Austin supports a thriving gig economy and was recently named by Indeed.com as the #2 best U.S. city for remote workers. (Even Mayor Adler works from home in his pajamas on occasion.)
And since freelance professionals need practical and inspiring workspaces, Austin has boomed with coworking spaces and artisan coffee shops. As digital nomads ourselves, here are some of our favorite coffeehouses to take care of business:
For the views
If you’re the type of remote worker who seeks out airy patios and sweeping views, then you’ll definitely get work done at Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge, Alta’s Cafe, and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters.
Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge (Westlake): Lola Savannah’s quiet Westlake cafe provides patrons with panoramic Texas hill country views (above) from their back patio. Plus, they’re located right next to a wine bar, so you can celebrate when work is done. 6317 Bee Cave Rd., #380. Open Mon-Thurs 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Website.
Alta’s Cafe: On the shores of Lady Bird Lake downtown, Alta’s Cafe serves up delicious coffee and an elevated deck with lovely views of the water and docks. Work here and you’ll have easy access to the hike and bike trail for walk breaks and inspiration from the nearby public art installments. 74 Trinity St. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Website.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters: Mozart’s does have indoor seating (and yummy baked goods), but the real highlight of this coffee shop is the peaceful view of western Lake Austin from the outdoor deck. Their late hours also cater to night owls. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Open Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Website.
For the vibes
Some remote workers find their productivity sweet spot in rugged, industrial or nature-inspired spaces, while others draw inspiration from brightly-lit modern cafes. Radio Coffee & Beer, Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co., Apanas Coffee & Beer and Caffé Medici cater to these folks.
Radio Coffee & Beer: With its woodsy-inspired decor inside and its large outside seating area lined with happy plants, string lights, and a taco truck, this South Austin coffee shop is part log cabin, part hipster hangout. 4204 Mancacha Rd. Open Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sat-Sun 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Website.
Red Horn Coffee House and Brewing Co.: In addition to its delicious coffee, northerly Red Horn provides a quiet, industrial atmosphere with seating options to suit all work-space preferences (co-working tables and bar seating in the main hall; a small lounge with couches in the back). 13010 W. Parmer Ln., Ste. 800. Open Mon-Thurs 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Website.
Apanas Coffee & Beer: Coupled with its wooden tables and food offerings, Apanas’ modern industrial architecture and overall chill vibe is sure to inspire productivity at the Domain. 11501 Rock Rose, Ste. 118. Open Mon 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tues-Fri 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Website.
Caffé Medici (Austonian): This popular local coffeehouse chain has several venues across Austin, but in our opinion, their modern, downtown cafe inside The Austonian is the most conducive to working, as the Guadalupe location is usually packed with UT students. Be sure to check out the loft! 200 Congress Ave., #2B. Open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat-Sun 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website.
For the hominess
If supreme coziness and vibrant community atmospheres inspire you, you’ll do well at Bennu Coffee Lounge, Lamppost Coffee, Epoch Coffee or Sa-Tén Coffee & Eats.
Bennu Coffee Lounge: In true Austin style, Bennu Coffee’s eastside cafe feels like a weird yet endearing living room with its giant great room packed with homey furniture pieces, which are organized into little nooks. The coffeehouse on SoCo is more sleek, but still feels just as approachable. 2001 E MLK Blvd., 515 S. Congress Ave. Open 24/7. Website.
Lamppost Coffee: Striving to become a “second home” to its patrons, Lamppost Coffee shop’s is a pioneer for artisan coffee in North Austin. If you’re into coffeehouses with friendly, comfortable vibes and awesome espresso, Lamppost will hook you up. 1205 Round Rock Ave. Open Mon-Fri 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Website.
Epoch Coffee: Owned and operated by longtime Austinites and built on “a principal of family,” Epoch has been keeping Austin caffeinated since 2006. All three locations have different vibes (Anderson is artsy, Far West is quiet, and North Loop is college-ish), but the quality of their coffee and community spirit is consistent across the board. 221 W North Loop, 2700 W Anderson Ln #409, 3900 Far West Blvd. Hours vary by location. Website.
Sa-Tén Coffee & Eats: Unless there’s a weekend event happening at the adjacent Canopy art complex, Sa-Tén’s Japanese-inspired cafe in East Austin is typically quiet. If you’re the type who thrives with productivity in relaxed atmospheres, you’ll probably create something amazing at Sa-Tén. (They also have a new location on Airport.) 916 Springdale Rd, Bldg. 3, Ste. 101, 4917 Airport Blvd. Hours. Website.
Featured photo: Flickr user ThoroughlyReviewed, CC licensed
