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looking for fika

So ever since I started reading Sandra Juto’s blog, ages ago, I’ve been looking for fika. According to Wikipedia:

Fika is both a Swedish verb and noun that roughly means “to drink coffee,” usually accompanied by something sweet.

But it’s more than that. It’s usually social, with one’s family or friends or partner. It’s central to Swedish life, this interlude with coffee and pastry and chit chat. Sandra has lots of fika photos in her Flickr stream.

So I’ve been looking for a coffee shop or cafe here in Austin that will provide a great fika. My requirements:

  • Really good coffee
  • Really good pastries
  • Must be served on real dishware
  • Comfortable place with easygoing music and a cozy feel

It’s hard to find this place. We really love Sweetish Hill, because we can walk there, and they have good coffee and excellent pastries. But they’re served on plasticware and paper cups. Sadness.

Here’s what my dream would be: Sweetish Hill or La Boite pastries with Houndstooth or Caffe Medici coffee in a cafe that’s kind of like Les Deux Moulins (from Amelie). Anyone know of a place in Austin that fits the bill? Oh, and can it be within walking distance of my house? K thx. 🙂

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6 responses to “looking for fika”

  1. Margo Sivin

    I too am constantly searching for Fika in Austin! The Green Muse was pretty great, but they are currently closed because of a fire. Tragic. Dolce Vita is delicious and very European at night. I also really like Thunderbird. The location on Manor has a beautiful patio. Have you ever been to Houston? Brasil and Agora (which is also currently closed because of a fire) are wonderful.

    Reply
    1. Crystal

      Ah, I forgot about Dolce Vita! That place is quite dreamy at night. I actually work really close to Thunderbird on Manor – maybe I’ll take an early lunch break there sometime soon and check out the pastries and such. I do like it there, and they have great coffee, but I haven’t yet tried the pastries. I haven’t been to Houston much, but we’re talking about a weekend eating trip there soon. Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll definitely put Brasil and Agora (if it’s open) on my to-eat list!

      Reply
  2. Pink Sun Drops

    I’m sure you’ve been there, but I love Blue Dahlia for coffee and breakfast. Not too much in the form of pastries, but it fits the bill for the rest. Especially the good coffee and cozy feel!

    Reply
    1. Crystal

      I haven’t been there in a while, but you’re right – it’s a dreamy place for coffee and a waffle. Or a soft boiled egg. And don’t they have a bread and jam plate? Or maybe a cheese plate? Thanks for the reminder!

      Reply
  3. Rachel @ boots in the oven

    Can I just tell you again about the one thing I really miss in Ann Arbor? Logan’s staying in Plymouth when he goes back tomorrow, but he plans on heading into the deuce (seriously, people call it that) just so he can go back to Comet. It’s totally fika, dude.

    Did I use the term correctly?

    http://www.bootsintheoven.com/boots_in_the_oven/2010/05/comet-coffee-ann-arbor.html

    Reply
    1. Crystal

      Oh, yes! I remember reading your post about Comet, and it sounds PERFECT. Tell LPants to send us fika photos from there ASAP.

      Reply

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