Austin’s a city of freelancers, hustlers, and go-getters. We love our local coffee shops (and for some of us, they’re like a second home), and there’s no better place to get your grind on than your favorite neighborhood hangout. These local spots are good for lots of reasons – caffeine boosts, meetups, Tinder dates – the list goes on. With so many hidden gems in Austin, how does one know where to go?
Discover New Favorite Spots in Austin with PayPal
Austin is a unique city that has grown from a small town to the “Live Music Capital of the World”. The Austin of 6 years ago looks drastically different than it does today. But what’s consistently been at the root of the local Austin culture though, from our friendliness to smoky barbecue, is a steadfast commitment to neighborhood and independently owned, and that commitment is only growing stronger. With so many restaurants, coffee shops, studios, and bakeries popping up overnight – there’s a lot to see and do. Using the PayPal app, I was able to discover these coffee shops and was excited to explore a couple of new places that easily became favorites.
The PayPal app allows you to explore your city and discover hidden gems. Craving something in particular? You can filter merchants with the search bar and enjoy special offers from PayPal and local merchants in Austin offered exclusively in the app. And best of all? You can pay directly with the app. No more bulky wallets! Select stores from the shop section, check out the available offers, then slide the PayPal icon and let the cashier know you’re paying with PayPal. It’s that easy!
I couldn’t resist the chance to show off Austin’s coolest coffee spots! Sneak a peek at these local flavors to keep you going from 9-to-5 – and way beyond – one cup at a time.
5 Coffee Shops EVERY Local Should Know in Austin
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Caffe Medici
Caffe Medici may now be three shops strong, and with a fourth location coming soon on South Lamar next to the new Alamo Drafthouse, but this local Austin coffee shop has managed to keep a personal feel in each of its cafes, thanks to the friendly staff and cozy interiors. The West Lynn store in Clarksville is the neighborhood’s living room, while the Guadalupe store is a youthful space with lots of energy when classes are in session. Caffe Medici’s downtown store located in Austin’s highest sky rise, the Austonian, captures an urban feel of downtown with Medici’s distinct laid back style.
“We really want to create a space for people to enjoy and come be able to get away from everything like a safe space. As far what we do is the craft of coffee.. we want to create an environment that people that come to and be in… and having the experience of coffee taking you to that next place of ‘Ahhh’.” – Michael Vacalv, owner of Caffe Medici.
What to Order: Freddo – two shots of espresso, a little bit of simple syrup, shaken and served cold.
200 Congress Ave #2B Austin, TX 78701
1101 West Lynn Austin, TX 78703
2222B Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78705
Explore Caffe Medici on the PayPal app. Download now!
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Seventh Flag Coffee
Just under three months old, Seventh Flag Coffee is already a favorite in the neighborhood – perhaps for their frothy cups of coffee, or maybe for their beautiful open space filled with natural light. The crew at Seventh Flag knocked down all the walls and raised the ceiling of the 100 year-old home from the 1900s and transformed a multi-room house to a single-wide open store with a cozy feel. A massive black flag detailed with seven white stars inscribe a circle on the flag with the words “our country of friends” underneath hangs over the fireplace.
“We really wanted to embrace that welcoming spirit where nobody feels like a stranger here. Everyone feels like they can just come in and learn about coffee, engage about coffee, hang out and have a good time.” – Zach Biderman, managing partner of Seventh Flag Coffee.
The cozy environment may be what draws in the freelancers and coffee connoisseurs, but it’s the popular artfully-prepared cups of espresso and friendly baristas that keep them coming back.
What to Order: A flight consisting of a shot of topo chico, shot of espresso and cup of Tietan tea.
1506 S 1st St. Austin, TX 78704
Explore Seventh Flag Coffee on the PayPal app. Download now!
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Dominican Joe
Located right in the middle of SoCo, Dominican Joe is an Austin coffee shop committed to making a difference in the world. Through their partnership with Makarios, an Austin-based non-profit organization committed to education and economic development in the Dominican Republic, Dominican Joe purchases and imports high-grade coffee from the Dominican Republic using fair trade practices and sells it to raise money for the school.
Grab a cup of their speciality lattes, Honey Cream Latte or Flan Latte. Cozy up on the couch and enjoy the art on the wall from local artists. Hungry? Open up the PayPal app and discover yummy local eats nearby on South Congress.
What To Order: Try the Honey Cream Latte or Flan Latte – a unique blend of caramel, vanilla and cinnamon in a creamy latte with a bit of evaporated milk.
About the Coffee: Cafe Makarios coffee is harvested in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic using fair trade practices and is certified organic.
Explore Dominican Joe on the PayPal app. Download now!
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Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
For a peaceful view of Lake Austin, look no further than Mozart’s Coffee Roasters. Mozart’s offers the finest gourmet blends from around the world and the beans are roasted by an on-site toastmaster every 48 hours. The cafe’s location is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, freshly made treats from the in-house bakery, and live music right on the lake. This local favorite is a popular destination for first dates and the 300-seat deck is dog friendly!
What to Order: Speciality iced coffees (Pro tip: Get the bottomless iced coffee if you’re here for the long haul)
3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin TX 78703
Explore Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on the PayPal app. Download now!
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Irie Bean Coffee
“Irie” is Jamaican for the “ultimate positive,” or “the state of feeling great,” so you’ll find creamy lattes, dark roasts, beer and wine, and live music at Irie Bean Coffee. Take a chair at the bar, find a cozy spot on the couch, or enjoy a little nature on the lush back patio at one of South Lamar’s hidden gems.
Started by three friends in 2006, Irie Bean is not just another coffee shop. Irie Bean Coffee uses Certified Organic and Fair Trade coffee and features local beers. Regular events include Yappy Hour (dog friendly happy hour) and a Community Drum Circle.
What To Order: Iced coffee with crushed ice
2310 S. Lamar #102 Austin, 78704
Explore Irie Bean Coffee on the PayPal app. Download now!
Join A Taste of Koko for Private Coffee Workshops
Grab a seat at the coffee bar for a private coffee workshop led by local baristas. I’m thrilled to partner up with PayPal to host a Meet & Greet at Caffe Medici and Seventh Flag Coffee for two special coffee workshops.
- Meet & Greet at Seventh Flag Coffee on Wednesday, October 1st from 7pm – 8pm for a special coffee workshop about Waste and Sustainability with their manager, Tyler.
- Meet & Greet at Caffe Medici on Sunday, September 28th from 2pm – 3pm at their downtown location for a special coffee cupping workshop taught by their best coffee trainer, Maisie. Cupping is a way coffee roasters and baristas look at the quality of coffee they roast and brew and also familiarize themselves with the produce they serve.
Enter below and/or click to tweet to win a spot! Winners will be notified on Thursday, Sept 5th at 10pm.
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