Mighty But Tiny Coffee Shops
Small spaces letting their coffees shine
Words by Gabby Frasier Photo by Nick Eubank
The Eastside coffee scene has seen rapid expansion in recent years, and coffee businesses are getting creative with where they set up shop. These six coffee shops serve up world-class brews in tiny, unlikely spaces.
Fleet Coffee
Fleet Coffee might only have enough indoor space for eight guests, but it packs a punch. Nationally recognized for its innovative menu, this pint-sized coffee shop serves up all the usual coffee shop suspects (drip coffee, espresso drinks, and teas) in addition to their truly unique offerings such as the E.T., an iced espresso and tonic water coffee beverage spiked with fresh-squeezed citrus. Don’t let Fleet Coffee’s petite interior fool you; there are plenty of opportunities to sit indoors or outdoors, grab a Veracruz breakfast taco or Sour Duck Market pastry, and stay a while.
2427 Webberville Rd. | fleetcoffee.com | @fleetcoffeeco
Revival Coffee
Right in the middle of the bustling East 7th district sits Revival Coffee, a comfortable space that serves as a quiet respite from the surrounding bars and venues. Revival Coffee’s soft blue velvet furniture, huge outdoor patio, and vibrant local art adorning the walls make this shop feel like a home away from home. Their menu with an expansive drink list, Paperboy breakfast tacos, and La Patisserie pastries covers all the bases. Additionally, guests can feel good about buying a brew here: Revival Coffee donates 10 percent of their proceeds each quarter to a local charity. Who knew a latte could taste so good?
1405 E. 7th St. | revivaltexas.com | @revival.coffee
Flitch Coffee
Nestled in a quiet lot off Tillery Street sits an unassuming vintage Spartan trailer housing one of the best coffee programs in East Austin. Flitch Coffee invites their guests to order inside the renovated trailer and then relax on a sprawling patio perfect for kids and pets alike. The female-owned shop features a rotating list of specialty coffee roasters, local breakfast tacos and pastries, and is open until 2 p.m. every day.
641 Tillery St. | flitchcoffee.com | @flitchcoffee
Compass Coffee
This Mueller-area coffee trailer was founded one year ago on the belief that coffee is a means to bring communities together. Located in a 1974 Airstream trailer, Compass Coffee offers espresso drinks and drip coffee made with South Austin’s Spokesman Coffee beans and places an emphasis on providing endless coffee customization options. Guests looking for a bite to eat can grab a baked treat from the coffee trailer, visit any of Compass Coffee’s neighboring food trucks, and enjoy a walk around Mueller Lake Park.
4209 Airport Blvd. | compasscoffees.com | @compasscoffeeatx
Cafe Nena’i
One wonderful benefit to having a petite coffee shop is that the limited space brings communities together. In addition to Cafe Nena’i’s authentic and delicious South American coffees and pastries, guests can always expect a warm smile and friendly conversation. Cafe Nena’i’s modern minimalist décor is dotted with luxe gold accents, chandeliers, and framed black and white photography, and the shop’s interior revolves around a central wooden wrap-around bar that facilitates warm conversation between friends.
1700 Montopolis Dr. | cafenenai.com | @cafenenai
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
While this coffee shop may be the largest space on this list, it clocks in as the smallest coffee shop roasting their own beans on the Eastside. Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors is known for carrying coffee from some of the best roasters in the country and now offers their very own roasted beans in espresso drinks. Guests flock to this friendly shop for its natural greenery, delicious coffee, and eclectic music selection ranging from hip-hop to oldies. Figure 8 boasts indoor and outdoor seating and beer and wine options for guests looking to unwind after their cappuccino.
1111 Chicon St. | figure8coffeepurveyors.com | @figure8coffeepurveyors
