I've decided this place is called Once Over because if you've been there Once, you'll be Over it forever. The coffee itself is average but everything else falls far short of that. Parking is atrocious. The staff made our drinks and took my name but never called it out. Only when a staff member happened to pass by my table (inside) on the way to their office did he casually mention the drinks were ready. Uh...thanks. The music was so loud and so bad - think Madonna club music circa 2006 followed by some awful indie stuff - that was so horrible and repetitive that I moved outside. Other reviews have complimented the patio but I was really disappointed. It smells like sewage and any time there is a slight breeze, you get a nose full of that nasty scent which makes the experience miserable - but at least the music isn't as loud outside. I finally left about 10 minutes after being outside when some dude brought his laptop out to loudly have a conference call. Walking out (there were no customers at the bar or drinks being made), the two guys didn't bother to say 'thanks' or 'bye' or 'come again.' RECAP: Parking sucks, music sucks, outside sucks, customer service sucks, coffee isn't anything special and customer base is rude. Do yourself a favor if you want a local coffee place that doesn't suck and go to Seventh Flag. read more

Great service and even kid friendly. I'm not a huge coffee drinker, so I had great guidance to a latte. My daughter even got a temporary tattoo, made her day. Oh, by the way, they have BEER!!! read more

I decided to try this small coffee shop for the first time and was happy I did. Upon entering, it looks like most average shops. But the inside was very welcoming. People are downing this place because of the music or because they don't have great art on the walls but you shouldn't rate a place by it's appearance. That's like judging a book by it's cover. The product and presentation and service that they are providing is really what matters. I tried their green mint iced tea and was exceptionally pleased. I got it to-go so I didn't get a chance to check out the back patio but there's always next time! If you live in Austin you should definitely choose this place over any major corporation. AhhStarbucksCoughCough*wipenose read more

My previous experience of the place was early in the year before any changes were made to the interior. I recently visited Once Over again to see that they added two awesome windows overlooking Bouldin Creek and man what a difference that made to the feel of the inside. I had to bump this place up to five stars even though I still think they need drip coffee and cover on the back patio. It's too bad I'm moving out of town. :-( read more

I love Once Over! Having lived in Seattle for 5 years I've become particularly picky about my coffee/ espresso/ toddy's. The Barista's are friendly as are the many regular customers who roll through on a daily basis. I am always welcome with my dogs out in the front', they also have a very cute porch in the back I sometimes enjoy when I am dog-less. The espresso is smooth and the pastries are good, I usually go for my long-time-favorite salt bagel with cream cheese and toddy when it's hot outside. I've also never had a bad latte or americano for that matter. Bottom line: Don't listen to the haters Once Over has killer espresso and coffee/ resonably priced/ without all the pretense so common to more knowledgeable coffee shops. read more

I spend a lot of time in coffee shops--this one is down the street from me and a great spot if I need a quiet space to work from. The music isn't overwhelming and there usually isn't the noisy clatter that makes other coffee shops (hello Summermoon) less desirable if you're actually trying to get work done. Same goes to the people who work there. I interpreted the vibe as respectful, though it could have been because I was a girl on a mission. Oh, and the coffee's good, too. read more

World class cold brew, fabulous outdoor patio in back, mostly super friendly baristas. Coffee heaven!

I was up visiting a friend in Cedar Park, I always try and see what Austin has to offer that maybe SA doesn't. I have to say this iced chai was amazing. If I moved to Austin (would love to live here) I could see me frequenting this place. Very laid back and they are on their game when it comes to coffee. read more

If the vanilla syrup is made in house..I'm an instant fan. Also the coffee is delicious. I wanted to order an extra cappuccino So it wouldn't end. I'll be back tomorrow. read more

This is an awesome coffee shop for studying. I've only been in once, but it was quiet enough to focus but their music was great and at the perfect volume. The staff is very friendly. But the best is their coffee.... its SO good! Drink it black and really savor the roast. I will be back to see if they sell it whole bean. read more

To the general public- My experience at Once Over this morning was both appalling and disappointing. While waiting for my beverage I heard a barista make (with another patron) anti-gay and homophobic comments. Everyone is entitle to their opinions, but to announce them at work? It was unbelievable, needless to say I will never return to Once Over. read more

Once over has been a staple for me for the last 5 years. I got there and write code sometimes and the folks there are just so nice. The coffee is perfect and I have very high standards having been a barista for several years of my youth. The back deck is a gorgeous scene, perfect for a date or a casual summer day off :) Give it a shot. read more

Great chill place and staff was superb. We were offered good options and when one drink was a little to sweet the barista immediately noticed and asked if he could redo it for free. Great spot while visiting Austin! read more

Once Over Coffee Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have been looking for a new coffee place, and i had a wonderful experience with Once Over. The service was incredible and I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. They also offer a 10% discount if you pay cash. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a quiet setting to get work done, or anyone who is looking to get a quick cup of coffee. read more

We are fans of this place. Very simple...but that's what makes it great. Good location and interesting joint inside. Not sure why their back patio is so lame though....they could do so much more with it. The coffee wasn't amazing but still good. We recommend it. read more

Wow, I thought they just singled me out. Apparently they are rude to all. I went to once over to get a bag of beans. I told the guy "grind it for espresso machines." I also actually said "as fine as your espresso setting today" When I got it home and looked at it I noticed that it was ground for drip instead which is too course for espresso machines. I took it back and the guy working told me that that was as fine as it can get. I told him it was ground for drip and challenged him to look at it or use his 8,000.00 machine and make one shot with it to prove it. He changed the subject. He tried to show me what I didn't know about grinding, He told me I should invest in a grinder, He said this grind would go stale in 2 days and wouldn't work anyway. All he had to do was re grind it. Instead he had to prove that he was right all along and that I knew nothing about nothing. The funny thing is we both knew it was a simple mistake of not setting the grinder correctly when first grinding it. The grind is not something that takes a coffee professional to recognize the difference. It is a very simple concept (very fine to very coarse.) I stayed calm and cool the whole time. No raised voice, no bad words, no rudeness. About this time both of the guys working there started tag teaming bad cop, bad cop trying to dumb me down. I can take it though - your not going to upset me. He through the money down on the counter and said anything else? I really wanted him to regrind the coffee but he would have to admit that the grinder will make it finer by doing it. I really like this roast. He said he couldn't grind it better and wouldn't try. I ordered two ice lattes to go. The rude leader went in the back so I was now working with the other one who seemed slightly better until he delivered me ice lattes filled only half full. My best guess is since I brought my own cups (20oz. red plastic cold cup from Ace Mart) they were too large to put the perfect latte in. In the past when I just ordered with the same cups, took my lattes and left without being friendly or overly uncool they filled them all the way up, said thanks and I was on my way. (now that I think about it I don't think they ever said thank you or made me fee welcome ever.... anyway back to the subject. This message was to make sure I understood not to come back. They charged almost 10.00 for two 10-12oz ice lattes in my own cups. (I'm calling bullshit on that.) It felt like a punishment for ruffling feathers. I would have asked to talk to the owner to solve this further aggression except for the fact that she was there and listening the whole time with no intention of solving the problem. The drinks tasted good - I'll give em that - but it's not worth it if your not cool enough to be there or if they make a mistake because they are not going to help you. You will probably just be too annoying for them. In the end I drank the ice lattes with added 1/2 and 1/2 from their bar to fill them the rest of the way up. I got the stink eyes for that as well. I was never rude back or lost my cool at any time. I went on to Cafe Medici and bought some coffee ground for me on the same grinder and theirs ground it all the way to espresso. Here is where to buy Cuvee coffee without attitude at 30 cents more http://www.cuveecoffee.com/shop/index.php/coffee/dead-fingers-espresso.html You can also get Cuvee at Cafe Medici, Walton's, or Thunderbird coffee I have been a barista for 20 years. I have owned two coffee shops in Dallas. I help plan and build out 3 coffee shops in ATX area. I have a full size commercial 220v espresso machine in my house. (I'm waiting on a part to repair it) I fix coffee equipment on the side for extra money and I can take a Mahlkonig grinder apart piece by piece and repair it down to the tiniest detail. I am not by far but even if I was a complete novice I would know the difference between espresso and drip. He was right about one thing though - I do need to by a grinder. Here is some info about the grinder they use RETAIL GRINDER Whether they are in service in a coffee shop or in a cupping lab, Mahlkonig grinders are valued for their impressive functionality and reliability. * Specially developed motors allowing large grinding capacity at all degrees of fineness. * Preservation of coffee's unique aromatic oils thanks to uniform, gentle and cool grinding. * Continuously variable adjustment of grinding fineness. * Minimal coffee particles left in discharge tube thanks to manual tapper. * Precision grinding discs. * Easy to maintain and clean. PS I can't wait to hear the owner's response to this. Probably more of how ignorant and inexperienced I am. read more

This place is called "Once Over" because you go there once and then you get over it. The owners are INCREDIBLY rude! You get one star for a decent cup of espresso. You loose 4 stars for your pretentious attitudes and crappy parking. read more

Good coffee and the staff was friendly...but I don't think there's any wi-fi or unless my laptop is busted. Anyone had issues with their wi-fi or was it non-existent. read more

I have lived in the neighborhood 25 years and have been patronizing Once Over for a good many years now. I finally feel compelled to write a review - not to help the business and spread the love - but to fill you in on the janky atmosphere so if you go, you'll be fully aware of what to expect and won't let their sorry attitude spoil a perfectly delicious cup of coffee. I would ordinarily be tempted to send a message to management with a review like this, so they could use it to improve. But I'm sorry to report that it has become obvious to me over the course of more than 50 visits that the owner is indeed the catalyst and chief proponent of the arrogant, elitist, insular attitude of the place. Is this guy from Brooklyn or something? Embittered recalcitrant Bay Area refugee? Sheesh. I was walking over to get a cup of coffee at Fair Bean the other day (just across from Once Over) and I passed the owner walking on his way to work. I thought to myself, "I'm going to Fair Bean because of that dude right there." He had a scowl on his face, and it was obvious he had no intention whatsoever of acknowledging a regular customer as he passed me by. That seems like a tedious and inconsequential detail, but I mention it because it epitomizes what is wrong with Once Over. What is right with Once Over is that those kids that snub you while you're waiting in line are coffee geniuses. You really won't get a better cup of coffee in the entire city. Just be aware that you're not part of the "in crowd" as soon as you walk in the door and will be treated thusly. That way it won't feel personal, just irritating. Get a clue, Once Over - you're not serving beverages to North Face clad hipsters on Valencia street. This is Austin, you goof butts! Maybe a team building weekend retreat to learn Texas style hospitality? read more

Simultaneously hip and cozy, sleek yet friendly, pared down but with ample indulgence. Makes this place on the top of my list of places to hang should I require a place to go away from home for a change of pace. read more

A classic Austin coffee shop. Small, simple, and with a short menu, it is exactly what I'm looking for when I want something simple. My only gripe and what stops me from seeking it out often is that I feel like a hassle to the barista. It makes trying to appreciate the whole coffee experience a little taxing given that I don't necessarily feel welcome. read more

Good coffee, locally owned and great location. My only wish is that the counter staff didn't make me feel like a leper when I come in and interrupt their discussions about the regional variants of the word "Hoosier" by offering to buy a cup of coffee. read more

I found this coffee shop to be quite charming. There are many coffee shops in this area and this one happened to be right across the street from where we had breakfast. We found parking easily, though I'd imagine the parking situation could be tricky, best to walk or bike here if you live in the area. I tried to check the website in advance to see if they offered the elusive iced chai, but the website appears to be just a cover page really. There were 2 baristas working their magic and they did have an ice chai latte. SUCCESS! They also offer a variety of beers and the signs says all beers are $3. I'd imagine their treats change often, but when we were there they had 3 different kinds of gluten free options (muffin, pumpkin bread and a brownie I believe). The inside was bigger than I thought and wrapped around the corner. They had seating in the front facing the parking lot and also a very cute patio in the back overlooking a creek. I liked the atmosphere as it was very laid back and the baristas appeared to know many of the clientele ordering drinks. While I did not enjoy my iced latte and found it to be overpriced (maybe I got the wrong thing), he did love his iced chai latte and I thought his was pretty good as well. I would be back if I were in the area, and I would definitely get espresso next time as it appears that may be thing to get here. read more

My first Austin review! Yeay! I think this coffee bar (literally, and I'll explain why in a minute) will have sentimental value for me on many levels. First of all, its the first coffee shop I visited during my apartment search trip in the sweltering August heat. As I was parched, driving back to my hotel, I spotted the sign for this little, easy-to-miss spot off the side of S 1st near Live Oak. As I entered I noticed a minimalistic style bar with beautiful natural light and calming wooden counter tops. The two smiling baristas were chatting with another customer while he stood at the bar and watched his beverage come into being. I ordered an iced late and noticed the barista shaking the concoction it in bar tins to blend the coffee and soy milk. I chucked and commented to her that I had never seen that (as a bartender myself, i thought it was a great idea)... better than blending the coffee with spoon and getting it everywhere. As it turns out, the two owners are ex-bartenders. Ah... that explains it, I thought. And now that I read the other reviews here, it also explains the added "flare" such as cool designs in the foam of a late or the coffee bar that everyone seems so impressed by. The owners were very friendly and the coffee was really delicious. I will definitely be back. read more

I'm hitting the coffee places I've never tried...so, I rolled on in to this place. It all felt very stark. The staff was rather ambivalent, there were only a few people in there, but it seemed to take forever. There was just sort of this empty feeling with too much hardness. I don't know if that makes any sense. There was nothing welcoming or inviting...I wondered if I was intruding (?). The coffee art was astounding, but since that last all of 1 second I can hardly rate high on that count. The prices seemed high and the coffee wasn't that thrilling. sigh read more

This little shop was a pleasant surprise. We ended up going here just because we were across the street. The baristas were friendly and the cold brew coffee was tasty. It was the only cold brew I have ever liked other than what I drink every day. read more

"Once Over" and NEVER AGAIN. We we're a group of 4 adults and 2 kiddos, we arrived about 35 minutes prior to closing. Our order consisted of 6 drinks and 2 bags of whole bean coffee. The barista was quite RUDE. I attempted to make small talk with the guy but he seem quite dismissive and a bit arrogant, which when it comes to baristas, I'm TOTALLY fine with, so long as they can make a badass drink. His arrogance was REMARKABLY UNWARRANTED. I have about 7 years experience as a barista and have trained under some 2 nationally recognized baristas and I can definitively say that considering the beans they use and the marzocco gb5 that they have, it was quite possibly the worst cap I've ever had the displeasure to tasting. Once 9 o'clock came about he cut most of the lights and asked us to leave.....I was stunned. We gave them great business and we were treated like trash. I will not make the mistake of returning. read more

I just read a review which stated there are signs asking patrons to interact with others?? I used to frequent this establishment, almost daily, but have stopped going because the owners (I presume) would never interact with ME! I always greeted them when arriving and I'd always say goodbye when I left. They basically never acknowledged my existence. And it wasn't like I would bogart a table without buying anything. I always had a coffee in front of me. It's sad because the espresso was great. read more

I'm always on the lookout for new places to enjoy a cup of Joe:) I finally stopped in Once Over and I immediately liked the place. Its real laid back and the decor is simple and inviting. When trying a new place its most important that the coffee taste good and my "mocha" exceeded my expectations. Yes; coffee can be better than you expected..right? Not only was it delicious...it was pretty. That was the icing on the cake...or the froth on the coffee. Whichever you prefer. I cant wait to try a different flavor:) No disappointment's here! read more

I wanted to like this place, especially since they have such a great patio out back, but the service was not good. They just weren't friendly there. That means a lot to me so I won't be going back. read more

Terrible experience. Staff are extremely self important, loudly talking about themselves with inane stories, creating a very disruptive environment. Was not served for over 5 minutes while the barista talked about weekend plans with a friend. The space is unimaginative and smells bad ('smells like douche' according to my friend). This could be forgiven if the coffee was decent, but it is horrible. I usually order two cups of coffee, but I couldn't bring myself to order another cup of their toilet water. We got out of there as soon as possible, with no acknowledgement from the staff of course. I highly recommend never going here. read more

I wasn't super impressed with Once Over. Their coffee was pretty good, but their staff isn't super friendly and they play loud music so it's difficult to work there. When I went, they were playing loud metal music. I asked them if they could turn it down a notch (because I was writing a grant), and they smugly said "I guess you expect US to wear headphones?" They didn't end up turning the music down. I have only been back once since and again, loud music, snobby staff. read more

I used to have a lot of respect for this place, and put it on my list of best coffee shops in Austin. However, the last few times I have gone here the service is terrible! And the coffee is nothing to write home about. Waiting in line just this morning took forever, despite there being 1, maybe 2 people ahead of me. The baristas are so incessantly chatty, and seem to favor their friends as well as side cleaning and other random chores before even thinking about serving other paying customers. The level of douchiness from EVERY barista drives me crazy. HORRIBLE service, I hope the owner fires all the pretentious little hipster baristas and can bring someone in who is focused on their job, and at least has moderate customers service skills. Also, what happened to the coffee?!! I always order a latte, and they used to be delicious. Now they are way out of purportion and always served luke warm at best. Cant stand this place anymore! Go to summermoon up the street read more

excellent coffee and expresso drinks, great actual coffee bar. I am tempted to give this place one star because I want it all to myself but I wont. read more

I've been coming here since it opened. At least once a week in the morning...its hard to park that is for sure and the coffee is delicious and always consistent...my apprehension is mostly around the fact that the people who I believe to be the owners are rather stand offish. They have never spoken to me at all and I am there consistently. I more than likely make them uncomfortable because I am not dressed as a hipster, I come in wearing dressy professional clothing, and I am not a freelance blogger/writer...luckily the people they hire are friendly and courteous. Believe me I don't need to be buddy buddy with the proprietors or the baristas but it disappoints me when a local business in a relatively small neighborhood such as Bouldin seems very opposite of what Austin is about. If you only care about the coffee then by all means I highly recommend this place but if your also looking for warmth and a friendly environment...you know the intangibles that make businesses last....then I would go elsewhere. read more

Some of my favorite coffee in Austin. There are very, very few places to get a good espresso/cappuccino in the city. Most just throw steamed milk on mediocre beans pressed through a low-grade machine. The results are frustrating. They lead to long whining sessions about how "this is no better than my frikkin' French press." The baristas here do excellent work. They're friendly. They care about the art of coffee and use the finest equipment. And the beer selection is actually very solid; and at $3, a good value, esp. when some places charge at least that much for a can of undrinkable Lonestar water...er, beer. The atmosphere is cozy, modern, and full of outlets for my aging laptop with a dying battery that can barely hold a charge for 40 minutes before crapping out. And it's a very quiet for a coffee shop. Unusually so, even when full. I just love that. It means that when I'm pretentiously trying to impress someone by explaining the downsides of unregulated credit default swaps, my magnetic charisma isn't drowned out by some loud-mouth prole. Since it's across the street from Sugar Mama's, you can pick up a cupcake or bar and bring it over because Once Over allows outside food. Hooray. Now if only they'd save me that step and merge the two operations... I willingly schlep 20 minutes just to drink coffee here. That should say enough. read more

This coffee shop is cast from a different mold than the typical independent coffee shop in Austin. It reminds me of a coffee shop out in D.C. (Peregrine Espresso). 1) excellent coffee 2) well made espresso drinks 3) simple menu 4) plain decor 5) tax included in the price. The drinks here blow away everything else in South Austin. The americano I had rivals anything I've had at Caffe Medici or JP's (which can be spotty at times). My girlfriend had the mocha, which reminded me of the chocolate-drink creations they have at Bennu--but better. This might be a good place to study, since when I was there, it was pretty quiet and the tables and chairs are comfortable. They aren't very big though, so not a place for study groups. read more

Let me preface my following thoughts by saying that I hold nothing personal against this business or it's staff. I simply wanted to share an experience that I had at this coffee house that has effected my personal opinion for the worse when it comes to doing business with them in the future. No more than an hour ago my brother and I decided to stop by Once Over for coffee and the free wi-fi service. We stopped in and found a place to sit. Then we moved over to a more convenient area to sit once that spot opened up. We sat down and made ourselves at home, intending to grab a cup of coffee once we had booted our laptops. No more than five minutes had passed when one of the servers( not sure if it was the owner) came up to our table and asked us if we needed anything. My brother politely declined and then I followed him up by stating that I planned to order something shortly. The server goes back to the bar area and we continue surfing. Soon the place get's crowded and the same server comes back to our table no more than seven to ten minutes later and says clearly, "If you guys aren't going to buy anything can you get LOST"? I sat shocked. Feeling uncomfortable and stunned, I then told my brother to pack his gear up so we could leave. On the way out I decided to talk to the server who had confronted my brother and I. I told him that my brother and I had not been at the table long and intended to buy something. He then went on and said that we had sat at the table for more than thirty minutes when I know for a fact that we weren't there that long. I asked him," didn't I tell you that I was going to buy something?" He then in front of everyone at the bar said," well I thought you were lying?' Bottom line. I will not go back to this place again. I am sure the staff is great and the product is great, but this one individual who pressured my brother and I after telling us to "GET LOST", called us liars, and also lied about how long we were there has ruined my impression of the business. I will not give them my business and I do not suggest this place if that's how customers are treated. read more

Nice guys but the chai tasted just like warm water . Not hot water I did not not post 5 stars it automatically gave 5 stars. The vegan cookie sadly had no flavor either and the ingredients were mainly sugar,flour and non hydrogenated shortening. read more

I always see this coffee shop on my way home so I decided to stop in yesterday in between shopping. The barista was SO RUDE! He was not friendly at all. Their iced coffee was horrible and watered down. After he charged me, he basically slammed my change down on the counter and walked away. I have been a barista for local coffee shops for over 7 years and this is the worst coffee experience I've ever had. read more