The Best Independent Coffee Shops in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is a city ripe with unique destinations. Independent coffee shops are numerous. When you feel the need for something outside the corporate realm of large java distributors, here are some places in Austin that locals tend to enjoy:

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Spider House

Located just north of Guadalupe on 29th Street, Spider House is a popular location for many coffee enthusiasts. Recently, the business acquired the building next door and opened the Spider House Ballroom, which hosts live music acts and a variety of events. Spider House offers a large variety of coffee and espresso, as well as a full menu of delicious snack options. Also included are alcoholic beverages and several beers on tap. Much of the clientele who frequent Spider House can appropriately be labeled as “hipsters,” complete with MacBooks and winter caps in the summer. Inquire about the never-ending coffee cup.

Jo’s

Jo’s has several locations in Austin, the most recent opening being on St. Edward’s University’s campus. Their shops on Second Street and Congress are their most frequented. An outdoor atmosphere with a relaxed environment makes this coffee shop ideal for people looking to enjoy Austin and a delicious caffeinated beverage. As well as coffee, Jo’s offers beer, sandwiches, bakery items, and cigarettes. Perhaps they are most famous for their delicious cold beverages. Their version of iced coffee and the unique Iced Turbo are not to be missed.

Ruta Maya

One of the finest independent coffee shops in Austin is Ruta Maya, located on South Congress just north on Ben White. The store has a very prominent water tower that helps tourists find their location. Along with offering coffee, Ruta Maya hosts many different cultural events, including live poetry and music. There is also a humidor that provides a large variety of cigars for the tobacco connoisseur. Ruta Maya offers several varieties of unique organic blends of coffee. I prefer their dark roasts. The store is open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. They close at midnight on Sundays. This makes the coffee shop a happening place during the evenings. This is my favorite coffee shop in Austin.

[Related: Lotus of Austin Named #1 in North America.]

Bouldin Creek

This very popular coffee shop is located on First Street. They offer a wide variety of food items for any meal of the day. Artwork on the walls is available for purchase, and there are events dedicated to selling a variety of pieces in different mediums. There is no alcohol offered at this location. In addition, a daily Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at Bouldin Creek.

Flipnotics

This coffee shop can be found on one of the most happening streets in town – Barton Springs Road. Located a short walk away from Zilker Park, home to the infamous train ride and Barton Springs, the cold water spring-fed swimming pool, Flipnotics is one of the most convenient local coffee shops. The coffee is delicious, and the surrounding environment is spectacular.

Jim Arnold is an Austinite who was born and raised in the city. He attended college in Austin as well. He enjoys drinking coffee and frequenting cultural events around this great city.