Green Muse Cafe
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Arts & Entertainment, Nightlife, Sandwiches [Edit]
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)519 W Oltorf St
Austin, TX 78704 (512) 912-7789
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: No
- Waiter Service: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
- Good for: Late Night
- Best Nights: Wed, Thu, Fri
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
33 Reviews for Green Muse Cafe
I basically worked here for a whole day, and it was perfect. Sure, I contributed to the library-like atmosphere some people complained about, but I don't think anyone really expects quiet when they're working outside of an office or library. Grab the big table in the back corner if you're looking to work with a group of people. The place doesn't really have a sign that I could see from the street, but it's in the same building as the ACE Cash Express. Predatory lending and coffee all in one building. How convenient.
Coffee was good, and the middle eastern plate was quality. Pita bread and hummus make me happy.
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I go exclusively for their buttery choc chip cookies! I am hooked on them as they are extremely rich and tasty. I have experienced some of the strange vibe but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I can't do the back patio once the mosquitos return in the summer but it is nice looking and vast. I appreciate the silence of the interior. I found overt chatter offensive so this place is perfect for me.
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I love this place. I love that the owner is kind of a snob, though in my mind I imagine that he's just a tortured, abandoned artist type with social issues... The coffee is always coffeelicous and I like that there is no seat in the house that does not have a place to plug a computer in w/in leaning distance. The free wifi rocks, the paintings range from gorgeous to unnecessarily weird. They have wine! They have beer! They'll toast a bagel and come find you to give it to you! Even though many of the kids who work here are a tad on the cranky side, I have always found that a sincere "Thank you" , or a "how are YOU today?" temporarily snaps them out of it. Or, they spit in my americano and i'm too dumb to know.
Also, the ham sandwich is spectacular.
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This is the second greatest place for coffee in south Austin. The prices are right on and the seating and laptop plugs are comfortable and plenty.
The only con to this place at all is that for some reason it has the environment of a library. I feel like I'm going to get scolded if I talk above a dull whisper.
Other then that this place rocks my face off!
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I think the espresso here is excellent, but the baditude kind of kills it for me. I hate going into a place and feeling like I'm putting someone out by ordering what's posted for all the world to see on the menu, and I've felt like that here several times. There's one guy who works there who's been nice, but the other guys I encountered were somewhere on the spectrum between disinterested and rude.
I like the weird steampunk art there, though, and the inside of the cafe in general. And the espresso is the best I've had in Austin so far.
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I remember this place back in the day when it was called 503 Coffee Bar. It was a lot darker--a total respite from the hot sun. It's still cool--and I've admired how the management has slowly built it up over the years, adding a great patio with sun screen, and lots of outlets. They have a stout there - I think it's called Yeti - that will knock you on your ass; it has a higher than normal alcohol content. Espresso drinks are great because they grind the espresso on the spot. Be careful if you order a large coffee, because they serve it in a tall glass. I was used to a my usual mug, and when I upgraded to the large, I ended up spilling it all over my laptop. This wasn't Green Muse's fault (obviously), but that extra few inches of height make the large coffee very, very dangerous.
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I'm not much of a regular coffee drinker, but I do adore a good cuppa tea, so I thought I would give the Green Muse a try.
The barista wasn't friendly. In fact, she was kind of rude. But the Yerba Mate I ordered was perfect and there wasn't much of a wait.
If you go when the weather is nice I suggest skipping on staying inside and heading straight out to the patio, which has pretty lights after dark, decent seating, and enough power outlets for your laptop and whatever else you might need to plug in.
All in all it's a decent place if you are in the neighborhood, but definitely not a coffee shop I would drive across town for.
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OK, my experiences here have been at the two opposing ends of the spectrum: awful and great.
If you walk in there at night and there's some apathetic male 20something at the counter...
...turn around and walk out.
He makes shitty drinks and gets your food order wrong EVERY TIME. It's especially angering when he mixes up my vegetarian order with a meat order (which he has done EVERY TIME). I always forget to check if he got it right until I get home - at which point I just give it to my boyfriend and make myself something else.
So why the four stars if I just reported the bad experiences above?
Because this place can be really good.
If you are served by anyone else than That Guy, you will love it. He's the only pretentious, crappy-coffee-making barista I've encountered there. With all other baristas: good tasting food (small portions, though - not really worth the price) and great coffee/tea. I actually haven't seen him in a while, so maybe he's been fired.
They also serve beer here. It's not a big selection, but its definitely a good selection.
It's a pretty studious environment, so don't expect it to get rowdy or anything. Its more like a library with coffee. They sometimes have live music on the back patio. The patio is sweet, by the way. A great place to go chill out and read.
Parking can be a pain. Their neighbours are pretty psychotic about not letting Green Muse customers park in their space - and they DO tow.
The sign is small and unlit, but I had no trouble spotting it - I guess other people have, though. I live near there so I've always seen the sign while driving on Oltorf.
Also, they make a killer Iced Chai (when made by someone other than That Guy). It was nice going there during the summer, sitting on the patio with the iced chai - too cold for that now, but keep it in mind. A very mellow, quiet place.
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I'll start off positive. The Green Muse has a great patio. They've got free wi-fi and plenty of power outlets and lamps. Too bad it is a coffee shop not a study hall. If it were I'd give it five stars. I gave them one because they are supposed to be a coffee shop. Unfortunately their coffee sucks. It has a weird after taste. I thought it was just an off day the first time I went there but after a couple visits i decided that's just their coffee.
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The Green Muse takes itself a little too seriously. I guess it's just the general vibe, or the gruff barista, or something about the place. I'm just not a huge fan after handfuls of visits over the years. Plus parking is a bitch and they have a self-righteous sign about it and alternative transportation at the counter. Yay for people who bike, walk, etc., but I don't want a side of guilt with my chai, thanks. It's got a nice patio and interesting decor, but something's just off for me. Last night, it was the rude barista who I was afraid might spit in my chai when I asked for "to go" and the fact the chai was the most watery, nasty one I can recall drinking in a long time. One extra star for the patio though and the fact they have a couple of beers on tap...and that they seemed to be the only coffee shop open in my 'hood on a Sunday evening.
Oh, and Jackson R., "Green Muse" is another name for absinthe. Of which, they have none here. Maybe if they did, I'd like it more.
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This is my favorite coffee shop in the whole damn world. The atmosphere is a unique amalgimation of professional and freak. The decor is a medeval/industrial hybrid.
Mad Scientist/Artist Steve Brudniak www.stevebrudnaik.com has some permament installations there that are worth checkin out too.
Oh, and the coffee is great!
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Green Muse is pretty decent. The place is totally set up for working - most of the customers in there seem to be working. It's my cafe of choice when I'm tired of working from home. There's a dozen or so stone tables up front, each with a lamp and free wi-fi. The usual.
The music is consistently decent for a cafe. I believe its piped-in Internet radio. Usually some pretty ambient chillaxed-out stuff.
Paragraph 3: The baristas often seem to have an attitude.
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Yeah, see this is what I need. It's a coffee shop. And when you order coffee it's good coffee. It's not just under the boiling point and in a paper cup, like at Starbucks. It's not burned beyond recognition like the over-rated Ruta Maya coffee. It's just good coffee. You won't get hazelnut flavoring or anything up in there. It's COFFEE! And you can hang out and it's comfortable. Good music, not cliquish or trust-fund fabulous, just a place to hang out and drink some coffee that tastes like coffee.
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Hands-down my favorite coffee shop in South Austin.
Green Muse Cafe has been the most friendly, welcoming, and habit-forming coffee shop I've visited in a long time.
My first visit was a bright Saturday morning. The place was filled with patrons, all unique and there for different reasons (reading, laptopping - yes, i just made up my own verb - thinking, or just chatting with friends). I was really looking for a place to feel comfortable and at home, and the atmosphere did just that. Classic soul and '40s music floated through the air and the frappe I ordered was absolutely delicious. I felt the front room was large enough for me, but when I wandered back to find the restrooms, I was pleasantly surprised to see even more tables and a huge outside patio area.
I've also tried the place out during a late-night (it's open until midnight, which is a great plus) and it's a different, but equally cool vibe. The lighting is intimate and dim, but table lamps are placed on each table for use if needed. Games such as Trivial Pursuit and Chess line the shelves - and I anxiously await the day I get to play with a stranger.
Usually there is only one person working, but they have always been kind, humorous, and let's be honest - cute, in that trendy barista way. So waiting a little extra for your drink to be made isn't a big deal - they can even bring it to your table if you want.
Did I mention it has free wi-fi?
Let the Green Muse inspire you. She's captivated me.
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This is an OK coffee shop on Oltorf in hip, slick, cool South Austin. There are two things about it that suck, though. First, the sign is about the size of a tv tray and it's at about power line level and not lit, so it took me a trip past the place and a phone call to find it. Next, the parking is ridiculous because just about every space out front has a sign that says they're going to tow your car, and when I was meeting someone for the first time, this rather creepy fellow in a knit cap interrupted us to alert us to the towing going on outside.
So, if you know where it is and are on foot, an OK place for coffee. But if you're driving there and/or want to not be interrupted by your car being towed, forget it.
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This coffee house is in a parking lot on Oltorf just a notch east of South 1st in an unlabeled building that is next to some cash checking place. Be careful on parking here as they neighbors apparently do not dig the overflow parking taking up their spots. There is labeling and signs at the counter that indicate as such and offer suggestions on where you can park.
This is a good place for working on your laptop as the atmosphere is pretty chill, the Internet is free and rock steady, and the music is generally of the mellow nature (tom waits, jazz, e.g.) and played at an acceptable level where it doesn't cut into conversation or what you're trying to do. Laptops are a plenty here and the atmosphere is quite different at 11am on a Sunday than say Bouldin Creek down the road at the same time. There are lots of electrical plugins both inside and outside for your electrical needs.
Food menu is somewhat limited to mostly Paninis, Wraps and the like.
Usually come in for some iced coffee, a chai or a Thai coffee and have pounded through work in volumes.
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my ex took me here back when it was 503... i liked it then and i liked it still when it changed to the green muse. nobody has ever been rude to me who's worked there, the food is great (especially the pita/hummus), the drinks are wonderful, the music surprises me (in a good way) every time... etc etc etc. it's a place i've taken many people to, for a peaceful calm chat without all the hipster kids (a la spider house) running the place down. the patio is awesome outside, even in the summer when it's 110 degrees outside.
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I like this little coffee shop. Another reviewer mused about its name...I believe it refers to the cloudy, green intoxicant absinthe; the inspiration of Baudelaire and so many others.
The Green Muse has an urban, adult feel. People go there to do "something" or even "nothing", but I find they typically go alone or in pairs.
The coffee is very good. It's from Cafe Moto, a coffee roaster I am familiar with, having lived in its hometown of San Diego. The barista working the last time I went in was quite knowledgeable (I overheard him describing the differences in beans to another customer).
I'm turning into a regular there...
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It has become habit to go coffee shop hunting on the weekends. I don't know when or why we started this, but Corinne and I always go a-searching for brightly lit patios with strong coffee and good wi-fi.
I've only been to Green Muse once, so it's entirely possible that my appraisal is unfair, but I'm not in love. Green Muse has a strange layout and a quiet, concentrated vibe. One medium-sized room in the front, a narrow back room that reminds me of a slightly unfriendly breakfast nook, and an expansive back patio. Shady, but big. Sometimes the wind will throw a fit and rustle your papers, but otherwise, pretty chill.
My Green Muse ham sandwich was tasty (a bit greasy) and Corinne had some very flavorful hummus that she talked about for a good twenty minutes. The iced tea was cold and appealing, but I left thinking this little place (near Oltorf and South First) is missing something. I think I'll go back to try and find it.
Not my muse, but inspiring for others. Worth a visit.
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Oh, the fountain. It's all about the fountain.
I've always have a hard time finding it on the Oltorf and 1st sign extravaganza.
Have met up with clients here, and never connected at the same time due to miscommunication about the back.
It's ALL ABOUT the back.
Beautiful back, all peacefull an' shit, SERIOUSLY....
On those stressful days. On those days we reach a breaking point where we say fuck this noise.
I pull into the Green Muse parking lot and hope I can make it to the back...in time....
And there, with a draft beer (yes, during the day), the fountain trickling and patrons being good about cel phone ettiquette....seriously, a life saver.
Thank you, Green Muse.
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This place has a good low key coffee shop atmosphere, good for chilling with friends or just plain chilling. They have bands in the large back patio, and serve beer if you came to a coffee shop for beer. I like coffee, just black coffee, and every time I have gone, it has been somewhat cold and disappointing. The sign on Oltorf is WAY too small, and if they want more customers, they should probably invest in a larger sign that is visible from more than directly underneath.
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If the Green Muse were a band, it would be Morphine. It has that same kind of quirky, murky atmosphere. Almost every time I go to the Green Muse they're either playing Morphine or Tom Waits. It's sort of like they know I am coming, which is nice because I am an egomaniac like that.
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This used to be the 503 Coffee Bar.
Webster's Dictionary defines muse as "a musing; a deep meditation". Is a Green Muse a jealous meditation? Can anybody really meditate after downing a bunch of coffee? Is it some sort of inspiration? Maybe of the financial kind?
Despite the fact that I've never liked the name of this place, that hasn't prevented me from enjoying myself here. I love the outdoor patio they have, and (surprise) they often have live music in the evenings.
They have one of the best coffeehouse patios in the back with several different areas to sit, and a relaxing fountain. There are usually a lot of Wi-Fi'ers sitting inside, so it's nice to be able to get away from the computers.
If you're in the mood for something other than coffee or tea, they usually have a couple of beers on draught, and their selection of bottled beer is notable. I first discovered Left Hand Milk Stout here on a fine night when Paige Moore was having her art opening, amidst the glow of candlelight and good friends.
I like their prosciutto sandwich, too, but make sure they slice it thin.
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Definitely the best coffee shop south of the river. Good coffee, knowledgeable barristas, and a good place for meetings and informal get togethers.
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If I had come with friends and sat outside, I'm positive I would've loved this place. I, however, stopped by in the middle of the afternoon (after normal lunch hour) without much in mind except FOOD.
The Mid East platter (pita, hummus, tabouli, baba ganoush and a small dolma) was pretty good, with the dolma being my favorite item (lots of flavor and texture!) and the baba ganoush my least favorite (tasted burnt). Not worth $5.75 (I'll go down Oltorf to Jerusalem next time I want this sort of thing).
The Chai was good, a nice-sized 'small' in a fun ceramic cup, but it cooled way too fast and wasn't very hot to start.
I'd love to go back with my computer and use the WiFi or visit with a friend, but the people-watching was below Austin average.
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So I decided to check out a new coffeehouse/cafe on my own, and headed over to Ruta Maya... then I walked in on a yoga class partway through and left again feeling pretty much like a moron. I know this is Austin and everything, but seriously, warn a girl with a sign on the door or something so she doesn't have to get the "what are are you doing" stare from an entire yoga class. So I instead found myself, through a series of random turns, at the corner of S. 1st and Oltorf. I remembered a friend telling me about the Green Muse and set myself looking for it as an alternative. There is a sign out front of it, but it's in a kind of odd location so people aren't kidding when they say it's one of those places you go to because someone told you about it.
However, I am so glad I got the yoga brush off now, because this is one of my new favorite places. I ordered an iced mocha and a snickerdoodle (bonus points for having my favorite cookie) and decided to check out the back patio. What a wonderful little paradise! Trees overhanging a wooden multi-tier deck and a cute little pond with goldfish. The mocha was good - nothing amazing, but definitely tasty. The snickerdoodle was home-baked heaven. I had to restrain myself from upping the calorie count with the 4 or so more I wanted to go back in for.
The crowd was almost all individuals except for one couple that seemed to be soaking up the scenery more than talking (not that I blame them). This is an excellent place to go alone or with one or two friends for a mellow chat.
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It seems that I've been reviewing alot of cafes lately . . . that's how Austin is special. It's got the cafe-culture. This place has good beer on tap, good coffee, tea and a stage for plein-air performances out in the patio, the food is just okay. The decor out there is just right. Calming place to go and do the WiFi thing, abounds with geeks and 25 - 40 year old interesting folks with ecentric clothes. The owner is very young and full of energy. This has got a cool vibe and is a nice destination for your intellectual-bohemian night out on the town!
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Best coffee shop in South Austin. Best outdoor area in Austin. Saw a play here once. One time they were playing Mazzy Star. ROSE LEMONADE!
Open patio, delicious sandwiches and vegetarian selections. Great coffee.
Thursday nights, it's open mic at 8 PM.
Friday, May 25, live music by The No Show Ponies. Chris gates opens.
Never a cover!
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This is one of the last true American cafes. Okay, not really, but it's one of those places that doesn't really have regulars or a"type" of customer. You can just show up, chat at one of the little square tables under dim lighting, and blend in with everybody else. (Alright, if there was a type of person who comes here it's a post-college person pushing dirty-thirty who's over types and will look at you smiling, complimenting your shoes...) There's free Wi-fi, an assortment of teas (including the delicious Morrocan mint), beer, amazing and decadent chocolate biscottis, a comfy mix of vintage couches and IKEA inspired chairs. Oh, and they play Bob Dylan!
My roommate recommended this place over Bouldin Creek Coffee House, which is also a great place, because it's a lot less distracting. In other words, you can get lost in one of the corners inside or outside. I just don't know how she ever found it, except for word of mouth, because there's absolutely no sign outside. It's next to some Ace loan place and a convenience store.
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So I'm beginning to think that all my budget permits is coffee. Eventually, I will venture outside my coffee budget and explore the fine cuisine of Austin. For now, here's another coffee review.
I'm torn between giving this place 5 stars or 3 stars. Allow me to elaborate.
5 Star Experience
My first visit to the Green Muse Cafe was great. Dimly lit, not a pretentious looking crowd, WiFi, a hidden room in the back, a gorgeous patio with gold fish and a red or orange eared turtle (the kid in me came out when I saw it), a nice looking bar with wine, and some chill out music playing loud enough to be heard, but low enough not to mess up a phone call. It was a bit crowded that day because they were doing Dell Computer photo shoot. I offered my services, but they ignored me (it never hurts to ask). I felt a little uncomfortable interrupting the photo shoot so the guy behind the counter recognized my confusion on where to order and took my order from a distance and said grab a seat, I'll bring it to you. When he brought it to me, I asked if they had pastries and he suggested a coffee cake muffin (which reminded me how mom made them - not too sweet) and brought it out to me. I pulled out my wallet to pay and he said, "Enjoy yourself, pay me when you're ready to leave." This dude stepped it up with the service and I truly appreciated that.
My 3 Star Experience
Coming off my high from my last experience, I assumed I would get the same VIP treatment. I guess what they say is right, "when you assume, you make an ass out of you and me." To my disappointment, I waited at the counter for about 5 minutes before someone looked my way. When we finally made eye contact, I blurted out my order. I felt like I was more of a nuisance than a valued customer to them (FYI: the guy that helped me before wasn't there that day). Trying to make small talk before I found my seat, I was ignored once again. Shrugging it off, I sat outside enjoying the beautiful day. A few minutes went by and still no latte. Suddenly, I saw the person that took my order and she said, "your coffee is ready," and walked back inside. Man, I was really disappointed that day. Luckily the set up, the music, the patio, and the turtle are enough of an appeal for me to go back.
So the 4 stars is an average of my 2 experiences there. Go check it out. Provecho!
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great memory of this place!! i lived in central-north austin, so didn't come here a lot, but when i did, it was near magic. maybe b/c it was a rainy day and i sat at one their community tables looking to the outdoor seating area which was covered with a mistiness.
this place is all about atmosphere, so can't remember the coffee/ food too well. i also liked the diverse crowd - in race, status - not just students - and class? though that one can be tricky to guess. anyway, green muse is a bit of magic in that stripmall.
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