10 Coffee Shops/Cafes in Austin to sit and work-Part II
Part I dealt with newbie coffee shops, that have opened within the last two years. Part II are two coffee shops that have been around for a while and are starkly different.
Cafe Mundi (1704 East 5th St; Mon-Fri: 7:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm, MAP.)
For a long while, Mundi has been a favorite secret spot, with its quirky yet beautifully landscaped garden terrace, complete with fruiting banana plants and two sitting nook arbors--a kind of Eden on the East Side. A tad more hippy than hipster, Mundi has had a loyal following among artists and activists in the area. Serving fair trade coffee supplied by the local Texas Coffee Traders, Mundi has hosted numerous events, fundraisers, and movie nights. Until recently, I would have written that the only drawback was the fact that the indoor space was limited--fine on a clear day, but tough on a rainy one. However, I am pleased to report that Mundi added more indoor dining space a couple of months ago, leaving plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor types. As I mentioned, the garden terrace is a wonderful space, where you can sit with your dog and even smoke (neither are allowed on the patio, just outside the entrance, however). Inside, there are enough outlets for the laptop toters. The sandwiches remind me of my college days, co-op style and delicious, with vegetarian and vegan options. When you come, get a sandwich or pastry and sip on a Yerba Mate with a metal straw from the gourd (Gael Garcia Bernal playing a young Che Guevara drinks this with migrant workers by a fire pit in the film "Motorcycle Diaries").
Cipollina (1213 West Lynn; Tel: 512-477-5211; Daily 11am-10pm; MAP.)
Cipollina has gone through some changes lately. With a new cafe and diner just across the street, it has started playing up the "Bistro" aspect of the fare there. It has always offered lovely deli-like take-out, and now there is more reason to sit. But don't let the "Bistro" title intimidate you. People still come in, order a coffee and park it for hours. Located in posh Clarksville, Cipollina is a bit more "upscale" than some other selections in this list. But it always has space, with outlets at almost every table and a nice wide window front for light and scenery. If you do decide to eat something, the whole menu is very good. I especially like the lamb sandwich, a fragrant novelty that is sure to please you lamb-lovers. The only drawback is that a snack and a drink will cost a tad more than other places, but considering the kitchen is run by chefs, it's to be expected.
To Be Continued....
