I’ve always thought that the best coffee shops need three things: good coffee, good ambience, and a good location.
Good coffee is the smallest task; it’s a coffee shop’s whole brand. If you don’t have good coffee, what’s the point? Good ambience is a must; I need to feel calm and comfortable in a coffee shop. The staff should be welcoming, and the decor should make me feel like I’m somewhere cozy, not trapped under a staircase. As for location, there has to be at least one benefit—either it’s conveniently close to where I live or a great starting point for exploring that part of town.
These are my requirements for a coffee shop to earn the title of “good.” Here are three of my favorites at the moment!
- Centro ut
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As a college student, Centro UT meets all my needs. This family-owned business goes out of its way to remember my name and I’m always greeted with a smile. They offer a variety of fun flavored coffees, ranging from simple caramel to creative options like a s’mores flavor. Their menu also includes splashers, Red Bull drinks, pastries, and food items. Conveniently located in West Campus, it’s easy to grab a strawberry matcha or a cupcake latte on my way to class.
- café corazón
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The actual coffee shop itself is small, making it the perfect spot to visit alone or with one or two friends. Their coffee and croissants never disappoint, and I’m always looking forward to try their new limited flavors, which come out every few weeks. They recently introduced a coffee flight, and it’s high on my list to try. The location offers a “homey” Austin-style interior and a standard outdoor seating area. Plus, Café Corazon is right next to “La Plancha,” which serves the most delicious and filling food, making it an easy choice for brunch!
- mañana
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Good coffee can be basic coffee, but not every basic coffee is good coffee. Mañana serves good, straightforward coffee that’s perfect for you to enjoy when you’re in “lock-in” mode. Most people who visit this spot are there to work or study, and its open layout is ideal for that. The baristas work in the center of the space, surrounded by seating areas adorned with blue-tiled walls and greenery. The location is another highlight, as it sits next to the Seaholm shopping area, which includes a Trader Joe’s, Baked Bear, the Austin Public Library, and a large outdoor seating area. For me, the appeal is obvious: coffee, Trader Joe’s, and the library? Sign me up!
Next time you’re near West Campus, skip Starbucks or Medici and check out one of these spots. Expand your horizons and try something new—I’d love to hear what you think!