To Sherry’s list below, I’d like to add:

The best place to study and eavesdrop in South Austin is The Green Muse Cafe, on S. First and Oltorf. Hours of reading boring texts go by in minutes, and there’s always a good conversation to listen to or join in. I haven’t yet found a coffee shop in north Austin to rival it. If you go there after 4:00, say hi to Daniel for me.

Also check out Nueva Onda on College St., just off Congress, just north of Oltorf. It has an awesome patio, friendly service, and live music sometimes, but I go there for the migas.