A Guide to San Marcos Coffee Shops
Stellar Coffee Co.
Near and dear to the heart of downtown, this hallmark among San Marcos coffee shops is never without three things: good humans, great vibes, and stellar coffee. Since 2018, the folks behind the counter here have been brewing and handcrafting specialty coffee with the freshest locally roasted beans; not to mention, when it comes time to wind down, they have on hand a well-curated selection of fine wines, craft beers, and live events.
Whether you’d like to appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, groove to the tunes of a musician, or silently work amidst the tranquil charm of a pleasant neighborhood gathering space, whatever the case may be, Stellar has got you covered.
The Coffee Bar
Taking up residence within a 100+ year old building that sits on a breezy corner of the historical town square, The Coffee Bar offers guests cozy vintage feels accentuated by its hardwood floors and ceiling, throwback television set, exposed rock wall, cute potted plants, and ample furnishings. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to daringly innovative, rewardingly delicious signature coffee beverages such as the chocolate and cinnamon enriched Mayan Mocha and Honey and Vanilla sweetened Blondie.
Kahvie Cafe
This hidden gem among San Marcos coffee shops puts an instagrammable emphasis on customer experience, by way of its bright bohemian atmosphere, warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, patterned tile floors, ample wooden furnishings, natural sunlight, touches of vibrant plant life, elegant ceiling tiles, and trendy light fixtures. Rest assured, the friendly team at Kahvie Cafe takes their java as seriously as their beautiful aesthetic and are proud to have a unique menu that’s inspired by styles of coffee found all over the world. Traditional Italian espresso is the foundation, with an addition of Australian, English, and Cuban accents.
Wake the Dead Coffee House
Opened in May of 2008, Wake the Dead is a funky Tim Burton-esque coffee house with a variety of imported and domestic beers, wines, specialty espresso drinks, smoothies, breakfast and lunch choices, pastries and treats. The expansive grounds showcase monthly art exhibits, live performances, hand-crafted items for sale, and a wonderfully landscaped courtyard area surrounded by lush verdure and dappled with seating arrangements.
Jo’s Cafe
Nestled within an adorable blue home not too far off from the main drag, Jo’s Cafe jump-starts the community every morning with delicious takes on caffeinated favorites as well as flavorfully adventurous signature beverages like the Overdrive and Chai Charger. The locally beloved abode features an outdoor patio, speedy WiFi, and a living room area with a comfy couch and numerous tabletops that contribute to a delightful setting for studying or relaxation.
Mochas & Javas
Although they now operate several San Marcos coffee shops, the Mochas & Javas on N. LBJ Dr was the original location founded in 2003. A better environment for productivity would be difficult to imagine, aside from optimum functionality, the attention to detail that has gone into designing this cafe with a delightful balance of comfort and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or group study sessions.
Summer Moon Coffee
A spark of Texas pioneer spirit led to the wood-fired coffee Summer Moon offers. Having burst onto the scene from their hometown of Austin, this brand, perhaps cherished most for its unique approach to small, hand-roasted batches of the finest beans over seasoned oak, has spread like wildfire throughout the Lonestar state. Rather than basic cream, ask for Moon Milk – a sweet, creamy milk made with seven secret ingredients – with your latte.
Redbud Roasters
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, there may be no better option than Redbud Roasters, the team here is passionate about ethically sourcing and micro-roasting the world’s finest 100% Arabica beans. With flavors ranging in profile from a smooth Colombia, the nutty features of Guatemala, the slight chocolatey taste of Mexico to the rich milky Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, the robust flavors of Sumatra and Peru, and beyond, your meticulously perfected cup of coffee is just a thoughtful brew away.
Just a heads up, their lounge area is relatively small but does have a few seating arrangements, free WiFi, and an abundance of bagged coffee for purchase and eventual at-home indulgence.
Lamppost Coffee
Nestled at the quaint corner base of a gorgeous modern building, Lamppost’s warm wooden furnishings, minimalistic white walls, glass storefront, roomy high ceilings, and bold red chairs bask in a wonderful golden sunrise glow every morning weather permits. Their signature beverages impress too, for example, there’s the house-made secret syrup sweetened Lamba Latte.
Lazydaze
An Amsterdam-style coffee shop and dispensary, Lazydaze specializes in CBD coffee, tea, oil, flower, and many other CBD products. Their well-furnished backyard is super relaxed and even serves as the venue for cool events every so often.
Teapioca Lounge
Teapioca is a bright, clean, and relaxed hangout speckled with numerous tabletops as well as known for its delectable selection of boba teas, smoothies, traditional Taiwanese shaved ice, and premium coffee beverages.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in San Marcos, Texas, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Austin’s South Congress District!