Since this is a city where margaritas are a household name, we make no beans about the necessity of our morning remedy cup-of-joe. Why not follow the road less traveled for your next caffeine fix at one of these local java joints…

Progress Coffee – There’s something brewing on the east side of I-35 and it’s coming from Progress Coffee. Located off the beaten path, this warehouse turned coffeehouse is a welcome alternative to the usual dregs. Enjoy the perks of parking, a unique menu (hello, brie sandwich with green apples) and a swingin’ events calendar.

Spider House Coffee Bar & Vegetarian Café – Kitschy by day and cozy by night, this quaint coffee bar is a favorite find for UT students and an old flame of students past. Inside this old house you’ll find comfy grandma couches and romantic lighting, and outside the yard is decorated with mismatched lawn furniture, making the cool factor of this coffee house far from itsy bitsy.

Bouldin Creek – A South First Street staple with an old world mentality, this coffee house promotes community togetherness. Enjoy your tofu and broccoli salad with a side of caffeine and conversation, as you mingle with the regulars.