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    Merit Coffee

    4.1 (164 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Merit Coffee Photos

    Business Info

    MERIT COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Merit Coffee

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    drinks
    Megan Y.

    I came in on Friday morning before noon. This is probably one of their most busy times, with everyone out of the house to work/body double. The only seating left was the high-top bar counter. I still sat there for a bit before leaving to catch my next errand! And of course I ordered a seasonal drink: the rosemary brown sugar latte. I'd had so many matchas and chai recently it was time for a latte again. I ordered it "for here" so it came in a mug. I also got a kolache, which is unlike me because normally I try something new. It was just as good as the first time. The latte was great too, but I noticed they didn't fix the "art" for me at the same time they fixed it for another order (super small thing but just sharing observations). People are used to the weekend lines so nobody complained about the line as far as I saw! And I was able to give space to folks who eventually joined my table.

    Cappuccino
    Stephanie K.

    She speaks with discernment and pace! There's merit in good taste, and I've found it all here - with cafes in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, they're purveying a range of roasts ethically sourced from Central, South America, and Africa. Pastries are also on-point, my current top 5 cookie resides here: try the Mexican Hot Chocolate (dark, rich, spicy, with crystalline sugar to balance). Their "About Us" section on the website tells all, but whether you're shopping wholesale or individual subscriptions delivered to your door, this is coffee and community that "Merits a brighter day!"

    Guy H.

    I needed that large Latte extra hot no foam in the worst way. Long story short I had no coffee this morning and it evaded me all day until 3:30 pm. I spotted Merit Coffee while cutting across Austin to another location. I quickly made a u-turn, pulling into the parking lot of this former historic home. Inside was small and packed, due to the Texas heat. I stepped up and ordered my Extra Hot Latte-no foam and waited. Looking around the room, I scoped out one stool left in the house. So , taking it, I then signed on to the free wifi. In about 5 mins my name was called and I picked up a fantastic cup of Joe. It was life changing knowing its 100 outside and Im inside enjoying a beautiful cup of coffee. Its been at least 15 years since ive gone without morning coffee so, this was an enlightening exercise. Im not inclined to do without my morning coffee tomorrow but, I would return here and you should too... Go!

    Cappuccino
    Steve O.

    A beautiful old building turned coffee shop ..... very cozy with a nice outside deck covered by trees providing plenty of shade. The breakfast sandwich and cappuccino we ordered were both very good. Servers were friendly and efficient

    Banana pudding matcha latte
    Alexis P.

    I ordered a banana pudding matcha latte at half sweetness and loved it! Highly recommend!

    Cherry bomb matcha
    Avery E.

    Merit coffee was a long awaited trial for me. The parking was a bit tight and didn't have many spots, and the actual building is quite small as well with usual lines out the door. I tried the cherry bomb matcha and was in love with it. It was perfect to mix the cherry foam into the drink and make the perfect flavor mix! I do think that the matcha was expensive. It is not a place to frequent as a small matcha was $8, but once in a while it is worth the money.

    House Coffee
    Joseph H.

    I had heard many outstanding reviews about Merit Coffee, so I wanted to try them. I was nearby for an event and walked to Merit, though parking can be minimal. Upon walking in, I was greeted and left to look at their menu. I decided to try their seasonal holiday blend, black, and was given a big mug; as I had mentioned, I intended to stay on the premises. It was a cold day, and I wanted to get some work done, but unfortunately, all of the tables were taken inside. Outside, there was plenty of additional seating, but there weren't any heaters. This is a coffee shop, so it's not a big deal. When I ordered, the Wi-Fi and password were readily available on the counter, making connecting to the Internet easy. The baristas didn't seem too friendly, though they seemed busy. I took off a star as I wished the baristas were more inviting. This was my first time there, and it took me a bit to figure out the place's vibe. I also wished they served coffee from a different region besides Ethiopia. Ethiopian coffee beans have a huge fan base, but I wanted to try coffee from other areas. I still enjoyed their coffee, though I probably would take it away next time. I'd like to go back to try one of their pour-overs.

    Strawberry matcha
    Michelle V.

    Amazing strawberry matcha! This location is so cuuuuuute! The building is historic and the patio is so dreamy off of south Lamar. I signed up for the rewards and got a free drink of my choice for my birthday - honestly such a nice small gesture that will make me likely to return in the future. Inside is super clean and has restrooms and staff was so friendly. Drink came out in less than 5 minutes.

    Pour over coffee
    Ellie N.

    This place has their own parking so it's convenient. Their drinks are decent. It's always super crowded weekdays or weekends. Finding a spot might be a challenge

    Inside
    Minh D.

    I like Merit and frequent their other location but have never been here. This coffee shop is located in a historical site/house and has a little plaque on the outside for info. It has indoor and outdoor seating, busy even when I went in early in the morning around 7. Outside seating can be loud since its on S Lamar. Matcha I got was alright but the croissants look super. They have a bit of parking but S Lamar can be busy. Overall nice experience

    Receipt that I was at this place 3 days in a row.
    Debbie L.

    I'm visiting my daughter in Austin this weekend (March 19-23) from San Diego and went to Merit Coffee three days in a row to get her a Matcha Latte. Each time, the drink was inconsistent. * Friday (3/21): The drink was excellent--my daughter loved it. * Saturday (3/22): It had way too much milk, so she wouldn't drink it. I brought it back, and they remade it with more matcha and less milk, which I appreciated. * Sunday (3/23): I specifically asked them not to make it too milky, and they gave me an 8 oz Matcha Latte in a 12 oz cup--but charged me for 12 oz on top of that the drink doesn't taste like the first day. Management, what is going on? My daughter lives across the street at Lamar Union and would love to support this place, but consistency is key. Please make this right!

    Double charged at Merit.
    Michael R.

    Okay coffee. Cool house. Freezing inside (68). May double charge your card and they dont take cash.

    Banana Pudding Matcha Latte
    Tyler T.

    The matcha here is very good! Strong matcha flavor, and lots of great seasonal varieties. I got the banana pudding matcha today and it was delicious. The cafe is in a beautiful historical building with ample indoor and outdoor space. There's a shared parking lot and free street parking a short walk away. My drink took a while to come out, but the cafe was very busy on a Saturday morning.

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    The only good coffee place that we could find while visiting Texas!!! Love Austin! Got the chocolate coffee.

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    If you're a coffee shop, you need two basic things: a decent WiFi connection and a lot of charging outlets. This place has neither!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Excellence in coffee. Nice shady patio. Food trucks on either side. Barista has great eyes :)

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Super cold A/C. Coffee is a medium roast so it's an adjustment fo me. Barista was very personable with a Great ice, milk and coffee balance.

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Excellent coffee and they have a great espresso roast as well that we buy for our at home machine.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Pretty good coffee, cute stores and merchandise. I try to support Texas businesses and I think Merit seeped out of San Antonio.

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    7 years ago

    Great coffee & snacks. Finally found them after 3 other coffee shops we tried on a recent trip to Austin. They became my favorite

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    Page 4 of 5

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    Cosmic - Agua fresca

    Cosmic

    4.6(739 reviews)
    2.0 mi78704 (South Austin)
    $$

    Cosmic Pickle is a very unique venue located of S. Congress that I discovered while visiting…read moreanother nearby location. The Cosmic effect can be realized through the red string lighting inside. Cosmic has indoor seating and outdoor seating with a covered patio. The lush greenery and trees make the venue visually appealing. In addition, a food truck park is across the walkway creating more interest. Joint outdoor seating is also shared with the food truck park. You can easily toggle between the food trucks and Cosmic. In addition, since there is so much outdoor space, the venue appears to be dog friendly. The drink menu has quite a lot of variety. In the early morning hours, you have the opportunity to drink lattes, espresso or cold brews paired with pastries. As the day continues, you can add to the drink menu wines, beer and cocktails. I had hibiscus tea with a croissant...both delicious. That morning, I was the only customer, so I had dedicated service. Will have to return in the evening...

    *this was meant to be 5 stars and for some reason I must have hit 4…read more Updating for that purpose only. Yeah so, I was updating a lengthy review but it seems to have disappeared. Anyway... The Cosmic Saltillo location is our go-to because it's walking distance from our home. This original location is amazing. Love the both so much. I like that there are food truck onsite, lots and lots of outdoor seating, koi pond, chickens, certified green spaces, and so much more. It's like being at the greatest campground ever. The interior is spacious. The entire place is welcoming and friendly. Super service. Super cocktails. Super coffee. Super other drinks. You see where I'm going, right? I love it here!

    Photos
    Cosmic - Barbacado! Barbacoa stuffed avocado

    Barbacado! Barbacoa stuffed avocado

    Cosmic - Outside

    Outside

    Cosmic - A great selection of coffee, juices and alcoholic beverages

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    A great selection of coffee, juices and alcoholic beverages

    Dam Coffee Bar - Matcha, Hanoi egg coffee and tea drink.

    Dam Coffee Bar

    4.4(81 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    This place is 2 days from being a year old, and it will be known as a legendary shop soon, you…read moreshould go try the best Hanoi style egg coffee in the world before the lines become hours-long influencer feats. I mean the world, these guys aren't serving the $1.45 OG from Cafe Giang, they aren't even serving the version from Loading T, they're serving the single most luxurious premium version of what Loading T did to the Giang OG: this is the definitive version of egg coffee in the world, anyone who disagrees can fight me. This drink is so spectacular it elevates it beyond a mere delicious curiosity into a universally perfect drink. In 2-5 years every specialty coffee shop will likely be copying this as it becomes trendy. If you want to be a cool kid and drink some of the best coffee on the planet before that inevitable blow up, GO NOW! Pro tip: the gorgeous egg foam can be refreshed with an espresso shot if you choose (for extra $$ of course( so you can savor every bit of it!

    Not exaggerating when I say this is my favorite matcha spot in Austin! Caphein is a close second,…read morebut Dam takes the top spot for me. Compared to Caphein, Dam has a more relaxed vibe with additional seating, which makes it a great place to hang out or get some work done. I noticed it's also a popular study spot for students, so a few extra outlets would be a nice touch. That aside, every matcha I've ordered here has been amazing in both flavor and consistency. The matcha taste actually comes through, and the drinks never feel too watered down or overly sweet. Overall, Dam is easily staying at the top of my Austin matcha list and is a spot I'd keep coming back to.

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    Dam Coffee Bar - Inside/counter to order

    Inside/counter to order

    Dam Coffee Bar - Hanoi egg coffee

    Hanoi egg coffee

    Dam Coffee Bar

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    Simona's

    Simona's

    4.6(92 reviews)
    1.2 mi78704 (South Austin)
    $$

    Came to Simona's with some coworkers for happy hour and was not disappointed! This place is behind…read morethe Colton hotel off Congress ave. There is a parking lot that you can get validation for 2 hrs free, but after that you will be charged. Overall though, it's totally worth a visit! The bartenders are really friendly, the bathrooms are immaculate, and the inside of the place is really cute -- think kinda pink vintage? There are some tables, and big comfy couches around a coffee table in the middle of the bar which is where we sat. I had one of their happy hour cocktails that was similar to a creamy espresso martini, and they are 50% off on happy hour days/times! My friend got one of their floral cocktails which wasn't discounted but I LOVED it personally. I also got a strawberry matcha drink (non alcoholic) that was a little too sweet in my opinion; I finished it but wouldn't get it again. Overall though the cocktails and vibe in there are worth a visit alone! When it's not too hot, the area outside has little mini-chandeliers and is also very vibey.

    This is a review about the coffee and food aspect of Simona's…read more It is over priced. In terms of coffee, they are middle of the pack. There is much better coffee in austin. They have premium prices still. They sell pastries and they have a taco food truck connected to it. Both are still very much overpriced. I get it, they are inside a nice hotel and so they will charge a premium but at least have the quality match that.

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    Simona's
    Simona's
    Simona's

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    Merit Coffee - coffee - Updated September 2026

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