I finally visited that one coffee shop in Austin everyone raves about and honestly I'm confused

Went to Fleet Coffee last weekend after hearing people hype it up for like 2 years. Got their pour over and it was fine but nothing special. Like 6 bucks for a small cup and the guy was super serious about the whole process. Maybe it's just me but I feel like some places get big just because of the vibe or the Instagram aesthetic. Has anyone else had a hyped shop fall flat for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

haydenbutler17d ago

Totally feel you on this one. I had the exact same thing happen with a place called Houndstooth down here in Dallas, everyone swore it was the best in the city and I finally went and it was just... okay. The barista basically ignored me until he was done with his pour over ritual and I stood there feeling like I was interrupting something sacred. Six bucks for a cup that was a little sour too. I think the serious coffee thing works for some people because it makes them feel like they're in on some exclusive club or whatever. But for me, good coffee is about the taste and the atmosphere, not about watching someone act like they're performing brain surgery with a kettle. Fleet sounds like the same deal, all hype and no soul. The worst part is when you finally give in to the hype and it's just average, you feel kind of dumb for believing it all. Especially when you know there are quieter spots that are just as good or better without the whole show. So yeah, you're not alone in being confused by this.

margaret_kelly5523d ago

Actually, Fleet Coffee on Webberville Road, that's not technically in Austin proper. It's in the 78702 area but it's unincorporated Travis County if I remember right. I used to live in that neighborhood and the zoning always confused people. Anyway, I get what you're saying about the hype. I've been to Fleet about four times over the years and I always leave feeling a bit let down. The pour over is good but not worth the wait or the price. I think the serious barista act is part of the appeal for some people, makes them feel like they're getting something really special. The thing is, Austin has so many great coffee spots that don't get the big Instagram push. Try Once Over on South 1st. It's just a little trailer with a nice patio and the people are friendly, not all serious about the craft. You can get a good cup of coffee for three bucks and nobody stares at you while you drink it.

alice33623d ago

Hold up @margaret_kelly55, is the zoning and county line stuff REALLY that deep for a coffee discussion? Like, I get being accurate but obsessing over whether Fleet is technically "Austin proper" feels like splitting hairs when we're talking about where to get a cup of joe. And the serious barista act complaint - I mean, who cares if they take themselves too seriously as long as the coffee is decent? You went FOUR times and kept going back, so something must have been working for you. Once Over is fine but let's not pretend three dollar coffee is some hidden gem, it's just cheap coffee that doesn't taste terrible. The whole "not getting an Instagram push" angle feels like gatekeeping too, like you're mad other people found a spot you liked first.