Postcard from Austin: Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Cafes You Can’t Miss

Hey there, fellow coffee and Instagram enthusiasts! It’s time to indulge in Austin’s eclectic coffee culture while you grab hold of those Instagrammable moments. We have curated a list of top 10 photogenic cafes, that not only offer indulgent treats and coffee artistry but also possess standout decor.

1. Café No Sé link

Where Coastal California Meets Austin Charm

On the street of South Congress Avenue, you’ll spot a charming café with an inviting carved wooden door – behold the elegance of Café No Sé. As you step foot inside this Instagrammer’s paradise, the airy interiors dominated by a pastel color palette perfectly blend with the marble countertops, creating the ideal backdrop for your perfect insta-shot. If you need more bias towards clicking, look for their chic neon sign that reads “All Day,” which has been adorning countless social feeds.

  • Best For: Delectable pastries, light and bright lunches, and Instagram-worthy lattes.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: Right under the iconic neon signage.

2. Brentwood Social House link

Cosy British Vibes with a Texan Twist

Imagine a quaint English cottage right in your Austin neighborhood! Brentwood Social House brings your dreams to life. Its distinctive architecture coupled with a cosy, homey decor gives out vibes of an English-style countryside house. Use natural light that fills the café to get that perfect snap for your feed. For outdoor lovers, there’s a beautiful garden seating area waiting to be captured.

  • Best for: Freshly baked English pies and a diverse selection of teas.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The beautiful outdoor area with blooming flowers.

3. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters link

Lakeside Sips and Sweets

On Lake Austin sits an exceptional coffee haven – Mozart’s. This place is more than just serving coffee and pastries. Mozart’s offers a unique atmosphere, thanks to its lakeside location. If you want to capture an Austin sunrise or sunset for your Instagram, there’s no place like the deck of Mozart’s! Get your coffee, settle in, and simply click!

  • Best for: Their famous German torte and freshly brewed coffee while enjoying the lake view.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The patio overlooking the majestic Lake Austin.

4. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails link

Where Coffee Meets Cocktails

An unassuming spot on Colorado Street transforms into a café-bar post sunset. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, with its laid-back vibe, boasts both simple and refined interiors inspired by vintage chic designs. The presence of community tables and a tantalizing food spread adds charm to your Instagram feed.

  • Best for: All-day breakfast, burgers, and their signature coffee and cocktails.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The bright, retro-style bar area.

5. Fleet Coffee Co link

East Austin’s Quirky Charmer

If you have a flair for the unique and creative, Fleet Coffee is your kind of place. Situated in East Austin, Fleet Coffee has created a niche for itself by pushing boundaries on how coffee can be served and enjoyed. The café’s modern, minimalistic decor further boosts your Instagram pictures, making it the perfect spot to up your social media game.

  • Best for: Their innovative coffee creations and artisanal pastries.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: Sleek interiors with dominant black-and-white theme and natural light streaming in.

6. Cenote Cameron link

Vintage Vibes and Perfect Pour-Over

A renovated 1887 era building houses Cenote Cameron – a unique pairing of vintage essence and vibrant present. The café’s blue exterior is as inviting as the warm, bustling atmosphere inside. Capture snaps of its eclectic mix of seating options against the well-preserved wall structures for the requisite nostalgic touch on your feed.

  • Best for: Pour-over coffee and freshly made sandwiches.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The vibrant indoor seating area with an accent wooden ceiling.

7. Houndstooth Coffee Downtown link

Minimalistic Maven

Take refuge from the hustle-bustle of downtown Austin at Houndstooth Coffee. The café’s open-industrial space offers abundant natural light – perfect for creating your soft shadows Instagram aesthetic. From their patterned tile floors to their clean-lined wood and granite countertops, every inch is an Instagrammable opportunity.

  • Best for: Handcrafted traditional and signature coffee drinks and freshly baked pastries.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The modern, minimalistic coffee bar by the large, natural-light filled windows.

8. Patika link

A Modern Sanctuary

If you seek tranquility, step inside Patika, a modern haven in the bustling cityscape of Austin. Its soft lighting and gorgeous greenery add a dreamy touch to your pictures. With abundant seating options, natural light, sleek and simple decor, this coffeehouse is perfect for your next Instagram post.

  • Best for: An array of creative breakfast dishes, nitro cold brew, and craft beer.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The awe-striking interiors lined with wood, greenery, and cozy corners.

9. The Factory – Café with a Soul link

Innovative Space with a Soul

The Factory is unlike any other café in Austin. With a “no Wi-Fi” policy, this café encourages social interaction. Its imaginative, snazzy, and photogenic design serving unique novelty drinks guarantees you attention-grabbing Instagram photos.

  • Best for: Chicken waffles, a variety of bubble teas, and creatively named lattes like “Jumping Bob” and “The Bob Ross”.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The hanging swings against the striking book wall.

10. Hank’s Austin link

Modern Rustic Escape

Depart the city’s vibrancy and enter Hank’s, a modern rustic getaway nestled amidst towering trees. With an airy, open-concept design, Hank’s presents a unique space that seamlessly blends Austin’s relaxed vibe with a touch of elegance.

  • Best for: Espresso martinis, customizable cocktails, and fresh pastries.
  • Most Instagrammable Spot: The beautiful, woodland-inspired patio set against the vast Texas sky.

Austin: A Brewful Delight!

From modern minimalist designs to rustic-themed establishments, to quintessential Austin vibes, the city’s café scene is as diverse as Austin itself. Our top ten Instagram-worthy hotspots reflect the aesthetic soul of Austin, presenting you with a visual feast perfect for your Instagram feed. Ready to embark on your Austin café-hopping journey? After all, a picture might be worth a thousand words, but an authentic Austin café experience is utterly priceless!

Remember to tag your dazzling café pictures with #AustinCoffeeCulture and give the world a virtual tour of Austin. Your picture-perfect moment could soon become someone else’s travel inspiration!

This blog post is part of our “Postcard from Austin” series, aiming to provide both locals and tourists with comprehensive guides on the ever-charming city of Austin. Be sure to check out the other posts in the series.

Lauren Critzer

I was born in Charlottesville, Virginia and after college, I moved to San Francisco to explore new opportunities and broaden my horizons. I fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and unique atmosphere, but eventually, I moved again, this time to Austin, Texas.

As much as I loved living in different parts of the country, having a baby boy brought me back to my hometown in Charlottesville, where I now live with my husband, our little one, and two furry friends. I enjoy going to wineries, taking my pups everywhere, and spending quality time with my family.

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