Whether they have great atmospheres or interesting menu options, there is no shortage of coffee shops in Austin.

Coffee shops can be great places to do homework, meet with friends, or waste away an afternoon. Here are five coffee shops that you could easily lose money and hours of your life to, but in the best possible way.

Epoch Coffee (221 W. North Loop Blvd.): One of two 24-hour coffee shops in Austin, Epoch is an Austin staple. Much like Blue Velvet next door, the interior has a vintage vibe to it. The tables show their age, and most of the furniture looks like it’s straight out of the 1970s. It’s a great setting for sitting down to focus on a term paper. There is an ample selection of coffees, teas, and food options including pizza, sandwiches, veggie wraps and a wide variety of desserts.

While Epoch usually has plenty of seats, it can be hard to find a spot during peak hours. Around finals and mid-terms, the place is especially swarming with cramming students. Despite this fact, and the longer drive, Epoch is a great place to study or catch up with an old friend.

Ruta Maya (3601 S. Congress Ave.): Just a hop, skip and jump from St. Edward’s University, Ruta Maya has distinguished itself as one of the city’s most eclectic coffee shops. Their coffee is imported directly from Chiapas, Mexico and has a markedly bold flavor.

However, describing the coffee only scratches the surface of what defines Ruta Maya, where something always seems to be happening. Every Tuesday, there is a poetry open mic night where local talents perform on the big stage. This stage is also used by the many musical acts that perform at the venue.

Ruta Maya offers swing and salsa dancing lessons, informal classes, lectures and yoga several times a week. You can have a good time without having to inject a single ounce of caffeine into your system.

Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery (411 E. 43rd St.): Featuring some of the best baked goods in town, Quack’s is a coffee shop that is a double threat to your pocketbook. There is a wide array of sweets and sandwiches with several vegan options. Everything is made in-store and from scratch.

The baristas at Quack’s make a mean vanilla latte, and their “Sunset Cooler” combines hibiscus iced tea and lemonade to a great effect.

Nestled in the eclectic Hyde Park area, Quack’s has a good amount of seating, and sitting at one of the several tables outside allows you to soak in your surroundings. If you’re in the market for something sweet to liven up your coffee shop experience, you can’t do much better than Quack’s.

Bouldin Creek (1501 S. First St.): A South Austin landmark, and only a five minute drive from St. Edward’s, Bouldin Creek is a favorite amongst the young and old alike. On any given day you are bound to find undergraduate and graduate students studying, as well as a healthy population of people in their late 30s to early 40s sitting outside, discussing the day’s event.

Bouldin’s food selection is quite extensive and vegetarian friendly. Omelets and tacos are staples on the breakfast menu. Lunch includes sandwiches and salads as well hot dishes, such as a vegetarian take on fajitas and a plate of red and black beans over rice. Bouldin Creek also offers a wide variety of coffees, blended drinks and teas.

The one downside is there are few seating options indoors, and though the covered patio has heat lamps in several spots, it can be tough to concentrate on a cold night if you’re not bundled up. However, on a beautiful Austin day, a trip to Bouldin Creek is well worth it.

 

[email protected]^