Houndstooth Coffee: Austin, TX

Well, it's been awhile! Living in small town U.S.A. doesn't allow you to visit top coffee spots in the country very often. I do hit up a few small joints and a lot of Starbucks, but these experiences are what I prefer to blog and critique.

I have been to Houndstooth once before in March, but I had students with me and didn't get to stay long.

Here I am again today, staying this time for a spell. I have ordered my go-to drink: cappuccino. You can tell a lot about the quality of the place by the quality of their cappuccino.

The store itself has a cool decor. Hanging-down lamps, silver-topped tables, and wire chairs. The ladies working wear full aprons over their outfits.

They have a custom espresso machine. They also clean the milk pitcher after each use. Never seen that before, but they definitely seem to know what they're doing.

My wife ordered an iced mocha. It tastes like they use pretty fresh, natural chocolate, and the ice cubes in the cup are rather small. Leaves a bit of a milky aftertaste in the mouth, but it's mixed with a slight bitterness.

My capp was a little disappointing. Although the baristas are meticulous, I don't think the espresso is right for this drink. It would be ok in a macchiato, but there are not enough other flavors. I can't taste the sweetness of the milk or of the espresso. There's not quite enough foam there.

To improve this place, I think they should explore other options for their espresso blend.

I'll be back next time I'm here. This still seems like the best place in Austin.