As in nearly ever major and not-so-major city in America, there’s probably a Starbuck’s within walking distance of wherever you find yourself in Austin. But do you really want to be left with that all-these-independent-coffee-shops-and-I-settled-on-Starbucks aftertaste?

For some local options, consider:

• Dominican Joe on South Congress. Try the flan latte–so simple, so perfect, you wonder why it’s not on every coffee menu, ever.

• For the novelty value alone, Elixer Coffee is worth the drive up Airport Blvd if you have your car with you, but fortunately the coffee itself is pretty great, too. It’s a transparent look at your coffee being made–in the back of a retrofitted 1952 Studebaker. The barista (is there another word when there’s no actual bar or counter involved?) is also really friendly. Try their house specialty, the Starter Fluid, and you may never sleep again. They also offer discounts if you bring along your own mug.                     
• Halcyon, downtown on W 4th St., has it all: great coffee, great food (especially the desserts), alcohol (if coffee just isn’t enough), and an incredibly chill atmosphere. Oh, wait, parking. Yeah, it doesn’t really have that.
• Jo’s Coffee has locations on 2nd Street and on South Congress, pretty near the Hyatt. It’s cute, has a nice outdoor patio area, and often advertises deals on Groupon Now!, so you might want to check that out while you’re here.