Austin Coffee Shops - South Lamar

Our South Lamar café occupies one of Austin's most quietly significant addresses. The building - known historically as the Dawson Stone House - dates to around 1900, constructed by sisters Mary and Nannie Dawson during the South Heights expansion. It now stands as a Texas Historic Landmark, and you can feel that history the moment you walk through the door. The original stone walls are still very much present, framed by a modern bar and a space that feels both rooted and alive.

South Lamar has always been one of Austin's most genuinely local corridors - lined with music venues, independent restaurants, and vintage shops that have defined South Austin long before it became a destination. Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and Lady Bird Lake are all just minutes away, making this stretch of Lamar a natural gathering point for neighbors, runners, cyclists, and anyone who calls the 78704 their home.

When people search for a great coffee shop in South Austin, they're usually looking for more than a good cup. They want somewhere that fits the neighborhood - somewhere with character, consistency, and a reason to come back. That's what we've tried to build here.

South Lamar connects Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Barton Hills, and the broader South Congress corridor, putting it within easy reach of some of Austin's most beloved spots. Whether you're stopping in before a morning walk along the river or settling in for the afternoon, the space is designed to feel like part of where you are - unhurried, welcoming, and genuinely South Austin.

Your South Lamar Coffee Shop for Espresso, Cold Brew & More

Our coffee bar focuses on:

• Specialty coffee and responsibly sourced beans
• Carefully crafted espresso drinks, from classic lattes to cappuccinos
• Iced lattes, matchas, teas, and seasonal specialty drinks
• Signature cold brews, including our horchata cold brew and mint cold brew
• A food menu featuring breakfast tacos from Pueblo Viejo and freshly baked local pastries

Whether you're grabbing something to go or staying awhile, the space offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The patio is especially popular - ideal for people-watching along Lamar Blvd or unwinding after a visit to Zilker Park or Barton Springs. A dedicated parking lot makes it an easy stop without the usual South Austin parking headache.

With free parking and a nearby parking garage, it’s an easy stop for east side residents looking for quality without the hassle.

A Coffee Shop in South Austin with Outdoor Seating & Historic Character

The South Lamar café blends naturally into the rhythm of the neighborhood, offering a space that feels both grounded and open.

You'll find:

• Ample outdoor seating with patio views along South Lamar Blvd
• Comfortable indoor seating with Wi-Fi and power access
• Historic stone walls alongside a clean, modern bar design
• A relaxed atmosphere that welcomes long stays and quick stops equally
• Convenient access from South Congress Ave, Cesar Chavez St, and the Colorado River trail system

Whether you're coming from Bouldin, Travis Heights, or heading toward the park, it's an easy stop before or after wherever the day takes you.

Specialty Coffee, Quality Beans & a Consistent Cup

We focus on:

• Freshly roasted coffee beans
• Roasting coffees to flavor and not color
• Responsible sourcing practices
• Consistency in every cup

With multiple locations across Austin, you’re never far from a familiar place to grab a great cup - whether you’re on the east side, downtown, or further south.

Explore All of Our Austin Locations

Austin's coffee culture stretches across the city, and our South Lamar location proudly serves the coffee shops in South Austin crowd - visitors looking for specialty coffee without heading downtown, and neighbors who've made it part of their daily routine.

If you're on the east side, our Mueller café is a natural stop near Mueller Lake Park.
Closer to the north end of the city, the Triangle location offers the same experience in a different corner of Austin — along with our Seaholm café near Lady Bird Lake and the hike-and-bike trail.

FAQs

Is there parking available at your South Lamar location?

Yes. Unlike many coffee shops in Austin in high-traffic areas, our South Lamar location includes a dedicated parking lot, making it an easy stop whether you're running errands or spending the morning.

Do you sell coffee beans?

Yes. We roast our own coffee for optimal flavor and freshness. We source and roast over 25 different single origin coffees throughout the year, including some of our signature roasted blends so you can enjoy the same quality coffee experience at home.

Is there outdoor seating, and can I bring my dog?

Yes. Our patio offers ample outdoor seating along South Lamar Blvd - it's a favorite for people-watching, and your dog is welcome to join. It's one of the more relaxed ways to enjoy coffee near Zilker Park or Barton Springs before or after a visit to the parks.

Do you sell coffee beans in-store?

We do. You can pick up a bag of our freshly roasted coffee directly at the café. We source and roast over 25 different single origin coffees throughout the year, so there's almost always something new worth trying alongside our core offerings.

What makes Merit different from other Austin coffee shops?

A few things. We source directly from farmers, roast in-house in San Antonio, and serve coffee that reflects the full process behind every bag. The South Lamar location itself adds something - a Texas Historic Landmark with stone walls and a history that goes back more than a century. It's not a detail we lean on lightly. It's just part of what makes this café feel different from the rest.