My best friend; the one I lean on the most in times of stress, and in times of bliss. My best friend clears my mind and provides clarity even in the most perilous of situations. The one that makes even waking up at the crack of dawn or going to sleep past midnight bearable. This is coffee and I can’t thank it enough.

Being a born and raised Austinite, I can say that our coffee shops are not the run-of-the-mill establishments you’d expect from other cities. Because of the youthful vibes of my home town, I have found that there is a translation between Austin’s reputation as the live music capital of the world and its hipster, quirky coffee shops. Given this, time and time again I always get asked the question, “Where are the best coffee shops in Austin?”. Well, here are my top five places to get a nice cup of jo and what I love about each of them.

1. Epoch

Although a couple miles north of the epicenter of Austin, Epoch is one of the top coffee shops for young adults (18-24), especially amongst students at University of Texas and St. Edward's University. Two of my favorite perks of Epoch are its amazingly fast wifi and its 24-hour service. Time and time again I have found myself sitting in four-hour or six-hour sessions at Epoch at the crack of dawn or up until midnight. This coffee shop is definitely more geared than others towards those who need to work. Also, you can get the meanest strawberry rhubarb pie you've ever had here.

2. Houndsooth

Again, because of Houndsooth's prime location near the northern part of UT Campus, the crowd is generally younger. I love Houndsooth for its amazing natural lighting and it's cozy yet modern look. Although fairly packed throughout the morning and especially on weekends, I have found that mid afternoons and early evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the aesthetic of Houndsooth. I prefer their location on Lamar, but there is also a second location near 4th Street and South Congress within Frost Bank. This location is never busy, but obviously parking in any city downtown leaves little to be desired— especially if parallel parking is not your strong suit.

3. Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Believe it or not, I didn't really start going to coffee shops or really like drinking coffee until college started. Mozart's Coffee Roasters was the first coffee shop that I truly enjoyed for multiple reasons: its amazing desserts, its seating capacity, and its prime location overlooking Lady Bird Lake. I mean I have to admit this is my go to date location! Also, on certain nights Mozart's has live music from local artists which is always very entertaining. Lastly, the Mozart's Christmas Light show has always been phenomenal, it is the highlight of my holidays. The only drawback, to arguably the best coffeeshop in Austin, is its lack of wifi and and unfortunately its popularity. If you plan on going to Mozart's get there early; seats are always full from morning till night.

4. Seven Flag Coffee

In my opinion, Seven Flag Coffee is still fairly not known, but it definitely gets its regulars. Seven Flag Coffee is one of my newest discoveries and is in a prime location across the street from the Gordough's Food trailer on South 1st. This coffee shop is a cross between fine coffee and almost an Urban Outfitters vibe. Its very friendly baristas always give you the time of day. I especially enjoy to shop the little Austin-themed knick-knacks like cup coasters and mugs.

5. Blue Cat Café

To begin, I freaking love the Blue Cat Café. I mean, my allergies despise cats, but that doesn't stop me from taking Benadryl, bringing tissues, and stopping by the Cat Café at least twice a month. What I genuinely like about this coffee shop is its efforts towards giving cats the opportunity to be adopted. The cafe can hold 25 cats and always seems to be nearing cat capacity. I love their mission and their fluffy counterparts that are so friendly to humans. In addition, their food menu is completely vegan— which I confess is quite delicious. If you have the means to adopt a furry four-legged friend, I'd strongly consider starting your search here!