BuzzMill Coffee

9/2/2014

If Ron Swanson was a bar, he would be The Buzz Mill.

They've given me some awesome memories, and not-so-hard hangovers. Never mind that they have also shown their customers awesome gestures on particular nights. The music is never bad and I personally do not mind the stink of burning wood outside.  I'm not much for Bloody Mary's, but they seem pretty adherent to them. I can appreciate that. Its like a buffet of radness. Even for the spectators. The bartenders more often than not are pretty chill. And when a hangover decides to visit, I can cruise on by for power coffee and some groovy brunch.

The east side is changing. I hope The Buzz Mill is able to maintain itself and continue to kick so much ass. Get hip to it.

10/6/2014

Open 24/7
Blue ox BBQ in the back is great!
Coffee is good (not great), and a little expensive....
Inside they have some baked goods and tamales- tamales are pretty good.
I would say it's around 3.5 starts but gave them 4 to round up because the guys in the back are always pretty nice :)

9/18/2014

I mostly like the fact that this place is always open and it's across the street from my apartment. The coffee is a little bitter for me, but with much doctoring, I can adjust it to my liking. The homemade teas, however, are great, and I will suaully opt for the tea :) I have yet to experience the BBQ out back, but it is definitely on my short list of things to do.

I must mention though, if you want to come here to do work, and think that you can do so in their "quiet area" reserved for non-talkers.... you are sorrily mistaken. Unfortunately, people do not know how to  read signs, so more often than not there will be some chatty Kathys back here.

10/19/2014

I love everything about this bar- except the service. I've had 4 different employees working at the bar when I've been there, and each one treated me with indifference at best. Last night, there were 4 groups ahead of my sister and me and two bartenders, who should have been able to go through the line easily. One was just talking on the phone (chubby, long beard) and the other slowly grumped through the line. I feel guilty about not leaving a tip- but who would leave a tip for that service? I want to like this bar! But the customer service ruins it.

10/9/2014

The girl at the counter taught me about caffeine content in different types of coffee. Was very interesting. The customer service here is great and I only had chamomile tea but it was delicious.

10/8/2014

Bbq outside made up for experience.

8/17/2014

Let me preface by saying I didn't come here to hang out, but rather to grab coffee on my way to get the day started on a late Sunday morning, so I can't say much about the space itself, I'd maybe, just maybe, give it another shot at night.  I love in the neighborhood and have seen good "buzz" about Buzzmill.  If I could stand being around that many hipsters (although watching them in their natural habitat can be fascinating). The space looks pretty nice and I saw they had some cool infused booze possibly worth trying not on a Sunday morning.

My first impression is that the coffee sucks and the staff were a little slow. The guy who took my order seemed nice enough as did the guy who made it, but he took forever making two drinks and my latte was sub-par.  The coffee had a stale taste...?  And it was too milky. Yes, I know I ordered a latte but it just didn't taste right. I was there for 25 minutes and there was only one order for 2 iced coffees ahead of me.  I know coffee drinks are an art form and it takes time to make a good one, but this was not worth the time.  And it was overpriced for the quality.  If you're going to advertise yourself as a hip, unique space that features caffeinated drinks as prominently as alcohol, you'd better get them right, especially if you're going to charge more than Starbucks.

I'd like to give 2 1/2 stars for the hope that this was a one time fluke, but two for the fact that what I came in for wasn't very good and I had to wait too long for it. Maybe I will update though after trying out the nightlife here.

7/28/2014

Buzz Mill is a really unique, cool spot in east Austin. Drive up, see the massive sign, park, get out and look around...and suddenly you realize you've stepped back in time to the Old West or as others have stated "Lumber Jack Land!" Greeted by a huge stuffed bear at the entrance and then to the wood carved coffee/bar counter...watch out for that beaver sticking his head out! Buzz Mill is certainly themed; however, not overly done (a.k.a. cheesy). Divey, yet somehow a tad trendy at the same time.

Vast coffee assortment. Local roasts available. I don't indulge in the caffeinated stuff, but my husband ordered a cup of simple drip ($2; $1 after getting a $1 off Yelp check-in offer!) and he said it was great. Smelled good! I was also thrilled he wasn't buying from overpriced Starbucks (yup, I am a hater of the corp!). Buzz Mill apparently offers great coffee and the prices on the board are certainly appealing. Great java for ya dolla!

This "coffee house" also has a full service bar. A few beers on tap, some in bottles, and an inviting assortment of over two dozen house-made infused liquors ("elixirs") such as Apple Cinnamon Whiskey, Blackberry Sage Tequila, and Pineapple Rum. Having had a "pickle shot" before and really enjoyed it (I know!), I opted for the Spicy Dill Pickle Vodka. Umm...very very strange. Not very dilly, and "spicy" = nutmeg and cinnamon spicy - not chile', hot pepper "spicy." None for me again thank you. Also had a $2 Hamms - cheap beer for cheap price- call me happy cheap person.

Next, into the "backyard." More wood "fort-like" stuffs about. Large space with plenty of tables, dog water bowls everywhere (super pet friendly - yay!), a small stage, and two food trucks! - BBQ (Blue OX) and Vegan Tacos (The Vegan Nom). If you're hungry, which we were, oddly different choices but both great......yes, we sampled a bit (ok, large samples) from both trucks. Couldn't resist.

So visit Riverside, grab a drink of your choice, head out to the patio and enjoy some meat and/or tofu, hang out with cool people and even cooler dogs...and...just enjoy!

TIPS: The Buzz Mill coffee bar is open 24 hours; both food trucks stay open late, even on Sundays.

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  Classy Hamms & a pickle shot..yum

  Classy Hamms & a pickle shot..yum
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  Fresh fruit liqours

  Fresh fruit liqours
• See all photos from Dawn H.

7/25/2014

The staff inside are too busy being hipster and acting cool that they don't have much attention for the customers. . Maybe it fits because all the patrons i saw were hipsters.. i wonder if they knew i was an Army Veteran,  center right leaning, gun concealing country boy, if they would run me off. I did love the $1 beer though!

The guy in the bbq truck (the blue ox) seemed like he hated the world and didn't feel inclined to serve me.  I ordered the pork tender loin at the chefs recommendation but it was kinda gross.  Maybe because i don't drink coffee, but the tinder loin is rolled in coffee grounds.  Not for my appetite! The German style potato salad was bland and boring. .i wish i had my 20 bucks back. .

9/24/2014

Went here for the first time yesterday and will be back asap! Good prices on coffee and staff was very friendly.  I love that there are different sections of the place depending on what type of mood you're in.  I chose the study/quiet area but will be back and sit on the patio.

8/24/2014

Love this 24 hour coffee shop! I've spent many late nights studying here.
They also serve alcohol & have comedy shows !
Nothing but Good vibes & good food on the patio area..
Definitely one of the best spots on the east side.

7/26/2014

Simply put, the barista was in kind of a horrendous mood and was really grumpy after I ordered a cappuccino on a Sunday afternoon.

The coffee was fine, the service was not. I probably won't go back simply for that reason especially since there are plenty of other non-grumpy baristas down South.

9/22/2014

Great coffee, nice people and fast service. I love the homemade infused liquor.

9/22/2014

Best coffee I've found in all of Austin, friendly staff (no matter what time of day or night!) and really, who doesn't love a giant taxidermy bear?!

9/23/2014

I came here at about 10pm with a major coffee craving, apparently half of this place is a bar with so many awesome drinks they have these cute little jars where the flavor their on vodka, rum...ect so cute!! But on the other side they have tons of coffee options, the service was exceptional the guy that took my order was super nice!! And coffee was amazing!!

9/20/2014

Buzz mill disappointed me. As far as Austin coffee shops go, this place isn't up to par. I felt bad for the barista, who was working on a weekend day all by himself, and slammed. The cold brew coffee had a bitter taste, and the whole place felt gimmicky and forced.

10/5/2014

I don't usually go here because, you know, I actually live in the neighborhood (and not South Shore district lol), but my friend was visiting and liked stand up, so I figured I'd take them. Come here if you want your bartender to lecture you about your choices ad nauseum.  At the end of a pretentiously long basically debate over my beer choice with the bartender, I asked for a Shiner and the bartender said they didn't carry that, but they had "aaaactual loooocal aaaaustin brews" that he was "suuuuure were muuuuch better than shiiiiner *slow jerk*" I forget who owns Buzz Mill, Midway Field House, (one of their employees cat-called me today. I like their bartenders though, much chiller than Buzz Mill), etc. but whoever they are they are ruining the neighborhood and need to get out, for real.

9/22/2014

This was my 3rd time in before work.  Each time a different employee, each time very friendly and engaging.  Not to mention one of the best iced lattes in Austin.  Oh, and those maple donuts, YUM, vegan-bonus!
Will definitely be coming back for an evening visit.

6/22/2014

Great outside seating, dog friendly, BBQ, and infused drinks all get 5 stars....
Downside...if you ain't got piercings and or tatts and or Cool hipster attire, the bartenders look and speak to you like shit and really make u feel like your putting them out by ordering a drink.
When it gets busy you are literally waiting in a 15minute line every time you get a drink.... They desperately need to get servers and it would triple their sales..... Guess it ain't "cool"
Anyhooo, the service is the downfall, place and drinks are fantastic

9/17/2014

Free wifi, excellent workspace. They infuse their own liquor here, including a Bear Mace Whisky that I'm too afraid to try. You order inside and then are free to sit wherever. My only complaint is the lack of vegetarian food trucks, but they have some pretty good Bean and Cheese tamales!

6/24/2014

Buzzmill , nice seating out side cool place to hang out with your friends
Although the one of bartender don't like you if you are colored, I brought visitors from other state, they really really like Austin but the experience of the place ruins it for them.

8/20/2014

We went to Buzz Mill because we had heard how awesome their bar was, and there USED to be an awesome taco truck in the back. However once we walked in and saw the taxidermy on the walls as "art" we turned right back around and walked out. Whether you are vegetarian or not, having dead animal heads where you're trying to eat is gross, and not very tasteful. I'm sure we would visit again if the taxidermy was removed or replaced with something more appealing.

7/18/2014 Updated review

OK, I take it back. I like BuzzMill. The music is still hit or miss, but the wifi is pretty solid now, they have a nice, quiet room section off to the side, and it's great to be able to switch to draft beer as the day rolls on.

And they have tacos and barbecue right outside, so you can't beat that.

4/12/2014

How have I lived in Austin for so long and not been here?! (I've since been back two more times in 7 days).

House-made infused liquors ftw:
Grapefruit gin.
Pecan bourbon.
Cucumber rose gin.
Vanilla orange vodka.
and more.

They don't have a cocktail menu. You drink that shit with soda and you like it.

As if it couldn't get better than that: They serve beer. Good beer. It's open 24/7. There is a giant grizzly inside. There is lots of wood. It's kinda grungy, but it works. Big patio. Dog-friendly. Live music at times. Mini skee ball games. A BBQ trailer. Some kind of all-you-can-eat pancake thing on the weekends.

Oh, ya, it's called Buzz Mill, I hear they also serve coffee here.

I want to move in.

8/22/2014

Riverside needed this! Awesome infused whiskeys (peach is amazing). Great beer selection and atmosphere. Love the outdoor patio and live music. Great location for a pre drink before a show at Emo's. I will be back to pet the raccoon.

8/2/2014

Iced mocha was delicious, I'd ask for them to add more ice or make it colder. This place is so cute and they're pet friendly. If you're hungry they have a bbq food truck and a vegan taco food truck out on the patio.

4/24/2014

Unlike other self-billed "versatile" establishments, The Buzz Mill actually is able to pull off its many facets without destroying the experience.

The Buzz Mill is a 24/7 coffee shop/lounge/bar with food trucks. Whoa, really? All of those? Any one of those things could be a successful, self-sustaining business in this town. But Buzz Mill does them all, and does them all well.

The secret to The Buzz Mill's success? Probably its spaciousness. It's not a huge place, but each one of its three sections has the right size and feel. The sections are the outdoors, the indoors, and a long, thin room.

The outdoor section is The Buzz Mill's largest and most social section. It has a two food trucks, a stage with some benches, plenty of tables and seating, and even games to play (big jenga and skeeball--you know that one game you always played to get tickets at Chuckee Cheese's). You won't feel crowded outdoors--even on the weekend nights, which is when they have live music and things get a little hoppin'.
The Buzz Mill is not a typical bar scene on the weekend, though--it's a lot more chill; it's a place you would go with your friends to get a drink and chill. It's not a place to dance or to get cray-z.

The indoors is a lot more intimate, and it's a little less social. Some people study inside and some people chat. They have a long bar with a surprising amount of variety. They have a ton of different coffee drinks and a ton of different alcoholic drinks. Their specialty is infused-liquor drinks. They have a ton of interesting combinations that will pique your curiosity.

They also have this long, thin room that seemed a little secluded. I got the impression this was a kind of dedicated study spot. People come with their laptops and books to study here; presumably they're trying to get work done. Even though it has a bustling social scene not more than a few feet away, you wouldn't have a problem feeling comfortable enough to get work done here.

The Buzz Mill is a place for all seasons. Highly recommend.

5/23/2014

Open 24/7

Thursday 1 free beer (customer appreciation)!

Nice outdoor seating. A few outlets inside and outside with free wifi for those who like working 24/7.

Very tasty and unique infusions. I tried the apple cinnamon with ginger and whiskey- it tasted like a Christmas Yankee Candle, in a good way!

Has 2 food trucks- cash only.

5/12/2014

I live in the neighborhood (walking distance when I feel like it, conveniently near a bus stop when I don't), so I'm here pretty often.

+ the wifi has been spotty before, but in general it's okay.
+ the back room is quieter (no speakers back there), until annoying UT bros show up being super loud and/or that one person thinks it's okay to watch youtube videos without headphones in. in general it's a good spot to get work done. the tables are on the small side, but it works for me. outlets at every table are a nice plus.
+ i remember really liking the hot coffee the first time i went there. i get iced coffee usually and it's pretty good, but a bit expensive (like $3.25 or something?). i get a dirty chai a lot and it's okay, i don't know why i keep getting it though.
+ i've had some of the fancy liquors and those are good and cheap!
+ my one complaint is i wish they had more food options. i don't always wanna eat bbq (though it is tasty).
+ OH, BUT THE MAPLE DONUT IS SLAMMIN. WOW. WOWWWW.

3/31/2014

My best friend has been talking about this place for awhile now, and when we finally decided to go, it was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting for a place like this to be located on riverside.

The place was like a cute wooden cabin with wooden booths inside. There's actually two sections when you go inside. The main section has a good amount of tables and is a nice place to socialize with friends. If you're going there to study, there's a section that's kind of narrow with wooden booths and tables where you can go. It's a pretty closed off place and is perfect for one or two people. It could also be a nice spot for a date if you want to sit there and stare at each other.

They have a lot of liquor on the wall. I've only been here for the mocha, but they have a whole wall dedicated to just liquor. It's pretty different and unique liquor too. I love mochas. They are my life. The mocha here was pretty good, but it was tiny! The taste was great, until you drink about half of it and then all the mocha was just sitting there. It became too strong/chocolatey that I couldn't drink it anymore. Even though I stirred it when I got it, it was still way too much.

3/14/2014

Wow!  This place has very good coffee (AROUND THE CLOCK!),  and a very good BBQ trailer in back (and another trailer for vegan tacos - something for everyone!).  I will definitely come back often.  What's better than brisket, slow cooker beans, and a delicious cappuccino for breakfast?  Maybe it's my Texan sensibilities, but I think there is NOTHING better.
I love the decor - the artwork in the back room, the giant taxidermied bear in a sweater, and the whole feel of the place - permeated with the smell of coffee and so much wooden-ness everywhere, feels so inviting and comfortable.   I love it.

5/6/2014

Good beers! Great outside area! Vegan food outside!

Huzzah!

4/16/2014

I can't add much to what others have written. The set up here reminds me of The Truck Yard on Lower Greenville in Dallas.  It's a bar with food trucks attached and both indoor and outdoor seating. And you can get your buzz on there if you're so inclined. Artisan coffee and craft beer.

Didn't try the various coffees since I was there for BBQ, but did take advantage of their more than adequate beer selection.

With the trend among beer nerds being more and more taps, Buzz Mill is smart to have a more limited but very well thought out variety. And, they throw in a wild card -- Hamm's both in cans and on draught. Haven't seen Hamm's since I had all my hair. Quite possibly the new PBR.

One negative, though a minor one -- no Lone Star.  What? I don't get it. But maybe Lone Star doesn't appeal to their demographic.

Ambiance is very neo East Austin.

7/12/2014

This is a good first date spot- easy to find, close to where I live, 24 hours... But the coffee isn't that great. If you like spice, order a Bloody Mary with the jalapeño habanero infused vodka... It'll knock your socks off. Or burn the  taste buds off your tongue. There's a quiet little section hidden away which I liked... But for now I'm not looking for any first dates, and I'm not looking to get my dude hooked on something I'm not all that into.

1/14/2014

How have I never heard of this place until now?!

Thanks to a great tip from Do512 my buddies and I headed over to try their $7 bottomless flapjacks. It's tucked away in a super sketchy area of E Riverside but is SUPER cool on the inside. Awesome woodsy decor, friendly staff, nice large outdoor seating area. Lots of games on hand if you're hanging out.

The flapjack breakfast was great. Comes with bottomless flapjacks, 1 slice of bacon and scrambled eggs for $7. You have to purchase $1 tickets for extra bacon or eggs. Bloody Mary's are $4 in pint glasses with an awesome assembly bar set up. Kick ass!

Coffee is cheap and tasty. AND it's 24 hours! We will absolutely be back.

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  Awesome woodsy interior

  Awesome woodsy interior
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  $7 bottomless breakfast

  $7 bottomless breakfast

5/7/2014

It is really cool that they allow food trucks in the back of the buzz mill.
get a rewards card because you are going to want it! One of the best coffee shops I've ever been to, and you absolutely have to taste those vegan tacos in the back.

7/27/2014

This is one of those bars that should be noted for having an awesome huge patio. They have plenty of games outside to keep you entertained and always a couple of food trucks that serve great unique food. Unfortunately, it's a little far south otherwise I would come more often. The bar staff can be a little grouchy at times which I found a little strange...but I've only been there a few times. They have good drink combos and selections to choose from, both beer and well drinks of your choosing. Very hipster, but chill, low key scene. Oh and you can have your dogs on the patio as long as they're on leash!

12/23/2013

Finally another place that serves coffee 24 hours! However, I'm not sure I would study here, as I found myself drinking candy cane infused vodka white russian, a chestnut whiskey and coke, and some wassail (hot apple cider with whiskey). Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! That's pretty much how it went down after those drinks.

Also, this place has great games at like every table! I can't wait to come back! Maybe even one day to work, you never know....

1/7/2014

Yes. Just yes.

Greeaaat coffee, infused liquors, fire pits, BBQ, vegan tacos, beeeeeer. Greatest ambiance ever. I dunno, I love it.

12/29/2013

I like the BBQ, good taste, and it's fresh. The coffee is good too, along with the others, the only thing bad is the wifi. It never connects. I mean never.

But it's ok , I will try again this place, maybe it was because I was at that little room where the individual tables are situated.