Sit, Sip, & Socialize

This winter, be contentedly caffeinated.

Words By Jessica Devenyns

What is the one bright side of wintertime in Austin? There is now every excuse to sample all the coffee that is hidden in the cozy nooks and crannies of the east side. However, to save you the effort of trekking between coffee shops in the cold, we’ve picked out the crème de la crème for you to sample.

Figure 8
La Cortada
Figure 8 is the perfect spot to power up and power through. With plenty of outlets and sunny seating, you may find yourself slowly trying every coffee on their menu. However, start your journey with the Cortada. This mini-coffee is the perfect pick-me-up. With its exquisite balance of milk and espresso, it is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings. Plus, you can try a different one every day with Figure 8’s rotating daily espresso varieties.
1111 Chicon Street

Flat Track Coffee
Amazing Americano
Flat Track Coffee is known by caffeine aficionados all over the city for serving good coffee. However, here the Americano is king. Light with a subtly smoky flavor and a smooth finish, this drink will have you reconsidering your assumptions about espresso drinks.
1619 E. Cesar Chavez Street

Vintage Heart Coffee
Classic Cappuccino
There is nothing more simultaneously comforting and sophisticated than a cappuccino but only when the proportions are done exactly right. If you are seeking perfection, take a trip to Vintage Heart Coffee. Their cappuccinos are not only excellent every time you order, but they are also priced slightly less than you’re used to paying. Even better is the fact that their espresso is locally sourced from Third Coast Roasting Company. What’s not to love?
1405 E. 7th Street

Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Cuban con Leche
If you like sugar in your coffee, then the Cuban con Leche is for you. Cuban coffee is famous for its harmonious blend of espresso and sugar without being too sweet or too strong. Cherrywood Coffeehouse, however, takes this famous blend and ups the ante by adding warm, fluffy milk to create a drink that will remind you of a cappuccino but with much more flavor.
1400 E. 38th 1/2 Street 

Bennu  
Don Quixote
Bennu is a known haven for students and freelancers. They have an extensive list of coffees to complement their even longer extension cords. Though it can be an adventure to find a seat, it’s worth the effort. Bennu has the best mocha buried in their list of drinks. A little bit of spicy, a lovely bit of sweet, and just the necessary dose of caffeine, the Don Quixote is sure to hit your coffee craving sweet spot.
2001 E. MLK Blvd.

Brew & Brew
Just a Coffee
Good beer and great coffee go hand in hand at this coffee shop. Brew & Brew is perfect for those times when you and a friend can’t choose between a brewery or a coffee shop. This café is the best of both worlds, particularly when you order just a coffee. They carefully brew their blends so that they are smooth and full-bodied, even when they’ve gotten cold sitting on the table.
500 San Marcos Street