• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Austin Java: More Than Just Austin Coffee

May 2, 2012 by Eric Highland Leave a Comment

Austin Java on Barton SpringsEditor’s Note: Austin Java is closing its Barton Springs location on July 1, 2018, due to rising property taxes. A new location will open at 5404 Manchaca Road.

Running an Austin blog, I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. Every day I get to explore Austin, meet fascinating people, and write about a city that I love to discover.

Most days, I’m out and about and normally have a long list of people who I’m meeting with. More often than not, my meetings are one right after the other. Because of this routine, I’m frequently looking for great local spots to work from for the day.

Enter Austin Java on Barton Springs.

I don’t know about you, but in order for me to plant myself for a few hours and get down to interviews and writing, I have certain things that I’m looking for when it comes to establishments.

Austin Java is a great place to work for the day

For me, the place has to be comfortable and clean, and the staff has to be friendly. I’m also always on the lookout for things like free parking, free wifi, great coffee, power outlets…and good food is a huge bonus.

Believe it if you dare: Austin Java on Barton Springs has all of those bases covered…and more.

I had the privilege of meeting with Austin Java owner Rick Engel at his Barton Springs location. Let me tell you, Rick is a busy man. What you may not know is that Rick has ownership or management of 26 local restaurants here in Austin, and he definitely has his fingers on the pulse of the city. Rick is a whirlwind, and he’s incredibly passionate about all of his establishments and endeavors. We talked for over an hour, and every one of his projects seemed more exciting than the next.

The Shaded Patio of Austin Java on Barton Springs

Regarding Austin Java  specifically, I asked Rick what separates it from other local establishments. Rick replied, “We aren’t just a coffee house. We’re a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and we roast our own coffee. We serve breakfast all day long, and the restaurant has a large footprint with plenty of space and parking. We hold music, comedy, and movie events here too.”

And here I thought Austin Java was just a coffee shop. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There is much more to Austin Java than coffee.

In addition to hosting events, roasting their own coffee and employing a table-side waitstaff that serves a full menu, Austin Java partners with charitable organizations like the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, the SIMS Foundation and LifeWorks. During my time with Rick, it was clear that he truly believes in community and fundraising for charities.

Rick has a ton of other things he’s working on right now, including a new restaurant called Lickona’s which will be right across from Austin City Limits, where the City Hall Austin Java is currently located. He envisions Lickona’s as a House of Blues-style joint with Austin uniqueness, a place where artists will come and perform an acoustic set after they are done with their show at ACL. With Terry Lickona and Rick Engel involved, this place is sure to be a success. You won’t have to wait too long; Lickona’s is expected to open for ACL later this year.

Austin Java on Barton Springs is a great location, and there are many locations to choose from in the Austin area. I highly encourage you to check this business out and keep your eyes on Rick Engel. He’s really one of those people who is positively impacting local charities and the vibe of the city we all love.

 

Austinot Eric asks:
What is YOUR favorite local Austin establishment to hang out at or work from?

Austin Java on Urbanspoon

Filed Under: Drink, Food, Food & Drink Tagged With: barton springs, coffee, coffee shops

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of December 1 which include the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be […]

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read […]

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events – Enjoy These 10 Things to Do, Activities, & More!

Thanksgiving 2023 is just around the corner, and Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a season brimming with festivities, warmth, and community spirit. As we anticipate the joyous celebrations, let’s embrace the essence of Thanksgiving in Austin – a blend of traditional feasts, holiday cheer, and memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re a local […]

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023

Veterans Day Events Austin 2023 – Parades, Concerts, and Other Celebrations Near You!

This Veterans Day, honor the valiant hearts who served in the US Armed Forces with a grand salute! The city is set to showcase a spectacular lineup of Veterans Day events in 2023, making it the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations. Whether you’re searching for ‘Veterans Day events near me’ or ‘veteran events near […]

Winter Camp Austin 2023 - Your Guide to Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!

Editor’s Note: We are getting started with our process of compiling our comprehensive guide on Winter Camps in Austin for 2023! We will be making updates to this article on a regular basis. So please bookmark and check back in!  Winter Camps Austin – Explore, Learn, and Grow! Austin becomes a playground of wonder and […]

Recent Posts

  • 12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Christmas tree lighting Austin 2023 Events & Ceremonies to Watch!
  • Planning Your Black Friday in Austin – When to Shop Where And Maximize Shopping Deals
  • Everything you need for Thanksgiving 2023 in Austin – Things to do, Where to Eat, Where to Shop & more!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!
  • Shop Local at 10 Trend-setting Menswear Clothing Stores in Austin
  • 12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 1, 2023 include Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, Ballet Austin presents The Nutcracker, and More!

Copyright © 2023 · Log in