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Halcyon Coffee-Bar-Lounge
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Nightlife Bars Coffee & Tea, Bars [Edit]
218 W 4th StAustin, TX 78701
Neighborhoods: Warehouse District, Downtown
(512) 472-9637
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 2 am
Fri 7 am - 3 am
Sat 8 am - 3 am
Sun 8 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
252 reviews for Halcyon Coffee-Bar-Lounge
Review Highlights
252 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan R.
1/30/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I've had nothing but good times here. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of high society (minus the intimidation) and straight up coolness. The bartenders/baristas, although they can be a little testy at times, are always in good humor and will chat with you if they have the time. It's not on Congress, but still has bragging rights on the right-in-the-middle-of-downtwon swank boost.
This place is relaxing and stimulating at the same time. Nice drink selection, great coffee and espresso based drinks, a modest but unexpected humidor with a decent cigar selection, and the option to play with fire (while roasting smores; a well hated practice of the fire marshall's, which just makes me enjoy it more).
Great for first dates and for showing Austin off to out-of-towners!
I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my new friend Kate Barton, who's art display in Halcyon gives it so much of its character.Listed in: Courage on Draft
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Review from April S.
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
3 words that will make sure I come back to Halcyon over and over: Chocolate Espresso Martini. Oh my god is this thing amazing! Be careful eating the chocoloate off the rim (a must as it adds to the tastiness) so you don't bite the class, but man what a drink. It was a perfect start to a long bike ride with friends.
Halcyon is a great place to meet people, hang out and enjoy some table-side s'mores! The folks are laid back, had no problem when a swarm of 15 women showed up and took over the outdoor space, and flirted with the cuties who mixed drinks and took orders.
Great location, good drinks, and tasty snacks. You can't go wrong! -
Review from Edward W.
Houston, TX
1/12/2012
I was here 2 hours early to meet with the Texas Medical Board. I needed a good coffee shop that serves breakfast with wifi while I wait. This is the one stop shop for a busy professional.
I got me a large Ethopian Harar coffee and a panini. I sat myself at a corner dining table instead of the bar tables in the main dining area. I also had a choice of sitting at the bar but I wanted my little privacy.
Mmmm... I love the smell of coffee. Little warning ...... the coffee here is a little strong. I ordered a large cup of Ethopian Harar and when I got down to 1/4 I felt wired. =) This is supposedly the coffee with medium caffeine. Next time I will order the small cup.
My breakfast panini came out nice and hot. It had little charcoal on it from a dirty grill but hey it's not going to kill you. Minus a quarter star.... Is that possible?
I came back here after meeting with the Texas Medical Board. I decided to relax so I sat in the comfortable lounge area with big sofas and pillows......
Hip...
Clean....
Awesome service!
Conveniently located across the street from the Texas Medical Board and in the heart of downtown Austin, this is a very Classy place with a Full bar stocked with all your liquor and liqueurs. Bailey's anyone?
I believe Halcyon is connected to a night club downstairs which opens at night.
Breakfast, lunch, quick snack, this is the ultimate happy lounge to chill!
I am from Houston and coffee shops in Houston just suck. They catered to immature little kids with loud blasting music that makes it difficult for anyone to concentrate or read a newspaper. I am at home here! If there is a coffee shop like this Houston, I'd be in it every day to catch up on my paperwork and when I'm done I get me a shot of Patron to relax at the outside patio. -
Review from Holly N.
Austin, TX
2/8/2012
Very Austin-y place, if you know what I mean. The music is very loud though so it's hard to hear people talking unless you are very close to them. Only got the s'mores, but it was cute!
Accidentally handed the bartender (bald guy with beard and big beer belly, forgot to get his name) the wrong ID (whoops) and he came over to our table (my friends all ordered drinks) and told us if he saw me touch any of their drinks he would kick us all out. Then he continued to stare at us the entire time and told all the other bartenders to watch us. Umm okay sir... Annoying... Even before all this happened he wasn't being very nice while he was taking my friends' orders. He also checked their IDs very thoroughly to make sure they weren't fake. HELLO if we REALLY wanted to drink would we come here? No... Especially not on a Sunday night. Someone needs to slip this guy a chill pill -
Review from Alison S.
Austin, TX
12/5/2011
Just a couple of girls out celebrating our fertility and youth!
Okay, no, but by the time we left, yes! We sit down at the bar, both order astonishingly good coffee+alcoholic cocktails, two of my favorite things. But WAIT! there's more!
We're sitting at the bar and notice on the menu---buy a bottle of 1 of the 2 reds and get a free (usually $10) cheese plate. Say WHAT??!? So you're telling me I can get bottle o' wine and cheese plate for around $21 and I can top it off with caffeine and more alcohol?
You think I'm done? Nope. I look to my left from the bar and see their cigarette wall. Yes, I'm a smoker and was almost ready to purchase more. The cigarette wall seemed convenient enough, BUT WAIT...what's this sign?... "Humidor"??? They have a slender, closed off room of cigars that they'll unlock and let you peruse!
So, to reiterate---bottle of wine, cheese plate, caffeine/alcohol combo, cigars.
That's the kind of girl's night that can only evoke a toast of "Ladies...Here's to being on top!"--HAHA! Disgustingly cliche, which it's meant to be! That was the wondrousness of my experience there! (its gotta be those cigars)
(the assorted cheese plate was not that great...really at all. they give you the choice of assorted or a baked brie plate....i'll go brie next time) -
Review from Victoria D.
Houston, TX
SMORES!!!....AMAZING. That's the only reason why I come here.
I do enjoy their drinks! Italian soda with smores is .....EXTREMELY delicious. I've also had their paninis and they are good too. I've nothing bad to say about this place, but that it does get crowded and it sucks when you don't have a place to sit when you want to make smores. -
Review from The B.
Austin, TX
12/4/2011
I was pretty disappointed all around. I ordered a skim latte that ended up tasting like burnt hair. I'm not sure if this was a result of a bad roast or a bad milk steaming, but it was pretty unbearable. On the bright side, they use local beans. I dig that. Also, the pear and bleu cheese salad was delicious.
More than anything, I was irritated that none of the tables were being cleared and there didn't seem to be a place for customers to take their dirty dishes. I moved four cups from our table to a table where customers were apparently putting all of the dirty dishes left on their tables because they didn't have anywhere clean to sit. Meh. Oh well. Frank has the best coffee in town, anyway... And friendly, attentive service. -
Review from Hanh T.
Houston, TX
1/2/2012
This is a great place to go after dinner during the winter. I visit this place for their tableside smores and hot coffee drinks. The location is also in the heart of Austin's downtown, which is an excellent place to people watch and to scope out the city's nightlife.
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Review from Stephen H.
Overland Park, KS
10/30/2011
You know the place where you can buy a coffee, and sit down to do some work and not be disturbed or given dirty looks just because you're using the free internet?
This same place happens to have really great food, coffee, and occasionally live music (don't be that surprised, it's Austin)?
You found Halcyon. Enjoy.Listed in: Austin Top 55
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Review from Beth K.
10/3/2011
Just stopped in for a cocktail before dinner. Atmosphere is chill and comfortable. Bartender was very friendly and helpful. I had a berry ginger cocktail and my husband had the mojito. The mojito was really awesome, one of the best I've tasted. My cocktail was OK, but not amazing. They also offer food, a good beer selection, and very nice outside seating.
Happy hour offered great deals and I saw a lot of drinks I'd love to go back and try. All in all a good experience at a pretty interesting place! We'll be back! -
Review from Taylor E.
Austin, TX
This place is seriously cool. They serve coffee. They serve food. They have a full bar. They serve s'mores. Yes, that's right - you can get s'mores here, with your own personal burner to cook them. That is freaking awesome.
The long island iced coffees are delicious, and they're super strong. My only complaint about them would be that they're a bit overpriced ($8). They'll get you in a better place than $8 worth of drinks in some bar on 6th will, but it's still kind of a lot for a single drink.
The environment in here is nice and comfortable. I like any place that has couches to sit on and leaves ice water out so you can help yourself instead of having to ask someone.
Definitely check Halcyon out if you haven't been and are into "coffee bars that serve alcohol" kind of places. -
Review from Heather W.
Georgetown, TX
9/6/2011
I've had coffee here before, it's pretty good. Nothing you can't beat with Fair Bean or Once Over. My gripe comes more from the service side.
My friend was well into the "I need something to eat" stage of a night out. So I order a Chicken Wrap, chips....to go. I asked how long it would take to get that out....my barista said "4-5 mins"
As I sat waiting for my food, I witnessed the entire staff playing cards, laughing, people waiting for service etc. I looked at my watch and made eye contact with my barista and her look was that of "oh shit I forgot".
She began to scramble to make the sandwich, I called over to her and asked if she could void the order, stating that it had be 15 mins and she hadn't started it. Her face was that of annoyance, that I had put her out by asking that she not make the sandwich she hadn't even started. That taking 5 mins to void, I left with no food, frustrated and a friend that had spiraled down.
fin -
Review from Jennifer A.
Austin, TX
10/8/2011
Why have I not reviewed this place before? I love it and I go there pretty regularly. I guess when something is this good, I just assumed it was accepted fact.
Great service. Amazing selection of whatever vice you are in need of, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or munchies (OMG s'mores!!). Good prices (*for* downtown). Great location. Cozy chairs. Good tables outside. Love the whole thing! -
Review from Mark K.
8/21/2011
The Makings of a Delightfully Austin Date: Part 2 - The Dressert (Drinks + Dessert)
As we stood beneath the light-wrapped trees lining 2nd street, I waited for some indication as to whether or not she wanted this date to continue.
"Where to now?" asked The Lady.
Her voice tone suggested that "home" was not the answer she wanted to hear. Conveniently, that's not what I wanted to say. I started rubbing my chin as if I were pondering our next destination. Truth is, I knew EXACTLY where we'd be going from the minute we decided to avoid the presumably awful Anne Hathaway movie several days ago.
"Well, there's that Halicon, Halcico, whatever the hell you call it, place a couple blocks over." I mentioned as if I had an epiphany. "We could check that out?"
"I'm down for whatever." She answered, for the zillionth time that night.
One short, sweat-free walk and we were ascending the steps of Halcyon Coffee-Bar-Lounge.
"Where do you want to sit?" I asked while scanning the contemporary setting that was filled with everyone from people looking to party to studious individuals illuminated by their laptops.
"I'm down for wherever." she predictably responded.
I spotted two seating options while rolling my eyes in annoyance. Option "A" was a wobbly table situated right next to the bar. Option "B" was a private, pillow-lined corner by the front window. Having trouble gauging exactly how into me she was (I'm illiterate when it comes to body language), I opted for the safer and less intimate alternative. We sat at the weeble wobble table for approximately five minutes before I contracted a mild case of vertigo. My discontent led me to do what my courage had failed to execute earlier.
"Follow me." I said, picking up the menu and leading us to the cozy corner. "Is this cool?"
"Sure. I'm down for whatever." She answered, attempting to flirtatiously irritate me.
After beckoning the waitress to our new location, I ordered my FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ON THE PLANET (yes, this warrants all caps), the Long Island Iced Coffee. This potent elixir is like the love child of an iced Toddy coffee and an entire mini-bar. The first sip may punch you in face, but by the time you reach the bottom of the glass you'll feel like you're on Vicodin (which is probably why they limit you to 2). The Lady ordered the same and we proceeded to scan the menu for something to eat.
The list of desserts was as abundant as the beverages, but I already knew what we'd be ordering, the S'mores. This interactive eating experience made for the PERFECT first-date food. Awkward silences were nonexistent as we debated the appropriate way to heat a marshmallow (the answer is charred, btw) and pointed out stray melted chocolate smudges surrounding our mouths. Although the ingredients probably totaled to less than a dollar, the experience was worth every penny of the six-bucks.
The kerosene flame had died within thirty minutes of it's ignition, but the first round of Long Island Iced Coffees and the decreasing amount of space between us on the cushion had kept ours flickering long enough for another round of drinks. The Lady decided to test the 2 Long Island limit and I paid homage to my Russian heritage by ordering the Cosmonaut. This Halcyon twist on the iconic White Russian was tasty, but I wish I had stuck with my "FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ON THE PLANET" (which is the Long Island Iced Coffee, in case you've forgotten). Fortunately, The Lady needed some assistance finishing her second LIIC and I was more than happy to help.
Once our empty glasses created a stream of condensation that flowed off of the table, we decided it was time go. Like the ambiguous conclusion to the art-house film we saw several hours before at Violet Crown Cinema (Part 1 of this tale, for those of you who haven't read it), I will leave this story at that. However, I will suggest that if you're looking to impress someone of romantic interest, recreate The Makings of a Delightfully Austin Date. -
Review from Steph G.
Austin, TX
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place used to be one of my favorite places to go, but my last visit there kind of spoiled my opinion of it. I hope it's only temporary, and I hope it can earn it's way back to the 5-stars it was worth before my last experience. The s'mores are definitely the biggest appeal and I'll continue to go there just for them. It's pretty awesome: they bring you a mini fire pit and everything you need to make them at your table. Simple, yet exciting and a unique experience. The downside of my last visit: bad customer service. The woman at the cash register was obviously overwhelmed, but was taking it out on the customers and was also being rude to co-workers. That makes for a tense environment - exactly what a coffee shop is not supposed to feel like. As I was sipping my smoothie at the bar, she told a customer someone else would be over to help him (in a very short and angry tone) while she cleaned the dishes. She then rudely told her co-worker to help the customer and he didn't. So a few minutes passed and she finally asked the customer what he wanted. Being a witness to this interaction made me feel uncomfortable, so I'm guessing he was feeling the same way (and his body language suggested it too). Then to make it even worse, she started talking to a customer in an overly fake friendly way to try to compensate for her rudeness. The place was packed to the brim, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since it reflects their popularity, but that also contributed to my bad experience. They had reserved 1/4 of the place for some kind of party. Had I not been on my bike, I would've seen the place and kept driving (parking is near impossible too), but since locking my bike up is much easier than parking, I risked it and regretted it later. Oh, the smoothie and my cookie were good. Nothing extraordinary, but tasted like they should. I think I paid around $7 total. The bad customer service just kind of ruined it for me.
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Review from Kristen C.
Austin, TX
12/22/2011
I'm torn. I love this place, but I don't think it deserves a 4 or 5 stars.
I go to this place at least 2 times a week. The food is ok, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the drinks are ok. I love the chocolate expresso martini.
I love this place... but it isn't anything special. -
Review from Blair A.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Halcyon three separate times now and last night one of my friends sort of brought all of my experiences to a head: "This place is trying too hard."
I laughed and couldn't agree more. Part cafe, part humidor, part jazz club, part eatery, part WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TRYING TO BE?! I sat with my little party and tried to figure out what type of person the creator of Halcyon is after combining all these different genres of things into one location.
My conclusion? This person has to be an alcoholic barista over-eater with a stogie penchant.
On one side of Halcyon there are couches and cushioned areas with tables in front of them. On the other side are tables and benches. Outside are tables and chairs. Some of the coffees are after dinner drinks, or (for the truly alcoholic) you can add a shot of any of their liquors to any drink for $3. There are desserts, random breakfast options, and (like stated earlier) even a humidor with cigars to choose from.
Halcyon, here's a tip: When fervently trying to cater to everyone, you cater to no one.Listed in: Guess what? YOU SUCK!
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Review from Alissa G.
Austin, TX
9/24/2011
This place is just fucking awesome. Pardon my French, but it's that damn good.
This is my type of place. I just wanna chill when I go downtown. I don't wanna drink. I don't wanna "club it up". I just want to hang out in a cool, relaxing yet hip atmosphere and actually be able to see my friends faces and hear what they're saying. The smores were da bomb! And so was my Thai iced coffee. And to the sweet, sweet bartender who only charged me for the iced coffee when I also ordered the mango smoothie, you are Awesome with a capital 'A'. Sorry I didn't leave my number. I probably should have... -
Review from Alicia M.
Austin, TX
12/5/2011
I am at a coffee shop @ 8:30pm on a Monday night and this place is SO LOUD that I am about to leave! I just saw two girls leave and one looked pissed and I'm thinking she left cause they turned up the volume.. It's like someone just magically turned up the music too loud. If i wanted it this loud i would be in a bar. I can't even use my noise canceling headphones because it's TOO loud i can still hear through them.
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Review from Chris R.
Austin, TX
12/2/2011
Great place to people waatch. Nice place to sit down and read a book during the day. Can get really busy and noisy as the evening progresses. Great hot cocoa and they even do cook your own s'mores.
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Review from Lex H.
Austin, TX
10/4/2011
In a previous review I had written that the restaurant Malaga was an excellent place to take someone out on a date and now it looks like I have another one to add to that list.
[note: this review's setting was around 10:30 on a Monday night] Very nice atmosphere with just enough chatter to give some background noise, courteous and helpful servers who truly know there way around an espresso machine, and a dash of relaxing live music (think Spanish guitar with percussion) truly make this place fall under the definition of "quaint."
Although I can't commentate on the food, their setup of a table side fire for s'mores sets the bar pretty high; which could possibly only be topped by the fact that they house a walk-in humidor for cigars. I nearly fell into a coma from the raw pleasure of sipping an espresso, nibbling on a s'more and smoking a cigar (and my date was nice too). Please do yourself a favour and visit Halcyon at least once.
Love,
Lex -
Review from Ken G.
6/21/2011
This was a cool spot for socializing as well as enjoying the scenery and people watching.
I was here on a nice evening and it was great to relax outside while I watched everyone go out and about in the bustling area enjoying the nightlife. If you're not a smoker, it can be a bit frustrating if others are smoking around you and the smoke blows in your direction, but it's still a cool spot. -
Review from RICHARD K.
Austin, TX
8/22/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Pro: I get the Insomniac which is vodka, Irish cream, amaretto and espresso. Smoking area out front and plenty of seating area inside.
Con: I don't really see the point of the cigar section, I never see anyone smoke a stogie here. -
Review from Danielle R.
Austin, TX
7/6/2011
My friends and I came here after dinner since we were craving some dessert and coffee. Another friend had recommended it and I'm glad they did!
It pretty much has something for everyone. Beer? Check. Cigars? Check. Sandwiches, coffee, desserts?? Check, check, check!
I love that you can sit outside or inside at a table or couch. My friend and I split the s'mores and the brownie a la mode. Just so you know, you can't sit outside and have the s'mores- probably a fire hazard of some sort or something.
The latte I got was great and my friend's hot chocolate was delicious too. (She actually ordered a latte that she took back since she didn't like it and they happily gave her the hot chocolate instead. Now that I think about it, she said the guy at the counter took a sip of it to see what she was talking about. That was kind of weird) They served us in to-go cups since we were outside but it would have been cool to have the big cups since we got moved inside! But no problem! Our boys were enjoying their beers while we ate and sipped our coffee.
If I'm ever downtown and am in the mood for desserts, coffee, or even trying a late night sandwich, I'll be back to Halcyon.
Oh and it doesn't hurt that I found out two women opened and own this place! Way to go ladies! -
Review from MJ H.
Austin, TX
12/23/2011
I love the atmosphere, location, and staff. Love the comfy chairs! It's a great place to meet someone, catch up, hang out. BUT, it's not a great place for me to consume food and drink being gluten, soy, and dairy free. I would LOVE to try the peanut butter hot chocolate. Halcyon, please consider making it with almond milk instead. 1) Almond milk tastes so much better than soy. 2) Soy is one of the most heavily genetically modified foods on the planet-- it's actually not healthy for anyone anymore. 3) Soy milk is, well, kind of dated.
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Review from Errol M.
4/18/2011 3 Check-ins Here
When I did movie trivia seriously, Paul Scofield was one of my hole cards, because few people remember him from "A Man for All Seasons." The segue here is if Mr. Scofield had lived in Austin, I'm sure he would have enjoyed the bar-coffeehouse-lounge-restaurant we know as Halcyon, although he would have dubbed it "A Venue for All Seasons." Okay, sometimes, I got nothing.
If you liked 4th & Lavaca when it was Old Austin and smelled like burnt coffee and was semi-scary to walk around in at night, I don't know how you'll feel about New Austin, anchored by the hip and cool Halcyon on the corner now. Yelp whiners will assert this place is a Jack of everything but Master of nothing - which is not an invalid point - but in the end, so what? You can booze here, you can do coffee or tea, you can eat, you can table, couch, laptop, or just hang hang out - for a lot of folks, that's the sweet life. I'm not entirely convinced that's a bad thing.
For Amy's ROTDC/Sunday brunch here, Halcyon arranged all their chic bistro tables in a big circle for us, and our server Lori kept the bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys flowing. The food choices were varied and inexpensive - French toast, fancier French toast, Paninis, crepes, wraps - I didn't think there was anything overtly outstanding, but there also wasn't anything over $7 or seemingly regrettable either.
My therapist has commented on my involvement with Yelp events lately, because if you don't know me, you might actually be convinced I enjoy being around people. I do see Amy/Jesse, David/Adam, Alicia/Cory, and Darla A. frequently at Yelp gatherings, but this was the first time I actually had a conversation with Heather F., while not being too doltish in front of Jaime M. (that may be subject to debate). And I don't think Katie T. was scared away from her first big UYE either; she really does have great hair, we should ask her who does it.
Finally, an epiphany of sorts: When I first met them, I assumed Staci L. was some Dallas socialite and Amber D. a transplanted Scandinavian artist. I've learned over time that's not the case, but as the three of us were sitting outside Halcyon just after Amy's event, it occurred to me the fun in life is not what you are, but what people think you are. When I jumped up excitedly to convey this revelation, both of them paused briefly to gaze at me like I was from another planet. And that's exactly what I mean - it was a fun moment, and I'm not entirely convinced that's a bad thing. -
Review from Ashley K.
Austin, TX
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
You can purchase caffeine , alcohol and cigars under one roof. They have plenty of seating and free wi-fi.
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Review from alicia k.
4/17/2011
Effortlessly low-key. Refreshing and relaxing. A great place to hang out with your friends. I love the bloody mary bar----(all types of hot sauces, pickled peppers, olives, okra, celery, corn, etc. The mimosa's were pretty good---$2.50 each or $7 for bottomless during brunch. The food selection was small, but sufficient. Decent food at a decent price. Panini was a little on the sweet side for me. My kids licked the crepes and french toast plates clean.
All in all, a nice hangout. Although their website says the place is kid-friendly, I definitely would not recommend bring kids. -
Review from Katie T.
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I think the paintings are worth 4 stars alone. I won't even pretend to tell you about them because you won't believe me. Actually Brianna S. and Jaime M. and I are going to buy all of them anyway, so you'll wish you got to see them first.
My first UYE event and I survived! Our waitress brought us endless delicious mimosa's of orange... mmm. She was friendly and attentive and kept 'em coming!
Just have to say, and it's not the mimosa(s) talking, the Yelp crew is such a fun bunch! Staci and Darla and Amy and Jaime were so sweet. I got to wave at Amber D (zomg!) and of course converse with my favorite, Errol. So many new faces, I hope to see all of you again soon!
Sadly I was unfashionably late to my first event but only because I was being a douchebag and using my iphone as a map.Listed in: Just deck me!
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Review from AMY D.
I have walked by Halcyon tons of times and always thought this was a coffee/tea/biscotti only type of place and boy have I been wrong!
Hanging out briefly at Hope Market I saw a tweet that Halcyon was serving free bloody Mary's. Soon after finding out about this special Jesse and I randomly run into Darla A. who suggests we go to Halcyon, was this a sign?! Absolutely, we were meant to do this!
We show up to Halcyon to find a DJ is spinning, the crowd is chill and the bloody mary's are a flowing. Now all we need is some Kanye to walk in (well his look a like did but no such luck). Soon after ms Amber D made an appearance which is always a good time.
Halcyon was not serving up their usual bottomless mimosas but I did give the cranberry mimosa a try all the same. Two thumbs up with the champagne versus cranberry ratio and a plus it was served with a fresh orange garnish.
Sorry Halcyon, your cafe vibe will keep me away no more.Listed in: The Party Never Stops!
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Review from Mark B.
New York, NY
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is just one of the best places in Austin.
What a great selection of drinks. (Food, not so much, but the pizzas did hold us over.) And s'mores. Don't forget the s'mores.
Comfortable seating everywhere. Relaxing and welcoming environment. Would definitely go back. -
Review from Micaela G.
Austin, TX
4/21/2011
I can't believe I didn't know about this place in college, I might have just lived here! The vibe is awesome, a perfect mix of coffee bar and intimate lounge with plenty of people watching. For the intersection it's on it was surprisingly not too loud, we effortlessly held a business conversation through the entire meeting and never felt rushed or bothered.
The barista was kind of obnoxious, took a few minutes to acknowledge me standing right in front of her at the counter-she was too busy chatting with the bartender who reminded her she was at work. Ahem, moving on. I ordered my coffee and it came out really fast.. GIANT latte, and very delicious with a yummy side of animal crackers-an unexpected addition but made me smile. The latte wasn't too hot or foamy-call me snobby but with a $5 coffee I have some expectations. While waiting I checked out the menu, I will definitely be back for food and drinks-especially the s'mores!
I kept finding myself staring at the art on the walls, and fell in love with a few pieces-it's almost worth coming in just to check out the art. Really-go check it out. The decor itself was great-intimate but cozy and casual, especially the little couch/booths in the corner, gonna have to steal one for myself one of these days! I can see how it would become obnoxiously full when they are busy-small tables close together and not that much bar seating, but I had no problem snagging a table.
Basically, it gave me a little taste and left me wanting more! I will be back, and soon! -
Review from Ha N.
Austin, TX
5/8/2011
Why yes, I would love a bloody mary, kamikaze, and latte with my nutella crepe. o_O
Confused much? Don't worry, I was too. It doesn't matter. If you take Halcyon for what it is-- a coffee lounge, a bar, a live music venue, and a cafe-- you'll have a great time, despite the disjointedness. Maybe the quality of the menu is a lacking that extra special luster (nothing particularly special about that nutella crepe besides the fact that it was a NUTELLA crepe) but what can you expect from the lounge-of-all-trades?
My friends and I dropped by Halcyon one night after seeing the Spazmatics next door. We ordered smores and were delighted to discover that you get to roast your own smore over a mini-fire (though I do wonder if it's wise to sell alcohol around mini-fires. ...No matter).
The environment is very relaxed; I saw people reading books, studying on their laptops, hanging out with friends over drinks, and listening to music. The live acoustic duo playing that night was lovely-- very 'Joshua Radin-esque' and we all had a nice time. The art on the walls were chic and edgy (READ: lots of pretty nude women) and they keep the room quite dim. I guess the mini-fires are sufficient!
The bottom line: go in a group and don't worry. There will be something at Halcyon for everyone. ....OMG I THINK THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE GOING FOR. I am no longer confused. -
Review from Wesley O.
San Marcos, TX
11/7/2011
Ohhhh man, great drinks, great atmosphere, but the staff....my god! I went her for my birthday with my mom and fiance and we had an amazing time, of course we got the smore thingy and some excellent coffee based cocktails, all of which came with an extra shot indifference from the staff who really seemed to hate their life. You know the hipster the nicer you are to them the more they shut down, man we must have given them some coffee house talk for the next 2 years. Overall, had a great time because I had good company, and we got a good laugh at these employees dedication to not smiling under any circumstances...Would go back but would probably not tip over 20% next time.
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Review from Marie S.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2011
Loved the name! Came here on a Saturday night for drinks and it was nice to have the breeze coming into the bar because the entire space is open.
Chill atmosphere, good customer service, no crazy drink lines, and a pitcher of water with cups out for people.. -
Review from Cassie J.
Austin, TX
9/21/2011
The variety of signature cocktails at Halcyon is fun an inventive. The food is pretty good, nothing to brag about. But the service....pretty much the worst I've ever experienced. I went there last night with my boyfriend. We sat at the bar and it seemed like it literally pained the unkempt female bartender to even acknowldge us. Speaking as a bartender myself, we all have rough nights, but c'mon woman! You're in the SERVICE industry for god sake! Nonetheless, after waiting for about 15 minutes with no service, while she continued to half-a** serve the patrons around us, we sought our food and cocktails elsewhere.
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Review from Kelly S.
Why do I keep writing reviews for this place even though I don't like it much? Because I was just introduced to the french hot chocolate. It took everything in my power to put that hot mug of pure awesomeness down between sips.
I'm not even a hot chocolate person. Now I realize that its because I've never been exposed to the decadence of five different chocolates all artfully melded together in a liquidy form reminiscent of unicorns and angels and little baby cheeks. None of those were harmed in the making of this delightful treat.
If you need hot chocolate because it's freezy outside, I would absolutely tell you to go swimming in this big vat of afternoon delightListed in: Things To Do In 78704, High Five For Wi Fi(ve), A-Ok..., Hummus Hullabaloo, Clean Bathrooms!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/5/2010
I really can't get into Halcyon. Its over priced, the wireless drops all the time, it's totally hot… Read more »
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Review from Steve C.
San Antonio, TX
3/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to spot for starting the night off right in Austin. The Austin night life can be quite demanding so it is important to start the night off with the proper elixir to ensure you will be able to sustain the proper energy level.
My current energy drink of choice is espresso and Halcyon serves a mean cup of espresso. They also serve refreshing alcoholic beverages if you're into that sort of thing. And they actually have a great menu of food as well but the demands of the Austin night life are such that I simply can't be weighed down by eating food. Why there's is even a humidor if you need to grab a cigar as you head out into the night.
The atmosphere is mellow as with most places in Austin. The walls are decorated with art that's for sale so be sure to check it out.
Halcyon is centrally located to all the action in Downtown Austin so you can't do any better than Halcyon when you're looking for a location to start your night in Austin. -
Review from Brandy C.
Dude, s'mores. Do I have to say another word?
I do the work from home thing, and sometimes the work from another town thing. My pal and I (she does the same thing) went to work here for the afternoon - ah! Free wifi, good coffee treats and the earlier mentioned s'mores made for a fan-frickin-tastic afternoon. Minimal amounts of the too-cool-for-school attitude some Austin places exude and comfy seating and lots of electrical outlets made us pretty dang happy. Trust that I'll be back here, just driving by again made me excited! -
Review from Steve W.
Hoboken, NJ
10/15/2011
Nice spot to hang out and catch up on work. Delicious brunch options (veggie crepes are highly recommended).
