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11 Best Coffee Shops in South Congress to Sip Before the Bats Take Flight
South Congress, or SoCo, is one of Austin’s most iconic districts, lined with eclectic shops, music venues, and some of the city’s best coffee spots. But one of the biggest draws? The Congress Avenue Bridge Bats. Every evening at sunset, thousands of people gather to watch over 1.5 million bats take flight from beneath the bridge, forming an incredible dark cloud over Lady Bird Lake. It’s an Austin must-do, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
If you’re planning to watch the bat spectacle, you’ll probably want a good coffee in hand. Whether you need an iced latte for a warm Texas evening, a strong espresso before a night out, or just a cozy spot to relax before heading to the bridge, South Congress has you covered. Here are the best coffee shops in SoCo for your pre-bat-watching caffeine fix.
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Bennu Coffee - South Congress
Bennu Coffee is a South Congress staple, offering strong brews, comfy seating, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for chilling before heading to the bridge. Known for its insanely good iced chai, this 24-hour coffee shop is great for both early risers and night owls. The friendly baristas, fair trade coffee, and locally sourced food options make it a go-to spot for many Austinites.
Spokesman - South Congress
Located just a short drive from South Congress, Spokesman is a hip, artsy coffeehouse with a laid-back vibe and solid coffee options. It’s known for great music, spacious seating, and a killer cold brew. If you're looking for a pre-sunset caffeine kick, this is a great place to hang out, grab a bite, and soak in the creative energy before heading to the bridge.
RIP Coffee - South Congress
Tucked inside a motorcycle shop, RIP Coffee has a cool, laid-back energy that blends coffee culture with biker vibes. Their iced latte is a standout, and their nitro cold brew is a perfect pre-bat-show pick-me-up. The space is small but welcoming, and the baristas are always happy to chat.
Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee
Merfolk’s is a hidden gem that offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of space to sit and relax. The decor is vintage and artsy, making it a great spot to sip on a coffee and unwind before heading to the bridge. Their chai latte is smooth and perfectly spiced, and they have a great selection of pastries if you need a snack.
Simona’s Coffee + Cocktails
Simona’s is a sleek, modern coffee shop tucked away inside a boutique hotel. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, comfortable place to sip a latte before heading out. Their house-made vanilla syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness, and their blueberry muffins are a great grab-and-go snack.
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Mañana - South Congress
Mañana is one of the most charming coffee spots in SoCo, located inside the South Congress Hotel. Their coffee is top-notch, and their homemade pastries are worth the visit. The space is small but beautifully designed, making it a great place to grab a quick drink before heading to the bridge. If you're a Cortado fan, this is one of the best places in Austin to get one.
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Teal House Coffee & Bakery
If you’re in the mood for something sweet with your coffee, Teal House is the place to go. Their cinnamon rolls are legendary, and their drip coffee is simple but perfectly brewed. It’s a small, cozy spot, great for grabbing a coffee to-go before heading to the bridge. If you’re planning a picnic while bat-watching, this is a great place to pick up a treat to bring with you.
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Summer Moon Coffee
Summer Moon is famous for its wood-fired coffee beans, giving their brews a rich, smoky flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Their Blue Moon Latte, made with their signature Moon Milk, is a must-try. The cozy space is great for relaxing before heading to the bridge, or you can grab a drink to-go and enjoy it while bat-watching.
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The Salty - South Congress
If you’re craving something sweet to pair with your coffee, The Salty is the perfect stop. Known for its decadent donuts and solid coffee offerings, this spot is a must-visit if you’re on South Congress. Their pumpkin pie donut is a seasonal favorite, but they always have unique rotating flavors that make each visit exciting.
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Once Over Coffee Bar
Once Over Coffee Bar is an Austin classic known for its craft coffee and inviting atmosphere. This café stands out with its signature drinks, like the spicy mocha and macadamia latte. The vibe here is laid-back and charming, offering both an indoor space and a beautiful back patio overlooking Bouldin Creek.
Freddo ATX Main
Freddo ATX Main is a quaint coffee shop that combines great coffee with delicious breakfast offerings. If you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, the breakfast platter with bacon, eggs, pita, and hash browns is a solid choice. Their Americano is perfectly brewed, and the cozy interior provides a nice space to sit and enjoy a meal.
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All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
All Rights Reserved © Per Diem Subscription
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