In days of old, one could obtain one’s medicine, midwifery, tobacco, and fake mustaches in one stop at the local apothecary. Today’s Groupon harkens back to these days of convenience: for $15, you get $30 worth of coffee, food, and wine at Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar. Located on Rosedale’s restaurant row, Apothecary is a delicious lunch spot, a cozy coffee house, and a wine bar in one humble package.

Apothecary's cozy atmosphere offers a well-lit and WiFi-equipped space for studying or brainstorming Internet status updates as you sip generous vials of your prescribed morning caffeine. Apothecary offers locally brewed and homegrown coffee and espresso ($1.95–$4), as well as green, black, and herbal teas ($1.95 cup, $3.50 pot) to soothe a dry throat. For a casual lunch with friends, sample one of the hot panini sandwiches, such as the grilled chicken with havarti and basil pesto ($7.95) or the hedonistic brie, pear, and honey ($7). Keep your meal light with a savory salad ($7–$8), or explore the depths your cheese connoisseurship with an artisan cheese plate ($12.95).

At night, Apothecary cues the music, dims the lights, and magically transforms into a wine bar, though you are welcome to enjoy a glass of wine with your lunch panini while reading Liza Minnelli's Twitter page on the cafe's free WiFi, Apothecary serves its weekly rotating wine selection all day, offering more than 20 by-the-glass options ($5–$12) and more than 60 bottles ($21–$40). Enjoy al fresco dining and people watching on the patio out front, or lounge indoors for live music on weeknights. Apothecary's kitchen is open daily until midnight.

Your Groupon is not valid for happy hour prices and cannot be redeemed on Valentine’s Day. Apothecary will be closed for a private party this Saturday night (2/6/2010) from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Reviews

Envy magazine, the Allandale Reporter, and the blogs urbanebeast, Maggie’s Austin, and Austin Tidbits have all written about Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar:

• Check it out. If your [sic] are having a day where things aren't going particularly well for you, stop in to the Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar. It may have just what you need. – Tom Linehan, Allandale Reporter
• …bottom line: super cute atmosphere, (cute waiter), fun wine selection, great food. Go here now. – urbanebeast

Ninety-six percents of Urbanspooners like Apothecary Cafe & Wine Bar, and four Citysearchers give it four stars:

• During the day, it’s a perfect place to study or work on your laptop while enjoying a delicious latte made with love by their talented baristas. At night, they set an intimate vibe allowing their customers to drink, laugh, and be merry. They store wines from all over the world, and of the ones I've tried, I haven't been disappointed. I like how the staff is very friendly and open to assisting you select the right wine for your mood. Overall, I've had a great experience with my friends and will totally be back for more! – snowlia, Citysearch