“Second Helpings” offers tasty, bite-sized restaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week’s entries were updated by Erin Mosow. For quick, reliable information about Austin eateries, check here.
Babbo’s Italian Gelato & Coffee
1206 W. 38th Ste. 1204-B, 451-9555 Monday-Thursday, 6am-10pm; Friday, 6am-11pm; Saturday, 8am-11pm; Sunday, 9am-9pmGet out of the traffic at 38th and Lamar and treat yourself to a hot cup of coffee or a cold scoop of gelato at Babbo’s. In addition to the 37 flavors of gelato and sorbet, Babbo’s has a full espresso bar and a menu of cappuccinos, coffees, teas, and frozen beverages. Choose from regular, decaf, or their espresso made from imported Italian beans. Babbo’s offers a number of gift baskets for the coffee lover in your life as well.
Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse & Cafe
1501 S. First, 416-1601 Monday-Friday, 7am-12mid; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-12midThis inviting Bouldin neighborhood haunt features a funky lime-green exterior and an interior that’s probably more homey than the place you sleep. Pick up a book, play Battleship, and enjoy all your favorite coffee drinks along with some killer honey lemonade. Bouldin Creek also has a small, economical vegetarian menu featuring all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches, beans, collard greens, and homemade cornbread.
Jo’s Hot Coffee & Good Food
1300 S. Congress, 444-3800 Monday, 7am-6pm; Tuesday-Friday, 7am-9pm; Saturday, 7am-10pm; Sunday, 7am-9pmThis unique little joint, the coffeeshop of the renovated Hotel San José, offers the best people-watching spot in the whole 78704 ZIP code, hands down. Cappuccino, espresso, lattes, and teas are all there, as well as a selection of baked goods that make perfect midday nibbles.
JP’s Java
2803 San Jacinto, 494-0015 Monday-Thursday, 6am-2am; Friday-Saturday, 6am-12mid; Sunday, 7am-2amFree Internet access may initially draw you into this coffee bar at San Jacinto and Duval, but the steaming espressos and iced chai will bring you back. JP’s has their coffee shipped from Seattle twice weekly, roasting at its peak for your drinking pleasure. The food menu offers a variety of pastries, perfect for snacking while you check your e-mail.
Ruta Maya International Headquarters
3601 S. Congress Ste. D-200, 707-9637 Monday-Wednesday, 7am-1am; Thursday-Saturday, 7am-2am; Sunday, 8am-12midRuta Maya didn’t disappear — it just moved! Now located on South Congress, the new Ruta Maya touts “Same people, new location.” Hot coffees, espressos, teas, Latin foods, Cuban sandwiches, baked goods, beer, and ice cream are all still available. Listen to an eclectic mix of local musicians, and sample the selection of organic coffees. Open late every night.
Trianon
3201 Bee Caves Rd., 328-4033 Monday-Saturday, 7am-9pm; Sunday, 8am-5pm 4815 W. Braker, 349-7758 Monday-Friday, 6:30am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-7pm; Sunday, 8am-5pm 3742 Far West Blvd., 349-9636 Monday-Friday, 6:30am-7pm; Saturday, 7am-7pm; Sunday, 8am-5pmTrianon has everything you need for coffee, from fresh ground beans to espresso makers and decorative mug sets. Fresh pastries, chocolates, and the gamut of java accessories are all packed onto their shelves. Look for their coffee and tea gift baskets and boxes, pre- or custom-made to your specifications, with local delivery available. And of course they have a number of hot and cold drinks to enjoy in-house.
This article appears in December 26 • 2003.