Spokesman
A veteran in the Austin coffee scene — this is one of my favorite go-to cold brews, and it hits proper each and every time at all of their locations. The flavor and strength are always on point. Whether you go for their entry-level 12oz, the mid 16oz, or the elite-level 24oz, this divine nectar is consistently dialed in. Get it there and experience it out of their uniquely shaped glass — which oddly seems to make it taste that much better — coming straight out of a beer tap. My go-to is asking for light ice. You'll be euphorically buzzin' out the gate.
Spokesman Coffee
St. Elmo
A homegrown Austin roaster serving expertly crafted specialty coffee alongside craft beer and wine in a striking industrial warehouse space. The chrome coffee roaster takes center stage amid graffiti-covered walls, creating a vibe that is equal parts serious roastery and neighborhood hangout.
Even Keel
I love the uniqueness Austin has to offer. Even Keel is no exception. Found inside of a ramen shop (Michi), this cold brew is in a league of its own. Not sure if it's meant to be hidden, a secret, or if the owner just really loves ramen — but this hidden gem is well worth the visit. I've never been the biggest nitro cold brew fan, but Even Keel put an end to that. Not only is this some of the silkiest, smoothest cold brew I've ever had, but it one-ups the competition by incorporating actual cold brew ice cubes. Yes, you read that correctly. Dilution? I think not. The more the coffee cubes melt, the more your cold brew re-ups itself — leaving you with what feels like never-ending, silky smooth cold brew laced in luscious nitrous.
Even Keel Coffee
North Loop
Even Keel has carved out a niche as Austin's dedicated nitro cold brew bar, using certified organic Arabica beans brewed in small batches with Austin spring water for a smooth, zero-bitterness experience. Their signature cold brew ice cubes prevent dilution, and CBD-infused options give caffeine-sensitive drinkers a mellow alternative.
Desnudo
With multiple coffee trucks and a brick-and-mortar location in East Austin, there are plenty of places to try this newer coffee shop's excellent cold brew. Desnudo, which translates to "naked," is exactly the goal of these Colombian brothers — having coffee taste so good it doesn't need anything else in it. Their cold brew is no exception. They go direct to source, partnering with small Colombian coffee farmers to find the most excellent beans they can get their hands on. Some carry unique fruity tasting profiles that make themselves evident when indulging. So tasty you won't fret over drinking it desnudo — naked, black... you get it.
Desnudo Coffee
East Austin
Founded by Colombian brothers, Desnudo sources directly from small family-run farms in Colombia, cutting out middlemen and championing regenerative agriculture. Every micro lot is roasted in small batches, yielding complex, ever-rotating seasonal flavor profiles. Signature creations like the Brown Sugar Miso Latte showcase inventive yet technically precise drinks.
Radio
Another veteran Austin staple with several locations. Cold brew just hits different in a pint glass, especially coming straight out of the beer tap — similar to Spokesman. In fact, I always compare Radio to Spokesman's cold brew, and while I think Spokesman inches out slightly in flavor, Radio still offers a strong, consistent brew that's a sure-fire thing. It's always a toss-up deciding which one to go to. If you're feeling the outdoor vibe, don't hesitate — go Radio. I frequent the Manchaca location and make sure to wash down the cold brew with a few migas tacos from Veracruz. All hit, no miss.
Radio Coffee & Beer
Manchaca
The quintessential Austin neighborhood gathering spot where families, freelancers, and dog-walkers share shaded picnic tables beneath massive live oaks. The on-site food trucks — including the legendary Veracruz All Natural — elevate it well beyond a typical coffee stop. By night it transforms into a laid-back music venue.
Honorable Mention: CaPhe.in
I don't think this technically qualifies as cold brew, but if you're not sensitive to caffeine, this is most certainly worth the trip and worth the mention. While they specialize in traditional and unique Vietnamese-style coffee, they offer a "Black Phin Drip" over ice and it's absolute jet fuel. Vietnamese coffee mostly comes from more bitter robusta beans that pack double the caffeine and a stronger flavor. I love a good strong coffee and this one hits twice as hard. If we ever find the energy source of back-engineered anti-gravity UFOs, this might actually be in the mix.
CaPhe.in
West Campus
A Vietnamese-inspired specialty cafe near UT Austin that has quickly become one of the most Instagrammed openings on the Drag, thanks to phin-dripped robusta coffee, ceremonial-grade matcha, and creative signatures like the Mascarpone Latte and Vietnamese Egg Coffee. Drinks are customizable with adjustable sugar levels and dairy options.
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