Top 3 Coffee Shops in South Austin

If there is one thing that is not lacking in South Austin are the number of quality coffee shops. Every South Austin neighborhood seems to have their own little cluster of boutique coffee shops, each with a different flavor and vibe. With so many quality choices, how do you pick the best?

Best South Austin Coffee

Well it all comes down to what you are looking for. Some people like fresh brewed, some need espresso, others go for the dessert drinks and quite a few people are just looking for a good space to work. Whatever you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with these top 3 South Austin coffee shops.

#1 Summermoon – 3115 S. 1st Street

Summermoon has become my favorite coffee shop in all of Austin. What sets Summermoon apart from other coffee shops is the taste of their wood-fired coffee. What creates raving fans is their secret 7 ingredient moon milk they use in their lattes. I normally don’t go for the sweeter coffee drinks but the Summermoon Latte is my favorite. You can alter the amount of sweetness with a half moon or a quarter moon. Although the Summermoon is their most popular drink, you can get everything else you would expect in at a coffee shop plus bagels, pastries and empanadas.

Working Atmosphere

Summermoon isn’t a huge coffee shop but they make good use of the space they have. There are 2 long tables with plenty of space to spread out and power strips. There are a few large, plush chairs and plenty of small tables to fill out the rest of the space. Even at capacity, it doesn’t get overly noisy and the music is at a comfortable listening/non-listening level. They do offer free WiFi to all of their customers, just ask the barista for the log-in.

#2 Once Over – 2009 S. 1st Street

Once Over Coffee opened in March 2009 and has quickly become a South Austin favorite. The french pressed coffee is superb and they make one of the best iced coffees in Austin. The staff here is super friendly and willing to make suggestions if you are unsure of what you want. What is great about this place, besides the coffee, is that you are welcome to bring in your own food. Most people are tempted by the El Primo taco trailer that is in the parking lot next door. If you need a little more than a caffeine fix, beer and wine are also on the menu.

Working Atmosphere

Once Over is a small coffee shop and designed towards a livelier atmosphere that encourages customers to be social. They have a bar area with stools so you can interact with the baristas as they work and then some smaller tables against the wall.

There is also a nice shaded back patio overlooking Bouldin Creek when the weather is pleasant. With free wireless internet, you can check email and read your favorite websites but, Once Over is a social atmosphere so make sure to at least say hello to staff when you enter.

#3 Flipnotics – 1601 Bartons Springs Road

They say you can’t be all things to all people but Flipnotics does their best at trying. They brew a great coffee, provide a relaxing setting to listen to live local music, have a great back patio where you can enjoy a beer and serve a nice assortment of food from local vendors. On a hot summer day make sure to try their Hippy Fizz which is a hibiscus mint iced tea with orange juice and a splash of sprite.

Working Atmosphere

During the work week, Flipnotics can be a quiet place to get a few hours of work done. On the weekends, it can get a little crowed as the indoor space is on the smaller side. However, if there is not enough space on the inside or if it’s a little too loud for you, you can grab a seat outside on their covered deck. Make sure you check their music calendar before you plan on working or studying there if you need quiet.

Best South Austin Coffee – Map

What’s Your Best South Austin Coffee?

Have a different list? Tell us in the comments section. We’re always looking for new coffee shops to check out.