The Best Coffee Shops Near The University Of Texas In Austin, Texas

Cafe brunch spread
Cafe brunch spread | Photo by Caramel on Unsplash
Anna Carruth

Amid the vibrant energy of Austin, Texas, lies a haven for coffee enthusiasts and productivity seekers alike. Nestled just off the grounds of the iconic University of Texas campus, a treasure trove of coffee shops awaits, offering not only delectable brews but also a serene backdrop for focused work. In this dynamic city, where creativity thrives, we present a guide to the finest spots that blend the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the convenience of excellent WiFi, providing the perfect ambience to fuel both your caffeine cravings and your productivity pursuits.


Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Caffé Medici

Located across the street from the University of Texas on what locals call ‘The Drag,’ Caffé Medici is extremely popular with students and faculty. This two-storey space offers French-pressed coffee blends as well as a variety of direct-trade coffee and tea options that will satisfy any caffeine fix. Caffé Medici is almost always bustling with students, giving it a great atmosphere while also being perfect for studying. Great coffee and snacks, fast WiFi, and a friendly staff make Caffé Medici a great off-campus spot.

Bennu Coffee

Bennu Coffee is a popular shop located in East Austin, less than a mile from the University of Texas campus. At Bennu, you can open a tab and stay as long as you want as long as you purchase something off the menu. This makes it dangerous for those who need a constant stream of caffeine while getting work done. However, Bennu’s fantastic coffee, free WiFi, food from local Austin restaurants, and 24-hour service make it one of the best places in Austin to study.

Epoch Coffee

A 24/7 coffee shop north of campus, Epoch is both a study spot and a place for a more eclectic crowd. Epoch’s atmosphere can only be described as cool, with local art plastered on the walls, graffiti in the bathrooms, and succulents sitting on the windowsills. Epoch offers classic coffee fare, as well as more unusual drinks like the dirty Chai latte (a chai latte with a shot of espresso) and Mexican hot chocolate. Epoch also offers an assortment of pastries and sandwiches, as well as pizza from the excellent East Side Pies across the street.

Texas Expresso

A perfect spot for those who live at UT and have limited transportation, Texas Expresso is located right on campus as part of the university’s alumni center. Although closed evenings and weekends, Texas Expresso is a great place to relax for lunch or during an afternoon lull. Texas Expresso offers coffee, sandwiches, and some of the best paninis in the area. The chai tea latte is especially worth trying. Despite being located on campus, Texas Expresso doesn’t feel like a cramped library or a student center.

Thunderbird Coffee

A cafe located in East Austin, Thunderbird Coffee is known for an ambiance that’s both cheerful and indie. It’s a wide space with lots of tables and an outdoor patio with late hours. This makes it perfect for studying alone or in a group. Thunderbird is well known for its fantastic honey nut latte, and the rest of the coffee menu is worth noting as well. Thunderbird also has a good variety of snack fare, from bagels and sandwiches to Taco Deli tacos. It also sometimes offers a pop-up brunch on Sundays.

Flightpath Coffee House

Flightpath is a neighborhood coffee shop at the corner of 51st Street and Duval that has been around for years. One of the few places in Austin that does not feature live music, Flightpath offers a quiet and constructive environment so that anyone can study or work in peace. If you are feeling more social, it does have a patio where you can grab a coffee or even beer or wine. It’s surprisingly large for its location and has plenty of tables and outlets so you can get your study on.

Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery

Although Quack’s is better known as a bakery, its cozy ambiance makes it the perfect study spot. Located in Hyde Park, Quack’s high quality desserts and full service espresso cafe is a fun, comfortable place to study or hang out. Quack’s is known as the ‘first coffeehouse in Austin’. It has been roasting its coffee beans in Texas since the beginning. Quack’s reputation and high-quality products will satisfy your sweet tooth and your study needs.

Houndstooth Coffee

Houndstooth Coffee on N Lamar serves carefully sourced coffee and tea as well as beer, wine, and pastries. Houndstooth’s goal is to become part of your daily routine. It makes an effort to be cool and casual while also serving high-quality food and beverages. Houndstooth offers great service that more than makes up for the prices. Its coffee is some of the best in Austin, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay and work awhile.

Pacha

Pacha is an organic coffee house in North Austin that sells organic brews, sandwiches, and snacks in a fun environment. It has amazing homemade pancakes and quiches, making Pacha a great place to enjoy eating while you study. The space is a bit small and more of a cafe than a coffeehouse. However, its casual vibe and homey service (it’s run by the original owners) make it a pleasant place to spend your afternoon studying and sipping coffee.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article