As midterms approach, we know that how you fuel your study sessions around the Forty Acres is important. Whether you need a coffee to power through a late-night study group or a snack between classes, there are plenty of conveniently located coffee shops across campus that offer hot and cold drinks, grab and go food options, and cozy spots to prepare for your exams. Here’s a quick guide to our on-campus coffee shops.
Littlefield Patio Cafe
2503 Whitis Ave.
If you’ve ever wondered what the shaded patio next to Littlefield Hall is, it is Littlefield Patio Cafe (LPC). Beyond providing a comfortable place to study as the weather cools down, LPC also serves Starbucks® coffee and has fresh pastries to fuel your study sessions. If you study during evening hours, you can also check out their bistro-style dining and grab and go meals.
Ambiance: Cozy and airy; perfect for the fall as weather cools down
Selection of food and drinks: Quick bites and meals, along with a variety of Starbucks® and to-go drinks
Study capability: Large patio with ample seating and some indoor seating
Up and Atom
105 E. 24th St.
Located inside Welch Hall, this aptly named coffee spot features Ruta Maya® beverages and a wide variety of seasonal baked goods. If you prefer tea, Up and Atom also has a delicious matcha latte that you can customize with various flavors. They also have specialty drinks that change frequently during the academic year.
Ambiance: Bright and modern
Selection of food and drinks: Coffee, various drink options and to-go bites
Study capability: Welch Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating
Shake Smart
2308 Whitis Ave.
Located inside the Union, Shake Smart is a health food chain that gives busy students a convenient place to find protein shakes and cold brew coffee. They also serve quick, nutritious bites such as hummus toast and chia seed pudding. Swing by in between study sessions for the perfect pick me up.
Ambiance: To-go spot
Selection of food and drinks: Nutritious drinks and quick bites, some to-go options
Study capability: Ample indoor and outdoor seating in the Union
Prufrock’s
101 E. 32st St.
Prufrock’s convenient location inside the Perry-Castañeda Library, along with its many options to fuel up while studying makes this coffee shop stand out. With Starbucks® coffee and pastries as well as grab and go snack options, Prufrock’s is there whether you need a study break or are just passing by.
Ambiance: Relaxed and welcoming
Selection of food and drinks: Coffee-based drinks and brewed teas with some to-go options
Study capability: Next to the PCL with plenty of outdoor seating
Varsity Grounds
2105 Comal St.
Varsity Grounds is located on the ground floor of East Campus Graduate Apartments, a six-building complex in an East Austin location close to the Forty Acres. This cozy coffee shop offers all Longhorns a spot to grab a snack and place to refuel.
Ambiance: Vibrant and filled with Longhorn spirit
Selection of food and drink: Freshly baked pastries with some to-go options and drinks ranging from premium coffee to brewed teas
Study capability: Plentiful inside seating
If you love these coffee shops, be sure to check out our other locations: Cypress Bend Cafe, Jester Java, Longhorn Coffee Co. and Union Coffee House. Wherever you choose as your next study spot or go-to coffee shop, there’s a place on Forty Acres for you. Each cafe has something unique to offer, but in all of our locations, you can pay with Bevo Pay*, credit/debit or Dine In Dollars. View our hours of operation by visiting our dining page. We look forward to serving you soon.
*Bevo Pay is being fully decommissioned in August 2026. Please visit our Decommissioning FAQs for more information.