Best Work Cafes in Austin

Whether you're hybrid, work from home, or a side hustle warrior working on the weekends, you likely need a solid cafe to work from. Unfortunately, just because a cafe has wifi, doesn't mean its great for working. I compiled a list of 4 cafes in Austin that are perfect for focusing and getting a productive day of work done.

Bennu Coffee:

If you are like me, a classic night owl or a procrastinator needing to pull an all-nighter for a tight project deadline, you can rejoice because Austin has a café just for you! Open 24/7, Bennu Coffee creates the perfect environment for the late night grind or last minute study session. The café has a slightly dark ambience inside which keeps mood just right for focusing, but also has ample outdoor space in the back for some needed sunlight during the day. Bennu has comfortable seating all around, and enough tables for group work or even for a casual meet-up with friends.

The only issue is with Bennu is that on weekday afternoons it can sometimes get crowded, causing the wifi to slow down. I haven't experienced this problem on the weekend. Timing is something to keep in mind when coming to Bennu but it is open 24 hours a week so I doubt, you won't find a quiet time to come.

Now, if you’re really like me Bennu is perfect for something else: their mocha. Mocha has been my go-to coffee drink since I was 12 years old and that’s never changing. If you relate, then you will love Bennu’s mocha selection of more than 5 delicious hand made mocha drinks. In addition to the drinks’ hilarious names, the variety of mocha flavors gives a fun flare to the traditional hot chocolate and coffee. I highly recommend the “Pride and Prejudice” mocha.

Bennu Coffe: 9.1/10 for producitvity and ability to focus

Once Over

This hidden gem showcases Austin’s cafe scene in the best light. This local coffee bar has a grunge feel inside with its dark interior. Fun murals cover the walls inside the building and out, giving the space a mystic and artistic vibe. While the inside is cool, the outdoor seating area, really makes this place stand out. The large outdoor deck is surrounded by trees and the relaxing sounds of running water from Bouldin Creek, which sits right below it. The deck offers a quiet place to read, drink coffee, and catch up with friends for a morning out. Once and over’s outside deck encases you in nature and makes you forget you are just 10 min from downtown. You can easily get deep into focus here.

Once Over: 9.4/10 for producitvity and abilitiy to focus

Mazama:

If you want to get technical Mazama is in Dripping Springs not Austin, but if you want to venture out for a laid-back coffee/beer scene in the Texas Hill country, its definitely worth the drive. Mazama Coffee sits about 40 min outside of Austin but it stays right in line with the city’s fun café culture, so you would never know. During my time there, customers young and old constantly filled the café, making for an active Saturday afternoon. Working there felt like I was let into the neighborhood spot. Mazama feels like a statement location, with the long line of repeat customers to logo filled merchandise all around the shop. Mazzama’s cute goat mascot can be found on cookies, mugs, t-shirts, hats, and more. Speaking of cookies, Mazama also functions as a full time bakery. Mazama bakes a variety of delicious pastries in house. The bakery menu features cookies (with and without the goat), muffins, and scones to brownies and even fresh sandwiches. You won’t go hungry at Mazaama. If you stay late enough, you can even get a nice after-work beer and enjoy it in the back beer garden.

Even though it’s a popular location, Mazama still ensures its customers can get work done. The café has a back section they partitioned off for more intimate conversations and deep focus work. The back room creates a cave like environment- the kind where you have no idea what day/time it is by the time you come out. The best feeling! Mazama maybe far from Austin, but not far from being one of the best cafes in the region.

I rate Mazama 8.9/10

Cuvee Coffee:

Right in the middle of East Austin on 6th street, Cuvee coffee is the perfect place to retreat and focus. Cuvee is my absolutely favorite cafe for getting work done. Everytime I go, I can guarantee productivity. The dark atmosphere allows the space to function nicely as a cafe and bar. The bar has great local craft beer and cocktail options. The staff is super friendly and will happily make drink recommendations upon asking. I asked for a good Hazy IPA and was excitedly told to try The “MataMata” by the Fast Friends Brewing. The coffe options are great too, with plenty of different sized ground and whole coffee bean bags you can buy and take home. Cuvee is a lowkey spot, perfect for a busy solo work day or a chill meet up with friends.

I rate Cuvee 8.8/10

By Chloé Gouraige