It's finals time, students.
Sorry. We hate to be the bearer of bad news (and you should really already know this), but you're about to start really busting your ass again. Luckily, we know all the best places in town for you to hunker down and get some work done. There are times when studying in your dorm, apartment, or house just doesn't cut it. You need somewhere out in the real world to truly focus on getting shit done. Here are some spots in town where you can do that.
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710 W. Cesar Chavez St
The Central Library is 200,000 square feet featuring six floors of bright, inviting space full of natural sunlight. You’ll find plenty of places to read, and you can get some work done on laptops while enjoying the fresh air and awesome views from the many reading porches overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake. You can bet your ass this is one the best places in Austin to get shit done.
3115 S 1st St
Inspired by early American coffee roasters and the simplicity of their tools, Summer Moon Coffee Bar crafts specialty coffee that is fresh, innovative, and bold. Seriously though, Summer Moon does things wonderfully old school: Using a one-of-a-kind hearth built brick by brick, Summer Moon roasts fresh South American, African, and Indonesian coffee beans over an open flame, ensuring a high-quality product. Summer Moon is family owned and operated, making the coffee house something of an Austin heirloom. Next time you're feeling groggy and in need of a pick-me-up, head to Summer Moon Coffee Bar and relish in its homegrown charm.
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photo via instagram @patikacoffee
2159 South Lamar Blvd
Specializing in all things coffee, Patika is a great spot to take care of business. Inspired by a coffee kiosk in San Francisco (and boasting a coffee cart of their own in downtown Austin), this coffee shop is one of the best places on South Lamar to grab a table, open your laptop, and get some work done.
2001 E. MLK Blvd
515 S Congress Ave
Bennu Coffee isn’t just awesome because of their ambiance or killer coffee. What sets them apart from other coffee shops is that they’re truly community-oriented, so you can study comfortably, knowing that your valuable study time and money are going to a good cause. All of their coffee beans are organic and fairly traded, plus they participate in recycling and composting programs, and support a ton of local Austin charities. Let’s not also forget that they offer everything from pizza to salads and even tacos from just about every restaurant in town.
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Photo via Cuvée Coffee Bar Facebook
2000 E 6th St
It often surprises people to learn that the Cuvée Coffee Bar doesn't offer wifi. Usually, when you think about coffee shops, you imagine tons of people clacking away on laptops connected to the internet. Well, guess what? Sometimes when it comes to studying, the internet is just a distraction, not an asset. For times when you need to literally crack open a book and do some studying, or have an in-person group conversation without worrying you'll piss people off with your spoken words, head on over to Cuvée. You may as well set your phone to airplane mode while you're at it.
4917 Airport Blvd
916 Springdale Rd
There are plenty of coffee shops in Austin that put out productive energy, but Sa-Ten goes the extra mile to cultivate calming vibes. In addition to warming curries and Japanese-inspired toasts, the cafe's Airport Blvd location offers a cozy little meditation room for patrons to enjoy while sipping their tea or coffee. At the Springdale location, you can bliss out while staring into the depths of the fish tank inside a vintage television. If you're looking to accomplish things without other people's stress rubbing off on you, try Sa-Ten.
photo via instagram @brentwoodsocialhouse
1601 W Koenig Ln
This neighborhood coffeehouse is as great a place to plug in and tune out as it is to grab one of the many tables and hash out a group project over some slices of quiche and espresso drinks. The bright, simple decor and the quiet location of Brentwood Social House are a great combination for solving problems and staying focused.
5011 Duval St
When you come to Flightpath Coffeehouse, you should plan to stay a while. This cafe is amply equipped with seating (indoors or on the covered patio), outlets, beverages (from kombucha to coffee), and tons of great snacks. Get there early on a weekend if you want a Tacodeli breakfast taco before they run out, and bring cash for a sweet discount on your coffee order.
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Photo via Quack's 43rd Street Bakery Facebook
411 E 43rd St
Don't get turned off by the name - Quack's isn't filled with annoying noises. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Pop into this well-loved Hyde Park bakery and you'll likely be greeted by two things: delicious smells and sweet, sweet quiet. Saddle up, set up your study gear, and grab a baked good. If nothing else, Quack's is an excellent choice for a study marathon.
1506 S 1st St
When you picture a quiet coffee shop to do some studying in, Seventh Flag should pop into your brain. At least, it will after you've spent some time there. Situated on South First, Seventh Flag claims to use only the best ingredients to achieve the perfect flavor. As for their methods, they pride themselves on a precise process, using "defined volumes, times, temperatures and other critical factors which produce the ideal beverage." And it's not just the coffee they're crazy about. Their tea and espresso are noteworthy as well, and they strive to combine quality, knowledge and customer service to create an environment that'll make you feel right at home--even if you're in from out of state.
1401 W Koenig Ln
2200 Manor Rd
If you’re looking for a friendly spot to enjoy a good cup of joe and do some studying, look no further, because the people at Thunderbird prioritize two things: good espresso and good service. The staff is enthusiastic, the coffee is direct-trade, and food-wise, they serve up fresh sandwiches, along with breakfast items and treats from local businesses like Tacodeli, Quack’s Bakery, Celeste’s Best and more. More interested in booze than brews? You’re in luck: there are 35 taps here boasting awesome options. They have two locations - give both a try!
807 East 4th St.
While primarily drawing serious attention as Austin's newest and best boutique hostel, Native Hostel also provides a chic space to read, write, or do anything else that requires detailed attention. With an expansive cafe and dining area, Native might just be the perfect place to get away for the weekend while getting some serious work done.
1902 E 6th St
This spot has something for everyone. Between the delicious house-brewed beer, a coffee bar, kombucha, cider, and root beer, there's a libation at Lazarus Brewing to suit every palate and study style. The spacious bar also boasts a relaxed patio perfect for getting some work done undisturbed. Tacos, queso, and more will sate your brain food munchies amply here. Lazarus is a study spot that truly embodies East Austin's laid-back vibe.
ALSO: Co-working Spaces in Austin
As anyone who is out of school will very quickly assure you, just because you're not taking classes doesn't mean you're not busting your ass every day. Over the years, dozens of so-called co-working spaces have popped up around town for folks looking to get stuff done in a different setting than whatever home or regular office they currently report to. These co-working spaces are designed to be comfortable, sleek, and ideal for getting stuff done. A few places we recommend around Austin are Vuka, Fibercove, and WeWork Congress.
MORE PLACES TO STUDY IN AUSTIN:
5353 Burnet Rd
500 San Marcos St #105
221 W North Loop Blvd
3501 E 7th St
Know of a great place in town to get shit done? We're all ears. [email protected]
