There is nothing I like to do more on a weekend morning, than go to a boutique coffee shop.  I love sitting in the corner in a big comfy chair with a book in my hand and a flaky pastry and cup of coffee on a nearby table.  With the strong scent of coffee beans wafting through the air and the quiet conversations of others, I feel relaxed and ready to take on my day.

One thing you don’t get living in the suburbs is a local coffee shop (Starbucks does not count).  You especially don’t have a place you could walk to.  Austin is filled with boutique coffee shops on nearly every corner; and when staying downtown in a hotel you can walk to a plethora or them.  One of the dozens of reasons that I love Austin so much…Coffee Shops!

Halcyon Coffee, Bar, and Lounge

Located off of 4th street, I walked to Halcyon one morning while my husband was off playing soccer.  I pass it numerous times every time I am in Austin, and I was curious about it.  A modern establishment with a mix of tables, cushions on benches, and couches; I chose to sit at a couch in the back corner.  I ordered a Latte and Quiche at the counter and started to read my book.

Do you know what is so fabulous about their coffee?  They serve it with Animal Crackers!  Who does not like Animal Crackers?  They were so cute and delicious and perfect in the morning.  I have not had Animal Crackers since I was a child, so it was nice to eat them and not be judged.

Halcyon also serves lunch, dinner, table-side Smores, and booze; so you can go there anytime of the day.  Afterall, Halcyon is an adjective meaning peaceful, carefree, untroubled, and prosperous.

Jo’s Hot Coffee and Good Food

Jo’s has two locations, West 2nd Street and South Congress. With beautiful shades of light green and bright red, you can’t miss the place.  There is a constant line of customers at both locations most every time I walk by.  I have not actually had the coffee yet, but next time I will!  On this particular visit it was a hot, hot day and I was looking for an ice cold refreshment; Watermelon Aqua Fresca!

Houndstooth Coffee

My least favorite coffee shop for one reason: NO SPLENDA!  For many this would not be a problem, but that is the only sweetener I use in my coffee.  For my husband however, who can drink his black on occasion, he enjoyed it! Houndstooth is located off of North Lamar, so it is out of the city a bit.

Juan Pelota Coffee @ Mellow Johnny’s

Located inside Lance Armstrong’s bike shop, Mellow Johnny’s, Juan Pelota uses local, organic beans.  Many of the signature blends are of course named after cyclists.   It is a great place to relax with a cup of joe while your husband spends his time in the bike shop. So why is it called Juan Pelota?  It refers to the surgery that Lance Armstrong had when he had testicular cancer.  Pelota means ball in spanish! Get it?  Juan Ball!  But seriously, the coffee is really good!

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With many more coffee shops to visit, I will have to do that on my next trip to Austin.  For now I will leave you with a thought:

What do people do for a living that they can meet at a Coffee Shop on a weekday and have a meeting with co-workers?  I wish I could do that with my job, haha, not gonna happen!