Belfast’s celebrated Neighbourhood Café has officially opened its doors in Austin, Texas, marking its first venture into the U.S. market.
Founded in 2021 by Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown, Neighbourhood Café has quickly established itself as a culinary gem in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Recognized by the Sunday Times as being “within a whisper of the perfect café,” the establishment is known for its exceptional culinary offerings and specialty coffee. The Austin location brings a taste of Belfast to Texas, introducing popular items like the Piccolo Split, Iced Tiramisu, Eggs Benny, Burrata Toast, and Neighbourhood’s signature house-made granola.
Collaborating with The Dead Rabbit, a renowned Irish bar, the café brings a unique blend of contemporary Irish culture and high-quality craftsmanship to Austin. This partnership not only highlights the rich heritage of both brands but also showcases their dedication to celebrating Irish artisans, makers, and artists. The Austin location will feature original design elements, furniture, and artwork curated through this collaboration, emphasizing the café’s commitment to Irish hospitality.
Neighbourhood Café Austin will serve single-origin coffee from Andytown Coffee Roasters in San Francisco, founded by Belfast native Michael McCrory and Lauren Crabbe. This coffee program will enhance The Dead Rabbit’s daily offerings and support collaborations with its Beverage Director, Aidan Bowie. Together, they plan to develop an innovative range of coffee-based cocktails, including a new iteration of The Dead Rabbit’s famed Irish Coffee for the Austin market.
The café is also embracing the vibrant culinary scene in Austin through a partnership with Sarah McIntosh’s Épicerie, a popular local boulangerie, bistro, and bar. This collaboration will bring McIntosh’s renowned pastries, influenced by French-Louisianan cuisine, to Neighbourhood Austin, further integrating the café into the local food culture.
Oisin McEvoy, Co-Owner of Neighbourhood Café, expressed his excitement about the new venture:
“We are thrilled to finally open our new café in Austin. Expanding to a second location is always a momentous occasion, but doing so in a city that is experiencing such dynamic growth, and in partnership with our friends at The Dead Rabbit, makes it particularly special.
“The initial response to the café has been incredibly positive, and we look forward to becoming a fixture in the Austin hospitality scene while bringing a touch of Belfast to Texas.”
Ryan Crown, Co-Owner of Neighbourhood Café and Creative Director at Crown Creative, reflected on the café’s journey:
“When we opened our first location in Belfast in 2021, the idea of expanding to a second café was beyond our wildest dreams. The Austin opening is the culmination of three years of dedication, maintaining high standards, and focusing on creating an exceptional hospitality experience—from specialty drinks to top-quality produce in a warm, inviting environment.
“Having the opportunity to open our Austin location alongside our friends at The Dead Rabbit, and to have them right next door, makes this achievement even more meaningful. We hope that Neighbourhood Austin is just the beginning of our journey in bringing a piece of Belfast to the world.”