Stinson’s Bistro Manages Unique Mix of Coffee, Pizza

This guest blog article is by Michal Ann Morrison.

Stinson’s Bistro is a relatively new addition to Austin, but they’ve quickly built a reputation for great coffee. My espresso addiction being what it is, coffee is the very thing that took me there for my first visit. That and my roommates’ insistence that Stinson’s gluten-free options were too delicious to pass up.

At first I was skeptical that a place known for coffee could offer up pizza that was just as noteworthy. But one dining experience in and I was sold.

In the past, I’ve found that the best coffee comes from places that specialize solely in pulling a great shot of espresso. But I found Stinson’s to be a place uniquely capable of culinary diversity: alongside their espresso a la dolce vita, an impressive selection of wines and sophisticated mixed drinks accompany a full menu of pizzas, salads, artisan sandwiches, pastries and exceptional desserts.

I cannot deny myself anything when I eat here! A group of friends and I spent several glorious hours devouring thin-crust pizzas (gluten-free options available!) and feta and strawberry salads, and downing bottles of vino alongside irresistible affogato (vanilla ice cream covered with espresso and topped with espresso-infused whipped cream. If you’ve never tried it, drop whatever you’re doing and go get some. Go now.).

Plus, it’s not often that I’ve felt as though a restaurant serves food of refined bistro status, while still maintaining approachability and a friendly atmosphere. Stinson’s staff gave me an excellent wine recommendation, but they were also personable and attentive.

What began as a coffee trailer at 45th and Burnet has expanded into two brick and mortar locations. The Rosedale location was the first – you can find it at 4416 Burnet Rd., where the trailer used to be. The building was a filling station back in 1948! A second location opened earlier this year at what used to be the Pizza Bistro on Lake Austin Boulevard (2401 Lake Austin Blvd.).

The new location has a covered patio overlooking Deep Eddy and offers a full menu, while the Rosedale location on Burnet Road sports a more modern industrial feel, with a shorter menu and more of an emphasis on coffee and cocktails.

Michal Ann recently finished a graduate program at Dallas Theological Seminary, where she earned a Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies. Now, when she’s not traveling around the Mediterranean for research, she’s working on the publication of her first children’s book. Her favorite things to do include kayaking, hiking the Greenbelt with her rescue pup Lady, and searching for the best coffee places in town.

 

Photos courtesy of Stinson’s Bistro Facebook page.