If you’ve been in Austin for more than a weekend, you’ve probably seen Jo’s Coffee on someone’s Instagram feed. The “I love you so much” mural painted on the side of their South Congress location is basically the unofficial backdrop for Austin selfies. But Jo’s isn’t just a photo op—it’s a real-deal coffee spot with a unique energy. This week, I grabbed my latte, dodged a few tourists with cameras, and settled in to give Jo’s the full Austin Brew Review treatment.

☕ Coffee: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Jo’s doesn’t mess around with their drinks. Their lattes are smooth, bold, and consistent, and their iced Turbo (a signature sweet, creamy espresso drink) has a loyal cult following. Personally, I think it’s a little too sweet to be my everyday go-to, but it’s an Austin classic you have to try at least once.

🥐 Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Here’s where Jo’s shines more than most. Their breakfast tacos are legendary—simple, hearty, and exactly what you want on a Saturday morning. The baked goods are solid, too, but the tacos are what make Jo’s food stand out.

💻 Study-ability: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)

I’ll be honest: Jo’s isn’t really built for long study sessions. The outdoor seating is fun, but between the constant foot traffic, the South Congress noise, and the occasional live music, you’re probably not going to get into deep focus mode here. Bring a notebook, not your laptop.

🌿 Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Quintessential Austin. It’s colorful, lively, and unapologetically touristy. If you’re in the mood to people-watch or soak up that Austin “keep it weird” vibe, Jo’s nails it. Just don’t expect quiet or cozy—it’s more buzzing energy than calming study corner.

👥 People & Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

The staff keeps things moving quickly even with the long lines, which is impressive. You’ll run into a mix of locals grabbing their morning tacos and tourists taking photos, which makes for some interesting people-watching.

💸 Price & Value: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

It’s a little on the pricier side, especially given its location on South Congress. A latte or a Turbo is going to run you around $6, and tacos add up if you’re not careful. Worth it for the experience, but not an everyday budget stop.

📍 Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

This is prime South Congress real estate. Surrounded by shops, murals, and live music, Jo’s is in the middle of everything. Parking can be rough (welcome to SoCo), but once you’re there, you’re in the heart of Austin’s culture.

✨ X-Factor – The Mural

The “I love you so much” mural has turned Jo’s into more than just a coffee shop—it’s a landmark. People come from all over to snap a picture, and while that might sound like a gimmick, it actually gives Jo’s a special role in Austin’s identity. You’re not just grabbing coffee; you’re joining in on a little piece of the city’s story.

Final Verdict: Jo’s isn’t where you go to grind out a study session or sip a meticulously crafted pour-over. It’s where you go to soak in the South Congress vibe, grab some legendary breakfast tacos, and maybe snap a mural pic you’ll look back on years later. It’s loud, a little chaotic, and 100% Austin.