coffee talk
The perfect blend: The coffee, beer, wine and gluten-free purveyors of Cenotehost official grand opening
Finding the perfect mix of elements to create a successful coffee house is a bit of an art in Austin. Among other things, you'll need the right decor, the right temperature, the right location and — of course — the right coffee.
Cenote avoids falling in step with Austin's legion of unkempt coffee shops by, first and foremost, settling in a beautiful 19th-century historical house on the heavily trafficked Cesar Chavez. After a booming first few months of business, Cenote is ready to throw its official coming-out party with a "grand opening" gathering on Tuesday, May 15, from 5 - 11 p.m.
Bean-wise, Cenote specializes in high quality espresso and “pour-over” organic, fair trade coffees that come from local roasters Cuvée. But what has really made Cenote special so far is the attention paid to the food menu. Though limited in items, what is featured is fresh, healthy and locally sourced from the likes of Johnson's Backyard Garden and Coyote Creek. The bonus, aside from the Rockstar Bagels? The freshly baked gluten-free pastries from Sippie's Studio.
"We strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for our costumers while providing the best quality products possible," co-owner Mary Jenkins tells CultureMap. "We have a full food menu that exceeds most people's expectations of coffee shop food."
Cenote also offers a decent range of beer and wine, which keeps customers lingering well into the evening. Visit on a Monday night and you'll be treated to all-night happy hour deals ($2 Lone Star, Dos Equis, Modelo Especial, PBR; $3 craft beer drafts and mimosas; $4 Strongbow drafts (gluten free); $1 off all other beer and wine), or on a Sunday when all bottles of wine are half price and Antontelli's cheese plates are $10.
So pull up a seat inside or settle into a picnic table on the large, groomed lawn and welcome Cenote to the neighborhood. Whether you're a coffee, beer, wine or gluten-free fanatic, there's a comfortable place for you at this supremely blended business.
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Cenote's hours are Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 12 a.m.; Sat - Sun 8:30 a.m. - 12 a.m.