Lau Lau (LA-OW LA-OW) is a specialty coffee shop rooted in Asian American culture and flavor. Our mission is to build a community of intention and care that fosters a sense of belonging through a unique coffee experience.

Named after my family, Lau Lau is deeply personal and grounded heavily in my own Chinese American experience. Growing up in a biracial Chinese-American home in the midwest, folding wontons every holiday while drinking Wisconsin Old Fashioneds, I’ve always had to find a balance between worlds and identities. Understanding that this feeling of "not enough one or the other" is a common sentiment, I’ve always dreamed of creating a space where people felt safe and seen in all their life experiences.

At Lau Lau, we proudly celebrate the fusion of Asian and American cultures while also acknowledging that the notions of culture and belonging are intricate and multidimensional. We embrace the fact that these concepts are constantly evolving, and we aim to be a space where we can reclaim and honor the richness of mixed heritage. For us, this means incorporating elements from my own Chinese heritage as well as the broader Asian diaspora, and infusing them into specialty drinks, pastries offerings, and cultural events. 

Today more than ever, it feels critical that we dedicate ourselves to building a rebellious culture of care, which is kept at the forefront of our work. We are committed to pushing the status quo and using our platform to drive meaningful change – not only for the hospitality industry, but for the Austin community and society as a whole. From the selection of small, value-driven local vendors to the design of our menu, we approach every decision with intentionality and a people-first mindset, consistently holding ourselves accountable to our values and vision. For us, Lau Lau is more than just coffee - it is a step in the direction of what the world could and should be.