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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Music Venues
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)Mon-Wed. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Unlike a lot of the reviewers, I love the atmosphere here. I don't like cozy. I like open, spacious, and sparse.
If nothing else, I will always come back for their Mexican Hot Chocolate. Delicious! Even if I didn't like the food that much, the hot chocolate would definitely be worth it. And they have a fantastic tea selection as well, including local teas.
My favorite thing about Cafe Caffeine is that power outlets are hanging from the light fixtures. I just love the way it looks. And it means I'm never going to trip over somebody's power cord!
DO NOT, NOT, NOT GO THERE. I walk up to this place and get there at about 7:17--I've never been there--I walk up and the marquee says "live comedy tonight 7:30, comedy sports" The very image of said marquee included for the following question: What would you conjecture from this sign? I just want to know opinions to know if I'm crazy. I think, 'okay I can roll with that. It might even be good'.
I ordered some food and coffee. And now I regret that I went there at all because it forced me to EVEN write this review apart from the horrid experience.
I sit at a table and wait for my food and a chick in a green dress asks me how many in my party and informs me that'll be 5 bux for the show and that if I don't pay, she may have to ask me to move to the lounge: couch with no tables (??). And immediately I am PO'd at the bait and switch (though I never feel PO'd) because there was nothing on the marquee about a cover charge, because the bait and switch should P anyone off. Usually the entertainment at cafes is free unless otherwise specified by word of mouth or signage (i.e. fiddler's hearth, music café, rockin' tomato, etc).
The waiter brings me my food and I ask him why the chick with the green dress is asking me to pay to sit at the table. "Because of the comedy" he says. I tell 'im that I wished he and the other person who helped me at the counter had let me know about the "pay or move" requirement at counter that would have left me with the option of choosing to not stay, or at least put it on the sign, I have food and a lap top and I need a table and I am NOT moving...I won't comeback here again...but I'm sitting here and that's that. And he says "alright". The chick in the green dress, the owner--I guess, asks me to pay or suggests I move to the (sinky-couch-no-tables) 'lounge' I embrace my Rosa Parks of consumerism and don't. Shiz! I'mo gon' eat, as if.
And the comedy turns out to be some milk-recital improv about pikachu and doing your homework for grade SCHOOLERS!...By rejects with bad timing and uninventive comebacks. (Seriously?! Five bux for that?)
So I gather that I quite unknowingly happened into an established thing-to-do that I'd never heard of for aged urbanites and their pre-tween progeny, and that was bad luck. Still, a simple "$5.00" tagged somewhere on the marquee would have dissuaded me from going in and prompted me to choosing another of the many other establishments a stone-throw's away. Or a "reserved" tent at the table so forth and so on. So they have a preferred, niche clientele, that's fine. Yet, It's not like I wasn't a paying customer, it's not like I hadn't already tipped forty percent, it's not like I didn't get there BEFORE these comedy viewers who never even showed up. And IF the thing is so well established, which is the only excuse I find for the lazy, uncaring, lack of warning, and an 'irregular' at the place walks in, let us know what we are going to be subjected to. It's not asking for much. I've had counter jobs, I'd do it for other people.
And their internet didn't even work, I had to write this on word and cut and paste it on to here. The food was alright, the milk in the café au lait was scorched and the coffee in the urn you self-serve/add to the scorched milk tasted like it'd been warming in there for five hours, not three, not six, right about five hours. All this eesh is bad for business. Just bad for business and if I felt that probably many others do and also faced with the discomfort just forked over the five bux or moved and eaten with their plate on their knees. NOT a good place to plug-in and hang out. Apart from the insane owner with the broken guest-service gage, the other staff was friendly.
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Most. Annoying. Coffee Shop. Ever. OMG, who ever thought that angry "I hate my dad" screaming, growly music was a good thing to play in a coffee joint.... at 11 AM on a Wednesday? Even with some ambient music playing on my headphones, I couldn't drown it out. Who knows, maybe I'm just not cool enough for this place....but, you know, if that's the case, I'm pretty much OK with that...
great place to grab a quick cup in the morning, the coffee is katz's which is sold all over town, but it does the job, the food bits are all from local restaurants and are good. It is annoying that they don't actually make anything on site, but I live around the corner so convenience factor is amazing , the staff is great.
My BF and I ventured over here a couple weeks ago looking for a place to get some work done. We were there at an odd hour of the day, so we expected it to be quite slow. We were wrong. The place was super crowded and the only tables left were too small to fit two laptops and writing materials. We also needed outlets for our dying computers, but there weren't any. The biggest problem- there was no WIFI. I'm not sure if they were having problems, but we didn't have a very pleasing experience. On the plus side, the coffee was excellent, as was our barista.
Bigger tables, more outlet access and working internet would get me in for a second go.
I was lured here by the Yelp-friendly promotion of free iced coffee this week, and I'm glad I stopped in. Coffee was tasty, staff were friendly, and they carry my favorite Tacodeli tacos. Seems like would be a good place to plug in and hang out.
Cafe Caffeine is on the upswing. After a few lackluster experiences here, the staff seems to be better and the food / coffee selections are improving.
They have a nice assortment of weekend breakfast goodies such as Tacodeli Tacos and pastries. I live in the 'hood, so it's great to have this all so close.
They also do a cold toddy brew which is one of my summer coffee favorites. It's a milder, less acidic cold coffee than iced espresso, great for a humid Sunday morning coffee fix.
Room for improvement ~ they could do a little more with the interior. I just don't quite feel like settling in as I would in, say, Flight Path or Bouldin Creek. Perhaps a few more cushy chairs and some non-fluorescent lighting.
BTW, that silly "wired!" sign has been taken down.
Give this place some time; I think it may be worthy of a four-star rating.
Since this place is in my hood, I want to like it more than I actually do. It's not quite as cozy as I'd like my neighborhood coffee house to be so that was kind of a turn off. However, the music was good on this particular Saturday morning and the cinnamon roll I split with my friend really hit the spot, all gooey and warm...
The coffee is Katz's, and was on par with the Katz's at other places in town. However, I don't think I'll be in here often as Summermoon is actually closer to my house and I like the atmosphere a lot better.
So I'm at Cafe Caffeine and it looks like it's under new management now. The new owner said he bought it about a week ago and is making some changes. Bottomless Katz coffee is 2.44, down from 3.25. It still looks the same but the new guy wants to get rid of the "Wired" sign on the back wall. Wireless is still free but still unsecured. The owner said he was looking into a secure line that would still be free. If anything drastic happens, I'll update.
As much as I like the place, I've begun to exclude it from my coffeeshop rounds because its WiFi network is extremely flaky nowadays. My last two visits (about a week apart) were exercises in electronic frustration, and it'll be a while before I give Caffeine another shot. Meanwhile, Fair Bean Coffee -- around the corner on S. 1st near Live Oak -- has a reliable network, bigger (if fewer) tables, and a half-caf option in their help-yourself lineup everyday. Right now, it's a no-brainer.
UPDATE: I'm in Cafe Caffeine now -- a week later -- and online without any problems. Maybe they've fixed their problem.
I was introduced to Cafe Caffeine through the local co-working meetup group, Jelly, where a good-sized group of folks are working together and everyone is on their laptop. Cafe Caffeine is really friendly towards us, with a solid wireless connection, tons of space and (aerial) power outlets. When I have had the coffee before, it was pretty good - they're not kidding with the name though, I had a mocha and it was loaded with caffeine, something I usually don't have a problem with. The snacks are excellent too - try out the samosa/empanadas and the cinnamon rolls. Added bonus about this place is that a the whole place is very vegan/vegetarian friendly, if that's your cup of tea (or coffee?).
Service is very good - the employees are all really friendly and the cafe is very well kept-up, it's clean, spacious and the music is pretty good and low-key.
I know I'm going against the grain, because most reviews speak well of Cafe Caffeine. And, in all fairness, I have no business writing a review on this place, because I never ordered anything, but the reason I never ordered anything was I just didn't feel comfy there. I sat on the couch, checked my email, and left.
I went there during the middle of the day, so maybe it's a better night spot.
So what scared me away? Well, maybe it was that the place lacked any feeling of privacy, and so I was forced to overhear every word of a conversation at one table. Tables were too close together, and made me feel claustrophobic. The layout was too symmetrical. There was no interesting energy flow around the big room. They should put some curtains up--or something--to break up the space. You saw all the "inner guts" of their business, cardboard boxes, and cleaning supplies.
I'm sure it could be a cool place if they put some more thought into the design. I love the location. I love that it's a local business. I love they have WiFi - though I didn't see many jacks. In time, I hope this place does a little interior decorating. I know I sound like a snob. But - I figure it's worth giving a contrasting opinion, and let the readers decide. I'll go back and order coffee next time, and if my experience is better, I'll add stars. Until then, only two for making me not want to stay. I want to be seduced when I go on a first date with a new spot.
I was a little underwhelmed. I had some work to do, and I remembered the good reviews of this place on Yelp, so I decided to give it a whirl.
I just got a bottomless cup of coffee (Costa Rican), which I'd give a 7.5 on my Taste-O-Meter (patent pending). It also wasn't so hot temperature-wise. What was cool, though, was the decor. I sat in the little nook comprised of a vintage couch and coffee table. After a time, I leaned back to rest a moment, and saw they have little vintage radios hanging from the ceiling. Very cool.
Unfortunately, that's where my good times ended. One of the employees, who was checking her email, got a phone call. She talked. And talked. This woman was not using her inside voice, either. She kept talking, and now I know all about her friend's legal troubles. I couldn't concentrate on my work. At one point, another customer and I shared a moment when we both realized we were staring at the loud employee.
I gathered my things. No more work would be done. She was still talking as I walked out. But what I really wanted to do before I left was summon the spirit of the late, great Chris Farley: "Why don't you just SHUT YOUR BIG YAPPER!!"
I don't know so much about going there for coffee, although its name suggests it not once, but twice. It's a great venue to see live music because the stage is up and center, there are lots of places to sit, and you can BYOB. Some may find this inconvenient, but I say bringing your own six-pack or a flask of tequila, and not having to deal with downtown parking, is all around cheaper and easier. And if you happen to get hungry, you can grab one of those super delicious Green Cart wraps. (The best a Red River bar will offer are peanuts or jerky.)
Although there is only one bathroom for women, it's so comfortable, you may just want to take a drink in there and relax. It's clean, large, and there's a chair in the corner to set down your purse and coat. This is a deluxe water closet.
Also, if the bathroom sign, either for the men or women's bathroom, ever disappears - it's because I couldn't help taking it. Too cool. Where can I get one?
I been here twice and both times it was for a knitter meetup.
Sadly enough, I do not knit. I have friends that knit, but I personally do not knit.
I digress...what I like about Cafe Caffeine is that it feels like a neighborhood joint with families coming and going, people spending hours soaking up caffeine and wi-fi. The place is a little sparse as a nod to the 1950's inspired interior, but also has little thrift store touches here and there.
Don't forget to check out the wall of bumper stickers while you are there - they are always good for a laugh. Try their carrot cake - it's delicious!
One of the more intriguing things about South Austin is the way it plays out structurally: rows of traditional Texas shotgun-style homes interspersed with modern, HGTV-savvy, Architectural Digest-friendly marvels. And the Cafe Caffeine plays out a little like a marriage of the modern and kitschy neighborhood where it lives, from the oft-noted mod waterfall in the outside sitting area, to the thrift-store accoutrements inside: 50's style kitchen tables, space-cadet light fixtures, the giant back-lit "Wired" sign on the door, vintage radios sprinkled betwixt and between.
The staff is a little punky and super friendly, authentic and gregarious, maybe in that order. It's clear that there's no put-on here, and my recent mid-afternoon stop featured an array of locals, musicians planning future collaborations (including some wildy gesticulating story about a studio operator whose first foray engineering was for Hendrix...wow). The conversation in here sounds like independent film, and I'm a sucker for that kinda thing.
I can't comment on the temperature of the coffee as it was too hot outside to consider a steaming cup, but they make a tasty Italian soda (granted, hard to mess that up) and my planned quick stop-in quickly evolved into a couple of hours in a comfortable chair with a cast of colorfuls. I'll stop back in to try some chocolate cake, to slam an espresso, or to sip on something else with ice in it. But mostly I'll stop by to see who's stopped by.
Look no further than Cafe Caffeine if you're looking for a good meeting place for your cult, sleeper cell, or any other niche cultural or artistic-leaning society.
Every time I've been there (and I go there a lot - it's in my 'hood) for my requisite iced latte (also great - especially when the cute mohawk girl makes it - I think crack is her secret ingredient), there's been a different yet equally interesting crowd hanging out for poetry readings, acoustic performances, literary debates and last night - some sort of multimedia presentation on Palestine strife. Two old French dudes were in a heated debate with some younger passionate folk about the war in Iraq and other related goings-on in the Middle East. It reminded me of my Western Civ class in high school. I felt a little more culturally enlightened just being near them at the barrista.
Cafe Caffeine is in the great hidden (it feels hidden, at least) neighborhood of Bouldin Creek, so it really does feel homey. There's a lot of people with their laptops and hey, if you forgot yours or don't have one, there's even free imacs you can jump on to enjoy the free wifi. There's also a lot of people reading important looking books. I almost feel guilty that I don't bring something as a prop because I always think literary types will give me judging eyes for being too plebian, but thankfully this place is too laid-back for that.
Great shaded patio, delicious-looking treats and snacks that I have yet to try - from lunch empanadas to homemade lemon bars (!!), vegan pumpkin bread, apple pie and even brekkie burritos. The decor is comfortably mismatched and the bathroom is a cool non-sequitur in and of itself.
And remember, Moxie & the Compound is next door if you feel you need to empty your wallet a little more and support your local designers.
It's kind of like a non-violent version of Russian Roulette when you come here; you just never know what kind of crowd or vibe you're going to get. For me, I will continue pulling that happy trigger every day.
i rolled out of bed around noon and managed to arrive in one piece at this place in order to try their iced coffee. damn good cold-brewed coffee. i camped out on a comfy couch and utilized their wi-fi. they sell lots of local baked goods; have friendly, quirky staff and neighborhood-hangout vibe, and a nice, semi-shaded patio with a fountain.
my only problems: i'd like them to have a printed menu or something that's easier to navigate when i arrive uncaffeinated, and they should get some extension cords for people with laptops. but otherwise... i recommend highly!
I have been looking for a place where I can hang out, go online, snack and relax. Cafe Caffeine is that place for me. What cinched it for me was that it is owned by friends. I know I can plug in my laptop and get on the internet, spend a Saturday afternoon sipping iced tea, having a nosh from time to time, and staying for a rousing show of ComedySportz or performances by interesting musicians.
I visited this place for the first time this morning and was very pleasantly surprised.
It has a nice atmosphere and pretty good drink list/menu.
The blueberry italian soda was really good.
But what I really liked was how laid back it was and how nice the barista was.
I also liked that it wasn't too loud like spiderhouse.
Which may just be that way during the time I went.
I'm not sure.
But I do know I'll be going back soon.
Alterna-pop bleats in the background, antique transistor radios are tied to the ceiling for some reason I have a laptop. I notice there are not enough ac plugs to power my computy. :(
My soy mate-latte is delish and the bathrooms make me remember why this place is nice. Theater Arts rehearsals are taking place and the lil' flowers on the table are real! wow.
Delightful neighborhood caffe, (yes, 2 ff s)
Rumor has it that the co-owner was a producer of Adult movies.
I gave up on this place after I asked for one of their holiday coffee drinks this last Christmas. They sold me a so-called "gingerbread latte" for more than $5 which was the worst I've ever had--lukewarm and nasty.
I'm all about supporting local business, but when the Starbucks around the corner makes better coffee AND is cheaper, you have a problem.
I love this place...it just gets better and better. The manager Susan, is gorgeous and the staff are relaxed and helpful. Love the coffee there, oh and they have some of the best teas in town...whether you like them hot or iced. Great wireless to get some work done too. The owners are awesome people.
I love my visits to this little futuristic space capsule in SOCO.
My favorite non fat double latte is served here. Ambiance is something like a bunch of weirdo hipsters and hippies on laptops, trendy location, um, can you say awesome. I like to go when the weather is nice and sip some joe by their outdoor sculpture fountain thing. The fountain is awful, I love it!
I drove to this far away location from my north Austin abode to meet some friends for a coffee happy hour. I liked it. They had great hot tea, signs everywhere advertising entertainment many nights of the week, comfy couches and an array of interesting types to people watch.
Then, several weeks after, I met the old owner of Cafe Caffeine.Ive never met a coffee shop owner before. Just thought that was cool.
For a liberal hip wi-fi friendly coffee shop on the south side, I definitely recommend this joint.
Seriously man ... I got in the habit of coming a couple summers ago just about every morning before work. (Chai latte ... Yummy!) Just about every time I come here someone walks thru the door that I know from somewhere else. Weird. I like the free WiFi and the Vegan Pumpkin bread and the muffins. I like sitting outside when it's nice. I like people watching here. I like that the staff gets to know your name :-) And there is always some totally wacky conversation you can get yourself wrapped into!
Cafe Caffeine is definitely worth a visit, mainly because it has a totally unique vibe that you won't find anywhere else in Austin. Not sure exactly what that vibe is, or how to describe it, but it's there.
The usually crowded shop has your expected selection of square tables, couches and bar-style laptop workstations (the place is wi-fi). Cafe Caffeine also has a large menu, long list of hot and cold beverages, and some mighty tempting wrapped baked goods. I haven't yet had a chance to sample their coffee, but my bet is that it's good...at least that's what I would guess from the number of people drinking it.
There's a political undertone to this java house. Yes, you could probably make that argument about any coffee shop, since the usually small and independent businesses tend to draw issues-oriented and current-events conscious folks. But here there is something different. Maybe it's just the time of day that I've happened to be there, but there are always several group "meetings" going on. People are excited about things. And if for no other reason, stop by Cafe Caffeine for their humorous collection of bumper stickers. You'll recognize many of them, but I guarantee they've got a few you haven't seen before.
Definitely worth a visit.
I usually end up dropping in on Saturday morning, when it has a heartwarming knitting scene. The overall vibe is unapologetically liberal, but it is very comfortable and welcoming. Outside by the fountain is nice when the weather cooperates
Once in a while you will get a grumpy server. You may have to search for a plug anywhere nearby. It is more of a social coffeehouse than a workplace, and that is fine with me.
As I rode by, I glimpsed what I thought was a new coffeeshop about 30 yards away, on the corner. I hope not.
Pretty cool coffee shop in a pretty cool part of town. I wish this place had been there when I lived two blocks away.
The coffee was good and the pastries I've had (banana nut loaf and blueberry muffins) have been quality stuff. They have a couple of cool couches, a swell booth, and occasional live acoustic music.
If you're political, they have many stickers with pro-democratic slogans, which any anti-Bush person would love. If you support the current administration, you might want to come equipped with some comebacks to defend yourself with.
I admit I don't go to Cafe Caffeine regularly, but I think that's about to change. My favorite coffeehouse drink is a large iced chai with a shot of espresso and while I've had baristas at other coffeehouses roll their eyes when I ask for something that "complicated," the baristas at Cafe Caffeine are always friendly about it -- and they make it reeeeeely well.
I love the atmosphere there -- some coffeehouses in Austin, I feel like I have to get dressed up just to go there, but not at Cafe Caffeine. And the retro-futuristic decor is just great.
They have a great selection of food & snacks, and I've always found everything to be reasonably priced -- last night I got a tasty lemon-poppyseed muffin and what amounted to a vat of iced chai with espresso, made with soy milk, for just over $6. I've paid about that much at a couple of spots downtown that didn't have the great vibe, easy parking and friendly service Cafe Caffeine offers. (And I swear their chai is better than any other I've found in Austin.)
When it comes to free Wi-fi in the South 1st street area, Cafe Caffeine is the best. They have super cute, comfortable vintage couches and furniture and RICK PERRY mini-pinatas! This place makes all your Starbucks favorites for a fraction of the price, and sometimes they serve refreshing hibiscus-mint-lemonade (I hear hibiscus tea is big here).
Cafe Caffeine is also a great place to watch bands perform. I saw my roommate's folk band, Some Say Leland, play here just a week ago and it was so cozy and intimate, unlike so many other cafes. Another plus is, since they don't sell beer or wine, it's BYOB - or it least it was that night.
What keeps me coming back is their relatively reliable Wi-Fi, interesting assortment of regulars (including an older guy in Wranglers and a gimme cap), location (!), and the fact that I have not yet been too cold or too hot inside. The coffee and tea is okay but isn't presented very well, and even though they have some vegan options, they skimp on quality when it comes to some other items, like lemonade (Country Time? C'mon.) I'm almost always able to get work done there, tho', which is nice, and they let goofy tech clubs like Creative Commons and Social Media Club have meetings there.
Great random seating- booths, couches, and really, I've never been in here when there wasn't some stone cold fox either working behind the counter, or quietly working on their laptop.
Cool patio in front with a waterfall, to at least mentally cool you down as our summer sun sets us on fire.
Personally have never seen it crowded during the day, and do like that, but there is a nice sprawl inside.
At night there is ALWAYS something happening here, from speakers to poets to music to student discount nights...SXSW here in out of control, and this year have over 50 acts performing (including Michelle Shocked) all day from 11 - 11.
Love Cafe Caffeine! The shop itself is cute with it's funky decor and ceiling outlets and there is plenty of space to grab a seat. My boyfriend works from home so he likes to ride his bike here to work sometimes. I haven't had their coffee, I usually just get the soy chai latte and it's always really good. The staff is very friendly, I haven't tried the pastries but I plan too. This would be a great place to study for people who don't have ADD like I do, whenever I plan to study at a coffee shop it never happens, I just end up people watching the whole time.
delicious, fair-trade, organic coffee!!!
vegan pumpkin and banana-nut bread!!!
(that is what my mornings consist of)
...
i was here one mornin' having a little coffee, reading before class.
i had only been there once before, but loved the little outside sitting area, so went back.
well the coffee and bread was grand, but i had to leave.
so i get into my car. and oh shit. it won't start.
this presents a dilemma. i had only been here once. i didn't know anyone. what should i do?
so i go inside and ask them if i can leave my car there for a couple of hours so i could go to class.
well, not only did they okay that, the manager/owner(?), susan, proceeds to walk down a couple of blocks and drive her van over to try and jump start mine. well it doesn't work. so i call AAA and they come. the dude can't get it to start. so i go in and again talk to them about leaving it and waiting for a tow truck. well one of the baristas (ahh i forgot his name) is apparently an ex auto mechanic and has just arrived to work. so susan recruits him and he goes and inspects my car. turns out some wiring is fucked and i have to go buy a piece for it. so i go to the store and buy it, come back and he fixes it for me!!!
so i end up spending all day chatting with the locals and getting high on coffee... it was fabulous.
this is, by far, the best place to ever break down.
and... makes little old lesbian me feel very at home. :)
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: Coffee & Tea
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