I am in Austin right now visiting my boyfriend and he still has to work his normal job hours... so I have to entertain myself. Which basically means that I found a list of the best coffee shops in Austin and I am going to conquer them all. I will find the best cappuccino in Austin. Here's the list for all that are interested!
http://austin.eater.com/maps/austins-best-coffee-shops-winter-2014
Now. There are 17 coffee shops on this list. I have already visited 2 of these shops in past trips to Austin. So, here's all the ones that I could get to in this allotted amount of time.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015-
Cenote
Today I visited the highly renowned coffee shop, Cenote, which happens to be #3 on the list that I found, but unfortunately, it's not even that high on my list.
The cappuccino- So, this is purely because I am snooty. The quality of espresso was excellently pulled and was not a bit bitter. AND the milk was perfectly steamed... for a latte. I ordered a cappuccino on the "dryer side" and I was given a latte. So, that wasn't so good.Amount paid: $4.87
The wifi- This is one of those places where you have to ASK for the wifi password. It's not posted anywhere... That made my social anxiety act up in so many ways that I ended up not even asking and just did some mundane things on my computer that I can do without wifi... Let me just say that my documents have never looked so organized.
The aesthetic- This place had a really cool atmosphere! The workers however were not very friendly... But there's a giant metal octopus in the front of the building which is cool. They were playing some of the best tunes that I've ever heard in a coffee shop. Tune Yards made 3 appearances whilst I was there! The bathrooms were clean and there was an outdoor patio section (with a full juice bar) that looked awesome but I didn't take the time to explore.
Overview- Cenote was a cool place. I would definitely go there again. But I would probably just get drip coffee.
Houndstooth Coffee
Today I visited the highly renowned coffee shop, Houndstooth Coffee which is #1 on their list and as of right now, mine too.
The cappuccino- When I ordered my cappuccino on the "dryer side" the baristas told me that they didn't want to over steam the milk and burn it and yada yada but they apologized for it and offered to make me a new one if this one wasn't satisfactory. But damn, this was an amazing cappuccino. the excellently steamed micro-foam was so delicious (even though the art was kind of weird). But the art being weird was my only complaint. Whatsoever. And as you can see, I ordered a brownie too, which was also amazing. It had hints of espresso and dark chocolate. So basically, I was in heaven.
Amount paid: $8.76 (with my brownie)
The aesthetic- Houndstooth was a lot "snootier" than Cenote. When I walked in there was a full fledged espresso tasting going on. Twas pretty interesting. But, the workers were friendly and obviously a fan of having customers. They were very knowledgeable in their field and I would definitely go there if I had any questions about their specific roasts.
Overview- Houndstooth was very homey feeling and I would DEFINITELY go there again. The cappuccino and the brownie were both exemplary. The only thing that I would change was the girl next to me talking on her cell phone to her boyfriend using her outside voice.
Thursday, April 16, 2015-
Epoch
The cappuccino- As we have established, I am snooty. The espresso was a bit bitter and then when the barista went to fill up my cup, she only filled it up about 3/4 of the way... I felt I was being cheated, even if that's how they fill everyone's up. There wasn't enough foam for my taste. But again, foam is my favorite part. I don't have any pictures because I just plain didn't think about it. But, if I go again, I will be sure to get some.
Amount paid: $9.00 (I got a slice of cake too)
The wifi- I didn't use my computer here and neither did Scott...
The aesthetic- It had a very calm atmosphere. So calming, in fact, there was I'm sure a college girl sleeping on one of the couches. That's right. Sleeping. She even brought her own pillow and blanket... or it just lives on that couch... promoting sleep. Which is a little odd in my book. But, whatever.
Overview- Epoch was pretty cool! For the two seconds I was in there... Their Chocolate Espresso cake was wayyyyyy better than their coffee though... (I love chocolate and coffee... can you tell?) :P I maybe would go back? Maybe. It seems to be more of a study spot. There were lots of young people but one of the most amazing selling points is that it is open till midnight everyday! Which is awesome.
Friday, April 17, 2015-
Vintage Heart Coffee
Vintage Heart Coffee has taken the lead. The ONLY downside to this place is the lack of food items... I was looking forward to eating something but there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area!
The cappuccino- YUM. Excellently pulled espresso. Excellently steamed milk. On point foam art. AND there was only one barista working. She was a beast. Here's some pictures of the beautiful cappuccino and the expert foam. The cappuccino was sweet but not too sweet. It was light and airy but yet it filled me. You win Vintage Heart.Amount paid: $3.90
The wifi- I guess Austin is just a town where you have to ASK what the wifi password is at every coffee shop. (ilovepuppies) As for speed... they also win here so far. The only coffee shop in town that has beat this is freaking Starbucks with their GOOGLE internet. YOU GO VINTAGE HEART! I downloaded a whole episode of Mad Men in like 5 minutes. It was awesome.
The aesthetic- Can I live here? The shop is located just south of Downtown and right across the street from a giant cemetery (creepy right?) but the surrounding shops and restaurants are just as hipster feeling so it's perfect. One street over is straight up scary, but we won't talk about that. The shop is tiny and intimate. There's probably enough room for 25 people to sit in the shop comfortably. So, no large meetings or parties here. But, the Gershwin music covered walls and the fancy fairy lights are enough to make anyone get comfy here. There's even a passive aggressive note just like one that your parents have left you at some point reminding you to "clean up your shit stuff." This place is no joke. Freaking adorable. There are pictures of puppies all over the walls too. So, I am definitely sold. The music playing in the background is very chill and made me want to keep working on all of the things that I wanted to work on. You're AWESOME Vintage Heart.
Overview- Everyone should go here if they are ever in Austin and they like coffee. Their menu is a bit odd but they have teas and all basic coffee drinks. So, in short, go. You will like it.
Saturday, April 18, 2015-
Bennu Coffee
Well... this is a disappointment. I was so excited to get to try this place because out of Bennu struck the one and only, Chameleon Iced Coffee company... which is the best damned iced coffee I have ever had from a bottle. So, please someone tell me why their hot drinks were such a sad disappointment?
The cappuccino- Well. This was by far the WORST cappuccino that I have had in this city. And that includes Starbucks. Scott and I both got a cappuccino to-go and we both ended up having to throw our drinks away. I was very upset. I just watched the barista pull my espresso shots and then literally walk away while they were still pulling letting them die and reach a completely bitter place that no self respecting espresso shot (or barista) should ever reach. The milk was WAY over steamed. The foam was made of very large bubbles and the cup was filled 3/4 of the way with crappy burnt foam. I was so completely underwhelmed.
Amount paid: $3.79
The wifi- This place was an unprotected wifi network that I couldn't even get a speed rating on because it was so awful. I don't know what I was expecting after that awful cappuccino.
The aesthetic- This is the one thing that I experienced here that I can totally get on board with. The place was in a great location and there was a homey feel inside. Everyone seemed to be very focused on whatever they were working on, so that was cool. I think that if I would have ordered Iced Coffee, like those people, I would have felt a lot better about life. The place also had a Bitcoin trading station... which was pretty awesome. I don't know how many people actually use it, but that's some pretty useful information... especially if you're going to SXSW and need to make an untraceable money transfer? I dunno. ALSO!!! BIG PLUS!!!! This place is open 24/7 for all of your coffee needs. Whatever they might be at 2am! Which is an awesome feature! So, maybe I will go back at 2am and let the internet world know about how the 2am Bennu experience is...
Overview- If you're going to get iced coffee and work on something offline, go for it. If you want something warm or if you want to work on something on the internet... this is not the place for you. While, I might have gone on a very off day... WHICH IS VERY POSSIBLE!!... I would probably not go again... unless I HAD to have iced coffee at 2am... when it's one of the only coffee shops open.
Mozart Coffee
Coffee by the lake?! AND an amazing slice of cheesecake? I think this is a win.
The cappuccino- Well... because I wanted to sit outside and it's rather warm... I ended up getting an iced coffee here. Which was really good! Not too bitter, and when the ice melted it got even better! So that was great!
Amount paid: $9.50 (with the cheesecake)
The wifi- The wifi password was posted everywhere (mozartsnet) which was awesome. But, there were like probably 150 people on the wifi so I couldn't get a very accurate reading. It wasn't great but it wasn't awful... Definitely not the worst.
The aesthetic- Man. This place was beautiful. Inside the store front there was a very rustic feel and outside there are just a bunch of picnic tables that overlook the river. AND we went on a perfect day. So, if you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing place to work on something, this is your place. They also serve brunch. Which is cool. Their pastries were amazing on top of all that. Here's a picture of our beautiful view!
Overview- Go here. If you're in Austin and you want to see the beautiful lake, drink great coffee, and eat amazing sweets... Mozart's is your place.
Sunday, April 19, 2015-
Halcyon Coffee
Coffee hit two of the day. Halcyon had an AMAZING cappuccino.
The cappuccino- I've got to say, Halcyon and Vintage Heart are now both in the running for first place in my book. The cappuccino was expertly steamed with gorgeous microfoam and the espresso shots were delightful. Not to mention, their foam art was on point.
Amount paid: $9.09 (for two cappuccinos)
The wifi- The wifi was unsecured here like Bennu and the results were kind of abysmal as well. I wouldn't recommend going here for heavy wifi use.
The aesthetic- The feel was very chill and relaxed. There's a full bar inside too so there was some of that vibe going on as well as the coffee house vibe. So that was a little eclectic. But all in all, there were some really cool couches, awesome outdoor seating and all of the workers seemed really nice too.
Overview- The cappuccino was amazing. I don't know what the place is like in the evening what with it being a full bar and all... but it was pretty pleasant when we went!
Wednesday, April 22, 2015-
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Yes. I took two days off of my coffee journey. I know. I'm a slacker.
The cappuccino- Yum. This was a really good cappuccino. Not your average by any means. I got an amazing pumpkin muffin as well! It was glorious. They serve everything in unique mugs here, which is awesome. I am not even sure they have two of the same mugs. The milk was beautiful microfoam and the shots were not too bitter (although they could have been pulled a little shorter). All in all, this place was a win.
Amount paid: $6.20 (for the muffin too)
The wifi- This place is the example of excellent wifi that's unprotected. I don't know what is happening with them that's not happening with Halcyon and Bennu, but they had the same amount of people inside with the same amount of people on the wifi. I'm no scientist.
The aesthetic- The place exuded hipster hang-out from all of their eclectic syrups (lavender, macadamia nut, and so forth) to their amazingly indie music. The workers are all clad with colored hair and/or facial piercings. Which is all groovy to me. They apparently have concerts in their outdoor patio, which is super awesome. Their patio is roomy and it looks perfect for a sunny day... which today is not particularly. All in all, great place. It's pretty big too! So, meetings here are a possibility. They also serve a full menu till midnight!
Overview- Yes. Just yes. I would totally come here again. If not to get another cappuccino, to try that lavender syrup!
And that's all she wrote, folks. Yes. I visited 9 coffee shops. And yes, I am pretty proud of myself. Overall, my winner was Vintage heart, but please let me know who your winner was! Also, let me know if there's a winner in your town that I just have to visit! :) If not, go check out some local coffee shops and find one!
- Sydney the Destroyer
