How often do you see a business establishment having a split identity? Halcyon does just that. During the day, it has a relaxed atmosphere and serves coffee. But by night, it transforms itself into a classy lounge, offering delicious food and drinks. This place may portray some sort of identity crisis but that shouldn't stop you from paying a visit. They're famous for their s'mores--you can actually roast your own marshmallows at your table!
The 1886 was once the gathering point for pretty much all of Austin. With its diner-cafe feel, most flocked to The Driskill's lobby for wholesome food, the quality bar and the friendly atmosphere. The now revived 1886 Cafe and Bakery is no different. Walk across the chequered tile floor and take a seat beneath the art-deco chandeliers. The 1886 Bakery opens early and offers great chocolate croissants, muffins and aromatic coffee. If you're in for breakfast, the skillets or Benedicts are just what you need. The lunch and dinner menus cover a good range of pasta, salads and steaks. It may say 1886, but step in and you know, it's still Austin chic.
As an Austin tradition, Amy's Ice Cream is a perfect stop on your "Taste of Austin" tour. Sporting a Holstein cow theme, these restaurants make some of the best ice creams around. Move over blue bell, here comes Amy. One of their prized flavors is the "Smoosh In." Enjoy your favorite ice cream with a blend of toppings mixed in to make a divine treat. With over 20 options for smooshing, you are guaranteed to find one that fits perfectly with your choice of ice cream flavor.
Located in Zilker, Lick is an ice-cream parlor that offers its customers a delectable range of fresh flavors, including a few extra seasonal flavors. The ingredients used are all locally sourced, and the parlor ensures that all its ice-creams are free of added preservatives. Some of its delicious flavors include Texas Au Lait, Caramel Salt Lick and Too Hot Chocolate, among others. All the waffle cones available here are home-made, and Lick also offers several gluten-free options to its customers.
Quack's 43rd Street Bakery in Hyde Park neighborhood is always filled with locals, students, musicians, families, and anyone who wants to have a nice time. The dark coffee drinks and sandwiches are popular and the sugar coated cinnamon rolls served here are divine. It's the warm service, however, which forms the icing on the cake! Once you dig into one of their freshly baked miracles, there's no turning back, you're a fan for life!
Take an exquisite lake view, add in a spacious deck, a glass of carrot juice, and a double latte, and what do you have? This king of all coffeehouses, Mozart's Coffee Roasters. Here coffee, drinks, and desserts can all be had in one venue. Sit across the deck and enjoy a yogurt smoothie or an espresso shake. Caffeine addicts and nature enthusiasts can mingle and soak up the view, while music lovers can enjoy live music. This coffee room attracts a varied crowd, from early-morning exercise buffs to late-night conversationalists. Others simply kick back, relax, and smell the coffee.
Located in the Rosedale neighborhood, this bakery serves as a meeting spot for locals to enjoy their morning cup of coffee and a variety of pastry offerings. Stacks of already-read newspapers, are collected for others to enjoy, along with a variety of free local papers and magazines. Freshly baked bread is offered in a variety of styles and flavors. Lunch is often a busy time with customers enjoying salads, soups, sandwiches and pizzas. The crowd is relaxed and the staff is friendly. Mismatched tables and chairs are located throughout the café for dining in.
One of the finest mom & pop joints, Russell's Bakery & Coffee Bar is so much more than just a neighborhood beloved. After moving from their previous location, it now sits at Hancock Drive with a new clientele that is becoming increasingly loyal everyday. A small, family-owned bakery and coffee shop, it has always been a meeting spot for the community. From cinnamon rolls to scones to muffins, Russell's Bakery has an assortment of fresh and sumptuous eats. The Breve is especially tasty and sure to give you the wake-up call you need on your way to work. With its eclectic selection of tables and chairs, Russell's is a great place to meet for work or pleasure.
Chez Zee has won numerous awards accolades owing to the delicious American grub it serves and its warm, friendly service. It serves a wide range of options from pastas to chicken dishes to an assortment of salads. In addition, enjoy seeing 30 desserts on display and don't forget to try the Maida's Cake - two layers of chocolate mousse cake topped with vanilla ice-cream. For those wishing to have a party, there is a courtyard and a private dining room.