9 Small Businesses in Austin to Support This Small Business Week

To celebrate Small Business Week (April 28-May 4, 2024), we’ve asked GoCo employees across the country to list some of their most beloved small businesses. 

Up next is Anna Coucke, Lead Copywriter at GoCo. Anna has lived in the Austin/Round Rock metro cumulatively for 18 years.

Check out her small business recommendations below!

1. For All Things Vintage and Retro: Room Service Vintage

Address: 117 N Loop Blvd E, Austin, TX 78751

Website: https://roomservicevintage.com/ 

“As an avid vintage collector and thrifter, Room Service is a must-see anytime I have visitors. An Austin staple since 1981 on the funky North Loop strip, it is jam-packed with unique decor, clothing, jewelry, and collectibles. Expect some crazy nostalgia here; those weird tchotchkes you haven’t seen or thought about since you visited your grandma’s house 30 years ago? You will probably find them here. Expect a completely different selection each time you go, and don’t forget to make a pit stop at their famous bunny bathroom!” 

2. For Casual Drinks: Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

Address: 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Website: https://cosmichospitalitygroup.com/ 

“Cosmic is the perfect go-to casual patio spot for catching up with friends that is quintessentially Austin. With ample outdoor seating and tons of food trucks, coffee (regular and boozy), beer, and cocktails to choose from, it is a great option for groups and is also dog-friendly! Their drinks change seasonally, and the frozen cocktails and mocktails are my go-to in the summer. If you want to relax and sip a tasty drink while surrounded by gardens, live oaks, and string lights, this is your spot.”

3. For Donuts: Round Rock Donuts

Address: 106 W Liberty Ave. Round Rock, TX 78664

Website: https://roundrockdonuts.com/

“I’ve been an avid Round Rock Donuts fan since I was young, and since then have watched them be featured on The Food Network and The Travel Channel. Their donuts have been made fresh from scratch every day for nearly 100 years, and have a distinct yellow-orange hue. They even have a “Texas-sized donut” that is a whopping 12 inches in diameter (no, I’ve never managed to finish one of them by myself).“

4. For a Great Reuben: NeWorlDeli 

Address: 4101 Guadalupe St. Austin, TX 78751

Website: https://neworldeli.com/ 

“Austin may not come to mind when thinking of a good deli sandwich, but this unassuming family-owned deli feels straight out of the Northeast. The sandwiches are HUGE and delicious (my go-to is the Rachel), and I personally prefer them over the sandwiches I have had in New York City and New Jersey – fighting words, I know.”

5. For Gifts and Toys: Terra Toys

Address: 2438 W Anderson Ln. C1, Austin, TX 78757

Website: https://www.terratoys.com/ 

“I have fond memories of visiting Terra as a child, and it still feels the same as it did all those years ago. This place is massive, and has lots of neat things to check out for kids and adults alike - from the working Zoltar fortune machine to the endless bins of tiny toys and candy from all over the world. If you are feeling tired from driving your kids (or yourself) around, you can also grab yourself a coffee from their attached coffee shop!”

6. For a Good Workout: Castle Hill Fitness

Address: 1112 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Website: https://www.castlehillfitness.com/

“This locally-owned gym offers a wide variety of membership options, as well as classes (over 80 of them!) and personal training. Castle Hill stands out against more traditional gyms I have used, as they offer spa services and integrative wellness services, from nutrition and physical therapy to acupuncture and chiropractic. They are a unique one-stop shop for overall wellness!”

7. For Hair and Facial Care: Urban Betty Salon

Address: 1206 W 38th St Suite 1107, Austin, TX 78705 (Multiple locations)

Website: https://urbanbetty.com/book-now/

“I have some extremely thick, unruly hair, and went through many salons and stylists (and many bad hair days) before finding Urban Betty. My stylist is a miracle worker and somehow tames my hair perfectly every time. Plus, everyone there is so nice and always has great product recommendations!”

8. For Thrifting for a Good Cause: Top Drawer Thrift

Address: Corner of North Loop & Airport, 5312 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Website: https://www.topdrawerthrift.org/

“After being closed for a period, this long-time thrift treasure is back open in a new location! Top Drawer lives up to its name with an incredible selection of clothing, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and art. Plus, 100% of their proceeds benefit Austin’s Project Transitions programs, which assist those living with HIV with housing, hospice, and healthcare.”

9. For a Good Read: BookPeople

Address: 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Website: https://www.bookpeople.com/

BookPeople is THE Austin bookstore. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the massive amounts of books here, each section has incredibly written employee recommendations to help you find your next read. Their calendar of events is always packed with book readings and signings by local and bestselling authors, along with book clubs and children's storytimes! If you aren't feeling like buying a new book (or just have an enormous stack that you promised yourself to get through before buying more...) BookPeople also has an array of local Austin gifts, cards, stationery, and a coffee shop, of course.