Before you wander into a Starbucks for the 37th time this winter, you may want to consider a few of these less “mainstream” cafes to delight your palette. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good peppermint mocha, but sometimes enjoying a well-made cappuccino on the patio of somewhere you never knew about can be both adventurous and delicious. It seemed the hipster coffee was worth the judgement, and it was even cheaper than expected. Although the customers seemed a little intimidating at first, the coffee and experience was superior to any Starbucks I’ve ever visited.

My first stop on this little excursion was a quaint place off of Manchaca called Radio Beer and Coffee. I ordered a simple cappuccino, but what I received was a masterpiece. I was surprised by the intricacy of the foamy design atop my drink. I was wary of taking a sip for fear that I would ruin what the barista had worked so hard to master. As the inside of the shop was humid and uncomfortable, I went outside to enjoy my treat. There, there were two patios, a small dog park, and a taco food truck. You couldn’t get much more Austin than this. I practically chugged my cappuccino, which was rich with the flavor of coffee, then proceeded on to my next stop: Seventh Flag Coffee.

Driving up to it on South First, it appeared to be some sort of small business office, but the bikes locked along the fence as I walked up soon assured me otherwise. The friendly cashier was having a detailed conversation with what seemed to be a regular at the shop, as he called him by his name when they departed. Again, I ordered a cappuccino and was shocked when I received yet another intricately designed leaf traced into the foam. Although the shop was off of a busy street, the whole scene still seemed very quaint. This was an all around good experience from the atmosphere to the coffee.

Next, just about a mile away, I stopped by Once Over Coffee Bar. This shop was altogether humid and was assisted by the not-so-happy-to-be-there barista. Yet it seemed to be a good spot to people-watch if that’s the kind of thing you’re into. The counter was cloaked in small kiosks for local musicians’ CDs and small non-profits that use the money from what they sell to assist various causes. I once more enjoyed my coffee outside and sat at a table accompanied by an already-read Austin American Statesman and a ashtray of burnt out cigarettes. This was an overall humorous experience from start to finish, but I had once more espresso-shop stop on this trip.

Lastly, I visited a cozy cafe named Summer Moon Coffee Bar. It was weirdly humid and uncomfortable inside, but it was filled by college students sprinkled across the numerous couches and stools packed closely together. Known for their wood-fired coffee, I was already expecting delicious coffee, and I was not disappointed. It was given to me in a paper cup, and rather than focusing on the typical foamy leaf design, this coffee was focused on the quality of the foam. I once more lingered onto the patio, a similarity in every place I visited. Whether you enjoy sitting on wooden benches, stools, or plastic chairs, there was something for everyone. I was overly delighted by everything here, from the welcoming barista to the delicious coffee and home-like setting.