FREDDO Austin

Lily Thorpe | March 2, 2023

South Congress’s historic home coffee shop is more than meets the eye. From the historical integrity of the house to the plentiful seating, the ambiance of Freddos is unlike any other coffee shop in town. Serving up coffee, draft beer, wine, and food, Freddo Austin is about to become your next go-to spot for all occasions.

 

THE COFFEE

Where does Freddos get its name? From the style of coffee they serve. While they have a full coffee menu with all the syrups and milk options to choose from, the Freddo Cappuccino is their signature drink. The Greeks are known for sipping on iced coffee. What started as a frappé quickly turned into a new favorite, the Freddo. Freddo brought this classic Greek drink to the heart of Texas. A Freddo is one shot of espresso blended to add air to the liquid. After the espresso is mixed, it is added to a glass where it is topped with Freddos signature snow milk. Freddo makes their snow milk by whipping whole milk to a fluffy consistency. The milk is added to the drink and can be topped with chocolate or caramel drizzle.

EATS

Not only does Freddo offer fantastic coffee, but their food menu is an impressive list. If you are looking for a breakfast bit, pastries are made fresh and deliciously fluffy. The bacon & egg sandwich is an excellent pick for something a little more filling. Lunch and Dinner options are plentiful, but we choose to try the arugula salad and the Freddo panini. The arugula salad was topped with fresh tomatoes and dried figs and drizzled with balsamic glaze. The Freddo panini is a healthy portion (big enough for two to split) of toasted bread and melted mozzarella and loaded with pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, and many other toppings. Other popular items are the greek salad and the Margherita flatbread.

FREDDO’S SPECIALS

A happy hour menu like no other. Every Monday through Friday from 4 PM to close, Freddo offers 50% off select bottles of wine and $2 off all draft beers. With a wide selection of beer and wine, this is the perfect spot for catching some drinks with friends after most happy hours have already ended. Visit Freddo on Sunday for $2 mimosas all day.

WALTER TIPS HOUSE

Probably the most significant aspect of Freddo is the space. This two-story Victorian house was built in 1876 for the family of Walter Tips. Initially, the home sat west of downtown and was moved to its current location after it was saved from demolition in 1975. Inside, you will find many of the home’s original features, such as wood flooring, ceiling murals, and wallpaper. If you are a lover of historic homes, sitting inside will bring you an appreciation for the preservation efforts of the house.

Picnic tables line the area outside the home, making for ample seating. There is a little dog park at the corner of the property for your furry friends to play. Bands also come and perform under the porch of the home. Inside, the two-story home makes for plenty of seating. Because of the home’s unique curves and structure, there are many little nooks for you to find yourself in. Downstairs, there are two main dining rooms for seating. As you walk up the original stairs (they are very narrow), you will find many seats. From couches in little corners to wide open tables, the space is available for various activities. The grand room is full of natural light, and upstairs along the walls, local artists’ work hangs for all to see. If you are looking for a more private space, the 2nd floor has a private room to rent out for anything from events to meetings.

You can visit Freddo today Sunday – Thursday 8am till 11pm or Friday – Saturday 8am till 12 midnight. Follow their instagram, @freddoatx, for updates on all their activities like comedy open night mics, or the Freddo Bazaar.