Julian Serrano is a Spanish-born, Michelin-decorated chef renowned for his innovative approach to Mediterranean, French, Spanish, and molecular gastronomy. He gained significant recognition in San Francisco before...
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FrenchSeafoodBakeryCafeBreakfastBrunchCafeBakery
Last updated: 9/8/2026, 5:01:22 AM
Key Information
Alice Poulain Café is a French café and bakery located in South Austin, offering authentic Parisian treats, fresh cakes, madeleines, coffee, and wine. It aims to provide a Parisian vibe and charm.
Customer Perception
Customers describe the café as having a Parisian vibe and ambience, with friendly service. The food, including croissants and quiches, is noted as looking yummy.
Additional Details
The café is located at 2214 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704.
I visited the café today, for the first time, with a friend who's been many times and has raved about it. The food was so delicious! I had the vegetable quiche, pain au chocolat, and a honey lavender latte. I really liked the atmosphere as well. The cafe is very airy with lots of natural light. French music was playing and that, combined with the wonderful food, made it feel like a little trip to France in the heart of Austin.
I rarely leave reviews but I absolutely adore this place! It’s so charming, and I’m sitting here on a Saturday morning with my book and didn’t have to wait to be seated or served—it’s been such a relaxed experience and just what I’m after on a weekend morning. The staff are friendly and caring, the Parisian breakfast is perfect, and the Pain au Chocolat is the best I’ve had since my travels in France…maybe even ranking as the best I’ve ever had! My oatmilk latte is also one of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world, and I truly get the sense that I’m no longer in the US—I’ve been transported for a morning to a Parisian cafe, and I couldn’t be happier or more delighted that they’re a short walk from my apartment. They’re new so please come and support them so we can enjoy them for a long time to come!
5
Came skeptical. “Parisian-style café” usually means a sad croissant with the integrity of a dinner roll. Wrong. The lamination’s the real thing — that buttery shatter that ruins your coat and you forgive instantly. The jambon-beurre on the le Parisien is the sandwich I’ve been quietly mourning for years: good ham, good butter, good bread, rien d’autre.
And it shape-shifts. Mornings, espresso and people pretending to read. Evenings, champagne and Aperol spritzes under the string lights, the picnic tables suddenly feeling like a sidewalk on the Rue de Buci. All for ten to twenty bucks — which, after a decade of paying fourteen for a worse latte, still feels like getting away with something.
Is it Paris? No. The sky’s too big, the light too generous. But that’s the charm.
Go early for the pastries. Stay late for the wine.
5
Love a lil frenchy cafe! Pastries are perfect. I'm always on the hunt for a decent flaky buttery croissant and these are delish. Cute lil spot! Will Be back very soon !
5
Très bien! Came for coffee, stayed for pastries. The pastries are made in-house and worth the trip. The cinnamon brioche was perfect. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu I will also be returning to try. Prices are surprisingly fair for a new place (my coffee was $4). Give it a try!
