The 10 Best Coffee Shops Near SXSW

For those much-needed cups of caffeine

by Tom Thornton Updated Mar 2, 2020, 5:38pm CST

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Coffee from Caffe Medici

| Caffe Medici/Facebook

by Tom Thornton Updated Mar 2, 2020, 5:38pm CST

South by Southwest (SXSW) is a lengthy Austin festival, taking place over ten days with nonstop panels, happy hours, late night parties and concerts. This means festival-goers will need to fuel up, and what better way to do this than with coffee?

Eater put together a handy guide to the best coffee shops near the SXSW center, from coffee nerd-haven Houndstooth Coffee to easygoing cups from Easy Tiger to Caffe Medici’s plentiful locations. Always keep in mind that some cafes might be closed due to last-minute buyouts and events.

For more dining and drinking ideas, check out the rest of Eater’s SXSW coverage. Require more coffee? Check out Eater’s picks for the best coffee shops in Austin, cafes with Wi-Fi, tea, and matcha.

With updated by Nadia Chaudhury.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

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Just west of downtown Austin is all-day cafe Better Half, from the team behind Wright Bros. Brew & Brew, which means coffee is of utmost importance, with beans from Heart Roasters and Flat Track Coffee.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

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Intelligentsia Coffee

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The Chicago-based coffee chain made its way into Austin for its first-ever Texas cafe right in the downtown area.

607 W 3rd St Suite 0110, Austin, TX 78701

(737) 414-6696

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Houndstooth Coffee

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This espresso-focused coffee bar is heaven for hardcore coffee nerds around town. The rotating selections of beans are highlighted by simple and well-executed preparation. All locations (the others on North Lamar and MLK) feature clean and welcoming designs.

401 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 531-9417

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Easy Tiger

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The downtown bake shop, coffee shop, and beer garden offers up excellent coffee and pastries right in the middle of Dirty Sixth.

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 614-4972

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Caffé Medici

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This longtime Austin coffee shop has two branches near SXSW proper and another right near Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar. The elegant 200 Congress Avenue space boasts a massive espresso bar.

200 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 827-2770

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Wright Bros. Brew & Brew

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Located in the epicenter of SXSW chaos, Wright Bros. Brew & Brew has a simple, elegant menu of Aeropress, drip and espresso, featuring local roaster Flat Track. The light, warm space and friendly baristas will seduce even those who don't care about the latest and greatest trends in the coffee world. Plus, it serves some of the best East Coast-style bagels in Austin, courtesy of Rosen's.

500 San Marcos St #105, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 493-0963

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Alfred

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Los Angeles’s hip Alfred coffee chain arrived in the lobby of the Line Hotel. It offers Stumptown coffee drinks and matcha, as well as a nice case of baked goods.

111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 478-9611 ext. 6105

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Hot L Coffee

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The very hip and breezy Carpenter Hotel has a craft coffee option, great for festival-goers staying in the Zilker or South Lamar areas. In addition to coffee from Merit Roasting, there’s a small menu of tacos, kolaches, baked goods, and cookies. A retro lounge for sipping and socializing rounds out the experience.

400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 682-5300

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Hot L Coffee and Amanda Farris — Hot L Coffee

Cuvée Coffee

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One of Austin’s favorite coffee roasters has its flagship cafe in East Austin, complete with beer, pastries, and, of course, coffee, with its own nitro cold brew right on tap. The coffee shop is located in the center of the still rapidly growing neighborhood of East Sixth and Chicon, meaning its an ideal spot to recharge before checking out nearby favorites like Whisler's, Tamale House East, and Yellow Jacket Social Club, which are sure to be welcome hideaways from the madness of downtown during South By, while still being close enough to be accessible.

2000 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

(512) 264-1479

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