Russell’s Bakery & Genuine Joe Coffeehouse

Nice coffee spot in Austin with a wide selection of fresh bakery items. We tried the banana bread, poppy seed almond muffin, strawberry Danish, and a cinnamon roll — everything tasted excellent and fresh. The pastries weren’t overly sweet and had great texture. We paired it with hot chocolates and a cappuccino, and the cappuccino especially tasted really good and well-made. Great place to stop for coffee and baked goods if you want plenty of options and quality treats.

We stopped by Genuine Joe Coffeehouse (Russell’s Bakery) and had a great experience. The chai latte and latte were both excellent, well-balanced, and very flavorful. The croissant and muffins were super delicious – fresh, flaky, and clearly baked with care. It’s also a very cozy place to spend time, relax, or catch up on some work. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and has that real neighborhood coffee shop feel that’s getting harder to find. We’ll definitely be back.

I had a gingerbread latte with almond milk and I enjoyed it. Friendly staff and quirky atmosphere. They had lots of pastries including gluten free options and also had GF bread for sandwiches. I opted for a mug since I was staying there and went next door to the area where there is more seating.

I was confused walking in because I was expecting the atmosphere showed in other reviews but I guess they relocated. I was not disappointed in the slightest though! Delicious food and matcha with the cutest latte art, very friendly staff, and a great place to get some work done. They even have a printer which I didn’t use, but a nice thoughtful touch for sure. I will definitely be back!

I came upon this coffee shop and bakery upon a routine excursion of mine. Always willing to sample local delicacies, I entered the shop with great haste. There is nothing to be faulted in the atmosphere of the building, it's cozy, there are big windows that provide very aesthetic lighting at times. The service also lent itself to a very personable experience. The owner (I presume) and staff are incredibly friendly, and I felt no hesitation in asking questions or requesting alterations. They felt as if they embodied that specific brand of Austinite quirkiness that its slogan suggests. I ordered one of the Valentine's Day themed drinks - a White Chocolate Rose Mocha on ice, and a carrot cake cupcake. While the drink took quite a long time to be made considering the small number of people in the cafe, I was served the cupcake immediately. This is where I ran into some issues. The frosting of the cupcake was incredibly dense, which is absolutely to its credit, it speaks to a high quality of ingredients in cream cheese frosting, and normally, I'd relish the textures of such a well made frosting. However, the flavor in of itself was incredibly lacking, carrot cake all but requires the tang of cream cheese frosting to balance out the oddness of the spice, and I detected no hint of that anywhere in the frosting. The cake itself also lent itself over to a much wetter texture than what would be optimal for a carrot cake. The cake stuck to my fingers when touched, speaking to a gluelike consistency in my mouth. The flavor of the cake itself was also incredibly lacking, featuring NONE of the spice and flavor that is required. It's as if I was eating poorly made zucchini bread with large, unseemly chunks of carrot shoved into it for aesthetic purposes. As for the latte, I also experienced similar flavor issues. The substance was there - the espresso was full bodied and flavorful. It was clear that the owner had been making lattes for a very long time, as the ratio of milk, espresso, and syrup was just right. However, it was significantly lacking in flavor. Perhaps it lies with the fault in the drink itself: trying to balance too many flavors without the addition of layering through foams, but the drink itself registered in the mouth as vaguely sweet. There was no identifiable flavor at all. However, I will say that despite that, the drink itself was still pleasureable, as the key components of an ice latte were made skillfully. In short, I am of the firm opinion that this shop needs to seriously focus on its flavors.

Latte Art- Very Bad Coffee- seasonal pistachio latte- average Almond Croissant- Very Bad Board Games- bunch Place to study- lot Overall Ok. Very disappointed by the art.

Nice laid back, casual feel to this place. Great mocha coffee and blueberry muffin. Quick service and friendly staff. Plenty of free parking! I’ll be back!

My husband and I have been coming to Genuine Joe's for around 8 years, basically anytime we're in North Austin visiting his sister's family during the holidays. The neighborhood has changed so much in all the usual ways you'd expect, but it's cool to see Genuine Joe Coffeehouse roll with the punches and continue to serve its community. The coffee is fantastic, obviously, and we're fairly picky. The new location's environment is warm, spacious, and friendly, with plenty of delightful tchotchkes to draw your attention. Good coffee, good people, good energy. We'll be back next time we're in town. Oh and great pastries!

In the name itself, Genuine Joe. You will come across very attentive and genuine baristas here. I loved my drink The ambiance is uniquely put together.

This place is an utter hodge-podge of cool. Cozy, intimate interior where you can choose which room feels like your vibe and then kick back on a couch or at a table. So much random colorful kitschy shit cluttered about as decorations, almost like poking around a retro/antique shop. A lot of the art on the walls is for sale by local artists, and rotates out as it sells. They serve coffee, tea, and other beverages (like Italian soda), along with some baked goods like muffins, cookies, etc. Price range is reasonable, considering what folks'll shell out for a Starbucks nowadays. Staff are friendly and chill and will totally engage you in conversation about whatever. That's rad. The bathroom is riddled with humorous stickers to keep you entertained while you take care of business. I think my favorite is on the soap dispenser, a screaming opossum reminding you to hydrate on top of a progress pride flag. Though the hideous Sonic the Hedgehog with googly eyes is a close second. Yeah, that's my kind of thing. They've got a front patio area too, and the parking lot is pretty sizeable in the back.

I don't know who Joe is, and what makes him genuine, but this quirky coffee shop really embodies the Austin vibe. My friend and I came here to study on a Sunday evening, and it was packed with people working. We had to wait around for a few minutes for a table to be available. They have a good number of outlets by the tables, which I appreciate. The wifi was a little slow but acceptable. I loved the unconventional decor. The table where we sat had dinosaur toys and a big world atlas. For my drink, I got the iced matcha. Now, I make my own matcha, so I am used to the taste of it. However, this matcha somehow tasted even earthier and grassier than the very plain one I make. I was surprised by this. I don't fault them for making matcha that tastes authentic, but I feel like they should have said something as most coffee shops make it very sweet. Milk substitution was $0.75, which I feel is unreasonably expensive for one drink. I like how they give reusable cups that you return once you're done. However, my friend and I got plastic kids' cups, while I saw other people got cute mason jars. I still think this is a cool coffee shop to visit though, so I recommend it.

THE CUTEST and quirkiest coffee shop in Austin! So many different places to study like random couches and tables. Felt so homey and even though it was bustling it was the perfect atmosphere to work in. The coffee was soooo good and the latte art was just the cherry on top. The prices here are unbeatable and I'm so sad that they might be moving!!

Genuine Joe is a classic laid-back coffee shop that prioritizes coziness over aesthetic. There's a good amount of seating options whether you want to come and chat with friends or get some work done (not sure about the amount of outlets though). I ordered a regular iced vanilla latte which I believe is about 12 oz and came out to $4.50 which was such a pleasant surprise to me. Solid coffee (I'm not very picky) and service was quick. There's plenty of parking in their lot as well. No complaints from me!

If you're wondering where Austin went, it's right here, safe & sound. DON'T LET IT DIE. A favorite spot to sit and sip and chat or read or work, unbothered by whatever else is going on outside. They have some dope ass literature and the widest variety of custom coffees this side of the river that will keep you coming back. Cheers to keeping it weird!

The coffee: delicious. The baristas: so friendly! The vibes: immaculate Would highly recommend coming here and vibing, studying, meeting a friend, etc.

Had the opportunity to do a co-op moment at Genuine Joe Coffee House and it was a pleasant experience. Don't let the front of the shop fool ya! They have a few outdoor tables on their patio, but once you walk in you'll be shocked to see how much space there is. Not only do they have the main room where you order from the shop, but they have a back room for tables as well. Take a look at their seasonal menu where they have fun drink names for select coffee and tea based beverages. One of the ones that caught my eye was their Dark & Thorny. A dark chocolate and rose flavored based latte. They don't make their syrups in-house, but there's a lot of love put into this shop. I also enjoyed their merch which proudly displayed their logo. They feature their own parking lot which makes it easy to access!

The gentleman and lady behind the counter were extremely patient with my son who did not quite know what he wanted. This is a coffee shop that is fun, quirky, and totally awesome! It truly has heart and character. The breakfast tacos matcha and coffee are all good and a local favorite but with plenty of little nooks so lots of seating.

Step into this unique coffee haven tucked within a house, and you're immediately transported into an ambiance that beautifully marries coziness with a hint of Halloween eeriness. The interior's spooky charm, adorned with captivating Halloween decor, makes this coffee shop a standout in the realm of caffeine retreats. Now, let's talk about the beverages. The Chai Tea Latte was a revelation, hitting that perfect balance of spice and creaminess. It wasn't just a drink; it was a comforting escape in every sip. The lattes, too, held their own in the midst of the hauntingly delightful atmosphere. As I savored my chai and latte, the spooky surroundings added an extra layer of enchantment. It's not every day that you find a coffee shop that not only serves exceptional brews but also immerses you in a theme that keeps you intrigued throughout your stay. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or someone seeking a unique spot to enjoy your favorite hot beverage, this haunted-house-turned-coffee-shop promises an experience that lingers long after your last sip.

5 Stars - Homely Atmosphere, Delicious Drinks, and Perfect Workspace As a coffee lover and someone who appreciates a cozy coffeehouse, Genuine Joe Coffeehouse in Austin will be my go-to spot. From the moment I step in, I feel right at home with its warm and welcoming ambiance. One of my all-time favorites at Genuine Joe is their Dark Mocha Rose Latte. It's a unique blend of rich dark chocolate and delicate hints of rose that create a truly delightful flavor. What I love most about it is that it's not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors to shine through, making it the perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication. In addition to the delicious drinks, Genuine Joe offers a variety of seating options. The table workspace is ample and well-lit, making it a perfect spot for remote work or studying. The couches are also incredibly comfortable, making it a great place to relax and catch up with friends or curl up with a good book. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the décor is cozy and inviting. It's the kind of place where you can linger for hours, enjoying your drink and soaking in the ambiance.

Love the casual vibe, friendly staff, artistic ambiance. Served in mugs. He got a mocha and I got a cappuccino- was great.

Really good for studying, good ambience, environmentally friendly business and good drinks with lots of options! Lots of good spots to sit

All are welcome indeed! They're supposed to get the building torn down for construction but it keeps getting delayed so if you're around for the next month go check him out! I got a double mocha and it was amazing and also a rose latte which was pretty good but the mocha was my favorite. On top of that I came in with my narcoleptic son who was sleeping away so he was passed out on the couch. When I went to get my drinks to go, Joe walked it out to the car for me so I could carry my son. He is really genuine and nice! They've got a new location secured but I think they've been in this spot for over 20 years.

I am loving the sweet colorful dinosaurs that are enticing my hands to play! There are many lounge rooms ready for a weathered man like myself to relax with a sturdy cup of joe and a sweet indie tune in my ringing ear. What a fun feeling! Cheers!

What an absolute nightmare of a coffee shop. Musty, old storefront but figured why not, the hole-in-the-wall shops are usually the best. Stopped by on a Saturday evening, large party ahead of me, no problem, I'm happy to wait. Once I begin to order, I'm immediately met with complete confusion in my order. I asked for a vanilla latte, nothing crazy. It was like she had never heard of this drink, except it was on the menu? I'm unsure why it was so difficult to place the order but, no worries, maybe I'm not communicating clearly. After patiently waiting for about 10 min, the barista announced "Iced Carmel thing I guess" What?? I received a drink that was 90% sugar, 2% coffee and the remainder was milk. What a waste. Would never order again ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Very cozy coffeehouse in an old house. It's a good place to study or read a book. Staff is always friendly when I go in. The lattes are great, and they have a ton of unique syrup combinations.

Nice coffee shop, with friendly staff and interesting, dinosaur-themed decor. Prices are very reasonable, and the coffee quality is high. We particularly enjoyed their cold brew.

This is the best coffee shop in town, bar none. Normal prices, a million places to sit, no corporate crap anywhere, truly Genuine as the name suggests. I want to tell people to come here but I don't want it to be ruined.

Probably the most overrated cafe I've tried. Pros? Good seating. Cute mugs that don't match. Good sound level if you want to read or study, but it's not too quiet where you can't say a peep. Cons? The coffee is actually terrible. I like a pretty plain cappuccino, no frills or bells or whistles, but this one is actually flavorless. It tastes like bean water. At the very least the milk foam had good structure but the coffee itself was lackluster. I tried my partner's seasonal drink, a triple chocolate mocha. Very much the last thing I would want, but I needed to see if this place had something sweet tooth people would like. Despite having THREE different chocolates (if you count white chocolate as some faux-chocolate), the only thing you taste is a mild chocolate flavor and no actual coffee. I'm convinced the beans they're using are pockets of air. Not to mention that when it was our turn to order, the cashier said nothing, sometimes turning to talk to people behind her, until the pause was long enough to give us the cue to order. No hi. No hello. No how may I help you. Nothing. Just weird vibes all around. It got weirder since a guy after us started flirting hardcore with the girl which we could hear from the room over. I would not put this on my list of cafes I would frequent.

LOVE THIS PLACE if I lived in Austin I would study here all the time. Amazing vibes, so uniquely decorated, friendliest and sweetest staff. Random dinosaurs everywhere and we even added our own Polaroids to the decor. The London fog I got was SO good and the barista gave me great suggestions. I love the coffee in reusable mugs too. Amazing merch too!!!

Great vibes here. Awesome that theyre open so late and have a lot of seating and a very welcoming comfortable space. They should have more food however, it would definitely help their business. When I got there they only head bread and cookies. I would buy yogurt or crossaints or other cafe food from there

My new favorite coffee spot in Austin! Creative specialty coffees that taste amazing! Love the smoothies too! The price is better than most other coffee shops. Great casual and local Austin ambiance. Friendly and sociable staff.

First timer here. The atmosphere is great and boy there coffee is strong, exactly how I like it! Delicious pie and friendly staff.

Delicious lattes and fun interior. We love this coffee house and are sad that it is soon to relocate.

This is a very comfortable, funky coffee shop. The employees are friendly and willing to make recommendations for your drink orders.  The furniture is eclectic; a variety of comfortable couches, chairs and tables from past decades.  I enjoy their chai lattes and Italian sodas.  They have a good choice of fresh bakery every day too.

This has become my favorite coffee spot. True Austin vibe. I love coffee shops that support local artists by displaying and selling art. All kinds of seating options: couch, desk, bar. I love how unique this place is. The baristas are super friendly and often strike up random conversations. The ambience of this location is second to none.

By far the best coffee spot in Austin. I have been going to genuine Joes for years. I love the coffee, smoothies and baked goods. Plus they always have and have always had the best customer service.

Latte was just ok. There are many places with better coffee beans and ambiance. The staff was very friendly, as were the other patrons.

Genuine Joe's is what I think of when I picture an Austin coffeehouse... pretty quirky and interesting with great drinks! There's several rooms inside to sit and work, and an outdoor patio. There are bookshelves full of books, lots of interesting decor, and lots of dinosaur things :) If you're an iced dirty chair fan, Genuine Joe's has one of the best I've ever had!! We also tried the Fizzy Lizzy special, which was espresso, sparkling water, and vanilla. I'd definitely suggest checking out this cute and quirky spot for a delicious iced dirty chai!

Great atmosphere and coffee at this spot. The staff was helpful and friendly. They have a summer drink selection with barista recommendations. I had an iced coffee with cream and a touch of maple syrup that was really good. They serve locally sourced breakfast tacos that are very tasty and just the right size to energize you but not put you in a food coma. I also picked up a hot coffee to go that was nicely craft brewed. Definitely a place to stop by again!

Lovely atmosphere! A lot larger space than I expected. I showed up at 9 AM and had my selection of spaces. Really chill staff, good prices and delicious coffee and pastries. Since it's a larger space I didn't feel bad about visiting with my friend for a couple hours. The pace picked up significantly around 9:30. Lots of folks working and drinking coffee. My friend said they have used the back room before with a small group for meetings and it was just a great vibe. I will for sure be back!

Delicious coffee in an eclectic setting with plenty of parking and pretty good service. I neglected to check the list of specials so now I'll have to go back and try something besides my usual mocha latte. There were eight of us and we found a grouping of chairs to accommodate us all. Everyone in our group enjoyed the coffee and the art.

We went to Joe's on Father's Day early afternoon, one person was waiting for her order and it was me, one girl making the order and another guy taking n bringing the order, person who took order was nice, wore mask. ordered a coffee and cappuccino with stevia. He confirmed again about the stevia. I took a sip of my cappuccino and they had forgotten stevia, if there were too many orders I understand but I was the only one, by the time I reached home n mixed stevia it was luke warm with no foam, it tasted like a disaster, it tasted way too bitter, kinda burnt and weird tasting after couple of sips I couldn't take it anymore so dint drink it, but on the other hand coffee was very good, when we're in the area would definitely grab a cup of coffee but will stay away from there espressos. Definitely try there coffee!

I've always loved Genuine Joe's - they have great coffee and treats and service is always awesome. Recently, I've been there a lot because I'm pregnant and this legit the only place I've found that has decaf that tastes as good as regular.

The Good: :: it's a local business! :: very friendly service :: the vibe is very coffeehouse. doesn't feel sterile, feels very homey :: great pastries. cinnamon roll, anyone? :: great breakfast tacos from Casa Chapala! check out the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options alike. opt for the green sauce if you like spicy salsa! :: great drinks...won't go wrong with their Chai Latte or Cappucino, for example :: indoor and outdoor seating :: they take touchless payment The Bad: :: none The Ugly: :: none Would I go back? Absolutely. My favorite coffeehouse in my neighborhood for a reason. This place is IN.

Adorable coffee shop with reasonably priced drinks and seating with WiFi so one can do work. There are multiple rooms in the shop but are sometimes occupied with study groups or meetings , otherwise when they are free there is plenty of seating and plugs to use. The interior is very cozy and resembles a hour so spending a lot of time here was absolutely no problem. I ordered a lavender Italian soda for $3.75 and it was very tasty. Baristas are nice and the WiFi works well. There is also a lOT of parking which is amazing! Will definitely be coming back.

This place is amazing. The vibes are comforting and homey and everything I want in a coffee shop. The coffee is amazing as well. Highly recommend this neighborhood spot!

Umm... if you've been searching for that home-y, cozy coffee shop that doesn't feel like you're sitting in a Starbucks & actually has delicious coffee worth paying $5 for, you've found the right place!! I've been searching for a coffee shop in Austin with this kind of feel for ages; I've been to many Summer Moons, Austin Grind, Starbucks, etc. but all of them just felt like they were missing something. Genuine Joe's has that cozy atmosphere, fun coffee drinks, and that local, keep Austin weird vibe. Their chai is absolutely to die for! Please do yourself a favor and try this place out!

This is the third time I had the same experience. I go there because it's close to my work. The staff doesn't smile or say anything and come off as very rude. You're in a customer service business and you sell coffee. It's very simple.

Wanted to show some love to this classic austin joint! Keeping the atmosphere it funky but not the coffee..that's delicious. Try their dirty chai latte, it's the best. Happy Valentine's Genuine Joe's!

I ordered a dirty chai with two extra shots and oat milk. I fell in love the moment I opened the door. My first time coming in and definitely not my last. The staff is very lovely and the store had a great Sade playlist playing. The ambiance is very calming and I instantly felt safe being there.

Great coffee! The iced caramel macchiato is sweet and amazing! The barista was so friendly. The space is adorable and dinosaur themed. Great place to visit. During my second visit I had a different barista, and he was also super awesome! I got the iced caramel macchiato again. My original barista made a better drink but both drinks were good.

Rad ambiance, cool culture, and outgoing friendly staff. Had the chai and it was phenomenal!

I had to have it twice to confirm-- but they make the best skim dirty chai over here. Love the vibe, love the service, love the vibe

Cute local place in Central Austin. Coffee was smooth and they were really fast to get it to us. My only but big big complaint is that they charge a LOT for alternative milks. I totally support local places, but when you use soy milk and almond milk (bought for $2 a carton w a 2 week shelf life), and charge $.75 for that, or $1 for oat milk, it's kinda insane. If I got an Americano with oat milk, 25% of the cost of my drink is because they charge $1 for oat milk. That's crazy. And- everyone in line was ordering alternative milks. I find it hard to believe these days that this place needs to charge extra for it since it lasts much longer than dairy milk, and it priced less costly. I won't be returning until they change that. Not good enough. Other places around here (Barrett's) doesn't charge for alternative milks.

I couldn't love this place more. The Space I've been going here for years. It's a great place to do a little work, knit and chat with a friend, or read a good book. It's an old house so it has three rooms with lots of comfy furnishings. There's also a counter in the center with barstools. The Service The baristas are so nice, and always happy to accommodate. Josh the owner/manager is so cool and nice. I think my blood pressure drops every time I go in this place. The Sustenance The coffee is delicious. They have a fantastic cold brew! They also do some seasonal drinks that are great. Currently they're offering three chai lattes, one of which is decaf and sugar-free. They also offer a variety of teas and coffees, tasty baked goods, including my favorite baked good ever: Russell's bakery pumpkin muffins. They have smoothies, sandwiches and chips for lunch, too. This is a welcoming spot for anyone to visit. I highly recommend stopping by for a coffee and some good will!

Affectionately known as GJ in our house, this is our favorite coffee house in austin. Prices are good, coffee is good, and the atmosphere is brought to you by the genuine patrons and employees that have made it feel like home. All are welcome here. (I even came here for a smoothie on my wedding day when I felt overwhelmed. It brought some normalcy into the day)

Great service! Can't hardly find coffee houses like this anymore... even in Austin. Great ambiance.