James and Sandy Hughes opened Stouthaus Coffee Pub in September 2014.[/caption]
South Austinites James and Sandy Hughes opened Stouthaus Coffee Pub in September 2014, fulfilling a decade-old dream of serving specialty coffee and craft beer in a self-described “community” setting.
“‘Pub’ is in the name of our place instead of coffee shop just because of what the public house has stood for throughout history—a place of gathering,” James said.
In the morning customers can order items including Cuvée coffee with a Tacodeli breakfast taco. In the afternoon and evening, customers can get a pint of local craft beer or glass of wine with an Antonelli’s Cheese Shop cheese board, along with other light snacks. The coffee pub also makes shakes for children and offers board games for them to play.
The coffee pub was a 10-year “romantic” dream for the couple, James said. Before opening, the duo taught themselves how to manage a business and make coffee, Sandy said.
A Stouthaus Coffee Pub barista pours milk over a latte to create a leaf design.[/caption]
“During the same time, we had been in other work connecting people together,” Sandy said. “That’s what we wanted to do—use coffee to connect people—and make an inviting environment for people to come to.”
The dining area features heavy tables and chairs fabricated from wood and steel, reminiscent of East Austin outdoor restaurant Contigo. James said the furniture was designed by Brian Chilton, the same person who worked on Contigo’s wooden dining area.
The Sunset Valley location they found for Stouthaus was fitting, not just to fill the gap in specialty coffee, beer and wine service in the area, but also to be closer to their home, Sandy said.
“We’re very thankful to still be here,” James said. “We still have a long way to go, but we’ve had a really great start.”
Near the front service counter at Stouthaus is a white espresso machine decorated with a stencil outline of a stormtrooper from the “Star Wars” films.[/caption]
May the fourth be with you
Near the front service counter at Stouthaus is a white espresso machine decorated with a stencil outline of a stormtrooper from the “Star Wars” films.
Stouthaus co-owner James Hughes said the stormtrooper espresso machine and other “Star Wars”-themed artwork can be spotted throughout the coffee pub because the series has meant a lot to him, the staff and regular customers. James and Sandy took the staff and some customers to a screening of the latest “Star Wars” film when it was released in December, he said.
Every May 4, also known as “Star Wars” Day to fans, Stouthaus holds a celebration at the coffee pub, Hughes said. The business also hosts a variety of events at the Sunset Valley location, including airing March Madness tournament games. Details about such events are posted on the coffee shop’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
Stouthaus Coffee Pub 4715 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 102, Sunset Valley 512-721-0030 www.stouthauscoffee.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
