Local Business Spotlight: How Morning Glory Café Brews More Than Just Coffee in Austin, TX
Before You Sip Another Latte, Read This
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Business Overview
- 3. Community Impact
- 4. Customer Experience
- 5. Visual Gallery
- 6. Call to Action
Introduction
Every week, CompaniesByZipCode.com shines a spotlight on exceptional local businesses that make life in our communities richer—and tastier. This week, we turn the spotlight to Morning Glory Café, a rising star in Austin’s busy coffee scene, and a selected standout in our “Most Visible Brands” directory thanks to its recent buzz on social media and local press coverage.
Business Overview
The Story Behind Morning Glory Café
Founded in 2017 by Austin native Lily Carver, Morning Glory Café started as a dream scribbled in a sketchbook alongside coffee-stained napkins. With a passion for sustainable living and creating inclusive spaces, Carver envisioned more than just a café—she wanted to build a community hub.
Located off South Lamar Boulevard in the heart of ZIP code 78704, Morning Glory quickly emerged as a neighborhood gem known for its ethically sourced coffee beans, friendly baristas, and a setting that invites you to linger.
Coffee, Culture, and Conscious Choices
From freshly baked vegan pastries to espresso drinks made with house-infused syrups, the café’s menu reflects both creativity and care. Their best-selling “Lavender Cloud Latte” and “Turmeric Ginger Chai” have developed cult followings, featured prominently on Instagram by local food influencers.
Morning Glory also partners with regional roasters like Third Coast Coffee to ensure their beans are Fair Trade and organically grown. The café offers a rotating selection of single-origin pour-overs, French press, and cold brew, catering to casual sippers and connoisseurs alike.
Beyond beverages, the café has a tight menu of artisanal sandwiches, gluten-free options, and locally sourced snacks—including granola bars from the popular “Austin Munch Co.”
What truly sets Morning Glory apart is its “Conscious Café Model.” This business approach emphasizes waste reduction (compostable cups, reusable incentives), diversity in hiring, and hosting nonprofit events supporting urban agriculture and education.
Community Impact
Supporting Local Artisans and Musicians
For Morning Glory, the “local” in “local business” means more than location. The café regularly showcases rotating art galleries from Austin-based painters and photographers on its interior walls. Once a week, it transforms into an intimate venue for live music, giving emerging singer-songwriters and jazz acts a platform—completely commission-free.
They also prioritize stocking shelves with items from nearby vendors, from soaps and greeting cards to bags of hot sauce and homemade candles.
Sustainability Initiatives
Morning Glory’s green ethos isn’t performative—it’s practice. The café has implemented a program where customers who bring reusable mugs get discounted drinks, and they ceased all single-use plastics in 2020. Their composting initiative has diverted an estimated 6,000 pounds of waste from landfills annually.
They also collaborate with the city’s Zero Waste initiative and host monthly workshops educating residents on sustainable living—from composting 101 to eco-friendly cleaning hacks.
Local Employment and Growth
Currently employing 18 staff members, Morning Glory Café boasts a zero-turnover rate in the last 12 months, an anomaly in the service industry. Employees receive competitive wages, health benefits, and professional development opportunities, such as paid barista certifications. Lily Carver attributes this to a strong emphasis on workplace culture, inclusion, and mutual respect.
Customer Experience
What the Reviews Say
With over 1,200 reviews and a consistent 4.9-star rating on CompaniesByZipCode.com, Morning Glory Café has clearly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Here’s a snippet of what people are saying:
“Hands down the best coffee in Austin. But what keeps me coming back is the sense of community—it feels like a second home.” — Amanda P., Verified Reviewer
“I hosted my book club here and the staff could not have been more accommodating. Incredible vegan options too!” — Jaya N.
“Every time I visit Austin, this is my first and last stop. Great music, even better people.” — Carlos M.
A Space for Everyone
True to its mission, Morning Glory Café is wheelchair-accessible, pet-friendly (there’s even a pup-cup on the secret menu), and welcoming of people from all walks of life. With cozy nooks for laptop warriors, a sunny patio lined with native plants, and an indoor play area for kids, the café genuinely serves everyone.
They also host monthly community circles and open mic nights that create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ voices, poets, and activists.
Visual Gallery
The outside of Morning Glory Café—where lines stretch down the sidewalk on weekends.
Walls featuring local art change every six weeks, keeping the space dynamic and fresh.
The famed Lavender Cloud Latte—with a swirl of oat milk and wildflower honey.
A corner dedicated to morning sustainability tips and upcycled décor.
All images courtesy of Morning Glory Café. Used with permission.
Call to Action
If you find yourself in the 78704 area—or need an excuse to visit—Morning Glory Café promises much more than a great cup of coffee. It offers connection, purpose, and a flavorful reminder that small businesses are the soul of any city.
Show your support by stopping in for a sip, sharing this article with a fellow coffee lover, or browsing similar purpose-driven spots on CompaniesByZipCode.com.
Let your next latte serve a bigger purpose. Visit Morning Glory Café and experience how one local business is redefining what it means to be part of a community.
Spotlighted business selected from the “Most Visible Brands” section at CompaniesByZipCode.com.
