Black Fox Coffee inside the ATX Tower serves coffee, pastries and more.
Provided by Black Fox Coffee
Austin has earned a reputation as one of America’s best coffee cities. From neighborhood roasters and Mexican-inspired drinks to cafés serving meticulously crafted espresso, there’s a cup for just about every taste.
With new restaurants and cafés opening at a relentless pace, it sometimes feels like there’s another coffee shop to add to the list every week. This summer is no exception.
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Alice Poulain Café is now open at 2214 South First St.
Provided by Alice Poulain Café
Three recent arrivals showcase just how broad Austin’s coffee scene has become: a buzzy California import that’s become a social media favorite, a minimalist craft café in downtown Austin and a French day-to-night concept on South First. Whether you’re after an expertly pulled espresso or a calm breakfast with a croissant, these newcomers are worth a visit.
La La Land
The second Austin location of La La Land is on Burnet Road.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
The yellow café has expanded its Austin footprint with a second location on Burnet Road. Like its South Congress sibling, the shop regularly draws lines that spill onto the sidewalk, making it one of the city’s busiest new coffee destinations.
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La La Land is something of a lightning rod among Austin traditionalists wary of California imports. But approach it with an open mind and it’s easy to see why it’s developed a following.
The menu includes playful espresso drinks, matcha and colorful seasonal specials alongside light bites. Baristas often send customers off with a “Love you!” after handing over their drinks.
Guests can choose between matcha or coffee when they order the Tiramisu Latte.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
The drinks aren’t shy about embracing trends. Alongside a Keith Lee latte is a Lululemon chai, while indulgent sips like the tiramisu latte ensure there’s still plenty of room for dessert in a cup.
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The café appeals to everyone from TikTok-savvy teens and athleisure enthusiasts to families looking for a weekend treat. There’s even a menu of caffeine-free drinks for children.
4416 Burnet Road. 512-215-9732, lalalandcafe.com.
Black Fox Coffee
Espresso drinks at Black Fox Coffee are carefully crafted and sourced from Latin American countries.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
For coffee purists, Black Fox Coffee offers a different experience.
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The New York-based café recently opened its first Austin location downtown, bringing a minimalist aesthetic and a menu centered on carefully crafted coffee.
Espresso drinks stick close to the classics, while teas and ceremonial-grade matcha round out the beverage selection. Seasonal teas include black, honeybush ginger and osmanthus flower varieties. Fresh cold-pressed juices and immunity shots cater to the post-workout crowd.
The real draw, however, is the coffee itself. Guests can choose beans sourced from countries including Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Panama, with an emphasis on quality and origin.
Drinks start around $5, with specialty beverages climbing from there.
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The coffee shop also offers brewing equipment and coffee literature.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
Black Fox also stocks books like home brewing guides, brewing equipment, mugs and whole beans for anyone looking to recreate the experience at home. Online ordering is available for those hoping to skip the line.
323 W. Sixth St. Blackfoxcoffee.com.
Alice Poulain Café
The Parisian on the go at Alice Poulain serves a choice of croissant and coffee alongside fresh, pulpy orange juice.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
Finding a $12 breakfast special in Austin can feel like finding a hidden gem.
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At Alice Poulain, the French-inspired café on South First Street, that breakfast includes a choice of croissant or pain au chocolat, a coffee and orange juice — a combination that feels rare at that price.
Guests are welcomed with a friendly “Bonjour” inside the cozy bungalow, where trays of buttery pastries frequently make their way into the ovens throughout the morning.
Beyond the breakfast special, the menu features omelets, quiches, cinnamon brioche, madeleines and an especially good vegan croissant. Most breakfast combinations remain under $17, echoing the relaxed café culture common across France.
This bungalow on South First gives Alice Poulain a cozy, relaxed feel.
Ana Gutierrez / Austin American-Statesman
Unlike many of Austin’s trendier coffee shops, Alice Poulain already feels like a neighborhood gathering place. Laptops are notably scarce. Instead, groups linger over coffee and conversation while staff members happily bring out fans for guests sitting outside on warm mornings.
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Later in the day, the café shifts into its evening service, transforming from a morning coffee stop into a wine bar.
2214 S. First St. Instagram.com/alicepoulaincafe.
Dining and Cooking