Ok … I tried out a really cool coffee shop/cafe, right in the thick of things, near the SXSW show — Halcyon.  Right off the bat, I learned how they keep up with the high rent — $3.50 for a n/a ginger beer.  But it was good.

Writin On Yo Wall -- Austin Java

The place is elevated from the street — about 8 concrete stairsteps, which I almost found the hard way cruising on my mountain bike.  The cafe is split level, wide open-doors atmosphere, even a bar that allows your buddy to sit outside, while you converse on the other side, indoors. Most of the cigarette stench stayed outside too.  Oh the modern marvels …

The place is filled with lots of bar chairs, cafe tables and many easy chairs and lime green retro couches.  The music ranged from bluegrass to trance.  And they have a mean panini.  Good stuff.

And the Wi-Fi … There were lots of laptops open … my favorite International symbol for connectivity.  My laptop grabbed a heaping helping fast … and no problems, even though there were quite a few laptypes along for the ride.

Halcyon — excellent vibe, great Wi-Fi, and a name that sends rednecks like me a Googlin — 6 pings.

Next up … Austin Java, City Hall Cafe.  What a swank little corner near Austin City Hall.  I take it they must be known for a great breakfast, any time of the day, by the looks of the eggs next to me at 3 p.m. at the bar.  I opted for a strong shot of Americano.

Halcyon Patio

Austin Java has a huge streetside patio, with lots of action all around. Lots of modern uses for rustic hard woods, and the most comfortable bar chairs I have warmed in a while.

The Wi-Fi at A-J worked well, although there didn’t seem to be too many people on-line, so I don’t know how it would have held up under more presssure.

I would have liked a little more personable service from the service types. Wi-Fi was good and it seemed to be a great place for a group get-together or a solo artist — 5 pings.

“Say it ain’t so Jo!”  I passed the Jo’s street side coffee stand on S. Congress a couple of times, recalling fond memories of my coast-to-coast Wi-Fi blog in 2004.  It was a favorite.

So … imagine my chagrin when I saw an upscale Jo’s near Cesar Chavez in the heart of Austin.  Well … I couldn’t resist.  I checked it out this morning, and it didn’t disappoint.

New Jo

The funky little place has successfully evolved into an urban chic hangout.  The place has heavy-ass marble tables, funky wicker lampshades and a half/half mixture of SXSW tribe and Austin business yuppies. There’s funky artwork on the walls, paying homage to the Austin heritage.

And the Wi-Fi … just like I like it, even if the Jo’s brand image seems to have gotten a facelift.  I got on easy.  The speed was nice … and my coffee cup runneth over — free refills.

Jo’s is the face of the new Austin, great place, thriving,  nice Wi-Fi — 7 pings (perfect score).

Know what I sayin?