Civil Goat — Restaurant in Lakeway

My ultimate Austin oasis. Tucked away into the hills, far enough away from the downtown cluster of seriously average brekkie spots, lies Civil Goat - or the GOAT, as my wife and I call it.

Why am I qualified to call this place the one above all others in the competitive cafe world? I've had breakfast at easily 200 cafes in 20+ countries around the world. Not bragging, I just freakin love a creative morning meal and I seek them out wherever I travel (Melbourne, Australia does it best). Austin AM offerings are generally light on the creative side. Sure the tacos rock, but other than that, mostly serving up your standard options. Add healthy to my list of wants and we really struggle to hit both notes around this town.

Why is CGC the GOAT (in Austin, at least)? The coffee is quality, poured so consistently satisfying, I find myself savoring it A varied menu with some creative and healthy options never fails to hit the spot, and without leaving me dragging later on The vibe is lax, clean bohemian country, feels like what I envisioned Austin would be before I moved here. Add to that the kind of easy going, friendly service that lets you quickly get comfortable at a place. Butters... they have a freakin pygmy goat that comes and hangs outside around mid-day. He acts like a dog trapped in a goat's body, such a little legend.

Bottom line - I'm not writing this to encourage you to go. You should. You're flat out missing a great experience if you don't. This is to say to all the friendly folks that make this place so special and keep it running (and keep Butters in check), THANK YOU!

Bonus: I once saw a local pull up in a golf cart with his little daughter and stroll in for a late morning bite and to hangout with Butters. It's the kind of place you get...

I visited the Cuernavaca civil goat location and received the worst customer service of my life. I work as a server and could never imagine myself or any of my past or current coworkers ever treating a paying customer this way, none the less one of the owners. My friend and I both purchased drinks and food to-go, we had a late start to the day and I myself was extremely hungry. I received my to-go order first, after waiting 5 minutes for my friend to get hers so we could leave I decided to try my food because my stomach honestly hurt so badly. As I nibbled on my food 10 more minutes passed by and my friend still had not gotten her food. As I was eating mine and waiting for my friend to receive her order I was rudely approached by who I have been told is the owner LiAnne, she got very close to my face and told me that if I ordered to go I could not eat in the restaurant and that I couldn’t throw my to go box away in the store, and asked me to leave because I ordered to-go. I can understand where that kind of policy could come from but as someone who paid $16 for a soggy piece of toast and a chai I felt like that was extremely unprofessional and it was honestly the most uncomfortable and least welcoming experience I have ever had in a restaurant. I was only waiting there because my friends food took forever. Overall I feel that is no way to treat your customers, the food takes forever, Lianne is extremely unwelcoming and unpleasant, food isn’t even very good and it’s all frozen I saw them carrying all of it to the kitchen in an icy store bought container, definitely not matching with their ridiculous prices. Anyway worst Customer service I’ve ever had in my life I was honestly left speechless. LiAnne honestly...

We found this spot on Google and were pleasantly rewarded with fresh food, good coffee, attentive and friendly service, and absolute value.

The menu selections were diverse and clearly made with quality ingredients. We visited twice. I had the avocado toast ($10.50) on the first visit and it was well-seasoned and creamy, the bread was toasty, and the tomatoes were flavorful. Just delightful. The second morning I ordered the Thunderbird Acai bowl ($10). It was phenomenal. I love cocoa nibs and it's seldom that I find them in the wild. The bowl was practically overflowing with ingredients. I could live off the peanut butter. Unbelievably good.

The coffee far outshined the watery excuse we were served at the hotel. Robust flavor with great aroma and body. I went for drip both times so I can't comment on the espresso drinks or teas.

When we arrived the first morning, an employee gladly held the door for us and welcomed us. He held it for us again when we brought our dishes in. Both mornings everyone initiated pleasant conversation and seemed glad to be there.

The thing that stood out to me the most was the value. This food and coffee somewhere else - worse food and coffee, frankly - costs far more and it's prepared and served with less consideration. We will return next time...