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Austin Java
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, American (Traditional), Sandwiches [Edit]
1608 Barton Springs RdAustin, TX 78704
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
(512) 482-9450
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
204 reviews for Austin Java
Review Highlights
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"The African Peanut soup is highly recommended." In 10 reviews -
"I love the egg, cheese & soy chorizo breakfast tacos." In 15 reviews -
"Both locations have nice, dog friendly patios." In 11 reviews
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203 reviews in English
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Review from Wayne N.
5/21/2012
Not quite what I was expecting for a cafe that's for sure and it definitely masks that pretty well. I highly do not recommend coming here if you need to get work done of any sort. It's loud, rambunctious and definitely more restaurant than cafe.
Which leads me to the main point. Its a quaint restaurant with a lot of unique dishes. Its also BOGO burgers past 4. So me and some buddies hopped on over for dinner. I got the bacon, cheddar avocado burger with roasted chicken soup. A that price point, its a steal. Burger is well flavored, hearty bread (not white though), nice slice of cheese and fresh produce. Roma tomatoes seemed a little out of place (cmon...you can do at least beefsteak if you've gotten that far) and it was just one slice of bacon split into two to make it look like more. But the taste is great and I'm nit picking.
The soup is excellent. Hearty, deep flavors. Some of the best soup I've had in Austin. Also tried my friend's chips and salsa...tasted pretty spiffy too.
At BOGO price point, this can't be beat. Any other time I think its good, but not necessarily great. -
Review from Elisa D.
Hutto, TX
5/21/2012
Great place to go if you need wifi...great location! I love the whole Barton Springs area! I had an amazing "Irish Kiss" coffee here and it was fabulous. I had to drink it pretty slow because it was a bit strong, but I loved it! There is a free covered parking garage behind Austin Java under some apartments, and the server will validate your ticket.
Their queso is amazing here since they use white queso. Good smoothies to enjoy in their wonderful patio. We've met here a couple of times for wifi services and to enjoy great coffee and have been very satisfied every time. Then we head next door to Uncle Billy's for drinks :) -
Review from Michelle M.
Houston, TX
Cute little coffee shop/restaurant that has a number of segmented areas - you can choose to be social, study, have a quiet meal with friends, whatever you wish! The prices are a little higher for their smoothies, but they use legit ingredients - no ice cream, ice, or water. All fruits or juices.
The parking is a little tricky - you park in a garage for this residential complex and then have to go get it validated.
I would say that their standout fare on the veggie platter is their black bean and corn pico. -
Review from Madison H.
Round Rock, TX
5/19/2012
Nice outdoor patio area. Good place for casual lunch. A good variety of vegetarian options. We enjoyed a good lunch with a very friendly and attentive server. We had a dog with us and the server even got us a bowl of water right away. I'm glad they are dog-friendly here as I'm often at Zilker with my dogs and this is just a stone's throw away. I wish they had beer on tap, but I'll live. I love that they serve their breakfast menu all day. Will be back soon...with my dog!
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Review from Cat B.
Oltorf/East Riverside, Austin, TX
4/23/2012
I usually frequent the location on Barton Springs. They get an A+ for good outdoor space and easy garage parking, but the birds there are pretty annoying. Be careful where you sit, I've been pooped on there before. Needless to say, it didn't enhance the dining experience.
The food is hit or miss. I feel as though a lot of their meat has been frozen at some point and can sometimes taste less-than-gourmet. I've never had anything bad there, just a few dishes that weren't very spectacular.
Their coffee and desserts are delicious. Hands down.
They have free wifi! -
Review from Daniel V.
Houston, TX
5/23/2012
Showed up earlier this week, parched from a lot of walking and looking for something refreshing. The waiter, Jason, was really awesome and suggested a custom smoothie which was delicious. It was a little after midday, so the place wasn't crowded, there was a nice ambiance, great music, and the waitstaff in general were super nice. Definitely a fan of this place, and will be back!
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Review from Colin T.
3/25/2012
I eat the plain burger with bacon, avocado, and no bun everywhere in town: I know where it's great and where it's ok. That's not your typical burger contest, as it's not about toppings or a mouth mostly full of bread, but about who seasons the meat and who doesn't, and who uses serious bacon.
Austin Java, like Kerbey Ln (original) and Burger Tex, _seasons the meat_. It tastes great by itself. Best bacon still goes to Opal Divine's Marina.
I received the required hibiscus tea. Service has been good and.. good.
Also, the nicest-looking cappuccino I've ever been handed. I love this place and, since it's convenient to my home and office, it's my first choice for meeting up with a small group. -
Review from Clint S.
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not a coffee drinker, so I can't comment on the quality of Austin Java's java. But I have ate breakfast here a couple of times and enjoyed it. Both times I ordered the Farmers French Toast with a side of bacon. I really like the french toast which is two big thick slices. The bacon is good but nothing special. Since I'm new to Austin, I've chose to eat inside both times, but when I get adjusted to this heat I might bring my dog and eat outside some time.
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Review from Michelle N.
Austin, TX
4/27/2012
I LOVE this place! It's great for coworking - me & 2 friends sit in the gorgeous tree room (which is almost never busy at all) and work all day. Christopher is usually our server and he's awesome, very attentive, nice, and makes good conversation. The food has always been at least good, and some of it is REALLY good. I do wish they had a better tea and dessert selection, but those are fairly minor things.
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Review from Van L.
4/11/2012
i miss austin java. i drink out of my austin java tumbler almost every day. mostly, i miss the old austin java.
it's still great for brunch - i love their patio...put me there with a couple of breakfast tacos in hand and a coffee and i'm good to go. their sandwiches are good stuff too.
the big thing here, is that i wish it was still over the counter and not with a waitstaff...why the change? it was their thing.
great people - and dog - watching here, btw. (but aren't most places like that in austin?)Listed in: austin things
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Review from Eugene L.
2/18/2012
If you want an "Austin" breakfast experience, this is the place to go. Not only is the eclectic art on the walls local, but the breakfast crowd was a nice mishmash of bustling locals too, from shaggy hipster kids in Converse to my-child-only-wears-handmade-clothes moms to start-up owners typing away furiously on their Macs after their fifth cup of coffee.
A built from scratch taco (mine was chorizo & egg with goat cheese on flour tortilla... the goat cheese was devastatingly good!) and a huge "junior" blueberry pancake with cinnamon brown sugar butter and strawberries (super fluffy and maybe a little more egg-y that other places,crazy good), came out to around $6 + tax/tip. Best start of the day I've had probably this year!
A friend was really hungry, so she ordered a chicken satay sandwich, with one of the best peanut sauces around, and a side of the spicy African peanut soup (which sounds too exotic to order without having tried it off your friend's plate on a former visit -- but actually, it is good and creamy with a little kick, crazy good!)
The decor was also really neat, and the back "patio" (which is indoor) was built around a giant tree, which was also super cool. The waitress was awesome too, super friendly at even so early an hour!
Overall, a great place to eat and spend a lazy rainy morning! -
Review from Ron N.
Austin, TX
2/25/2012
The service is usually great, but the food and drinks are overpriced (Especially since they changed and added a bar). I went the other night for tea with a friend, and we were charged $10 for two teas and a muffin... and then we had to pay ANOTHER $10 to get the car out of the parking garage! For just an hour?
Do yourself a favor - and go somewhere else. Unless you enjoy spending alot of money for nothing... -
Review from Meg R.
1/12/2012
I like most everything about Austin Java except for...the java. The coffee's a little too strong for my liking. Creamers and sweeteners are sometimes hard to come by.
My hunny and I walked down here and enjoyed the sights, sounds, and smells (some of them) of Barton Springs Rd. The outdoor patio is inviting, but due to a chill in the air, we went inside.
There were a lot of interesting fashions going on. I felt a little underdressed in my athletic gear. Noted: wear skinny jeans and something colorful next time. Maybe put a bow in my hair or wear some hipster glasses.
Hostess and server were super duper friendly. Even though our server forgot a couple of drink refills here and there, his sweet demeanor made up for it. Our breakfast was delicious and I appreciated all of the vegetarian options.
Now that I live within walking distance, I have a feeling my skinny jeans will be strutting over here more than than they should. For the food, not the java. -
Review from Scarlet T.
Austin, TX
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had to have a lunch meeting today and i remembered coming here years ago and thought this place would be perfect. Then i read the reviews and started to have a panic attack! It was too late to change locations so i went expecting a horrible experience.
I was very pleasantly surprised! While it took a while for a server to finally come to my table-i sat on the patio-the service was awesome from then on. Seriously! Some of the best service I've had go a long time! She was very attentive, very sweet about indulging my craving for glasses of ice, had no problem with me being there for an hour-my appt was running late- and then was very accommodating when i had to leave suddenly because of a minor emergency.
On to the food. Amazing! I ordered the asparagus eggs Benedict and it was so yummy. They even cooked my eggs perfectly-i like them cooked well done.
Overall-a truly great experience! -
Review from Cheri W.
Austin, TX
4/15/2012
Slow service + bad food = I won't return.
Friends don't let friends eat at Austin Java.
Austin Java,
Look, I've tried to make it work with us, I really have. After a workout you always seem like a good idea. I mean you have two of my favorite words, "Austin" and "Java" right in your title! Every time I see you though, I'm disappointed. No more. I've seen you at least a half dozen times and each time the experience gets progressively worse.
Today, you got mine and my friend's order wrong. You forgot the steak on her salad. My French Toast came sans syrup and the turkey sausage that I'd requested.
Once I finally got my server's attention, it took almost 10 minutes for her to bring me the syrup and my sausage. By that time, my French Toast was cold. The turkey sausage was just plain gross. It had no flavor and looked grey and shriveled, like a finger that has been submerged in cold water for hours. (Frozen!) On top of that, it had zero taste. I've been fooled by your name when it comes to coffee too. I'm sorry Austin Java , but your drip coffee is horrible.
After my friend and I were both done picking at our food, we waited another 10 or so minutes before asking a different server (not our own) if we could have our check. We then had to ask our server to take our money. Then we waited some more for her to process the check. This brunch took us 1 1/2 hours...after we'd waited 15 minutes for a seat. Never once did our server apologize. For anything. She seemed happily oblivious to the fact that we were clearly unhappy.
Austin Java, if you had yummy food and attentive, friendly servers, I wouldn't mind waiting. You've disappointed me for the last time.
I'm sorry, Austin Java, but it's time we go our separate ways. I think we both can do better. -
Review from April S.
Austin, TX
1/17/2012
Despite being recommended by our server, the breakfast potatoes were SO overly salty that hey reminded me of the ocean. Inedible.
The omelet was meh. None of the food impressed.
The service was really good, but we have no desire to come back for any of the food. -
Review from N N.
Austin, TX
4/17/2012
I had asked twice whether the chicken was organic and both times I was told yes (after checking with the manger/kitchen/whoever) however, after meeting someone who works there, I've found out that their chicken is NOT organic and neither is their "organic coffee"- not only is that completely unethical but it's illegal. The food may have been decent but it's disgusting that a restaurant would blatantly lie about their food content.
The service is REAL slow. -
Review from Kevin M.
Travis, TX
12/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I live right across the street, so there is nothing I would like better than to have a good breakfast place in walking distance. Over the past six months I have seen what used to be a pretty solid, but not perfect restaurant descend below mediocrity into "Don't ever go there".
There have been changes as they went from a "order at the counter and self serve drinks" to a "full service restaurant with alcohol". In my mind, with the additional revenue/profit from the liquor license more funds would be available to enforce higher quality. The changes I do not like is that the quality of the service and the servers has gone downhill along with the quality of the food served and how the food is presented. The only thing this place has going for it is location and a nice local vibe/decor.
Regarding the servers. I blame the management, if you have servers with poor skills or poor attitude it is up to the management to weed out the bad eggs. In my opinion It is better to be short staffed than to be staffed with poor personnel.
As for the food; from the quality and the presentation it looks like they hired cooks from a prison or school cafeteria. I am all for giving someone a second chance on life, but just because they worked in the army or prison kitchen for three years does not know that they know how to prepare food in the competitive dining environment which is Austin. The bacon which used to be cooked to perfection is now cooked in a batch in the morning and slowly dries out as the day continues. I know this because I asked to speak to the manager who explained how it was prepared and that there was nothing he could do because his bosses dictated that the bacon must be prepared this way. So they are making the bacon in order to have it convenient for their efficiencies, not because it is the way to prepare good food?
They stopped offering home fries, and have switched to a poorly prepared hash browns. I am guessing they are frozen from Sysco in order to make it easier to manage the kitchen. They have managed to downgrade their offering and make it into something basically inedible.
I don't know who is running the show at Austin Java and I do not know if they have similar issues at their other restaurants, but they have managed to turn a good local eatery into one which ranks way below Denny's in desirability. Denny's probably uses most of the same ingredients, but Denny's does a better job of service and delivery of the product. -
Review from Cassie O.
Austin, TX
11/16/2011
Use to come here ALOT, but this was my last trip in.
This location has gone down hill for some time now. Service is horrible and food quality is pathetic. The servers have an "I'm too cool for you" attitude and are nowhere near attentive. The Manager is just as lame. I've been here a number of times and see the same gentle man managing.
Stale chips with my hummus, but since the server never returned to my table, I wasn't able to address the situation, and I was NOT going to get up and go to the to-go counter to ask for assistance, which I've had to do in visits past.
Get over it Austin-Java on Barton Springs. You're just not what you use to be, which was a great place to attend. -
Review from Portia O.
Austin, TX
Updated - 2/20/2012
I used to love Austin java. Went there for Sunday brunch nearly every week but it's changed a bit over the years and I can't say I am a fan. I'm not a coffee connoisseur but I can't say their coffee is that good... and it's pretty pricey considering the quality you get. I've never had much luck with the waitresses either, sometimes they are okay but other times they can be a bit douchy. Now that they force you to have a waitress you can't just go in and order a cup of coffee and hole up to do some work... it almost is unwelcoming. I'd choose Flipnotics over Austin Java any day now, and that's coming from someone who used to swear by Austin Java...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/1/2010
I LOVE Austin Java. Here's why:
-They're dog friendly so I can bring my overactive heeler here after… Read more »
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Review from Elizabeth G.
Montgomery, TX
2/21/2012
Stopped in last time I was in town and had the best time. Karen was our waitress and she was amazing! Great food, great coffee.
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Review from Jon R.
Austin, TX
9/9/2011
I used to come here all the time for breakfast, and more recently for meetings, but ever since the parking lot was sold to a condo developer, the experience at Austin Java has been going downhill.
It's now reached the point where you have to take a ticket in a parking garage just to get a coffee, and have it validated. If you lose the ticket, that's a $50 charge. Too many beers at Uncle Billy's and you leave your car overnight? It gets towed, with at least a $100 fee added on. Are they just trying to lose all their customers?
Barton Springs used to be one of my favorite spots in Austin, but stuff like this (and the campaign to shut down Casa de Luz) is making me not want to come this way anymore. -
Review from Amanda M.
This was my second time to eat here and both times were wonderful.
The first time I ordered a crawfish quesadilla and to my lovely surprise it was half off! (Wednesdays they have half off appetizers). I only ended up paying $4.50 for my meal, which I didn't' even finish because it was a nice portion! And it tasted VERY GOOD.
This last time I went with my parents. I ordered the make-your-own grilled chicken sandwich with smoked Gouda, ranch, tomato and lettuce. The whole wheat bun was very good- it was slightly sweet and very soft and yummy in my tummy. The entire sandwich was great!
My mom ordered the toasted sesame chicken sandwich, she said it was very good too!
And my dad ordered the creamy chicken penne pasta. I tried some of it and it was amazing! Their alfredo-y sauce was so good! It was very light but had an amazing flavor. He liked it a lot as well.
The service was very good and the prices are very reasonable. I'll be coming here again for sure.Listed in: Cheap and Unique Austin Must…
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Review from Joe F.
Austin, TX
Updated - 2/29/2012
After my original posting, I was contacted by a representative of AJ. After a brief e-mail exchange, she had the location manager call me. He was very receptive and open to suggestions. He apologized profusely and asked that I come back again this weekend. I will give it another go this weekend. If this experience is any better I will adjust my rating. Keep you posted.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/27/2012
We live near Austin Java and have gone there several times in the past. The service has never been… Read more »
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Review from molly g.
Austin, TX
7/25/2011
I've been to Austin Java probably 50 times now since I used to live around the corner. I still come here regularly, especially since they allow dogs.
I particularly like their chicken sandwich and their bread is so sweet, yummy and healthy. I always get the fresh, healthy vibe when I'm eating here.
I'm not such a big fan of the way they do the table service, but I like it better than having to tip. I prefer serving myself than having a waitress or waitor.
I've only eaten a few things on the menu even though I've been here so many times. I'm one of those chicks that eats the same things over and over and over again once she finds something she likes. How cool, right?
Don't forget your dog or your loylaty card!Listed in: Best Sandwiches
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Review from RONALD W.
Good stuff.
Came in for the free coffee for National Coffee Day. Drip coffee was good and came with free refills.
Decided to try the blackened crawfish pasta based on another review here. This was only OK. Nice concept, but too much stuff. I prefer my pasta dishes to have some sauce, meat and pasta. The onions and peppers were just too much making it much more difficult to eat. The garlic cream sauce didn't have much garlic flavor. I with they just did an etouffee.
Service was friendly but the waitress would disappear in the kitchen for long stretches and was hard to flag down as she alternated between indoor and outdoor tables.
WiFi was good... -
Review from Ashley H.
Austin, TX
11/13/2011
This is my in-the-neighborhood go-to brunch spot, and so far it has performed quite well. I've had multiple things off the brunch menu, all of which have been delicious. The breakfast quesadilla (add avocado of course) and benedict have been great, and I love that they serve an egg-in-the-hole! Getting drinks has been slow at times, but nothing that threw off my enjoyment of a leisurely brunch. Good spicy bloody mary, good lattes, good cupcakes for indulging after the meal...
I like many others really enjoy the atmosphere along this stretch of Barton Springs, and Austin Java offers a nice laid back way to take advantage of it. -
Review from Jessica W.
Houston, TX
5/30/2011
I loved Austin Java... in college. Now that I've moved away and then moved back they seem to have changed for the worst. I went in for a coffee and a muffin. Instead of being able to serve myself the coffee and have my muffin instantly from the counter I had to wait and wait and wait some more for my coffee. It took around 20 minutes to get the muffin to me. When it came out it was hot. Oh yippy I get a microwaved muffin with some butter.
Suggestion to improve the table service:
Split the restaurant into two sections, half with self serve coffee for those who want coffee and baked goods and half with slow table service for those who want to bite their nails as they wait 15-20 minutes for a coffee and the ability to put in a food order.
Change is not always good. 2 years ago I would have been a loyal Austin Java customer. Now that I've moved back and table service has moved in I am going to try out the other local roasters that I ignored while in school. -
Review from Alexander B.
Austin, TX
7/11/2011
Ok. Austin Java has a lot more than coffee, but come on people.
I walk in at 3 in the afternoon. I order an espresso. I am served a doublio in a huge coffee cup that is frankly too large to even drink a cup of joe. Espresso in one of these? Are you kidding me. I even ordered it for here.
In addition, I am charged over $3 when the menu on the board shows both a single and a double are below $2.50? Not that the extra 75 cents made that much a difference, but it is just icing on the cake.Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Josh L.
Round Rock, TX
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was shocked by this location! Great food, atmosphere, service, patio...the only thing I don't like is their drip coffee. The americanos make up for it, though, very good. I'll definitely be back.
*The patio is dog friendly...maybe a little TOO dog friendly. If you don't like dogs, DON'T sit on the patio if they're busy. -
Review from Ben P.
Austin, TX
5/26/2011
I've been wavering back and forth on this location of AJ for some time, but I'm going to have to second Margo S.'s review... 4 stars for atmosphere, 4 stars for food, 1 star for service.
When I moved to Austin 2 years ago AJ was one of the first places I started going to on a weekly basis. My roommate and I would bring his dog, enjoy their patio and the reasonably priced and delicious food. We ate there enough to go through quite a few free dinner cards. All was well... it was the dog days of AJ.
And then they changed over from order-at-the-counter to a waitstaff (my assumption is that servers weren't getting enough tips, so they pushed for this? Just a guess). And now the place has become barely tolerable, save for the amazing food, which brings us back despite the piss poor service. The wait times on food and for servers to check on you are awful, even when the place is almost deserted. And some of the food quality has begun slipping; mayo cups that had obviously sat out and had hardened on top, the mashers being a bit old and dry at times, and some badly wilted lettuce. I don't know if the change in service style or a change in management has led to this decline, but it's insufferable. I'm about ready to start placing to-go orders and then sitting down inside just to enjoy their food the way it was meant to be.
If you do go, try the Gouda Meetcha burger, the french toast, the blueberry pancakes or the breakfast tacos (which are huge for the price). But be forewarned, your service WILL suck horribly. -
Review from Jenny Q.
Austin, TX
Updated - 11/19/2011
As I was running over my reviews, I see I need to update this. I went to Austin Java a few months ago to discover that they have a new menu.. and I have to say -- people with new attitudes, and new ideas of what good service means. THANK GAWD!! The food was de-licious, the staff was great, and I went back several times since with wonderful experiences.
Yay AJ! I love discovering places that I didn't like before -- it's like a new love affair with an old boyfriend, no?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/16/2008
Have you chocked down the bread that comes with your salad there? Really? I think my puppy turned… Read more »
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Review from Eric A.
Austin, TX
1/1/2011
Look to the left.
We're really running out of places to enjoy even the most meager of things (a chicken sandwich? come on!) on Barton Springs Road.
Everything here is a disaster. Service? They truly must all be high. Every order in our lunch for 4 ($60 bucks) was screwed up and not a single person in our party enjoyed their meal.
Two of us ordered the Toasted Sesame Chicken sandwich and got some other chic sand with cheese on it (waiter, put down the doobie and pay attention). We then received the very same (now cold) sandwiches with the cheese scraped off and replaced with congealed sauce and some sprouts. Sucked.
Sorry Austin Java, you've seen the last of us. -
Review from Romy G.
Austin, TX
8/7/2011
I was here after a hiatus recently for a brunch date. I was surprised at the new "please wait to be seated" routine. Conveniently, there was no wait for a table at 11am. The table service could have been better; the server forgot to ask me for my drink order after taking my date's, and also didn't ask what we wanted with our brunch as a side. I understood from reading the fine print on the menu that you had a choice of toast, beans, taters, or fruit, but we were given toast without option. I didn't bother to ask because I was more interested in my company. It was good toast, as was eggs and ESPECIALLY the bacon! Great bacon! The coffee was very good, although I would have liked to have had the availability of the little coffee creamers match the speed at which my mug was refilled. I would go here for brunch again.
Also, motorcycle parking was very convenient. -
Review from cash o.
Austin, TX
3/18/2012
looks like i'm not the only one w a complaint....so i'll make this quick!
the counter girl working this morning could try harder. i'm not even asking for a smile, just some manners, you're in the service industry! if you hate yr job that much, quit.
but what i really want to say...i ordered to-go food and unfortunately didn't catch these mistakes 'til i got to work and tried to enjoy my breakfast. i ordered turkey sausage and got pork. i can't eat pig. i ordered and paid for an extra cream cheese for my soggy bagel and got none. plus the plastic container austin java uses for hot to-go food, such as eggs, is inappropriate. mine had a melted hole in the corner of it...com'on.
who manages this place and why doesn't the owner give a shit?
UPDATED 5/18/2012
So...i was impressed on how quickly i was contacted by a manager from Austin Java. i was offered and accepted a $10 gift certificate. shortly after that i found myself at the AJ located near 12th and lamar. it was a busy saturday morning and the guy taking orders seemed flustered and very new so i decided not to spring my voucher on him when it came time for me to pay. i had my son and mother-in-law with me and we order breakfast and i ordered a latte. i stepped aside to wait for my latte before heading to my table to wait for my food to arrive. the guy at the counter told me i should go ahead and have a seat, that they would bring my order to me...i questioned "even my latte?" he replied, "yes". so we find an empty table out back and about 20 minutes later (still no latte) our dishes arrive, not all at once, but one at a time with 5-7 minutes between each one. we ordered breakfast, folks. no substitutes or special orders, just breakfast. i asked about my latte as the 2nd dish arrived and the girl running the food said she would check on it...if she did, i wouldn't know cos she never returned to tell me. so after the third dish was brought i headed to the guy at the counter t o ask about my latte and he told me, "it's coming". at this point there is no line and no one making espresso drinks...i'm not sure what the deal was, but after we ate and headed out i stopped by one last time and asked for the latte that i ordered about 45 minutes earlier and waited at the counter as they made it, then left.
i let a few weeks go by before i decided to give AJ one last chance...this time i headed to the barton springs location where i usually go cos its so close to my work...i ordered what i usually order on my way to work...bagel, cream cheese, turkey sausage and a fried
egg. plus an iced latte. i was relieved that the guy at the counter was friendly and quick. got to work only to find, they forgot the cream cheese totally! and once again the eggs had melted through the shitty plastic container they choose for to-go items!
so sorry AJ, we're breaking up... -
Review from Sal R.
Austin, TX
11/30/2010
WHY ALL THE CHANGES?
I REALLY used to love Austin Java's casual feel but can't get over the new changes! Having a hostess and wait staff is the wrong call for Austin Java. The Igloo group was poorly led into thinking this was a good idea.
Airing of my grievances:
1. New menus suck and are hard to read
2. Separate menus (breakfast and everything else) is dumb.
3. Having a hostess is dumb
4. I hate having to tip a bad waiter where there weren't waiters before
TOO DAMN BAD. -
Review from Hayley G.
Austin, TX
1/5/2011
Ditto what most of you have been saying. I agree with Bree R's review strongly (and her review of similar changes at Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse).
I went on the first day of their new table service and it was horrible, for all the reasons that Bree (and many others) have stated. Hubby and I went back a month or two later with a Groupon, thinking "Well, if we're here to eat dinner, not to study/work, then table service might not be that bad". The service was AWFUL! The food - we ordered soup and salad - yes, soup and salad, those things that are pretty much already prepared back there and require no cooking, took 1 hour. 1 hour! WTF? Our server came to check on us maybe one time? I was going to order some wine, but the dude never came back. Geez, if I have to wait an hour for soup and salad, I might as well be drunk.....but it was not to be.
I don't know WTF they were thinking. This used to be a great place to hang out and study/work. Also, why change the iconic design of the menus? Now they're in teensy, weensy print.....
Well AJ, if you want to go Brinker, you're well on your way (except Chilis has better service). And it would be way easier for everyone if you took a hint from Texenza and just exchanged my damn groupon for a gift card - I cannot tell you how much of a hassle it was to use the groupons both times, for the server and for myself, and for the manager who had to approve it (it took more than 30 mins each time just to deal with the groupon). Geez. What is up in Austin these days? Sigh... -
Review from Jeff K.
3/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gotta jump on the bandwagon here. I've been a semi-regular at Austin Java for over a decade now, but last weekend I visited this particular location for the first time ... and most likely the last. Waiter service? Why?? Like Bree, I took major issue with Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse's recent changeover to this format, and I take equally great umbrage with Austin Java's. When you're used to filling up your own coffee (from multiple different varieties) and having a chill place to hang out without the inevitable pressure of a server hovering over you waiting for you to leave so he/she can clear the table and get more tips rolling in, it royally sucks to see a 180-degree change to this effect.
Anyway, I think I can answer my own question of "why??": at this particular Austin Java location, the owners are trying to transmogrify it into a day/night destination, in tune with the rest of the surrounding Barton Springs vicinity -- hence the reason this is the only location with a full bar. Think about that a little longer: a place called Austin Java, a coffeehouse, WITH A FULL BAR AND SEPARATE BAR AREA. That simply doesn't ... compute. If they want to have a full-scale restaurant in this location, which is what the new and "improved" Austin Java clearly is, then they frankly should ditch the name and concept entirely and start from scratch, lest the owners further damage the positive Austin Java brand identity still held by its other existing locations.
The original N. Lamar location is where I go 98% of the time -- and City Hall very infrequently -- and I may be rendered apoplectic if they've followed in Barton Springs's footsteps and switched their business model. In fact, I'm too scared to pull up its Yelp profile to even look! -
Review from Jooly G.
Austin, TX
12/5/2010
I have been a regular customer of Austin Java for years. I used to love to work there, and would often spend my whole day in the South Austin location having lunch and many coffees while working.
I have been twice since the conversion to full service. The first time we went, the service was bad, but I figured they needed to iron out some kinks. After this last time, I will never go back there.
Today, my husband and I went to work and have a meal. We went inside and the hostess sat us. First, she tried to place us at a middle table, but I asked if we could possibly be sat near an outlet for laptopping. She immediately sat us at the next table.
Then, we waited for 20 minutes for a waiter to show up. Finally, my husband went up to the hostess and asked who our waiter was and could she sent him or her over. The hostess admitted that she sat us in a section that was having a shift change and there was no waiter for that area. And that one would show up until 5pm. It was 4:45 and we had already sat for quite a while. The hostess then proceeded to take our order.
Our food showed up, and we had drank all of our water and we still had not seen a waiter. My husband actually got up and walked into the kitchen and filled our glasses. No one noticed.
When the waiter finally showed up at the very end of our meal, we asked for our check. And then waited and waited for the waiter to show up to pick it up. Again, my husband got up and went to the counter to pay.
I used to love going to Austin Java, but they have lost me as a customer. The full service conversion is a complete mistake. -
Review from Andrew K.
Austin, TX
Updated - 1/23/2011
Update since last time - now they doing the WAITER SERVICE?!?!??
Seriously?
I'm not a fan of it for a cafe type place like this.
Even tho the server himself wasn't bad, there is no need for that here.
Did Austin Java mgmt just do this so they can lower the pay of their employees and have the customer's make up for this by paying more with tips???
The foods alright (as it was before).
Depending on what you're in the mood for - possible to have a decent meal here. But it was already overpriced before, add in tip to the overpriced and you get.....: overpriced+tip for an average meal. (ok, I shoulda said - u do the math).
They still have decent parking, so that's a plus.
Wifi was having issues last time I was there too, fortunately I as able to get wifi from elsewhere. I will probably be getting food from somewhere else as well... at least until I hear they've gone back to the old "order up front" format.Listed in: Austin Wi-Fi Study / Work…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/10/2010
Earlier this year/last year, I probably would give Austin Java a 1 or 2 stars because of no parking… Read more »
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