It would be an understatement to say that local activists are excited about Netroots Nation coming to Austin in '08. Psyched, would be a little closer.
Most of us Austin folks are also pretty darned happy about living and working here, as well. We're awful proud of our city and we want to make sure that visitors see the best of it and that local businesses make the most of all those darned librul bloggers coming to town.
So, let's try a little experiment, here.
I say coffee.
Now, you drool.
Good. Can't you just feel the buzz?
Now, can we channel that buzz into building a database of locally owned Austin coffeeshops that Netroots Nationals can reference when they're here, and in desperate need of the mother bean?
And if that works, maybe we could try this model with more pressing needs like cool, cheap, nearby hotels, motels, etc.
BTW-My basic rule of thumb: Everyone working at an Austin Coffeeshop is either a) in a band, b) dating someone in a band, or c) dating a band. Check it out and let me know what you find out.
To my knowledge, all those listed below have free wireless. Let me know if I'm wrong.
Ok, here goes:
Little City Downtown. Great place to hangout. Walking distance from the Convetion Center. Frequently good art. Nice people. Sidewalk tables.
Jo's Ultimately cool coffee on South Congress. Also downtown. You must go to be SCENE. They don't have a patio on South Congress because they don't have an "inside." It's all patio.
Austin Java Good coffee. Great food. Downtown. West downtown. Barton Springs. Very hippie. They're downton location is actually IN city hall. How cool is that?
Ruta Maya South Congress. Good music. Ground Zero for the liberal coffee drinker and those trying to appeal to same. GREAT coffee roast, sold through lots of other places here. Grab a bag or ten to take home.
BookPeople Nice coffee. Great bookstore. West of down town. They have their own "Conspiracy and Insurrection" section and they've been voted best independent bookseller nationally. What more could you want?
Clementine's It's so cool. It's close to downtown (east, on the Orange Dillo) AND it's in my neighborhood. Plus they've got good coffee, booze, and they're good neighbors. Plus patio.
Bouldin Creek Don't know much. Can someone help me, here?
Flightpath Not downtown. Well worth the trip just north. Very cool, local, neighborhood coffeeshop of long standing. Patio.
Flipnotics Ok, I admit it. I've never been to Flipnotics. But you should. Help me out here, folks.
The Hideout Coffee and Theatre Downtown. Theatre. Coffee. Food. What more could you want?
Austin Chronicle "Coffee" search
Local Business Guide to Coffee
Locals, visitors, and coffee shop junkies feel free to add your own lists, and reviews below. So, have at it.