Drifters Social Coffee & Cocktails

If you're looking for a coffee spot in South Austin that blends a laid-back vibe with an energetic community feel, Drifters is the place to be. This charming café offers plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, making it a perfect spot for remote work, casual meetups, or simply soaking in the Austin air. And let’s talk about the swings—yes, actual swings as bench seating! It’s such a fun and unique touch that adds to the relaxed, playful atmosphere. I ordered a mocha latte, and it was incredibly well-crafted, rich, and flavorful. My only tip? Order a size up from your usual—the taste is absolutely worth savoring, but the mug size felt a bit smaller than expected. The ambiance is fantastic, with a mix of people working on laptops, chatting with friends, or just enjoying the scenery. You can tell that Drifters isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a community hub. During my visit on a weekday, I noticed a stage setup, suggesting that live music and events likely bring the space to life on weekends and special occasions. The only drawback is the limited food options. While there are food trucks on-site, they operate separately and don’t always align with the café’s hours. I wish they would change this as this dissuades customers from spending longer time at their establishment. Drifters is an absolute must-visit for coffee lovers and anyone looking to experience a truly Austin-style café. I’ll definitely be back!

This is my second time here and their coffee does not disappoint. The barista is very efficient and welcoming. Unfortunately, on both occasions I visited the food trucks were closed and all I could get was coffee. The interior is cozy and provides comfortable couches and chairs as well as bar stools. Laptop friendly overall. Just wish they had some sort of food:)

So so bummed about our experience here, the vibe is so good but the bartenders in the back were trashed. Two were being pretty intimate behind the bar, drinking several hours before closing and taking shots while we were trying to close out our tab. I’m definitely going to be back to try another night/different bartenders cause it really is a good vibe and fun for sports.

The bartenders suck. The atmosphere is really good. Pretty sure the guy lied about the beer that he gave me because he was out of the one I ordered. It’s just an odd experience to have. I’ve been here previously and ordered a drink that was supposed to be pretty strong and ordered an extra shot and it came out sweet and not correct. So yeah in general I’d say you’re coming here for the atmosphere. Buy a cheap beer and hang out.

I can't say that I've had any of their food truck stuff or anything like that, but their tea is fantastic. It's a great place for me to catch up with friends in a comfortable environment, and the people who work there are absolutely lovely to talk to. It's a great place for even me to be on my own and do some journaling or enjoy the nice weather when Austin isn't being so flip floppy.

Love our local bar! They agreed to let my husband and I throw our baby shower there this past weekend, and the staff and manager made the entire thing effortless from start to finish. Also kid and dog friendly, which is a major bonus for us and our friends. Such a beautiful spot to hang out, watch football, and even celebrate new babies!! Highly recommend a visit if you haven’t already.

I always have the best time here and I love all the drinks. Pickle ball if you are into that next door and food trucks if you are interested. The fire 🔥 pit is so nice. I love the vibe in the lounge area. I think it was a nice touch and it makes the atmosphere really warm. Well done by the owners making this spot one of the best in So Austin.

Drifters is an amazing place to enjoy drinks with friends and catch a game. The customer service is second to none and the drinks are fantastic! Beezer not only made us feel like family, but also added that something extra to our day. Absolutely fantastic! We will be back 100%!

A great place... .big Music stage..... great drink menu with a full bar. Tons of shade on their big patio, And a great place to hang out with your friends or family. My new favorite place on South Manchaca!

I liked this place. The one issue I had was we went there for coffee as their website said they had coffee, cocktails, beer etc. We went at night like 9pm and they said nah they really only have coffee till about 2 or 4pm. So I got a 6 dollar cold brew and it was good but a bit pricey. Also had a beer and my son had a mixed drink. Really cool to go to different areas to hang out, they have a pickle ball court, 2 different indoor areas each with a diff vibe.

This is a wonderful place. Indoor areas, outdoor areas, TVs, pickleball courts and open space. And a decent amount of onsite parking. We did not try the food as it was typical fried bar food but they do have a couple of food trailers on site that are reportedly good. The bathrooms are clean and air conditioned! Bar Service was friendly. Music playing was a good mix. We thoroughly enjoyed it here and will definitely come back. The only reason for four stars instead of five is they do not serve wine. At least at the bar I was at. I believe they may have served something sparkling but not sure.

This is my favorite of the south bars! Exceptional cocktails with even better ambience. They offer an indoor lounge, patio tables, food trucks, live music, attached to the pickleball bar, etc. The workers are helpful with suggestions and making these specialty drinks. I highly recommend you checking out this spot!

Great service and wonderful seating options! Outside everyone was watching the UT game, tons of food trucks, etc. Inside was a chill, quiet coffee shop/bar area. Was nice to have options!

We love drifters! We go almost once a week. The parking is great for south bars, the drinks are some of the best cocktails in town and the food trucks are an added plus! You can also play pickleball or hang out inside where they have board games. We are excited to watch football on their big screen on Sundays! Really one of our new favorite spot, check it out!

I was looking for somewhere to work from home and drifters seemed like a nice spot! I had been once before with friends to play pickle ball. There is plenty of seating inside and outside. I was able to grab a table next to an outlet. The QR ordering was convenient. I'm not a big coffee drinker so I didn't drink much of my iced caramel macchiato if I'm being honest. The service was great and the barista was helpful when I had trouble connecting to wifi. This is a perfect quiet spot for remote work during the day. There are food trucks but they didn't open until closer to 1 or 2 on a Wednesday.

Great new spot to join the Menchaca bars! Easy access and huge parking lot with plenty of street parking as well, which already moves it to the top of the list. It's a large, open location with your quintessential live oak trees, a live music stage, and plenty of seating. There is a coffee bar (which closes oddly early, hopefully they will change that) and a large bar. Tons of indoor seating with beautiful velvet-looking chairs for working or chilling. They're currently offering free crawfish with a drink purchase on Saturdays! On the other side is the PicklePub, which has more of a sports bar feel with multiple TVs, high-top tables, and another bar. There are two pickle ball courts which are reservation only. The spots are connected, and I find it a little confusing that they have two different names ... Cocktail are priced $9-$13 dollars, with two frozen options. Beers are a whopping $8-$9! There are currently two food trucks - paninis and a fried chicken option. Overall, this is an awesome spot that has options for getting caffeinated, bringing the family, hearing live music, playing pickleball, or getting your drink on!

Top tier service! As soon as I walked in they made me feel like I was at home. They make an old fashion that you'll keep coming back for. Taylor makes them the best. It's a fun place to come enjoy some tasty cocktails with delicious ingredients. Always a good time!

My favorite bar ever. Best bartender to ever work here and I love this place love this place

Really fun spot in South Austin! The nitro cold brew has a kick to it for sure, and they have a really tasty matcha latte. The interior is a really great spot to chill and get some work done! Staff is friendly and they have a punchcard reward system. The one thing that I do not like is the layout: having to walk outside to get from where you order coffee to where I can sit is just a little weird. But other than that, hooray!

Pros: * Ambiance: The setting is great and inviting. * Music: Good selection and volume. * Seating: Plenty of comfortable options. * WiFi: Reliable connection. * Parking: Convenient and ample space. * Food trucks: A great addition, though it depends on whether they're open. Cons: * The bartender made a significant mistake with a simple drink order. * The drink wasn't filled to the top. * The spirits used were different from what's advertised, with cheaper substitutes being used. * When questioned, the bartender admitted they weren't actually a bartender, raising the question of why they were managing the bar. With some better-trained staff, this place has the potential to be fantastic and a welcoming spot for regulars. Management needs to step up and address these issues to reach that potential.

The S. Menchaca area has been sprouting like weeds and Drifter Social has been a welcome addition as it is something different from the usual bars that populate this area. It's a great indoor/outdoor spot with pickle ball courts! The parking lot is huge with plenty of space. Once you enter the gate you see tons of seating with fire pits, umbrella covered tables, a stage for live music and food trucks. One the right side you have a very chic indoor seating area with velvet and leather seating, oriental rugs, cool mismatched mirrors, craft cocktails and a coffee bar. When you walk across the plank with the cool waterfall, you encounter the pickle ball courts as well as a huge indoor Pickle Pub area equipped with quite a bit of seating, a couple of arcade games and they also serve well-drinks and a variety of beers on tap. This is a great option if you want to bring the family, hang out with friends, or just relax and get some work done in a laid back, chill environment.

Drifters is a quality neighborhood indoor/outdoor cocktail and sports bar. Service is great and ambiance is pleasing. Definitely a 10/10 recommendation to stop in. South Austin staple Food trucks are fantastic as well

Place is a great hangout with friends and Fam. Plenty of space to enjoy and even bring the fans for fun and games. Beer is cool and the taps are even better! A go to place for us in South Austin.

This is a new spot on Menchaca. Plenty of parking, and both indoor and outdoor seating. They have fire pits and a table with swings. Went for coffee which was great but they turn into a bar at night so can't wait to come back and visit in the evening. I'd love to come back and work remotely from this location. Only recommendation would be to lower the music playing so that people working in the morning/during the day can do so without the music blasting. Overall, loved this spot and will be back in the evening to have some cocktails.

One of two bars located in an awesome backyard spot in south Austin. I've come here to meet with friends for coffee or cocktails, other times I've come here to do some work. I like the vibe here - super chill, hasn't been too busy during the times I've gone. They have food trucks all around so you have options if you get hungry.

Dude. This place rocks. I went for coffee and it was great. Tia was very nice and friendly. The physical lay out of the place was great. I will definitely be back time and again.

We love to come here and study. The coffee and cocktails are very delicious. The food trucks are also great and have a nice variety. Always a good time with live music and plenty of seating

Just opened a week ago! Amazing outdoor sitting options, cute indoor space, and a sports bar side with lots of TVs. Perfect addition to south Austin

The bartenders are rude. Cocktails are extremely watered down. Beer & table service are the only way to go here. The bartenders at the pickle ball court are nicer.

Great music and drinks. Giving 4 stars because I went to pay and my bill seemed slightly higher than what I was expecting. I asked for an itemized receipt and saw there was a 20% percent gratuity charge. I asked why gratuity was added and the bartender said they add that charge if the bill is over $100. I was about to add my tip but glad I asked seeing how the tip was already included. If this is your policy, please post it or state it when giving the customer the bill.

My husband and I come here during the week all the time. We love it, but tonight was so sad. I was at the bar and one of the bartenders acknowledged me and asked what I wanted. I told him "espresso martini" and he flat out IGNORED me and took someone else's order instead. I didn't let it damper my spirits but I expect better from such a great place.

Hey Guys, Mitch from Arkansas. I was at "Drifters" this last weekend, and have to tell you - it was a blast! Coolest place in South Austin! Food, ambience, drinks, and food was great. I give it an over-the-top big five stars. Check it out! great place to chill and hangout with friends and family. Mitchell

Drifters coffee was so good! If you haven't come here yet. What are you doing? Their bar scene is also a vibe.

Both bars are a perfect addition to the area, and best thing is so much parking! Great drinks and pickleball! Live music also. My go to spot.