Cookbook Bar & Cafe

Great cafe adjacent to the Austin Central Library. You can either order and sit inside the cafe or order a drink from a counter located inside the library. It’s a pretty big space, so it’s a great place to to eat, drink and bring a laptop to work a bit.

The food was delicious. We ordered the Eggplant salad pita, Turkey Reuben and vegetarian style chili for lunch. The environment was inviting and the staff was very helpful and welcoming. The Cookbook Cafe is a great place to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, a refreshing drink or a tasty treat before you explore all 6 levels of the Austin Public Library. ☕🥣🥃🍪👩‍💻📚

I use to patronize a cafe in the Garfield Library on Highway 71 which was not only a novelty but served great food for the soul as well. I was quite distraught when I learned that it had closed but last week I was in a shared ride with someone who worked at Cookbook Bar & Cafe that gave me a brief rundown which was enough information to peak my interest. Yesterday, I entered the Austin Central Library, a spectacular architectural marvel, on West Cesar Chavez and after hiking up those flight of stairs, the old belly sent a signal that it was feeling a bit neglected. Once I made my way to the cafe, I picked up a menu to decide what I wanted to order while I stood in a short line. The cocktail menu was quite interesting, the Last of the Mojitos looked inviting but I ended up with A Midsummer Night's Dram, bourbon, Saint Germain, ginger ale, orange and limon zest, very refreshing. Chef Donald Link's Pork Belly & Sausage Cassoulet caught my attention which was most delightful however they were a bit stingy with the sausage. It was a gorgeous day so I sat out on the huge patio. I'm sorry but when I go out to eat, I like to sit down and be served. After my lite snack, I wanted to order one of the little cakes that I saw at the cashier along with a French press coffee since they did not have Espresso but I was not about to leave my things unattended while I went back inside to order so I abandoned the thought nevertheless I will most definitely return to try some other delectable delights that I eyeballed.

Friendly staff, calm under pressure, and yummy pastries and coffee. Had an awesome brioche baked with a slice of bacon and egg in the middle!

Sweet little cafe right in the library. Even a walk up window inside the library itself! We ordered some food, then went up to one of the outdoor patios to eat while reading books. Great vegan option of soup & focaccia!! Even two kids vegan options - pb&j and veggies with hummus! That’s hard to find! Perfect afternoon meal with books - Thank you for so clearly labeling your menu & offering a great vegan option!!