In the past few years, Austin’s coffee scene has been expanding rapidly, as coffee is a fundamental fuel for many college students and Austinites alike. Whether for work, study, or procrastination, coffee is often one of the first steps in tackling a task. Hip, minimalist coffee shops have been trending for a while now, and there are quite a few Austin coffee shops that fit the bill.
I’ve rated local Austin coffee shops on how suitable they are for studying using a five-star system that includes parking, wifi strength, and additional characteristics such as number of outlets, seating, etc. Here’s a finished list of some of the best coffee shops in Austin to help you get stuff done and stop procaffeinating.
*Disclaimer: all descriptions and ratings are based on my own personal experience.
1. Mañana
Located in the heart of South Congress, Mañana is the definition of hip and aesthetic. Partake in freshly baked goods, specialty coffee, and a refreshing selection of juice while studying in a perfect natural atmosphere.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
2. Stonehouse Coffee & Bar
One of my favorites study spots in Austin, Stonehouse will meet your needs of a surplus amount of outlets, seating, and lighting. Surrounded with many windows, it’s hard to fight the urge to take a peek outside and enjoy some sunlight. With a friendly staff, delicious drinks, and a minimalist interior, Stonehouse will surely inspire you.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
3. Sa-tén
It’s Sa-TEN out of TEN if you enjoy spending most of your day here. With walls covered in a funky squirrel wallpaper, this coffee shop not only has a great selection of caffeinated drinks, but their dishes are just as comparable. Stay for lunch or dinner and get a taste of their Chicken Katsu or Yakitori Rice Bowl that will make you crave more.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
4. Summermoon Coffee Bar
If you haven’t been to Summermoon yet, what are you doing? This drink, pictured above, and its iced counterpart are crafted with the shop’s house-made special syrup, the “moon milk”, a combination of seven secret organic ingredients. From Wintermoon to Quartermoon, customers have the option to choose how sweet they want their drink to be.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ (*Burnet location)
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
5. Patika
One of the cutest coffee shops in town, Patika uses local roasters to make their coffee every morning. They also provide various assortment of baked goods and great selections of brunch items from their very own kitchen. If you sit near the front, facing the streets, you can catch an occasional adorable dog passing by. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the coffee!
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
6. Thunderbird Coffee
Turn this locally-owned Austin coffee shop into your personal study space. Thunderbird Coffee is one of many coffee shops growing in Austin. Have you tried their Honey nut latte yet? Sweet and creamy, you’re missing out! Provided with free wifi, great seating, and delicious coffee, grab your laptop and head over now!
Parking:⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
7. Vintage Heart Coffee
This dainty little coffee shop offers a simple selection of espresso and coffee drinks crafted with their house-made syrups. With freshly baked pastries, a large selection of tea and plenty of vegan options, Vintage Heart is bound to make its way into your heart!
Parking:⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
8. Brentwood Social House
Brentwood Social House gives off a cozy vibe that will make you feel at home. Its roomy interior and sweet-smelling aromas provide a productive place for studying. Grab a latte, get comfortable, and start that essay that’s due the next day.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑
9. Tea Haus
Although tea places aren’t really considered coffee shops, Tea Haus should be an exception. They have long, spacious tables that are excellent for chatting, working, or just taking up as much space as possible. When you go, make sure to try their mint mojito coffee for a refreshing kick. Their strawberry brick toast and basil fried chicken are also great for snacking on during study breaks.
Parking:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Wifi:⭑⭑⭑⭑
Studying:⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
After spending a whole semester at about 14 different coffee shops, these are some of the best locations I’ve narrowed down that are perfect for studying. Leave the campus library, change up your studying environment, and be sure to make a visit to any one of these locations.