Austin’s coffee scene is about to get a significant boost with the opening of the fourth location of Merit Coffee Company. Set to open on Saturday, February 14, this new shop will be located at 1900 Aldrich St. in the vibrant Mueller neighborhood.
Expansion of Merit Coffee
Merit Coffee first opened its doors in San Antonio in 2009 and has since grown to include 14 locations across Texas, with several in Dallas and plans for expansion into Houston. Despite the close ties between Austin and San Antonio, both San Antonio and Dallas each boast five locations, leaving Austin eager to catch up.
Location Highlights
The new shop at 1900 Aldrich is situated on a rapidly developing street that has welcomed several new businesses in the past year. This includes a Pilates studio, a mezcal bar created by the acclaimed Veracruz All Natural team, and a new vegan restaurant from Nashville, which has taken the place of Rebel Cheese—an establishment that numerous local residents lamented the closure of back in December 2025 (source).
Atmosphere and Offerings
In a press release, Merit highlights its “barista-led experience” along with an interior design intended to appeal to “families, professionals, and community-focused organizations.” Merit’s menu features all the beloved coffee staples, seasonal flavors, and specialty brews. Currently, customers can savor unique offerings like a bourbon cream cold foam, a Cereal Milk Cold Brew infused with Fruity Pebbles, or a Dulce Spice Latte made with spiced dulce de leche syrup to mix it up.
Menu Variety
In addition to coffee, the shop offers an array of matcha drinks, breakfast, and dessert pastries that include cinnamon rolls, kolaches, croissants, and more. For coffee enthusiasts, there are house roasts available for purchase either in-store or online. The subscription service, which renews every two, three, or four weeks, provides a convenient way to ensure a steady supply of coffee without frequent trips to the café.
Local Excitement
“Austin has embraced the Merit café experience from day one,” remarked Bill Ellis, the CEO of Merit Coffee. “Our South Lamar, Seaholm, and Triangle cafés continue to thrive in their respective neighborhoods, and now we’re excited to share our hospitality on the east side of the city for the very first time.”
Grand Opening Details
Merit Coffee will host a grand opening celebration at the Mueller location, although a specific date for the event has yet to be announced. Attendees can look forward to drink specials and giveaways to commemorate the occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Merit Coffee’s fourth location in Austin will open on February 14 at 1900 Aldrich St.
- The company started in San Antonio in 2009 and now has 14 shops across Texas.
- Austin’s newest location will feature a barista-led experience in a family-friendly environment.
- The menu includes seasonal flavors, specialty brews, matcha drinks, and various pastries.
- A grand opening celebration is planned, featuring drink specials and giveaways.
FAQ
What are the new offerings at Merit Coffee?
Merit Coffee features seasonal flavors, specialty brews, matcha drinks, and a variety of pastries.
When will the new location open?
The new location at 1900 Aldrich St. is scheduled to open on February 14.
Will there be a grand opening event?
Yes, a grand opening celebration is planned but the specific date for the event hasn’t been announced yet.
What is Merit Coffee’s origin?
Merit Coffee first opened in San Antonio in 2009 and has expanded throughout Texas since then.
Is there a subscription service for coffee?
Yes, Merit Coffee offers a subscription service that delivers house roasts every two, three, or four weeks.
