I will be completely honest— I was originally extremely skeptical of this place. I’ve noticed a trend in Austin recently where private, for-profit ventures have been co-opting naming conventions commonly used for public space/community ownership/places for people to gather that don’t require spending money (like community garden, assembly hall, public goods, etc). But I really think they’re doing the best they can to foster a sense of community. They do a lot of programming that is free and accessible, like doodling nights. The space, both indoor and outdoor, is really beautiful. I sometimes come on the weekends to read in the morning and there are always at least 3 or 4 other people doing the same thing. The no laptop policy after 5 is awesome in my opinion. In the past few years, Austin coffee shops have become a cacophony of people taking work calls which is infuriating, inconsiderate, and distracting. It’s amazing that this place offers a respite from devices. And I haven’t tried the evening menu but am excited to!
To the person who complained about parking— unless you want community garden to tear down another local business and build a parking lot, the best option is probably for people to park using the ample street parking (which is public). I live in a neighborhood next to a bunch medical offices and people are constantly parking in front of my house, but the reality is that I am not any more entitled to that public space than someone else just because it’s in front of my house. Austin is growing and ideas/the culture around entitlement to parking spaces need to change
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Lombardo
Ube matcha was the best matcha drink I’ve had in Austin. 10/10 food, service, and atmosphere too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Naiomi Suárez
Love this place. Food, drinks, coffee, vibe always good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Wong
A delightful East Austin all-day cafe. Cozy, casual...you really want to stay all day. Warm, friendly folks behind the counter, too. Their new evening small bites are delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexa Ransom Palmer
Service dog handlers beware. After taking my SD here and getting him settled under my seat, a staff member came over and told me that I would have to sit outside (in Texas, in August) because I have a dog. I was confused because he was settled and vested. I explained that he was an SD. The staff member said that the owner insists that even SDs must stay outside. My friend and I explained that SD have public access rights, that denying access could result in a heavy fine, and that we did not intend to move. The staff member angrily walked away.
I hope that store policies change in the future so that they align with federal law and that the owner clearly communicates this to staff. Access laws can be tricky, but it’s the responsibility of the owner to know them and train staff accordingly.
Just a reminder that denying access is a violation of the ADA, which can result in a $75,000 fine and is also a misdemeanor in the state of Texas.
I’ve never left a review before, but I hope I can keep other SDs and their handlers from having the same experience I did.
Andrew Combs
It’s just a lovely place to hang out and have a coffee, smoothie, or beer
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Itssofluffeh Me
What a great spot for hanging out with friends! Very quaint place, with great food and service. When we were here today, they hard launched a new menu which looks really really good! I cant wait to go back to try it! They open till late too and have tons of games you can borrow to hang out with friends. This spot is a gem! We had the mushroom Danish which was super yummy! Happy hour is 5 to 7pm. I would recommend anyone in this area to check Community Garden out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Dip
Tybee Thompson
One of a kind place in Austin. This spot is coooozy, always playing the best tunes and serving up phenomenal food, coffee, and wine. Everyone who works here is a delight. I’d recommend it to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diana Xiao
Such a nice spot with lots of cool events and pop-ups! There’s always something going on, whether it’s live music or new food vendors. The coffee is nice and their smoothie bowls are downright adorable. Inside, the space is filled woth comfy couches, pants, and seating, plus an outdoor patio out back that’s perfect on nice days. Great vibes all around and the best place to catch up with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shayla Dunlap
Absolutely love this gem of a place in Austin! The Community Garden is hands-down my favorite stop whenever I’m in town. The space has such a warm, welcoming energy — whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet coffee, get some work done on your laptop, or grab a laid-back lunch, it’s truly the perfect spot.
The founder, James, has an incredible story and vision behind this space. He’s not only brilliant but has created something truly special here — a community hub that feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The vibe is effortlessly cool and peaceful, and you can even catch live music from time to time, which just adds to the magic.
If you’re ever in Austin, do yourself a favor and stop by. I can’t recommend it enough!
Amazing food, staff and vibes! Went for a smoothie bowl and matcha but will return at night for some wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Georgie (Shakiro)
All the friends at community garden (๑♡⌓♡๑)
MxR III
Went here for a quiet brunch on a hot day and it was exquisitely good on all levels. The bowls get an 11 out of 10 from me, and I can be rather fussy.
Julie Metkus
Lovely little neighborhood hidden gem of a coffee shop
BJ Lindsey
They have a great selection, sure to find what you want or like and if not you can go on their website and order what you are looking for. The people working the garden are all very kind and knowledgeable regarding their plants. They will call you when they come in so that you can pick them up. All and all a great experience. I purchased 5 Me I am Fire bushes for a special spot and they were all healthy and have flourished since planting. I highly recommend checking them out for a great selection and great people to deal with. And the restaurant Chapalas has a great brunch. During the week and Sat-Sun. The food is good and the waitresses are very helpful. . Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
I will be completely honest— I was originally extremely skeptical of this place. I’ve noticed a trend in Austin recently where private, for-profit ventures have been co-opting naming conventions commonly used for public space/community ownership/places for people to gather that don’t require spending money (like community garden, assembly hall, public goods, etc). But I really think they’re doing the best they can to foster a sense of community. They do a lot of programming that is free and accessible, like doodling nights. The space, both indoor and outdoor, is really beautiful. I sometimes come on the weekends to read in the morning and there are always at least 3 or 4 other people doing the same thing. The no laptop policy after 5 is awesome in my opinion. In the past few years, Austin coffee shops have become a cacophony of people taking work calls which is infuriating, inconsiderate, and distracting. It’s amazing that this place offers a respite from devices. And I haven’t tried the evening menu but am excited to!
To the person who complained about parking— unless you want community garden to tear down another local business and build a parking lot, the best option is probably for people to park using the ample street parking (which is public). I live in a neighborhood next to a bunch medical offices and people are constantly parking in front of my house, but the reality is that I am not any more entitled to that public space than someone else just because it’s in front of my house. Austin is growing and ideas/the culture around entitlement to parking spaces need to change
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ube matcha was the best matcha drink I’ve had in Austin. 10/10 food, service, and atmosphere too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. Food, drinks, coffee, vibe always good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A delightful East Austin all-day cafe. Cozy, casual...you really want to stay all day. Warm, friendly folks behind the counter, too. Their new evening small bites are delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service dog handlers beware. After taking my SD here and getting him settled under my seat, a staff member came over and told me that I would have to sit outside (in Texas, in August) because I have a dog. I was confused because he was settled and vested. I explained that he was an SD. The staff member said that the owner insists that even SDs must stay outside. My friend and I explained that SD have public access rights, that denying access could result in a heavy fine, and that we did not intend to move. The staff member angrily walked away.
I hope that store policies change in the future so that they align with federal law and that the owner clearly communicates this to staff. Access laws can be tricky, but it’s the responsibility of the owner to know them and train staff accordingly.
Just a reminder that denying access is a violation of the ADA, which can result in a $75,000 fine and is also a misdemeanor in the state of Texas.
I’ve never left a review before, but I hope I can keep other SDs and their handlers from having the same experience I did.
It’s just a lovely place to hang out and have a coffee, smoothie, or beer
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great spot for hanging out with friends! Very quaint place, with great food and service. When we were here today, they hard launched a new menu which looks really really good! I cant wait to go back to try it! They open till late too and have tons of games you can borrow to hang out with friends. This spot is a gem! We had the mushroom Danish which was super yummy! Happy hour is 5 to 7pm. I would recommend anyone in this area to check Community Garden out!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crab Dip
One of a kind place in Austin. This spot is coooozy, always playing the best tunes and serving up phenomenal food, coffee, and wine. Everyone who works here is a delight. I’d recommend it to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a nice spot with lots of cool events and pop-ups! There’s always something going on, whether it’s live music or new food vendors. The coffee is nice and their smoothie bowls are downright adorable. Inside, the space is filled woth comfy couches, pants, and seating, plus an outdoor patio out back that’s perfect on nice days. Great vibes all around and the best place to catch up with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely love this gem of a place in Austin! The Community Garden is hands-down my favorite stop whenever I’m in town. The space has such a warm, welcoming energy — whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet coffee, get some work done on your laptop, or grab a laid-back lunch, it’s truly the perfect spot.
The founder, James, has an incredible story and vision behind this space. He’s not only brilliant but has created something truly special here — a community hub that feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The vibe is effortlessly cool and peaceful, and you can even catch live music from time to time, which just adds to the magic.
If you’re ever in Austin, do yourself a favor and stop by. I can’t recommend it enough!
Restaurantji Recommends
Amazing food, staff and vibes! Went for a smoothie bowl and matcha but will return at night for some wine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All the friends at community garden (๑♡⌓♡๑)
Went here for a quiet brunch on a hot day and it was exquisitely good on all levels. The bowls get an 11 out of 10 from me, and I can be rather fussy.
Lovely little neighborhood hidden gem of a coffee shop
They have a great selection, sure to find what you want or like and if not you can go on their website and order what you are looking for. The people working the garden are all very kind and knowledgeable regarding their plants. They will call you when they come in so that you can pick them up. All and all a great experience. I purchased 5 Me I am Fire bushes for a special spot and they were all healthy and have flourished since planting. I highly recommend checking them out for a great selection and great people to deal with. And the restaurant Chapalas has a great brunch. During the week and Sat-Sun. The food is good and the waitresses are very helpful. . Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
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