Progress Coffee progresscoffee.com
- LOCATION:
- 500 San Marcos
- PHONE:
- 5129430963
To outsiders, Austin's appeal is obvious: cool, dry summers with world-class fly-fishing; snowbound winters with world-class skiing... wait, that's Aspen. Seriously, Austin's appeal is well-known and widespread. In fact, we can confirm its reputation as a casual, friendly town based on our experience since moving here in 2003. But Austin possesses many subtle charms that reveal themselves over time. Creative pursuits are encouraged, local arts are supported, good food and drink are celebrated, and nature is enjoyed — righteous attributes all. After setting up house here in south central Austin, we started exploring both mutual and personal interests — education and fine art (Sarah); music and retail (Joshua). We actually know a little about the entrepreneurial itch — after relocating to San Francisco from Oklahoma in 2001, we helped open the Subterranean Shoe Room. Both a bricks-and-mortar and online store, the Shoe Room quickly blew up, thanks to its reputation for cutting-edge kicks. But it was the store's success with the locals that was particularly sweet. Amazingly, it became a hangout for a large, loyal group of friends and customers — a real blast for us. After moving to Texas, we knew we wanted to start ... something. So we began to plan. Step one, list all the non-negotiable elements for the business we hoped to create: spontaneity, surprise, social intercourse, much art (to meet and support artists, writers and musicians) and daily dealings with the denizens of Austin. Step two, close our eyes, hold our breath and take a giant leap! Ergo, Progress Coffee — a place for food, beverage, art, music and magazines where you can eat, drink, look, listen, read — and hang out for as long as you want. We settled on the central east side for several reasons: proximity to downtown, predictions of growth, support from an enthusiastic landlord, and even a nostalgia factor — the area reminds us of our old Mission neighborhood in San Francisco. Then, with donations of time and sweat-equity from selfless friends, we converted part of a 1942 warehouse into a paragon of Progress. Conceptually, we wanted the café to have a sophisticated, contemporary look and a comfortable, inviting feel. How's the fare? Our coffee is fair trade, organic, shade-grown and custom roasted by hand in small batches. Our food is local and organic, prepared fresh daily (Weekly lunch menus are posted at Progress and in the LUNCH section on this site.) We use only fresh, seasonal ingredients, meaning you'll always find something new to dine on at Progress. So if you're looking for something other than typical fare, make Progress a daily destination — relax, be creative and above all, enjoy. — Joshua & Sarah Bingaman P.S. Tell your friends.
UPCOMING EVENTS |
PAST EVENTS
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Progress 4 Year Anniversary!!!!
Thu. 11/20 | 6:30AM - Thu. 11/20 @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
11-20-04 – Progress opens its door. 11-20-08 – Progress opens its drawer. It’s that time of year again—the anniversary of the opening of Progr…more»
Progress Residency Presents: ZOOKEEPER w/ special guests
Every Friday 9:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
the progress residency presents: ZOOKEEPER, sad accordians, the onlys, the oven birds$3 atd
Skeleton Trees by Elizabeth Lodowski
Thu. 10/23 | 7:00PM - Fri. 10/24 @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Skeleton Trees by Elizabeth Lodowski art opening at progress 7pm-9pm
rEy Shaun Madolora - Retrospective Exhibition - 35mm Photographs
Thu. 09/11 | 6:00PM - Thu. 09/11 @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
...A special thanks to all of you who have supported me throughout the years. I dedicate this show to all of you. The 35mm Photographs selected for this exhibit span six-years and six-countrie…more»
The Progress Residency
Every Friday 9:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
http://www.progresscoffee.com/events.html
Elizabeth Jackson suffers through the bass playing of David Ohlerking for 2 songs
Fri. 04/18 | 8:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
I will ruin two completely wonderful songs by rushing the beat on the bass guitar as I back up the indescribably brilliant Elizabeth Jackson. Google "flagellantes Manila" to fi…more»
Jets Under Fire (stripped down performance)
Thu. 04/17 | 7:00PM - Thu. 04/17 @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Don't miss this intimate, stripped-down performance of songs new and old, and hear the stories that inspired them. The show begins at 7:00pm and is free.
Progress Party
Thu. 03/13 | 12:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Elizabeth & the Catapult (10:00 PM), Zookeeper (9:00 PM), Alex Dupree (8:00 PM), Bronze Age (7:00 PM), Meryll (6:00 PM), Cocker Spaniels (5:00 PM), Balmorhea (4:00 PM), Mom (3:00 PM), Refe…more»
Miss Jackson, Chris Vestre Group (7:00), Miss Jackson, Chris Vestre Group (8:00)
Thu. 03/06 | 7:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Wear a Costume Into Progress during the day and get a free coffee and candy!
Wed. 10/31 | 7:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Pumpkin Smashing Happy Hour! All Carved Pumpkins get thrown off the roof and all b...
Tue. 10/30 | 7:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Thu. 10/25 | 5:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Winner gets a 100$ Progress gift card(BYO Pumpkin)
6 to 8 PM- Progress Jazz Session with Chris vestre and David chenu
Tue. 10/23 | 6:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
6 to 8 PM- Progress Jazz Session with Chris vestre and David chenu
Tue. 10/16 | 6:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
Joshua's Birthday wear a cafe de Progress T-shirt in and get a free coffee and free slice of cake all day!
David Newbould-6 PM/Jade day - 7 PM/9 to 11 PM "From saturn to Texas"CD Release pa...
Fri. 10/12 | 7:00PM @ Progress Coffee (East of I-35)
