When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop
Why The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop in north central Austin, Texas, offers a unique fusion of specialty coffee culture and natural wine bar ambiance, making it a wonderful spot for friends to gather throughout the day. Located in the Crestview neighborhood, this queer-owned establishment combines a relaxed atmosphere with quality beverages and light bites. Morning visitors can enjoy expertly crafted third-wave coffee and decadent pastries, while evening guests can savor a curated selection of natural wines. There's an innovative approach to enjoying wine here: customers can choose from a modest wine-by-the-glass list or bring a bottle from the adjacent bottle shop for a $12 corkage fee, allowing for a personalized experience. Additionally, weekly oyster nights and a partnership with the neighboring Little Deli—where patrons can grab slices of pizza to pair with their drinks—enhance the communal vibe and culinary variety. The spacious, inviting seating area provides ample room to unwind, work, or socialize, which makes The Violet Crown a versatile and inclusive destination to meet up with friends or relax solo.
Here's what people think of The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop
As of recent, The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop holds a 4.5-star rating based on 160 reviews.
Reviews consistently highlight The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop's excellent coffee, natural wine selection, and welcoming atmosphere. Many customers praise the quality of their espresso and pastries, noting a sophisticated third-wave coffee experience reminiscent of Italy, including a shottino of water served alongside espresso. Patrons also appreciate the relaxed and spacious seating, making it a comfortable spot for conversation or work. The innovative corkage option and collaborations with local eateries like Little Deli for pizza are frequently mentioned as appealing features that enrich the experience. However, some reviews indicate that the food menu is limited mainly to light bites and a weekly oyster night, which may not satisfy those seeking a full meal on-site. Additionally, because this is a small, neighborhood-centric spot, seating can become busy during peak hours, and some wish for extended or more consistent operating hours. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is positive, with visitors valuing the combination of quality drinks, cozy vibe, and community spirit. The Violet Crown stands out as a distinctive and beloved destination for both wine lovers and coffee aficionados in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve Takata
This is essentially a café that serves wine and coffee, and also has small snacks and meals. It’s a very nice place to relax and do some work and it is very quiet. It is in the location of the old Crestview pharmacy.
Downtown Workplace Austin
Truly great coffee & wine shop in lovely neighborhood location! Beautiful space inside, yum coffee drinks, pastries & kerlaches for breakfast. Great selection of wines at various price points. Extremely friendly, efficient help from Evian today & on another recent visit. Highest recommendation - love!
R T
I found it a little on the pricey side, but the ambiance of the coffee spot is great—definitely a nice place to hang out. It also doubles as a wine bar with plenty of options to choose from. Plus, the neighborhood itself is really nice.
Briana Hopkins
This place is lovely. Amazing coffee and matcha, and if you’re in the mood, Wines, of all elegant kinds. Cozy neighborhood secret.
Jacquelyn Pruet
Amazing little neighborhood nook. A great place to slip away - have a girls or guys night, read a book and sip wine, have a nice date. It feels like a wonderful little adult hideaway buried in the heart of the Violet Crown residential area - across the plaza from the Austin “Locals” iconic Little Deli.
How to reach The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop
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Website: None
Why The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop with your friends?
If you’re wondering why The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop is the perfect place to rally your friends together, the answer lies in its unique blend of atmosphere, offerings, and location. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 160 reviews, this spot in Austin’s Crestview neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between a cozy coffee shop and an elegant wine bar. The inviting ambiance, featuring comfy chairs and even a funky disco ball, offers a welcoming vibe that encourages hanging out for hours, whether it’s for casual daytime meetups or relaxed evening gatherings. You and your friends can enjoy a variety of specialty coffees made with third-wave coffee techniques, alongside carefully curated natural wines available by the glass or bottle. Its all-day versatility means you can start your meetup with fresh espresso and pastries and transition into the evening with wine flights and light bites without moving venues. Plus, the atmosphere fosters both productivity and leisure, making it fantastic for groups who want a little bit of both in their social time. Overall, The Violet Crown offers a comfortable yet sophisticated environment that invites connection and conversation, making it an ideal rallying spot for friends or family to create memorable experiences.
What activities are available at The Violet Crown, and why are they perfect for group meetups?
The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop offers a diverse range of activities and experiences designed to appeal to groups with varied tastes. During the day, it operates as a specialty coffee shop serving expertly crafted third-wave coffee, espresso shots accompanied by traditional Italian shottinos of water, and decadent pastries. This makes it an excellent spot for friends to gather for casual chats, morning meetups, or even group work sessions in a relaxed setting. The availability of both indoor and outdoor seating enhances comfort and accommodates different group preferences—whether you prefer fresh air or a cozy climate-controlled environment.
As the day transitions to evening, The Violet Crown transforms into a natural wine bar and bottle shop with a focus on curated wines. Groups can enjoy wine flights, which are a tasting experience that allows everyone to sample several varieties in one sitting, ideal for raising a glass and sharing opinions on favorites. The option to purchase bottles from the shop and enjoy them on-site with a $12 corkage fee adds a flexible and economical dimension, encouraging longer stays and more intimate socializing. Light bites like cheese boards and occasional weekly specials such as oyster nights complement the drinks perfectly without overwhelming the palate.
Moreover, the proximity to local gems like Little Deli, where patrons can grab pizza slices to bring back, rounds out the food options for groups wanting a more substantial snack while enjoying their drinks. This integration of local fare alongside The Violet Crown’s offerings makes for a fun, community-centered experience. The combination of great coffee, natural wines, tasty small plates, and the possibility of bringing your own food creates an environment that supports both casual hangouts and more celebratory gatherings. This flexibility paired with the welcoming ambiance makes The Violet Crown an ideal place for friends or families to meet up and savor both conversation and quality refreshments.
Why is the ambiance at The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop so conducive to group gatherings?
The ambiance at The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop is often described as a seamless mix of cozy and chic, making it a draw for groups looking to spend quality time together. The space incorporates comfy chairs that invite guests to settle in and stay a while. The presence of a disco ball adds a playful and unexpected flair, which lightens the mood and encourages a festive yet casual vibe. This balance in decor contributes to creating a space that feels sophisticated without being intimidating—a real plus when hosting a diverse group of friends or relatives.
The venue’s layout includes both indoor and outdoor seating, providing options that can accommodate different group sizes or weather preferences. This flexibility is especially valuable for larger gatherings or those who may want a more private or lively experience. The natural light during the day enhances the welcoming atmosphere and supports the coffee shop's daytime productivity, making it suitable for groups who might want to work or socialize quietly before the evening crowd arrives.
In the evenings, the lighting shifts to a warmer, second-wave wine bar ambiance, perfect for more intimate or celebratory meetups. The subtle blend of a neighborhood hub and destination-worthy spot means that it attracts both locals and visitors, creating a vibrant but not overwhelming social vibe. This environment promotes relaxed group interactions, whether you are catching up over coffee or winding down with friends over wine. All these elements together foster a sense of community and connection, making The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop a standout venue to rally your friends.
How does The Violet Crown’s menu enhance the group meetup experience?
The Violet Crown's carefully curated menu reinforces its appeal as a spot for group gatherings by offering variety that caters to different tastes and times of day. By day, the focus is on specialty coffees and excellent pastries that pair perfectly for casual meetups or brunch-style catch-ups. The commitment to quality—such as providing Italian-style espresso alongside shottinos of water—signals an attention to detail that coffee aficionados appreciate.
By evening, the menu shifts toward natural wines with an emphasis on tasting flights and approachable small plates. These light bites, including cheese boards and seasonal specials, create a shared food experience that encourages conversation and relaxed enjoyment rather than heavy meals, which can sometimes detract from the social flow. Plus, the option to bring in food from neighboring eateries like Little Deli to enjoy alongside the drinks adds another layer of customization, especially appealing for larger groups with diverse preferences.
Special events like the weekly oyster night introduce a fun, slightly upscale element that can turn a regular meetup into a mini celebration. This kind of programming not only gives groups reasons to return regularly but also creates a shared experience that people talk about and remember fondly. Overall, the menu’s balance of simplicity, quality, and local integration makes it exceptionally well suited for the varying dynamics and tastes typical in group meetups.
What makes The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop stand out among Austin’s social venues?
Several factors elevate The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop in the vibrant Austin scene. Its dual identity as both a specialty coffee shop and a natural wine bar provides unmatched versatility, allowing it to cater to a wide range of social activities from quiet mornings to lively evenings. This versatility makes planning meetups easier because the venue meets multiple needs without requiring a change of location.
The venue’s approach to wine—focusing on natural and curated options available both by the glass and by bottle—reflects a sophisticated but approachable wine culture that resonates well with modern tastes. The corkage policy, which allows guests to bring their own bottles for a modest fee, enhances this by adding a layer of flexibility and economy, often a critical concern for group gatherings striving to accommodate budgets and preferences.
The Violet Crown’s location in the Crestview neighborhood offers a quieter, more community-centered atmosphere compared to downtown bustle, which can be ideal for relaxed socializing. Yet, it remains destination-worthy because of its thoughtfully designed space and menu. This balance makes it appealing not only to locals but also to visitors seeking authentic Austin experiences. Add to this the strong positive reception from customers reflected in its 4.5-star rating and 160 reviews, and it’s clear why The Violet Crown is considered a top choice for hosting memorable meetups with friends and family.
This article highlights The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop’s distinguishing features, explaining why it’s a superb venue for group meetups through its inviting ambiance, quality products, comfortable setting, and versatile offerings. Whether friends want to rally for morning coffee, afternoon wine tastings, or evening celebrations, The Violet Crown provides the perfect setting.