The school year just kicked off, and I’m already soaking in the seniority. Honestly, I don’t think I could survive a Monday without coffee, so I figured—why not start a new series?

Introducing… Austin Brew Review!! Every Monday, I’ll be reviewing a different coffee shop I visit around Austin (and beyond), giving you the lowdown on everything from vibes to parking.

People always ask me: “So, what’s your favorite coffee shop?” And my answer is always the same: “Whoa, whoa, whoa—that’s a loaded question.” Coffee shops aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are ones you go to for the food, the vibes, the “lock-in-and-study” mode, the friend hangouts, the rainy days, the sunny days, and of course—the ones where the coffee actually slaps. Don’t worry, I’ve got opinions on all of them.

So, let’s kick things off with a spot that’s close to home: Mazama Coffee in Dripping Springs.

Now, don’t picture Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls—I don’t know all the baristas by name, and the line is often Starbucks-long. But Mazama has been around forever, and it’s a Drip classic. Here’s how it stacks up:

☕ Coffee – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Mazama’s coffee has that local coffee shop taste—crafted, not cookie-cutter. They’ve got matchas, lattes, chais, teas, all the basics (minus coconut milk, which is basically a crime—yes, I’m dramatic about my coffee). My favorite drink? The autumn chai. House-made chai + cinnamon brown sugar syrup = hands-down the best chai I’ve had. Ever. If you’re on Mercer Street, this is the move.

🥐 Food – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The food slaps. Period. Pastries, breakfast sandwiches, frittatas, desserts, even lunch options—it’s all good. The pumpkin bread is heavenly, and the apple cinnamon muffin is an automatic order. There’s a ton of variety (vegan + vegetarian friendly too), so no one leaves hungry.

💻 Study-ability – ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3/5)
Mazama isn’t always the best for studying. Mornings = chaos (men’s groups, middle school girls, you name it). Midday, though, it’s solid for locking in. Wi-Fi is strong, outlets are everywhere inside, but seating can be a scramble.

🎨 Atmosphere – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Cozy, small-town coffee vibes with lots of wood and character. Natural light pours in at the front, while the back “flex” space is dimmer and perfect for focus. It’s not the Instagram neon-sign type of place, but it’s charming and warm.

👩‍🍳 People & Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Friendly baristas who move fast despite the long lines. Bonus points for online ordering—it saves you when the shop’s packed.

💸 Price & Value – ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
For craft coffee, prices are reasonable. A latte runs around $4.50 (cheaper than most Austin spots), and food is $4–$6. Adjustments (alt milks, syrups) cost extra, but that’s standard everywhere. Definitely worth it.

📍 Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Mazama is right in downtown Drip, surrounded by cute shops and plenty to do before/after coffee. Parking is actually amazing—tons out front, plus a big backside lot. The area is super safe, family-friendly, and has that charming small-town-but-growing feel.

✨ X-Factor – the outdoor space
Their patio wins. Huge, comfortable, with tables and chairs for any vibe—perfect for sipping on a nice day in Dripping Springs.

Final verdict: Mazama is a Drip staple. Go for the autumn chai, don’t skip the food (seriously, pumpkin bread!!), and if you’re studying, aim for midday instead of the morning chaos.