Best Outdoor Cafes in Austin
Top Spots for Al Fresco Dining
Austin is renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, and what better way to experience it than by visiting some of the best outdoor cafes in the city? From the trendy Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden to the cozy Paperboy, these spots offer a perfect blend of great brews and inviting outdoor atmospheres. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work or a lively space to catch up with friends, Austin's outdoor cafes provide a variety of options to suit your needs.
Notable mentions include Mozart's Coffee Roasters, which combines stunning lakeside views with their renowned coffee, and Dear Diary Coffeehouse, a charming spot known for its welcoming ambiance and delectable vegan pastries. These cafes not only offer exceptional coffee but also serve as ideal locations for soaking up the Texas sun.
Explore Austin's outdoor cafes for a mix of quality caffeine and refreshing outdoor experiences. From unique setups like The Hive to the creative vibe at Merit Coffee, each location promises a distinct and enjoyable way to savor your favorite coffee while enjoying the great outdoors.
The Charm of Austin's Cafe Culture
Austin's thriving cafe culture is filled with unique and charming locations that offer a diverse range of coffee selections and mouthwatering food options, creating memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Diverse Coffee Selections
Austin's cafes boast a rich variety of coffee selections that cater to all tastes. From a classic espresso to the trendy matcha lattes, baristas craft beverages with precision and passion. Many cafes, including Fleet Coffee Co. and Wright Bro.'s Brew & Brew, highlight their excellent cold brew varieties, ideal for Texas' warm climate.
Neighborhood spots like Civil Goat Coffee Co. are known for their innovative twists, offering drinks like latte art and seasonal specials. Visitors can enjoy their coffee in a welcoming environment, whether looking for a quick caffeine fix or a relaxed afternoon. Baked goods and snacks often accompany these drinks, adding to the overall appeal.
The Fusion of Food and Coffee
A defining characteristic of Austin's cafe culture is the delightful fusion of food and coffee. Many cafes double as casual restaurants, providing hearty breakfast and brunch options alongside top-notch coffee. 1886 Cafe & Bakery, for instance, serves an array of delectable baked goods in a setting reminiscent of a bygone era.
Other venues, like Paperboy and Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, blend their coffee offerings with a comprehensive menu featuring local ingredients. This combination ensures visitors can pair their espresso or cold brew with flavorful dishes, from light bites to more substantial meals. Food trucks at cafes add to the eclectic, dynamic vibe, making each visit an adventure.
Popular Outdoor Cafes Downtown
In downtown Austin, numerous outdoor cafes offer stunning views and conducive environments for business meetings. These spots provide both visual appeal and practicality, meeting diverse preferences for ambiance and functionality.
Cafes with a View
Downtown Austin hosts several cafes that boast impressive views, making them perfect for a relaxed coffee experience. Mozart's Coffee Roasters is well-known for its lakefront views and spacious patio, combining excellent coffee with a serene atmosphere.
Another notable mention is Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, which offers not just coffee, but also a selection of beers. The venue features lush gardens, ponds, and even chickens, providing a unique backdrop to enjoy a cup of coffee or a casual meal.
Coffee Shops and Business Meetings
For business meetings, downtown Austin provides numerous coffee shops designed for productivity and comfort. Merit Coffee is a favorite for its spacious interior and exterior seating, making it easy to find a quiet spot to discuss work. The cafe offers a variety of freshly brewed coffee and pastries to keep the conversation flowing.
Houndstooth Coffee is another excellent choice. Known for its high-quality brews and minimalist design, it offers an ideal setting for professional meetings. Its convenient location and strong Wi-Fi make it a top pick for business people needing a reliable spot for meetings and work.
By focusing on these key locations, visitors and locals alike can find the perfect outdoor cafes in downtown Austin to suit their needs, whether it's for a scenic view or a productive business meeting.
Discovering South Austin's Cafe Scene
South Austin's cafe scene stands out with its eclectic mix of cozy spots and innovative offerings. Visitors can enjoy the charm of historic settings, unique brunch options, and vibrant social atmospheres.
Better Half and South Congress Gems
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is renowned for its inviting outdoor space and eclectic menu, making it a top choice for locals and visitors alike. Their Cauliflower Tots are a popular dish, providing a unique twist on a classic snack. The spacious patio is perfect for mingling or working remotely, with plenty of plants and shaded areas.
South Congress is home to several notable cafes that blend aesthetic appeal with exceptional coffee. Stouthaus Coffee in Sunset Valley offers mouthwatering brews and an inviting ambiance, ideal for both coffee enthusiasts and freelancers. Visitors can also enjoy live music and dog-friendly environments, making these cafes a community hub.
The Allure of South Lamar Cafes
South Lamar boasts a variety of cafes, each with its own unique draw. Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden features lush gardens and outdoor seating, creating a serene environment for enjoying their locally-roasted coffee and craft beers.
Another standout is Dear Diary Coffeehouse, known for its vegan offerings and artistic vibe. These cafes emphasize organic, locally-sourced ingredients, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of space for socializing or working.
Two more gems include The Hive and The Perch Atx, both offering excellent coffee, ample seating, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their blend of quality brews and inviting spaces make them popular choices on South Lamar.
Food Truck Havens and Café Delights
Austin's vibrant outdoor café scene blends the best food trucks with unique café experiences. Visitors can savor rich coffee alongside tantalizing food truck offerings, whether they're in search of delectable tacos or an exciting craft beer pairings.
Best Tacos and Coffee Pairings
Veracruz All Natural is a top choice for taco enthusiasts. Known for their Miguel Tacos, this food truck delivers fresh flavors that are perfectly complemented by a rich cup of coffee from Patika. Patika's expert baristas craft espressos that highlight the savory notes in Veracruz's offerings.
Another spot to consider is Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. This location not only offers stellar coffee but also hosts a variety of food trucks. Cosmic’s energy blend pairs brilliantly with the barbacoa tacos from Dee Dee, merging rich, deep flavors of meat with the invigorating aroma of quality coffee beans.
Quick Bites and Craft Beers
For those seeking a marriage of quick bites and craft beers, Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden stands out. Their outdoor space provides an iconic setting for sampling bites from multiple food trucks. The fusion sandwiches from Leroy and Lewis BBQ are a staple here, offering rich, meaty flavors that pair well with Cosmic’s rotating selection of craft beers.
Similarly, the food truck Peached Tortilla at Patika serves inventive tacos but also provides lighter snacks like edamame hummus that are perfect with a cold brew. Patika offers a curated selection of local craft brews, ensuring there’s always the perfect drink to complement your quick bite.
These hubs combine casual dining with local brews to create an elevated yet laid-back experience, highlighting Austin's rich culinary landscape.
Patios and Al Fresco Dining Experiences
Outdoor cafes in Austin are perfect for enjoying the city's vibrant dining scene. From lively brunch spots to prime locations for sipping cocktails, there’s something for every palate and occasion.
Brunch Spots with Outdoor Seating
Blue Dahlia Bistro offers a charming backyard patio surrounded by lush greenery. Their all-day brunch menu features items like smoked salmon tartine and Belgian waffles. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed morning meal.
Bouldin Creek Cafe provides a unique, vegetarian-friendly brunch experience on their spacious patio. Popular dishes include the vegan tamale breakfast and lavender lemonade. This cafe is often bustling, so expect a lively crowd.
Guero's Taco Bar boasts an expansive outdoor area known as the Oak Garden. Their Tex-Mex brunch options like migas and breakfast tacos are crowd favorites, all while enjoying live music from Wednesday to Sunday.
Cocktails and Happy Hours Under the Sky
Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden on Rainey Street is perfect for spending an afternoon with friends. Enjoy their extensive beer selection and try a Texas charcuterie board. The festive atmosphere is ideal for casual drinking and dining.
Perla’s on South Congress offers a premium seafood experience with a side of cocktails. Their extensive patio is ideal for enjoying oysters and Champagne cocktails. The setting is upscale yet relaxed, making it great for special occasions.
Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches features a large backyard perfect for laid-back happy hours. Their selection of local brews pairs well with fresh kolaches. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the patio is an excellent spot to unwind.
Each of these venues brings a distinct flavor to Austin's outdoor dining scene, blending great food, drink, and atmosphere for a memorable experience.
Cafes for the Evening Crowd
Austin boasts a vibrant evening scene where cafes transform into popular spots for those seeking a mix of good coffee, fine dining, and sometimes even a touch of nightlife. These establishments offer inviting outdoor spaces and a cozy ambiance perfect for evenings.
Cafes Transforming Into Bars
Many cafes in Austin are versatile, switching gears to become lively bars as the day transitions to night. Halcyon in particular is a standout, attracting evening patrons with its exceptional selection of craft cocktails and local brews. Positioned in the heart of the city, it offers a seamless blend of daytime coffee culture and nighttime social hub.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is another noteworthy spot. Renowned for its inventive cocktails and friendly atmosphere, it transforms effortlessly from a daytime cafe into a bustling evening bar. The spacious outdoor seating area is ideal for enjoying cool evenings with a delicious drink in hand.
Dinner Options with Outdoor Ambiance
When it comes to cafes that double up as dinner venues, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters leads the charge. Known for its breathtaking views of Lake Austin, this cafe not only offers quality coffee but also a delectable dinner menu. The twinkling lights and serene outdoor setting create a magical dining experience.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse is equally impressive, offering a varied menu that includes everything from hearty sandwiches to vegan-friendly dishes. It boasts a large outdoor area perfect for dining under the stars. With live music often gracing the evenings, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed yet engaging evening meal.
Neighborhood-Specific Cafe Territories
Austin's outdoor cafe scene is vibrant, varying by neighborhood. This section highlights East Austin's eclectic energy and the cozy corners of Rosedale and Clarksville. Discover the best spots to enjoy a coffee or meal outdoors.
The Eclectic Energy of East Austin
East Austin is known for its lively and artistic atmosphere. Cenote is a standout here, offering a relaxed environment with ample outdoor seating. It's a favorite for both coffee enthusiasts and brunch lovers, featuring a wide array of carefully curated dishes and drinks.
Another popular spot is Dear Diary Coffeehouse, known for its vegan menu. This cafe doubles as a cozy outdoor haven, drawing people in with its unique, diary-themed decor and commitment to sustainability.
Flitch Coffee offers a more industrial vibe with its repurposed trailer setup. Despite the minimalist aesthetics, the quality of coffee and casual seating make it a community favorite.
Rosedale and Clarksville's Cozy Corners
Rosedale and Clarksville exude a small-town charm within the city. Mozart's Coffee Roasters in the Clarksville area is renowned for its lakeside views and generous patio space. It’s especially beloved during the holiday season when the cafe is adorned with thousands of lights.
Kerbey Lane Cafe sits centrally in Rosedale and is celebrated for its relaxed diner atmosphere and hearty American menu. The patio offers a welcoming spot for families and friends to gather.
Sweet Memes-Austin adds to the cozy communal vibe. Known for its delightful pastries and outdoor garden area, it is an ideal spot for leisurely mornings and casual meet-ups.
Both neighborhoods offer unique experiences that cater to those seeking comfort and a sense of community, making them prime spots for outdoor cafe enthusiasts.
Themed Cafes and Specialties
Austin's themed cafes offer a variety of unique experiences, from natural wine bars to specialized coffee blends and roasting techniques.
Natural Wine Bars and Specialty Drinks
Natural wine bars like Lolo provide an exceptional experience for enthusiasts. The focus on minimal intervention techniques results in wines that are more expressive and true to their terroirs. Lolo, in particular, offers a diverse selection of natural wines paired with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Vegan options are often available, catering to those with specific dietary preferences. The ambiance at places like Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden enhances the overall experience, combining outdoor seating with innovative drink menus.
Specialty drinks, including craft beers and artisanal cocktails, are another draw. These cafes ensure that patrons can enjoy a wide range of high-quality beverages.
Unique Coffee Blends and Roasting Techniques
Houndstooth Coffee stands out for its commitment to quality and innovative roasting techniques. Each cup is crafted with precision, ensuring a unique flavor profile. Their approach to sourcing beans from reputable farms guarantees freshness and complexity.
Other cafes, such as Paperboy and First Light Books, also contribute to Austin's vibrant coffee scene with their distinct roasting styles. The emphasis on locally roasted beans makes a significant difference in taste and aroma.
A visit to these cafes is not just about the coffee but also about appreciating the art of roasting. The attention to detail in each blend ensures an exceptional experience for coffee enthusiasts.
The Cafe Experience Beyond Coffee
Austin's outdoor cafes offer much more than just a caffeine fix. Many venues feature live music and gourmet bites with international flavors, creating a multifaceted experience that goes beyond the standard cafe offering.
Live Music Venues and Coffee
In Austin, some cafes double as vibrant live music venues. Popular spots like Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden create an engaging ambiance with their beautifully landscaped gardens and water features. Visitors can enjoy their favorite brew while listening to local musicians. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters also frequently hosts live performances, making it a perfect spot for both coffee enthusiasts and music lovers.
Other cafes, such as Sour Duck Market, blend relaxed atmospheres with live tunes, enabling patrons to enjoy both the flavors and the rhythms of Austin. These cafes provide a relaxed space where live music enhances the overall experience, offering something unique to enjoy beyond just coffee.
Gourmet Bites and International Flavors
Austin cafes showcase an array of gourmet bites from varied cuisines, expanding beyond typical cafe fare. Paperboy serves up well-crafted American breakfasts and brunches that pair perfectly with its artisan coffee. Meanwhile, Dee Dee, offers a taste of authentic Thai street food, bringing exotic flavors into the mix.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails presents a fusion of dishes, with highlights like sophisticated cheeseburgers and Southwestern-inspired meals. Mexican influences can be found at Tacodeli, which provides delicious tacos that complement the coffee offerings at select cafes. This rich variety ensures that patrons can experience a broad spectrum of culinary delights alongside their favorite beverages.
Practicalities of Cafe-Going in Austin
Visitors to Austin's outdoor cafes should be aware of practical considerations like parking options and accessibility, especially around popular areas such as Rainey Street.
Finding Parking in the Cafe Neighborhoods
Parking in Austin, particularly near popular outdoor cafes, can be a challenge. Many cafes, including those with inviting patios like Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden and Paperboy, have limited parking lots. Visitors often need to rely on street parking, which can be scarce during peak hours.
Look for nearby pay-to-park lots.
Use ride-sharing services to avoid the hassle of parking.
Check if the cafe offers valet services.
Rainey Street and Accessibility
Rainey Street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and selection of outdoor cafes, can be bustling and crowded. Accessibility might be a consideration for some visitors. The historic houses converted into cafes often have patios, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Key points on Rainey Street:
Sidewalks can be uneven, posing challenges for those with mobility issues.
Limited designated parking spaces make it advisable to plan ahead.
The area is well-served by ride-sharing services for easier drop-off and pick-up.
Overall, understanding these practicalities ensures a smoother and more enjoyable cafe-going experience in Austin.
