Russell's Bakery & Genuine Joe Coffeehouse @Anderson — Restaurant in Austin

Okay, in Austin we all know there’s an over saturation of hip and swanky coffee places to pick from. Typically, they’re all bark and no bite and you end up paying exorbitant prices for a cup of warm milk. But Russels is not like the others. Sure it’s a bit expensive, but the value you’re getting is worth every penny. Their coffee is rich and deep, they actually make latte art on the foam, and have a wonderful little bakery. Their baked goods are delicious too as I’ve tried their danishes and scones in the past. They always have holiday themed treats if you’re feeling festive, but really you should just take away that in an unsuspecting wal mart plaza there is really good, genuinely tasty coffee. It’s quiet and peaceful too, good place to work or study. My only qualm is I wish they were open...

The coffee isn’t as good as Genuine Joe’s was. I’ve tried it 4 or 5 times now. I tried to get into it, I tried to be optimistic… but I think GJ’s died. :(

I went in and it took them like 20 minutes to make a Mexican mocha and I explained how to make it 4 times because they didn’t know (it’s not an uncommon drink order) I saw on the Instagram that there’s different beans, and maybe that’s it, but it’s not a question they ask you at the counter. They also DON’T have cayenne. You can’t make GJ magic without cayanne.

I haven’t seen a single old GJ staff member at all… except Josh. And the Russell’s employees are nice, they have excellent baked goods, but I have to boo the...

I like this bakery. But I was thrown off because when you walk in you encounter your bakery items in a case next to you for you to select on your own.  At least this way you get exactly the muffin or danish you want.  I suspect it speeds up service too, but I was there alone and cannot say. Last time I selected a cranberry muffin and pumpkin muffin.  The cranberries had just the right amount of tartness. The vote is still out on the pumpkin.  I'm going to try one more before forming a definitive opinion. I've also had the chocolate Danish and it was pretty good, although a tad heavy. I look forward to returning to Russell's to continue my...