Spider House
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Lounges, Pubs [Edit]
Neighborhood: University of Texas2908 Fruth St
Austin, TX 78705 (512) 480-9562
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat 7:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sun 7:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
- Music: DJ, Live
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
- Coat Check: No
103 Reviews for Spider House
For more than a decade this has been by far one of the best places to meet up with friends, have a coffee-or beer. Completely bike conscious and provide free "bike-in" movies. Yay!
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Things change and Spider House is no exception.
My first visit to Spider House was during my first week in Austin about ten years ago. I brought a book that's now out of print, which I purchased from a book store that' no longer in business. I rode a motorcycle that I no longer own and sat outside after ordering my drink from the bar, which you can no longer do. The menu was different, the decor was different and that's the way it was and we liked it.
Bla, Bla, Bla. In another ten years the people who just visited Spider House will be writing reviews about how they liked it sooo much better when it was full of pretentious hipsters wearing over priced clothing, typing away at over priced laptops while listening to overrated music and that's the way it was and they liked.
Spider House has decent coffee and drinks, decent atmosphere (if you're not too judgmental or nostalgic), reasonably priced food that in some cases is surprisingly good (try the burger) and free internets. The waitstaff isn't nearly as bad as some reviewers make them out to be and the mixed drinks...well, okay, you can't win'em all.
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Spider House is scenic, if you think of scenic as in a little bit trashy and a little bit hippy. The service is tollerable, and the coffee/drinks are exactly what they describe. I would not recomend the food since everyone around you will either smell likepatchuli or wet dog and it will take like an hour before your sandwich or salad will be ready. If you want to see a show, and they play there- I would go. It ihas seating, tables, and a large menu- lots better than a bar. But if you want a meal or good ambiance for a date- I would pass on this place.
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What to say about Spiderhouse . . . Is it a bar? Is it a restaurant? Is it a coffee joint? Or is it a "scene"? I'm not sure even Spiderhouse knows.
I started going here pretty frequently last year, because I lived right around the corner. Any time my boyfriend and I got bored, we would go to it and grab a few drinks. Despite being here so much, we NEVER figured out the best ordering system. I'm pretty sure neither have the waiters and waitresses. Sometimes they prefer you to sit down outside and wait to order . . . but it take 15 minutes to grab their attention, another 20 minutes to flag them down to settle your check, and GOD FORBID if you decide to order something else. If that's the case, you're looking at a good hour and a half at the Haus. Which is fine if you just came to laze the day/night away people watching, but it can be a little bit irritating if you need to be somewhere. I've resorted to just ALWAYS ordering inside, which I'm sure pisses off the waiters, but at least I can control the process better.
That said, the food/drink isn't so bad. In the winter the Mexican Cocoa is heaven, and all summer I love to get a carafe of sangria and just chill with some friends. The coffee is all right, but you don't come to Spidey-Haus for the coffee. It wakes up at night with the full bar and a pretty wide selection of beers. I've never really ordered a meal here, mostly because of the very uncertain ordering/delivery process!
All of that brings me to the fundamental quality of the Haus: seeing and being seen. Every coffee shop has it's level of pretention, but Spiderhouse doesn't play around. Waiters with beards, headbands, and short-shorts; waitresses in gold catsuits. People sitting around in vests and skinny jeans, writing post-existential novels and smoking while they draw. It's a scene man, a real scene.
So in summary,
Pros: Open late, wide variety of fare, outdoor seating that's doggy/smoking friendly, occassional live music/performances, and an unparalleled atmosphere.
Cons: Questionable service, and perhaps too intense of a scene.
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Spider House has a really nice, big patio. The table service stinks, so I usually order my stuff inside and then find a table outside.
Some of the staff members are really nice, others are complete jerks. One time my friend didn't tip (only because it was the same bartender who is always rude) and the bartender actually waited for her to walk away a few feet, but said that "people were stiffing" them to a coworker loud enough for my friend to hear. Wow, UNPROFESSIONAL. You wonder why you don't get tips?
I'm also usually annoyed if they have a DJ outside.
The coffee, drinks, and food are okay.
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Beer, Mango Sunset (try it), dog friendly, funky, and open until 2 am with wifi. :o) Plus, they have Young's Double Chocolate Stout. For those who have not yet experienced Young's Double Chocolate Stout, it's a dark strong beer that tastes like a thick bubbly chocolate malt.
Sometimes the front room can be really warm in the summer. And I mean WARM. It is kind of musky warm. It did lose a star because they have no queso on the menu, and sometimes the music there is loud and obnoxious. We're in Texas. If you have chips on the menu, you must have queso. Show me the Queso!
And also I've experienced that the service is hit/miss lately. It used to be consistent, and I can't say that anymore.
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Imperial sized glasses for only 50 cents more! Look, everyone! This is what it would look like if I was a Hobbit drinking beer! Whoo hoo!
Hey Hipster McDouchington, you mind not taking an entire table for five and spreading your manuscript and laptop all over it? No one cares what you're doing and your selfishly stealing space from other customers. Buying a $3000 laptop doesn't make you a writer, nor does wearing ripped blue jeans make you Billy Idol. This isn't 1984. And why are there like...ten other guys doing the same thing all over the place?!
Oh forget it...back to my giant beer that is letting me pretend I'm in the shire, and to eat this fantastic hamburger.
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Dude, does the Washington DC area need a coffee shop like the Spider House. Sure the service can move at a glacial-like pace, but you don't go to a joint like the Spider House for prompt service. If you wanted that, one could go to a Starbucks for the corporate "get em in and get em out' mentality. The Spider House is all about having to discussing politics with your friends while yelling over the fan on the patio, or trying to flag down a server during a busy Friday night since she's both trying to get orders out from the bar and sneak in a smoke.
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I didn't consider writing Spider her review till I haphazardly ordered her '100% Burger' one Sunday afternoon. 100% of what exactly, you query?
10% sweet cheeks
40% sweet BURGER buns, and mouthwatering, JUICY patty. Fresh.
15% intelligent, clever discussion of a fledgling book group.
30% indulgence in a fruitful Sangria and imperial-sized Fireman 4
5% seeing the oldest redhead to walk this earth - Miss Vida Winter herself.
We even saw a few children lolling around. Not the ones with hair covering 3/4 of their mug and second-skin-skinny ripped pants. Actual toddlers, with their parents. Spider is a lot more welcoming when her heliophobes are still sleeping.
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Went there to meet up with some friends. The place is pretty interesting with their outdoor decor. Unlike some coffee/tea places they will come to your table to your order. There was free secure and unsecure internet. took me a couple minutes to figure out how to get away from their default page. Friend seemed to enjoy one of their iced teas. I got my standard Iced Chai but was diappointed. It was ok, but the glass was mainly ice, not much to drink for the price. Didn't try anything else. filled up after 5:30pm on a Saturday,
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Spider house is a great place to drink and have a unique/austin experience.
However, the coffee and food is not that great and its not an ideal studying location. The lighting inside is for ambiance and not really practical for reading, and forget studying outside unless you can concentrate in a busy environment
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Many years ago, I had a really awkward first date here. The set up is much different from how it is now. The "gentleman" and I sat in a room and it was so painfully obvious we were on an awkward first date. He talked loud, every one else quietly studied their philosophy books.
I've been back several times since then (and luckily that wasn't my first visit!). I've always been happy with everything. I love the random outdoor furniture. I love the people watching.
I've never eaten more than a chocolate croissant here. I've always had good coffee. Shared a sangria yesterday. It was refreshingly yummy while sitting in the sun and talking passionately about the latest book club selection.
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This place has got the shittiest service on planet earth. Most of the staff that work there are either rich hipster kids looking for another source of income to snort their coke or retired rockstars who still talk about that ONE big show they played. Most of the staff here are rude and don't pay attention to you if you are not wearing the latest line from American Apparel. I came to Spiderhouse before they had a full bar and had their shitty wait staff, it was way better back in the days where there were no pretentious pricks stareing at what you are wearing. Back in the day, you came to Spiderhouse, ordered your drink inside and just took it outside/inside to chill. Now, if you try to order inside, I am usually directed by the rude staff that there are waiters/waitress outside to take our orders. I've been forced to go outside several times and one time I literally sat there for 30 minutes before anyone paid us any attention. This just doesn't happen to me, it happens to all of my friends and other people that have been there. I've had several friends that have worked at Spiderhouse and it is fair for me to say that they spend most of their time chatting to their friends who came to Spiderhouse instead of taking orders from customers.
The only positive about the current Spiderhouse that I still like is their design. It's very well done and they do have good vegetarian food. But if you are vegan- there is not much of an option. Their alcoholic drinks are good, I suggest the Spider Cider with a shot of rum in it. As far as regular drinks, my favorite is their raspberry sunset.
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I have visited over 110 places to buy a beer for onsite consumption in Austin since Jan. 1, 2008 and Spiderhouse still ranks in the top ten. If you are an uppity sorority girl or a space hogging free wifi water sipping cheapskate, it isn't for you and please stay away so real paying, tipping customers have a place to sit and relax. My only complaint is that I have to walk a couple of hundred yards from the nearest parking spot I can usually find on a Friday afternoon. If they would send someone in a golf cart to pick me up I would really like that.
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Beer, food, mixed drinks, great sangria, lots of outdoors space both shaded and in the sun. Oh yeah, and coffee. Do I really need to say anything more?
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Love coming here on weekends. I adore pretty much everything about this place. Never had the food but I've ordered pretty much every tea related beverage/italian soda and lemme tell ya, it's ALL good. Especially the italian soda.
Everything about this place screams Austin, from the 365 days a year christmas lights, to the 95% hippie waiters/waitresses, to the vegetarian friendly menu, and the random, but totally vintage furniture. All the while, enjoying the people watching and great music they play for all to hear.
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4 stars b/c this place is so unique. Great migas tacos. Great outdoor area. Noticed they post drink specials online but don't tell you about them when you order... but I will forgive them since this place is so cool.
I think everyone should stop hating on this place.
They have booze, good booze! They have coffee, oh my god, that's good too!
The internet is a little sketchy sometimes, but reliable enough. The food is pretty nice, with good options for the veggies (like me). Oh, and there are 2 vegan desserts to choose from, both pretty nice (carrot-orange cake a la Celeste's Best, chocolate peanut butter cups from Wheatsville)
The table service... not so good. But, that's okay. I don't really care for service as long as I get my drink eventually.
So far, everyone I've brought from out of the country or even just out of town, loves this place, and everyone always loves the Moscow Mule.
I got burned by their Mexican martini a few times in the past, so I'm still scared to try it, but I've watched other people drink and they seemed to survive well enough. Did I mention the frozen margaritas are dirt cheap?
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I went to Spider House recently, and it seems they are under new management and turning things around. My waiter actually brought me water! I've been coming here for years and this is the first time that has happened. The wait staff is more attentive and they now have a "grab n go" menu that includes gourmet sandwiches, salads and wraps. Great for lunch! Anyone who had a bad experience in the past should give them another try. Things have improved greatly!!
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A long history exists between me and this place.
I first came here when I was a dopey teenager, fresh in college. It had what I thought was bohemian charm. Maybe I should have traveled more. I remember before it was really a bar. I loved the patio and sitting out with espresso on a cold winter night, bundled up and listening to the classical guitar students that used to play here years ago.
Throughout the college years, I treated it as a refuge when I wanted to escape from the usual routine. It started getting louder, younger and dumber. Or maybe I just got older, smarter and quieter.
Then I worked there and realized how really dumb the charm was. Made to look old and messed up. Pretension, thy name is Spider House.
Then I came back from Europe. Spider House isn't really that bad. I don't really mind the waitstaff, because that's what happens in a European cafe. I can order at my table. They have a full bar. The food is alright, not really overpriced, and fairly fresh (although they still give you enough chips with your meal to feed a family of four, and I'm not so big on wasting food).
Mid-afternoon on a weekday, it's nice. Shady place to sit and work with reliable internet.
On any given night, it's a bit loud still for my taste. Overrun with twenty-somethings trying to out-do each other in their really amusing ideas of what an 1980s rocker dressed like. If I'm in the mood for something that makes me laugh while working and a beer, I go there.
During SXSW, they had an emo Neil Young cover band. That takes away points right there.
It's an experience. It's now an authentic Austin experience, because they've been here for over a decade now. Maybe a kind of suck-ass experience if you remember a kinder, gentler Spider House, but not so bad to roll with the punches and see what the kids are up to these days.
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Admitting that, until recently, I'd never visited The Spider House despite living, visiting, or being associated with Austin for almost 20 years is like admitting to IMDB message boards that I'd never seen The Godfather all the way through. Sadly, both are embarrassingly true.
Whats even more odd, is that there is no explicit reason "why not". I've teased at going to The Spider House; like indulging at Trudy's countless times and living just north of campus. Much like I've teased at The Godfather by watching Goodfellas and Casino. But I finally dismissed the supplement and went for it because I was coaxed into giving it a try by my eager, crunchy gf.
And based on this inductive reasoning concluding how f'n great The Spider House is, The Godfather will be my favorite mob film of all time.
There is something that I hope impartial Austinites will appreciate, and that is the notion of grabbing a pint -- moreover, some fancy pish -- at a coffee joint. Not only that, but at a place as alluring and charming as this. What is better than the option for an upper or a downer at happy hour? Truly, I can't think of one.
Spare me the "it used to be better" decrees. There are old men sitting in their plastic-coated couches carping that Varsity Theater and The Armadillo should still be an Austin force. It happens. People, appreciate what you have while the having is good.
The soul in The Spider House is completely and appropriately mellow, though there is a slight air of precociousness. No matter, the place -- and the patio -- is enormous and its easy to find a sanctuary cove from the spry demeanor that can permeates the "old Austin" sect every now and again.
What The Spider House offers is a gorgeous drip and pull concept that I will be sure to pay homage to, like it was Vito Corleone himself behind the bar in horn-rims and an ironic mustache.
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I normally come here for coffee and it's usually made pretty well. It's one of the few places that tend to make double Americanos correctly. The table service can be kind of hit and miss in the evenings, but I guess if you're in no hurry, it's not a problem. I like that they have a large outdoor seating area under lots of trees. The mismatched lawn furniture is fun and casual. The food tends to be OK, but not for what they charge. It's not as good as decent restaurant food, but better than bar food.
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Spider House is undeniably beautiful, but I think my friend is right: morning is the only time to visit, at least for folk of my persuasion. As my other reviews have often stated, I do not enjoy bars, and I especially do not enjoy bars that attract a certain element that I've had quite enough of after three years in the Bay Area. I reject any claims that I am a hipster, scenester, or in any way one of "the cool kids." My friend Jan claims that this very rejection of in-groups cements my position in said in-groups, but that all sounds very dense and philosophical, so I will ignore it and move on. Point being, though, I can imagine Spider House stuffed to the gills with cool kids, and I shudder to think.
But in the morning you can have the place all to yourself, and watch the grackles splashing in birdbaths constructed by last night's fine Austin rainfall. My friend and I arrived just as it opened and had a cup of tea to soothe our frazzled nerves (long, long, unrelated story). Our barista was tired but welcoming. We were pleased to find ourselves absolutely alone (save the aforementioned grackles) in the eerie graveyard environs of the dawn-stained patio.
The rest of the menu looks lovely and inviting, and I would happily go back for a game of cards on a quiet night. Judging from the rest of the reviews (the positive ones, anyway) Spider House offers something for everybody. Just be careful that you go at the right time to get what you're looking for, and then enjoy.
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Do you shop at Urban Outfitters?
Do you smoke American Spirits?
Do you like to talk extra-loudly about "underground" things?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, chances are you're a Spiderhouse-loving hipster.
Oh that felt good. Well, before you hipsters go getting your subtly-ironic t-shirts in a wad, let me explain myself. I am one of those kids who misses the days of yore... the Spiderhouse days pre waiters and full bar. The point of no return for me came when I overhead a conversation about how awesome some hipster's recent Cocaine binge was. It was then that I decided Spiderhouse was tired. The decor is creative, Austin-esque, fun, blah blah blah...whatever. There are many redeeming aspects to love about Spiderhouse...but its semi-recent transformation isn't one of them.
Let's be honest now....it IS a hipster hangout. There isn't anything wrong with hipsters really...I don't want to be a "hater"...Be proud hipsters...shine on. It's just that hipsters annoy me...if they don't annoy you or if you think you may be a hipster...you belong at Spiderhouse.
The best thing about Spiderhouse is coming at 7am...there's no one there! All the hipsters are too hungover from cocaine binges at Beauty Bar. The drinks are ok ...nothing to write home about anyway. I do recommend their grilled cheese though....super greasy and tasty. Austin is changing for the worse and Spiderhouse is just one of those casualties.
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It's a UT student's hangout place. Outdoor patio tables are rusted. But it doesn't matter. You can see a lot of cool dressed people at this caf.
You will think they probably provide the reasonable price drink to students. But actually not. I ordered $2.75 cappuccino which is the smallest cappuccino cup I've ever seen and 2/3 of it is full of foam.
Only one drink is special and tasty to me, blackberry mate. I had mate in south America. But this mate is so different from south America mate. Spider's mate has very fruity taste.
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This is the longest I've waited to review a place, ever.
Last year (I know, right?) I had several meetings here with a UT professor who was paying me to do some consulting work on a project of his. (His department stiffed me and wouldn't pay me for six months. Never do consulting work for UT.) I hated coming here, a lot. The chai was good, but that's all I had, so I'm not reviewing the food. I'm reviewing the atmosphere, to which I say, ick.
I've found that almost every "it's so Austin!" place I've gone to - you know, the places that have achieved cult status - has 100% not floated my boat. There are lots of places I like that I'd consider authentically Austin (whatever that means, really...) that have escaped the scenester vibe, but this isn't one of them. And I'm just not into scenes. I like places that are mellow and people that are nerds. The crowd here mid-afternoon grated on my nerves really badly.
If you're a "see and be seen" person, you may well love this place. But there are lots of more laid-back places to get booze, coffee and food - away from UT, where there's less of a wait and a better crowd.
Or maybe I'm an old fogey of a 20something who forgot how to party, and you, you super-cool person, will just love it here. But I for sure do not.
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I also am missing the old days at Spider House. Regardless of the management situation its still a great place to hang out even if its starting to lose its Austin feel. The atmosphere to me is excellent and a great place to get away and do some work, write some poetry, or just get lost in a coffee, beer, or conversation of old friends. Overall I always love hanging out here and only hope the management will remember and take heed of all the things that made Spider House the place it is today.
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The Spider House USED to be fantastic. It was THE place to hang out my first and second year in college (6 or 7 years ago). It had a cozy feel, great coffee and hip, but friendly, staff. Now you'd be lucky to be seated, or find a seat, order since they make you order from them now, and enjoy yourself. I'm ill informed as to what stimulated the big change, and maybe I'm living in the past, but Spider House nowadays just isn't like it used to be. Find another little hole in the wall establishment that serves coffee if you'd really like to know what the Austin scene all about.
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this place sucks. i used to be here all the time. was out of town for a couple of months and just went to spider house this past weekend. i didn't recognize anyone who was working there. no one seemed to know what they were doing. the mood has changed. my drink was nasty. i ordered a vodka and lemonade..my usual drink there, and it was weak and gritty. i was informed that it wasn't good-flow anymore. what happened to this place?? lame.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/07/2007
after reading several reviews about spider house cafe, i have decided that those who are trashing… Read more »
I like people watching. I like beer. I like sitting outside on a patio. I like Christmas lights year round.
I like Spider House.
Plus, it's where I had my first Frito Pie. I'm sure it's not the bestest, but, um, yum.
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If you want to experience the "Mana" of Austin, I think a trip to the Spider House is the way to do it. I totally love the vibe of Spider House.. Combine outdoor seating, good food, interesting drinks with tattoos, house cats, puppies, wi-fi, naked toddler statues pissing, and thongs and you have one example of Spider House ambiance. We ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, hummus and chips and a Blackberry Mate. The Mate was really good, hadn't had one before. The grilled cheese was very unique, not like any grilled cheese I had before.. It has tomatoes and ground meat in it. The hummus was OK, I like the hummus at Starseed better. However, the atmosphere was great.. After lunch we walked over to Buffalo Exchange and found some interesting clothes.. To be honest, the food is probably 3 stars, but the whole package is a 5.
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With 79 reviews and counting, this place has got to be good. Come on!
It's located in the UT area but it doesn't mean that you have to be a student to go there. It was a love at first sight when I arrived at Spider House, everybody was minding their own business and the surroundings were just soooo Austin. Chilling and drinking coffee there on a beautiful afternoon is heavenly.
Never been there at night but will try it if I have a chance.
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The atmosphere of the backyard trumps all else at the Spider House.
On a sunny, spring day it just feels good. Grab a pint of Like Oak Hefe' and settle in to read, journal, or nap amidst the eclectic tables and chairs. I like diverse crowds, of which the Spider House does not seem to attract, but the comfort under the trees woos me.
Inside is a different story. The employees are loud and the music can be obnoxious. Don't plan on getting any serious work done here. Also reminds me of an over-populated undergrad rental home in terms cleanliness...windows caked with dust and grime make the outdoors look grey even on a sunny day. Bathroom floors probably last cleaned when the 'rents were in town.
The iced coffee is way over priced. $3.75-ish because they apply a special process of stewing it over night. Doesn't that just mean 2nd day coffee? Ask for a glass of ice and a cup of coffee for $1.50
Food is okay. Best item I've had is the black bean quesadilla.
If you can't sit outside, don't bother.
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To be honest, Im just not hip enough to go here..... and I didnt just turn 18, so maybe something about this place is lost on me. It was cool when I was in high school and my brother and I went there when I visited... man, maybe I am hip enough to go there.
I seem to remember moderate beer pricing, but the hipster wait staff doesn't make the trip worth it most of the time.
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the eensy, weensy yelper was roaming all about
down came the rain and she drove to spider house
for drinks & people watching - far from the mundane
so the eensy weensy yelper will return to this place again.
***
I dashed to my car as the rain began to fall. My windows were open to prevent it from turning into a human bake oven and I dove inside just in time to roll them up. I set off for spider house in the rain and found a parking spot in their lot very close to the entrance. The interior feels like an old home. Soft amber lighting and dark wood set an intimate tone. Tables and chairs are a random collection of years past. Many of the tables are adorned with mosaic patterns - a nice touch. Sitting in one of the alcoves inside is perfect for an intimate conversation or a relatively secluded space to read or work.
The staff is very chill, in fact, perhaps a bit too chill. This is definitely not a place to come to for top notch service. Instead, it is a place more for hanging out, enjoying conversation and tunes, and checking out the locals. Anyway, I ordered my coffee shop litmus test - double Americano - and patiently waited at the bar. It seemed a bit pricey compared to other places I have been in Austin so I was hoping it would be top-notch espresso. After 3 other people ordered and received their drinks (about 6 minutes or more), I went back to the counter and inquired about my beverage. The guy that I ordered from was no where to be found. Kindly, they quickly made my drink and apologized with the word "oops". Please note, it may take some time for them to even acknowledge you upon walking in. I do not think it is personal, but more that they're just in their own world and focused on another task at hand.
Due to the rain, the interior felt a bit sauna-like, so sitting outside in the garden was perfect. Shade was ample and speakers were placed to distribute the music across the wide open patio. Gargoyles, fountain fixtures, and old metal headboards defined the space. A collection of bar stools, benches, ironing boards, and iron patio furniture provided a multitude of places to lounge. Colorful Christmas lights surround the trees and loop overhead. A couple of cats wandered through the space - so take note if you have allergies.
After 5pm, wait staff began to saunter through the patio making sure everyone had enough food and drink. Each had his or her own character - very lively, rather comic book-esque. I felt as though I fell into a Roy Lichtenstein piece. The menu included standard coffee and tea choices, a smattering of wines (by glass or carafe), beers, and some mixed drinks, too. Food was simple - such a bagel sandwiches, salads, chips and salsa. My Americano was alright. Nothing spectacular, but nothing was particularly wrong with it either. However, it was overpriced. I'll likely order tea or a glass of wine next time I go.
The afternoon effortlessly transitioned into a warm, inviting evening. Time slipped away and it felt like I was just hanging out in a friend's backyard. Spider House is what it is, not because it is trying to fit an image or create a scene, but because people are just being themselves. Come, bring your friends, relax, and enjoy a taste of Austin.
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I guess I missed the pre-liquor-license days of Spider House. Because I've gone there fully intending to enjoy it, but the only time I actually did was on a Sunday morning when it was almost empty. I guess that's why. The outdoor patio in itself is worth a visit. Sometimes, on weekday nights, it's so hip in there it kills me. In a bad way.
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One of the best parts of my job is that I can do the 80% of it from anywhere, so I usually go to coffee shops around town instead of the office, as was the case Friday afternoon. I really like the patio at spider house, which is honestly the only reason I keep going back. I truly hate my fellow spider house patrons for some reason (though I don't know why... I think I absorb their angst that they are trying so desperately to both hide and smother themselves in simultaneously) and more importantly, the coffee is terrible. I have tried several different drinks there-- enough to make such a blanket statement. The coffee it terrible. And it sure does seem to take them quite a long time to make such terrible coffee.
Though, it is pretty cool that they have Session Lager (http://www.fullsailbre...), my 2nd favorite beer (second only to Fireman's #4, which they also have, but the fact that the carry Session is more impressive to me because it is harder to find around these parts than my beloved Fireman's #4).
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I am in love with Spider House. The patio is gigantic and lit up by multi colored Christmas lights. Great atmosphere, extremely nice and attentive staff, decent prices. Parking was a bitch, but other than that, I found everything I wanted and more at Spider House.
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Spider House, oh Spider House, how I love thee! You have coffee and alcohol, so I may visit you no matter what my mood. I like that you play music and movies for me. Your junk yard/garden type seating area is beautiful, and you always let me bring my dogs. I think you and I should get married. What do you say?
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