Calling all incoming students: you’re about to begin your time on the hilltop, which means A: you’re a first-time college student or B: you’re transferring. Transfer students, you already know this, but first timers, college means plenty of caffeine-infused late nights. So when you inevitably get tired of Jo’s coffee, here are six coffee shops in the city to get you through it all. If you’re not a coffee person, these locations can be the change in scenery that you need to refocus—and you might get a delicious pastry or sandwich out of it. 

As a loyal mocha lover, my coffee palate hasn’t extended much beyond the almighty hot chocolate/chocolate milk and espresso. With that said, here are my ratings of each location’s mocha as well. 

The Factory – Café with a Soul

While this one is a bit of a drive, it’s worth the gas. The Factory is the hodge-podge lover’s destination. With swinging chairs, yellow light bulbs, oversized bean bags, a mural of celebrities and more, The Factory is entertaining enough to look at. The café also has a full menu of delectable chicken and waffles. Hot drinks come in a massive ceramic mug to last your entire visit. If you’re coming to study at this location, make it a reading/writing session since there is no WiFi. Hot mocha: 3/5

 

Bennu Coffee

Bennu is a St. Edward’s hotspot. With a location just off South Congress Avenue, the coffee shop is open 24 hours for those intense study sessions.. Large tables, indoor and outdoor seating and locally sourced food makes Bennu a classic coffee shop. Their French press service offers organic beans, seven signature gourmet mochas and a variety of cold drinks including iced tea and cold brew from Chameleon Cold Brew. Iced mocha: 4/5 

 

Summer Moon Coffee Bar

Another popping St. Ed’s favorite, Summer Moon on First Street brings a cozy and quiet vibe that makes you want to stay until closing. Summer Moon’s daily hand-roasted coffee has its own unique, addicting flavor that’s made the shop successful since 2002. They also provide an assortment of sandwiches and pastries to satisfy your carb cravings. While I’m a mocha gal, their Iced Chai gives the Iced Mocha Moon a run for its money. Iced Mocha Moon: 2/5, (Hot) Mocha Moon: 5/5 

 

Patika

The atmosphere alone of this coffee shop makes it one of my all-time favorites. This quaint location has just enough variety of indoor and outdoor seating. The yellow light bulbs and windowed ceiling offers the perfect amount of light. Don’t even get me started on the menu. While a bit pricey for the poor college student, splurging at Patika is worth it every once in a while. If you make it for brunch, make it a point to get the Breakfast Sandwich. Iced Mocha: 4/5

 

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

But did you really go to college in Austin without going to Mozart’s? With seemingly endless indoor and by-the-water outdoor seating, Mozart’s is the hub for Austin college students. Their desserts alone make Mozart’s a must—get the strawberry tres leches. Make sure to head over during the Christmas season to see the acclaimed light show. Hot Mocha: 4/5 

 

Mañana

Aesthetics are everything at this adorable coffee stop. Located at the South Congress Hotel, Mañana is in the middle of a happening part of SoCo. Mañana’s menu is packed with all your favorites, from traditional espresso to chai lattes to assortments of black and green teas. Make sure to snag a chocolate croissant to pair with your drink. Hot mocha: 4/5