet to try the coffee, however, I have heard it is wonderful. This is a very community oriented coffee house and I appreciate their free yoga classes and free dance classes with the purchase of a drink! What better way to stimulate a community than to draw people together for the sake of knowledge with free classes.

8.) Spider House: 2908 Fruth Street. A student oriented coffee shop just north of campus and tucked into the scenery in such a way that you could never imagine it not being there. The small, private tables and secret nooks and crannies make it ideal for studying, writing, thinking or having quiet conversation. I love it. It reminds me of Bouldin Creek aka Cafe Caffeine, my favorite coffee shop in Austin but has a more studious, private feel that I really enjoy.

9.) The Hideout: Congress, near the Capitol building. This suave, downtown coffee joint has a very uptown feel. Woody insides make it feel homey and good for studying. The high ceilings make it feel uptown and classy. The coffee seems acceptable, I don't go there very often, but when I have, I have enjoyed it.


Coffeehouses that I still need to visit!

1.) Garden District Coffee House: In SoCo. It’s right next door to The Great Outdoors. People who love the smell of dirt and coffee should flock to this place. Unfortunately for me, I am one of those people who enjoy both smells and I Haven’t been there yet! It’s a shame!

2.) Progress Coffee: 2304 E. 7th Street. This, I have heard, is another great, newly hip addition to the East side complete with cute outdoor tables and reportedly good coffee and smoothies.
3.) Summermoon: 3115 S. First St. This cute shop is in SoFo. I should visit it soon!

4.) 360 Primo: 9828 Great Hills Grail Suite 120. This place is right next to TJ Maxx, but apparently has a European flair. I'm interested.