Austin, Texas, is known for its Tex-Mex and BBQ. So, when I moved to Austin in June, I was excited to explore the food scene. As a college girl, I love a latte, and was pleasantly surprised to learn about the extensive network of trendy but really good coffee spots all over town. I ordered a small, iced vanilla latte at each place I tried. Here are my top three (with some others to check out on my ATX coffeeshop map below)…
First, Flightpath Coffeehouse brings trendy 90s vibes and great coffee to the Hyde Park neighborhood (5011 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751). When inside, there is ample seating, and many people had their computers out doing work, even at 8 AM when I stopped in. The barista was dressed to match the dark wood interior, but brightened the place with a smile and welcoming chit-chat. The latte was the largest small I was served throughout the entire summer, and I was grateful for that; I drank the whole thing so quickly! The drink was light but not watery. Because it was a larger cup, the single shot of espresso was less prominent, but was well complemented by a strong vanilla syrup that was the perfect level of sweetness.
Alfred Coffee is a LA-import located inside the Line Hotel at the intersection of Guadalupe and Cesar Chavez. I got the ‘world famous’ iced vanilla latte and subbed in my favorite oat milk. The latte was mild with a subtle vanilla syrup and a smooth espresso. After grabbing my beverage, I sat in the hotel lobby to sip my iced cup of goodness. Then, I took a stroll along the riverfront path, which runs directly behind the hotel. Parking can be a challenge to come by, but the (long-ish) urban hike (45-minute walk from the University of Texas’s West Campus) is well rewarded by the view and yummy drink.
My #1 latte of the summer: iced, vanilla, oat milk latte from Swedish Hill. While they have four locations in Austin, my preferred spot is on West Sixth (1128 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703). The Swedish Hill lattes are smooth yet creamy. The syrup melts into the oat milk and espresso. It was magic in an adorably branded cup. What makes Swedish Hill really special is the customer service. The people of Austin know Swedish Hill is the place to be, so there is usually a line out the door. Most coffee spots would lock in and crank out drinks, but Swedish Hill manages to keep the pace while ensuring a positive customer experience. At the register, the baristas make genuine chit-chat with you, recommending what deli item would pair well with your drink and asking you where you are taking your coffee. It was unexpected, but delightful. If you don’t want your barista making small talk – that’s okay too. You have the option to stay quiet and simply spend some time in the positive energy and smell of toasting cinnamon rolls.
I spent nine weeks in Austin, and tried as many lattes as I could. I made the map below to mark even more places for you to try too. But there is, of course, always more to test out. Did I miss your favorite spot? Let’s chat @heyitsstellamae (for me directly) or hit us all up on Instagram @TravelMuseMagazine. Let us know where else to go!
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