Austin Java Cafe and Coffeehouse

Austin Java Cafe and Coffeehouse is one of our favorite Austin establishments.  It’s great for parents, kids, and dogs.  (Yes, it’s a pet-friendly restaurant.)  The original Austin Java Cafe is located at 12th and Lamar, and pre-kids this was our favorite location.  It’s a wee bit cramped in the converted house, but something about this location just screams Austin.  With kids now, we just head over a couple of miles to the Barton Springs location.

The food is ordered at the counter, but wait staff bring out the food. This is not typical counter service, fast food. It’s just ordered like fast food.

We recently dined at the Barton Springs location with out-of-towners who enjoyed sitting out in the large patio dining area with live music.  There was a slight chill to the air. (For Northerners who happen upon this blog entry, when we talk chill in the air, that’s anything less than 70 degrees around these parts.)  There were large patio warmers outside so we were all comfortable.  The outdoor patio also has a large water fountain.

The only bad thing about sitting outside with little kids is the metal gate that leads to Barton Springs Rd.  We picked a large table that was in the corner, closest to this gate, and once our kids were done eating, the toddler decided to explore his surroundings.  The gate’s bars are wide enough that our 1 year old easily slipped through, and if not for me grabbing his arm, he could have taken off running into traffic.  Next time we’ll choose a table farther away from the gate or just pick a seat inside.  This is by far one of the more spacious Austin Java Cafes so finding a table here is not an issue.

We have never been disappointed in any of the dishes at Austin Java.  Two of my favorites is the grilled tuna Nicoise salad and turkey burger.  I like that the menu has as many healthier options as there are full-flavor (read: full fat) items.  Hubby usually orders a creamy pasta of some kind, and judging from him always finishing the plate and mopping up the sauce with the focaccia bread, he likes the food.  One of our kids likes marinara sauce, and the other prefers cheese on the pasta.  The kid’s menu has all variations of pasta for kids (marinara, butter, cheese with steamed broccoli), and a few other options beyond just the standard burger and chicken strips, all at a good price.  The coffee and desserts are awesome too.

Austin Java is one of our go-to places to eat and to take visitors. We just love it.

(Currently, the Barton Springs restaurant’s parking lot is under construction so there is temporary parking setup a few blocks west.  It’s a relatively short 5 minute walk, but there is a shuttle between the parking lot and Austin Java.)

Austin Java Cafe and Coffeehouse
1206 Parkway @ 12th & Lamar
(512) 476-1829

1608 Barton Springs Road
(512) 482-945

301 West 2nd Street, Suite 100
(512) 481-9400

Gate 10 & 14 at Austin Bergstrom International Airport

Related posts:

1. Jo’s Coffeehouse (downtown Austin)
2. Evangeline Cafe (South Austin)
3. Mimi’s Cafe (north Austin, Arbor Walk)
4. Reale’s Pizza and Cafe
5. Magnolia Cafe (Lake Austin)