Pacha Logo Austin Texas

Come to Pacha!!

In the heart of Austin, a local coffee post has stood to welcome all diners from all walks of life. On Burnet Rd, you will never get to enjoy Austin living without having a taste of the Pacha.

I walk into Pacha on a Saturday morning, actually the Saturday morning of Austin’s Hot Sauce Festival, a smoking day it was! In Pacha I see a extremely diverse bunch of folks. We had the older lady crocheting, young college student on his laptop, an old Jewish guy in the corner with his hat on, a Texas lawyer who was damn proud to let everyone know it, some guys who looked they just walked out of Emo’s, and two soccer moms. No joke, they were all at Pacha and the place isn’t that big. Oh yea, and a bald guy with his little girl.

Pacha Cafe Austin Coffee Shop

The inspiration and roots of identity…

Passing by this very homey and unique coffee shop, you will first notice the Pachamama logo. The lady in the signage is told in Andes’s history as the goddess of fertility. However, getting on more recent times, a painting from Potosi, the Virgen del Cerro gave inspiration to the now Pacha trademark. As interpreted, the symbol is a mountain woman, “a pillar to heaven”, then a globe was added at the bottom to define the translation of “earth” as it has also been associated with.

The foundation…

Pacha Coffee On Burnet Rd in Austin, Texas

Café Pacha’s building has been up for about 28 years now and it remains original-looking as it was before. The main shop has been known for its festive paints and very vibrant interiors which were kept warm and cozy by owner – Julie

Pacha Coffee Shop View

Schuroeder and her sister Suzanne. Julie’s stay in Bolivia played a big role in her interest on handicrafts and Andean arts, not to mention of course, the food! From there she got the salteñas and empanadas along with their home-brewed coffees and teas. This very optimistic lady crafted arts on the tables with her own hands and soon after with her French hubby, who makes the home-made specialties, Pacha became their first-born!

After some time, the real angel came in to the couple’s lives and they had to sell the business. In December 2008, Pacha was run by a new management, under Marjorie Boulden and A. P. David (‘David’), and it is now known as Mother Pacha Inc.

The Local Austin Owner

As the shop became more popular, so as its new runners. Marjorie Boulden’s passion for cooking has been well-exercised in her new business, yet the truth is, she is an electrical engineer who eventually got bored to just sitting in a cubicle cleaning up microchip designs, even if it pays her more. Her figure is a clear icon of what real passion is all about.

Pacha Quiche in Austin

The aroma of her enticing pies will surely entice your palates, same goes for her quiche and pancakes that are really something to look forward to and of course, get a taste of!

Marjorie and her hubby were both high school drop outs yet they made the best that they could to still get the ball rolling. However, David was able to publish a book thru Oxford and maintained a supporting site for the business. His writing prowess continued under a pen name and eventually came up with the novel Cliquez Ici! You’ll often find Marjorie at Pacha, managing and serving guests with her warmth and gentleness. On the other hand, David only spends afternoons at the café!

Organic Goodies on the menu

Pacha Menu Austin Coffee House

What is Pacha if coffee, pies, quiches and pancakes aren’t around? It’s as sad as your last day!!!
Pacha has been known widely for their delicious versions and home-cooked recipes that are sure to keep your tummy happy. All the more, they just do not offer sumptuous Pacha Latte, soups, pies and empanadas, you’ll be surprised to know that these very delicious dishes and beverages are healthy as well. Every item on the list is made with their signature secret recipe and all-organic ingredients. You’ll really taste the difference!

Starting off with your daily dose of coffee, Pacha offers the house regulars Drip, French pressed Coffee, Espresso and Café Con Leche, or more popularly known café au lait. However, you must never fail to miss trying out their Pacha Latte! The house’s special organic coffee that will really give you a lift! The coffee is cold-brewed-based, it’s non-dairy, so it’s good for those lactose-intolerant, it’s not too sweet either, plus you’ll have a choice of whether to have it hot, ice-blended, or with banana added and turn it into a smooth shake. As for the not so coffee-lovers, don’t worry, you can still choose from their Hot Chocolate, Milk, Tea, Juice and Smoothies, all tastes so good, you’ll even forget your name!

If you think this café will grab you for its coffee variations, well, don’t be mistaken, you’ll surely enjoy their food the same way as you enjoyed your drink! Pacha offers a wide range of choices, starting with short orders like the organic breakfast specials which consist of any or all of the following: oatmeal, tacos, bagel-egg-cheese, mini-omelette, tortilla-egg-cheese, canadian bacon, and grilled toast! If you come after breakfast time, there are all-day-available meals that are cooking in the kitchen.

So what are you waiting for?
Come on…and experience what people have been buzzing about Pacha and don’t over look the amble parking in the back!

Pacha Cafe & Coffee House
4618 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 420-8758
http://MotherPacha.com
motherpacha@gmail.com

Pull Your Card at Pacha

Pacha Table Art in Austin

Pacha TV Aquarium Art in Austin

Bennu Coffee Lounge an Austin Great

Bennu Coffee Shop is one of Austin’s Top places to enjoy a cup-a-joe. What’s cooler than hearing Bob Dylan in Austin’s coolest coffee shop Bennu. Bennu’s definitely has the ideal coffee shop feel. Bennu is located south east Austin on MLK Blvd close to the UT Campus but far enough away to not only have college student patrons. This coffeeshop in Austin won, Austin’s Coffee Shop Twitter Coolness Award and needed a independent review.

Bennu Coffee Shop Counter Logo

Visiting Bennu in the morning, you will find a good mix of people from all walks: professional, hip, tattooed, band members and just regular ole Austinites. It must be noted, the gene pool appears to be above par.

Bennu Mocha Drinks

Bennu’s Coffee: On to the coffee, I tested a Grande Iced Chai with two Shots of Espresso and it was damn tasty. Bennu Coffee Lounge has all of your regular coffee shop coffee options with dark, light coffee, espresso, french press, and a variety of loose leaf teas, including mango tea. Austin’s Bennu also has their specialty designer mocha coffee’s like the house favorite, “Pride & Prejudice” which consists of a blend of sweet chocolate powder and sauce topped with home-made whip cream and dusted with chocolate powder. Bennu also has, Don Quixote on the menu  Azteca D’Oro Spiced Chocolate Mocha topped with home-made whip cream and dusted with Mexican Spiced Powder. Wow typing all of that made me a bit thirsty for the ole’ Don and Bennu is open 24 hours.

Bennu Coffee Counter

Bennu’s Food: Bennu also has a wide variety of food options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks. The morning I visited, they had already run out of breakfast tacos, so I had a pastry. An almond cinnamon crusted croissant which was outstanding! The Parmesan bagel seemed to be popular as everyone was ordering one. During lunch, I had a turkey and cheese which had a fancy name, but forget what they call it. Bennu’s Coffee House also serves pizza folks! Some of the food vendor’s Bennu works with and has avaliable are: Torchy’s Tacos, Russell’s Bakery, Fricano’s Deli, The Green Cart, & Hoboken Pies.

The staff is hip, professional and most importantly friendly. The music is picked by the staff and not your general radio station music. Obviously, this can be good or bad. If you don’t like the CD or station playing, it might be a little uncomfortable. Example, Bob Dylan’s first few songs was super cool, the entire CD was a little much. No big deal if you have your iPod. Not mentioned yet, but obviously Bennu has free Wifi.

Bennu Coffee Seating

Bennu Layout: There is a variety of seating options, cosy couch, extra high bar stools convent for laptop work and coffee shop observation or your regular table and chairs. Bennu is very spacious with a variety of different types of seating options, one has to work for you. I actually moved around three times while working to change up the scenery. I fell in love with their long coffee table and the red leather couch.

Summing Up Bennu: Overall Bennu Coffee Lounge is not only the Austin’s Coffee Shop Twitter Coolness Winner, but this coffeehouse may very well be the best coffee shop in Austin. It is almost exactly what you think of when you think of a real coffee shop. When I have friends or business associates come in town who enjoy coffee, when I want to drink coffee and relax with my wife, when I need to bang out a few hours of work I am going to Bennu’s Coffee Lounge. Bennu is not overly fancy, the colors are soothing, the people are Austin and the coffee is exceptional.

Bennu Coffe Lounge

Special Bonus Bennu’s Bathroom Review:
Bennu Coffee House bathroom was very unique. First things first, the most important thing about a bathroom is that is is clean and theirs was. When you walk in you see a HUGE Chalk board covering the entire back wall along with a chalk tray filled with many exciting colors. Even cooler, you can lock the door and just chalk up the blackboard at your hearts desire or until you hear a knock. The funniest thing in Bennu’s bathroom is the urinal is small and almost set on the floor, not sure why. The sink is filled with soothing rounded river rocks to keep with nature.

Bennu Twitter Logo

Bennu on Twitter:

Since Bennu is Austin’s Winner of Coolest Twitter Award it is only fitting to mention a few tweets going on about Bennu on Twitter.com. Here are a few Tweets relating to Bennu Coffee:

- @BennuCoffee suggests our cold brewed iced coffee or iced Bennu. It’s hot out there!Cool down while waking up. Perfect.
-@summersmichael Bennu coffee reading a great book.
-@juliosteen Coffee at Bennu while I work on my spec for what I plan to call “Web 1.9″.
-@hookem12387 @BennuCoffee just started #lawschool. Already need a cappaccino. I need to find $3 in the couch cushions and cone over
-@alifesheloves I’m @BennuCoffee my favorite way to start the week! Coffee + pizza = sounds strange but it totally works!
-@texeyes Haha I actually use Shazam to remember songs I hear and I just happen to hear Mr Dylan while @BennuCoffee

If you find this article useful, interesting, terrible, or if you have more insider info on Bennu, please leave comments or retweet or throw it to the social networks!

Mama Roux has quickly become the buzz around Austin’s food topics especially relating to Cajun food! I was recommended to check out Mama Roux in North Austin by Eilenbug on Twitter.com. A few people after the recommendation informed me Mama Roux owners are the same folks who brought Austin Gumbo’s. Gumbo’s is one of the most well known and recognized Cajun food establishments in Austin, Texas. So knowing the history of Gumbo’s, I visited Mama Roux Cajun Cafe with in the week!

I must point out, I had seen Mama Roux a few times when I was in the area previously but did not really think of stopping because of the few recent food eatieries which were there were not to my liking. This assumption was a big mistake on my part because Mama Roux is a complete turn from previous restaurants in the location.

When I first walked into Mama Roux, I was honestly floored with the looks of the place and the customers eating there. The set up was very nice and does have the feel from both Gumbo’s in North Austin and South Austin. Black and White are the main colors with nice black beat boarding through out. The use of space and design works well including the chef window. You will also see customers of all kinds, when I first walked in I saw two gentlemen dressed up very nice and almost bolted because I was in my casual clothes.

Then I walk in further and see Yoli Amr, the owner of Mama Roux and creator of Austin’s Gumbo’s. She reminded me of an Austin Paula Abdul with out all of the crazyness. Yoli was all dressed up in her purple dress and purple high heels. Now I am really feeling uncomfortable but Yoli welcomes my family and I in and made us feel right at home. Once seated, I see there are all types of people eating some casual, some dinner dates, and a few family parties. At this point I am comfortable and excited about some Cajun food!

We are promptly greeted by one of Mama Roux’s professional waiters and given an explanation of the Cajun specials that day. For give me, I forgot all of the fancy names and words used, & Yoli, you forgot to write down all fo the details for me! The Mama Roux specials that day consisted of Trout with a creamy crab meat sauce or Yellow Fin Tuna with a crawfish sauce. I had the yellow fin tuna and my wife ordered the trout, my daughter will share.

While waiting on our meal the waiting staff made sure we were doing ok. Mrs Amr did also. She would come by and entertain our daughter ever now and then. I can not say it enough how nice of a person Yoli Amr is, as I said I was dressed down and she treated us like a million dollars. I rarely see this in Austin restaurants. While waiting for the cajun fish entrees we has some tasty bread with butter from the table which looked like ice cream. Yoli motioned to my daughter to take a big scoop with her finger like ice cream..and she did of course.

Mama Roux Cajun Trout

Our dinner arrived with out much of a wait and ( my mouth is watering now) WOW again I was floored by what I saw at Mama Roux! My Yellow Fin Tuna with a crawfish sauce with Cajun rice and lima beans and corn looked and smelled delicious not to mention my wife’s Trout with a creamy crab meat sauce with mashed potatoes.

At this point, I already know I have found my new favorite Cajun food restaurant in Austin, Texas. Unbelievable! Everything on the plate was more than I could have imagined, honestly. The crawfish sauce had many full sized crawfish. The crab meat sauce had huge chunks of crab and no shells. Both fish portions were large and perfectly cooked. The sides were perfect. You have to try Mama Roux!

We end our meal and Yoli surprises our daughter with complementary ice cream! At Mama Roux we all had a great dinner and for what you get very affordable! The place is nice inside, the owner and waitstaff is professional. Austinites or anyone traveling to Austin must try Mama Roux if you are looking for the best Cajun Food in Austin!

Mama Roux Cajun Cafe
13000 N Interstate 35
Austin, TX 78753-1030
(512) 490-1304

Please leave comments, questions, and additional entry bests!

This post reviews Central to North Austin Coffee Shops submitted by Austinites on Twitter. The goal of the post is to identify which submitted coffee shops meet a Twitter Coolness rating. The idea of the post came up when I asked on Twitter,”Can someone in Austin recommend a comfortable coffee shop or location w free wifi to do 8hrs of work this Monday in Central to North Austin?” After posing this Austin coffee question I immediately received about 15 responses, another reason why I love twitter.

These reviews are strictly based on what can be gathered about the Austin Coffee Houses from brief and basic online research mainly on Twitter. The coffee shops being reviewed were submitted by fans of the actual coffee houses. The coffee shops are not being rated on their coffee, service, or over all customer satisfaction be any means. I was also a bit hard on chain / franchise coffee shops because this is Austin man.

The top 3 winners of the Austin Twitter Coolness Award will receive a visit from me with in the next few weeks and an independent review to be posted on this website. I know they all must be very excited and filled with unbearable anticipation. My gift to the losers, GET ON TWITTER! but more importantly be relevant on Twitter. See winners for direction.

To see the winners of my Twitter Coolness Coffee Shops scroll to the bottom.

Feel free to submit your own favorite Austin Coffee Shop below.

Austin Coffee Shop Twitter Coolness Details:
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Flightpath Coffee Shop

Flightpath Coffee House

5011 Duval Street @ 51st
512.458.4472

http://flightpathcoffeehouse.com

http://myspace.com/flightpathcoffee

Twitter Coolness: 2 Whales
Twitter Account: Unknown
- 3 Mentions on Twitter

Although Flightpath Coffee House has great web presents, has been around Austin for many years, and looks like an ideal place to have a cup of Joe.. Flightpath fails miserably in the Austin Twitter Coolness department.

ref by twitter.com/laurenbailey1
“@laurenbailey1 Flightpath Coffee shop is on 51st and Duval.”
————————

Bennu Coffee

Bennu Coffee
2001 E. MLK Blvd
512.478.4700
bennucoffee@gmail.com

http://bennucoffee.com

Twitter Coolness: 4 Whales
Twitter Account: @BennuCoffee
- 20+ Mentions on Twitter
- 202 Followers
- Following me

Bennu Coffee has it going on with Twitter Coolness. They have an account, have over 200 followers, post coffee goodness periodically, have a link to their website, and even have an employee @JohnFilm) preaching for them. Things I would recommend to increase your already high score: More Customer interaction / Find ways to make customers want to @BennuCoffee you / Throw out coffee shop goodness / Remember Austinites love Austin

Read Bennu Coffee’s Official Review

ref by twitter.com/gobigmike
“@gobigmike Bennu Coffee on MLK is comfy. http://bennucoffee.com”
————————

Clementine Coffee Bar

Clementine Coffee Bar
2200 Manor Rd
512.472.9900

http://ClementineCoffeeBar.com

Twitter Coolness: 2
Twitter Account: unknown
- 6 Mentions on Twitter

It appears you have the Twitter fan base, just no twitter account. Austinites want to talk about you, are proud of your shop but can not give you twitter love. Let me know when you sign up!

http://twitter.com/jonlee11

“@jonlee11 Clementine Coffee Bar on Manor. They have beer.”

————————

Epoch Coffee - Pic by R. Gallagher

Epoch Coffee
221 W North Loop Blvd
512.454.3762
epochcoffee@gmail.com

http://www.EpochCoffee.com

Twitter Coolness: 3
Twitter Account: unknown
- 20+ Mentions on Twitter

Ok, I tried and tried to find a twitter account for you guys but could not. This is a must do immediately. You have everyone talking about you on twitter but no account. It is like you are taking a shower in ice coffee but not drinking any. Capture your twitter buzz and multiply it. Based on everyone talking about you, you can by far blow all of your Twitter Coolness competition out of the Austin’s ice box with little effort.

ref by twitter.com/jenleduc
“@jenleduc try this coffee house : http://www.epochcoffee.com/ : open 24 hrs free wireless”

————————

Genuine Joes Coffee

Genuine Joes
2001 W. Anderson Lane
512.220.1576

http://GenuineJoe.com

Twitter Coolness: 1
Twitter Account: unknown
- 2 Mentions on Twitter

Genuine Joes didn’t have a twitter account and had little twitter buzz. They do however have a web presence, an awesome company domain, and a couple of Austin Coffee Shop awards. With that being said, I believe they have the skills for increased chills in gaining Austin Twitter Coolness.

ref by twitter.com/SewSister
“@SewSister Genuine Joes on Anderson http://www.genuinejoe.com”
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Scooters Coffee Austin, Texas

Scooters Coffeehouse – Chain/Franchise
1) 290 & Wm Cannon – Oak Hill
2) Parmer Ln & 620
3) Wm. Cannon & Mopac

http://ScootersCoffeeHouse.com

Twitter Coolness: 2
Twitter Account: @scooterscoffee
- 20+ Mentions on Twitter (Not all from Austin locations)
- 357 Followers
- Not Following Me

If Scooters Coffee House was not a franchise it would have scored a lot higher in the Austin Twitter Coolness arena. They have the most followers and numberous mentions on Twitter, unfortunately little to no followers or mentions are from Austin.

ref by twitter.com/Eilenbug
“@Eilenbug Scooters at Parmer/620″
————————

Mozart's Austin Coffee

Mozart’s
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
512.477.2900
mozarts@austin.rr.com

http://MozartsCoffee.com

Twitter Coolness: 3 Whales
Twitter Account: @MozartsCoffee
- 15 Mentions on Twitter
- 58 Followers
- Not Following Me

Mozarts is actually one of my favorite coffee shops to relax and take my family & friends to. Mozarts on the lake does have a twitter account and a pretty sharp website, but their twitter activity and presence needs improvement. One thing which sticks out like a sore thumb is the generic Twitter picture. Come on guys, you have beautiful scenes and a very recognizable logo, quick hit – update your Twitter Logo. Two, there is very little tweeting going on with 11 tweets when this article was written. Also all of the tweets have no customer interaction ..u know the @ button. A little twitter work can make your twitter presence as big as your local charm in Austin.

ref by twitter.com/oneillo
“oneillo I’ve always liked Mozart’s myself; great view. It can get pretty crowded though, especially on weekends. http://digg.com/u39MEM”
————————

Blue Marble Java Coffee Pflugerville Austin Texas

Blue Marble Java
W. Pecan (Pflugerville)
512.670.3100
jim@javadudes.com

http://BlueMarbleJava.com

Twitter Coolness: 3 Whales
Twitter Account: @bluemarblejava
- 6 Mentions on Twitter
- 27 Followers
- Not Following Me

Blue Marble Java was submitted by Austin’s Most Unique Cosmetic Surgery Commercials – Personique. Blue Marble Java, located a little North of Austin in Pflugerville competes well in the Austin’s Twitter Coolness award. They have a twitter account, have about 30 followers, tweet consistently, and tweet coupons on occasion. I would recommend building more buzz, @ your customers, and respond to any customer who mentions your business.

ref by twitter.com/Personique
“@Personique Hey heard you were looking for a cool coffee shop w/ free wifi? Check out @bluemarblejava on W. Pecan http://tinyurl.com/nctuof”
—————

Austin Coffee Twitter Coolness Award goes to:

Bennu Coffee - They clearly have the strongest presence of the Coffee Houses mentioned. See their review: Bennu Coffee’s Official Review.

Runners up of Central to North Austin Twitter Coolness Coffee Shop Award are:
Blue Marble Java & Epoch Coffee

Other Coffee Shop mentions who did not make it into the mix due to not being twitter cool and Austin Hot:
1) “@JTio Bear rock cafe on parmer just west of mopac” – Bear Rock Cafe is a franchise/chain from Atlanta. Although Bear Rock would have scored well in the Twitter coolness department, they fell short in the Austin rating. Their website also made me feel uncomfortable.
2) “@LindseyMarie17 My fave Austin coffee shop is TX EXpresso at the Univ. of Texas- located in the alumni building on 21st and San Jacinto! Yummm” TX EXpresso did not really have a twitter presence beside people misspelling espresso. They also have a pretty captive audience.
3) “francisjoseph I’m gonna give a vote to the n00bs Once Over on S. First street. They’re always really nice to me.” Once Over was not included in this prestigious contest because it is located in South Austin.

Special thanks to ReTweets by @Loreen72 @littlefluffycat @MariAdkins @zumayabooks