The Austin community is everything to Greater Goods. Without it, we wouldn’t exist! The people of Austin sustain us just as much as we sustain their caffeine needs. We take pride in playing a role in the eclectic and growing Austin community. With so many faces in this city, it gets easy to just become numb to those around you.
Greater Goods aims to keep the Austin experience alive and well with our top-notch coffee and awesome and friendly staff. In order to sustain the community around you, you’ve got to be present and understand your neighbor. This is where our sustainability practices and charitable mission stems from. We’ve got to help each other grow! Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying our best… and also trying to keep Austin weird. Join me and I’ll take you into my musts and go-to spots as an Austinite!
Greater Goods Coffee Co.
2501 East 5th Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Open daily 7:00 am
Beginning in 2015 as a coffee roasting company, Greater Goods has now become a haven for all kinds of people in Austin looking for their caffeine fix and good conversation. Khanh Trang and Trey Cobb have been able to curate a space that not only serves amazing, award-winning coffee, but also a space that gives back to the community. A portion of sales from every retail bag of coffee beans goes towards three different local charities: Austin Pets Alive, the Central Texas Food Bank, and the Autism Society of Austin. Greater Goods truly lives up to their standards of making good in every vein of their business.
BLK Vinyl
2505 East 6th Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Open Thursday 9:00 am
Not too far up the road from Greater Goods, you’ll find a small space on historic 6th Street. The good old east side of Austin holds a gem of a record shop. BLK Vinyl specializes in used and collectable records ranging a span of genres. This shop is my go-to when I want to zone out and find the perfect soundtrack to my evenings. BLK is also the best place to take your pops and have him reminisce and show off his musical knowledge! I swear, every time I walk into that shop, it’s hard for me not to spend hours loading up on all the records I can possibly carry.
LORO
2115 South Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78704
Open daily 11:30 am
If there’s one restaurant in town that I’m addicted to, it’s definitely LORO. I mean, how can you not foam at the mouth when hearing that Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue) and Tyson Cole (Uchi) created the best Asian smokehouse lovechild?! They’ve got a killer menu that infuses Texas BBQ and Asian cuisine. They’ve got dishes that are perfect for sharing, and their patio is well-equipped with shade, swings, and good times.
Cactus Cafe
2247 Guadalupe Street
Austin, Texas 78712
Open daily 11:00 am (during normal UT semesters)
It wouldn’t be an Austin city guide without a live music venue. The Cactus Cafe is a legendary spot for Austinites and outsiders alike. Located on the University of Texas campus, this listening lounge is the king of them all. Its intimate space lends to a music experience unlike any other. It’s one of the first spots that I caught live music when I moved to town. From hosting casual open mics to musical legends like Guy Clark, Alejandro Escovedo, and David Garza, you’ll be sure to walk away with a great night. The Cactus is a true Austin gem and I wish for everyone to experience its magic at least once.
Kerbey Lane Cafe
2606 Guadalupe Street
Austin, Texas 78705
Open daily 7:00 am
Listen, Kerbey Lane may be dubbed as the spot for college kids; however, if you visited Austin and didn't get Kerbey Queso... were you even in Austin? This restaurant is a cult classic and will never fail to serve you some of the best hot cakes around! It’s family owned and has been kickin’ since 1980. Truly, it never disappoints. Best diner in town.
Hill of Life
1710 Camp Craft Road
Austin, Texas 78746
Open daily 5:00 am
Austin isn’t Austin without the Greenbelt. Get you some water, get you some friends, and hike the Hill of Life trail. It’s easy enough for a beginner hiker (AKA me), but advanced enough to make you break a sweat. Don’t fret though, there’s a cool, fresh lake waiting for you to dive into when you’re done! You’ll see great views of the lush, green paradise just minutes from the city.
South Congress Avenue
South Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78704
It’s a cliche for a reason. Taking a stroll down South Congress (SOCO) will always be magical. You can feel historic Austin in its bones. While looking for a spot to grab some lunch or dinner, you can hear music from every corner. There’s art, endless shopping, and usually tons of happy dogs enjoying a nice stroll as well. Hopefully you pick Homeslice Pizza for your SOCO meal, an Austin staple for the best pizza around. Pro tip: always order their homemade Rice Krispy Treat for dessert, thank me later!
Pinballz
8940 Research Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78758
Open Monday to Friday 2:00 pm; Open Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am
For all you geeks and nerds (just kidding!) arcades are for all! Pinballz has an endless collection of — you guessed it — pinball machines. Of course, they’re stocked with a modern array of arcade games too. I love getting lost in the aisles and aisles of nostalgic entertainment. The best part, you ask? BYOB folks!
La Holly
2500 East 6th Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Open Wednesday and Thursday 4:00 pm; Open Friday to Sunday 12:00 pm
If you stick around the East Austin neighborhood long enough, you’ll find yourself at La Holly. It’s quaint and laidback — the perfect backdrop after a long day at work... or the Greenbelt! What won me over time and time again was their resident taco truck. I think I could eat their tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Nickel City
1133 East 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78702
Open daily 12:00 pm
Whether you want an ice cold Modelo or the perfect Negroni, Nickel City does it right every time. The perfect neighborhood bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Nickel City is the spot to kick back with friends and feel like an integral part of the true Austin scene. Grab yourself a coney from neighboring Delray Cafe while you’re at it. It’s the town’s delicacy — bar food that your tastebuds will absolutely love!