Austin Coffee Shops Brew New Ways to Bring People Together

Austin Coffee Shops Brew New Ways to Bring People Together. Zach Cook/Reporting Texas

Austin’s coffee scene is rapidly evolving. Across the city, new cafés are turning daily caffeine runs into social experiences that blend creativity and community.

At Amity’s Coffee in West Campus, the atmosphere is what makes the shop so special. By day, it’s a laid-back spot filled with students typing away on laptops or chatting over lattes. By night, it transforms into a 21-and-older karaoke bar where regulars unwind and belt out songs over drinks. Walking in, one can find retro arcade games, vintage couches and a treasure trove of 80’s decor.

“A lot of coffee shops around town, while the drinks can be phenomenal, can kind of have a sterile, slightly unwelcoming vibe,” said Wes Williamson, assistant general manager at Amity Coffee. “Here, it feels a little lived in and cozy, almost like a cool grandma’s basement.”

That welcoming energy is becoming a defining part of Austin’s coffee culture. Many shops are experimenting with innovative ways to encourage customers to see cafés as more than just a place to recharge.

In East Austin, A Hole Coffee offers something completely different. Customers place their orders online, then pick them up through a small hole in a concrete wall. The minimalist concept has exploded on social media, drawing lines of people eager to snap a photo of the unusual setup.

“I love how it’s very different,” customer Anassa Tillman said. “Like they literally have a pickleball court.”

Behind the concrete wall, customers can also find food trucks, a courtyard and a small dog park. Another customer, Gary Wong, feels the novelty and outdoor space bring people together. 

“It kind of brings people together since society’s been pulling apart,” Wong said. “But being here, everybody’s vibing together.”

According to a recent study from Clever Real Estate, Austin ranks No. 15 among the best coffee cities in the United States. 

“We all love coffee, so I think it’s really important to stand out,” said Marla Selph, founder of Selph Marketing. “Having something that creates an experience and brings people together — that’s something people want to be part of.”

Selph said the city’s coffee scene reflects Austin’s broader culture, which supports creativity and pride for local roots.

“The more we grow as a culture, the more we’re realizing how important it is to stand out,” she said. “There is something of value when you have a big brand and everybody knows that brand, but I think people love supporting local business.”

From karaoke nights to concrete coffee windows, Austin’s coffee shop owners are redefining what it means to grab a cup of joe.

 Whether it’s about creating an inviting environment or breaking away from tradition, these local spots show that a good brew is about more than what’s in the cup.