Houston’s coffee scene is booming, offering everything from classic espressos to innovative creations that reflect the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado seeking the perfect pour-over or a casual sipper in search of a cozy atmosphere, Houston has a coffee shop for you. This comprehensive guide explores the top coffee destinations in the city, highlighting their unique offerings, ambiance, and must-try drinks.
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Crafting a latte: The art of coffee making in Houston. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam.
From bustling downtown cafes to tranquil neighborhood gems, Houston’s coffee shops offer a unique experience for every coffee lover. This guide will not only help you discover the best coffee in town, but also introduce you to the vibrant community and culture that surrounds it. So, grab your favorite mug and join us as we explore Houston’s coffee scene.
Discovering Houston’s Diverse Coffee Culture
Houston’s coffee scene mirrors its diverse culinary landscape, offering a wide array of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re craving traditional coffee drinks, innovative flavor combinations, or international influences, Houston’s coffee shops deliver. Many cafes showcase the city’s multicultural heritage, incorporating flavors and ingredients from around the world. This fusion of cultures creates a unique coffee experience that sets Houston apart.
Beyond the beans, Houston’s coffee shops provide a sense of community and connection. They are gathering places for students, professionals, artists, and coffee enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work, a social hub to meet friends, or a cozy corner to relax, Houston’s coffee shops offer a welcoming space for everyone.
Exploring Houston’s Top Coffee Shops
Houston is home to a plethora of coffee shops, each with its own distinct character and offerings. This guide showcases some of the city’s best coffee destinations, highlighting their specialties, ambiance, and must-try drinks.
Slow Drip TX: Downtown Coffee Excellence
Slow Drip TX, located in the heart of downtown Houston, is a haven for iced coffee lovers. Their specialty is Drip-a-ccinos, frappe-style coffee drinks made with oat milk and flavored with unique combinations like brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Watch as your coffee is freshly dripped and expertly blended with ice. Their signature Brown Sugar Oat Milk coffee is a must-try, and they also offer seasonal flavors like Gingerbread Oat. For those on the go, pre-made bottled coffee drinks are available for a quick caffeine fix.
Kohiko: A Taste of Japanese Coffee Culture
Kohiko, situated in Sugar Land, offers a tranquil escape with its pristine Japanese-style ambiance. Pair their specialty coffee drinks with a selection of delicious pastries from local Filipino bakery Jambeto’s. Try the Moshi Moshi, a unique blend of banana, brown sugar, espresso, and matcha, or the Okinawa latte, featuring black sesame and Okinawan brown sugar. Matcha enthusiasts will also find a variety of options, including traditional matcha, Americano-style, and lattes made with homemade syrups.
Badolina Bakery & Cafe: Coffee and Pastries in Rice Village
Badolina Bakery & Cafe, located in the charming Rice Village, combines the best of both worlds: coffee and pastries. Indulge in a variety of freshly baked goods, from croissants to shakshuka pastries, while sipping on espresso drinks, lattes, or cortados. For a refreshing treat, try the Granita Shake, a frozen coffee concoction perfect for a hot day.
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The art of the pour: Creating a latte at Badolina Bakery & Cafe. Photo by Kirsten Gilliam.
Retrospect Coffee Bar: Outdoor Coffee Oasis in Third Ward
Retrospect Coffee Bar in Third Ward offers a unique outdoor coffee experience. Their tiny shop, built in the 1920s as a gas station, features a sprawling patio and covered backyard. Enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while sipping on espresso and indulging in vegan pastries.
Un Caffe: A Coffee Connoisseur’s Haven
Un Caffe is a coffee lover’s dream, with owner Soonkack Kook roasting beans from around the world in-house. Try the Iced Citrus Americano Latte, inspired by Jeju-si Island, featuring a frozen coffee bear to keep your drink cold without diluting it.
Agora: European Coffeehouse Charm in Montrose
Agora, located in Montrose, exudes European charm with its cozy ambiance, offering coffee, wine, beer, and Greek snacks. Enjoy the old-world atmosphere and extensive drink selection until 2 a.m. daily.
Refuge: Coffee and Cocktails in Montrose
Refuge, a former Penny Quarter, blends coffee and cocktails in a stylish Montrose setting. Enjoy craft coffee from Tenfold roaster and pastries from Love Croissants, along with coffee-based cocktails like Irish coffee, espresso martinis, and carajillos.
Citizens Of Montrose: Australian-Style Coffee and Cocktails
Citizens Of Montrose offers Australian-style coffee with a touch of flair. Try their signature Flat White, the earthy Wellness Velvet latte, or take advantage of their 99-cent espresso martinis during happy hour.
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A quartet of lattes: Citizens of Montrose’s colorful coffee offerings. Photo by Becca Wright.
Segundo Coffee Lab: East End Coffee and Workspace
Segundo Coffee Lab in the East End offers a warehouse-like setting with comfortable seating, perfect for working or relaxing. Enjoy their specialty coffees, including monthly featured drinks.
Blacksmith: Montrose Coffee Institution
Blacksmith, a Montrose favorite, serves expertly roasted coffee by Greenway Coffee’s David Buehrer. Pair your creamy flat white with Vietnamese steak and eggs or flaky biscuits.
Eden Plant Co.: Coffee and Greenery
Eden Plant Co. combines a cafe and plant nursery, offering a serene environment to enjoy coffee amidst lush greenery. Choose from cold brew, espresso, macchiato, or cortado while surrounded by plant friends.
XELA Coffee Roasters: Second Ward Coffee Stop
XELA Coffee Roasters in Second Ward offers a funky, straightforward coffee experience. Order warm or iced beverages through their walk-up window, or enjoy a cortado in their outdoor seating area.
Koffeteria: Culinary Coffee Creations
Koffeteria, a James Beard Award semifinalist, is known for its innovative pastries and coffee drinks. Try the Salty Cambodian latte, Tiger Uppercut, or the refreshing Make Ya Halo.
Brass Tacks: EaDo Coffee and Cocktails
Brass Tacks in EaDo offers a sprawling outdoor oasis, perfect for enjoying coffee by day and cocktails by night. Their all-day menu features breakfast tacos, salads, sandwiches, and crepes.
OSO Coffee Co.: Mexican-Inspired Coffee and Treats
OSO Coffee Co., named after owner Hector Garcia’s mother, offers Mexican-influenced coffee drinks like the horchata latte. Pair your coffee with Mexican sweetbreads or breakfast specials.
Maven Coffee and Cocktails: From Day to Night
Maven, located in the Thompson Hotel, transitions seamlessly from coffee house to cocktail lounge. Enjoy classic coffee drinks and pastries during the day, and transition to cocktails and small bites in the evening.
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A delightful spread: Coffee and culinary delights at Maven Coffee and Cocktails. Photo by Becca Wright.
Fifth Vessel Coffee: Downtown Student Hotspot
Fifth Vessel Coffee, located near the University of Houston’s Downtown campus, provides a welcoming space for students. Enjoy their house special coffees, like the Texas Blossom or Bonito.
White Tile Cafe: Coffee and Tacos in the Heights
White Tile Cafe, located inside Tio Trompo taqueria in the Heights, offers the perfect combination of coffee and tacos. Enjoy craft pour-over coffee or espresso with breakfast tacos or al pastor.
Catalina Coffee: Cozy Washington Avenue Cafe
Catalina Coffee on Washington Avenue is a popular spot for laptop warriors. Grab a seat early and enjoy a latte and pastry in their cozy atmosphere.
Paper Co.: Coffee and Community in a Former Church
Paper Co., housed in a former church west of Downtown, is a restaurant industry favorite. Enjoy their coffee drinks, pastries, and to-go snacks created by Top Chef finalist Evelyn Garcia.
The Coffee House at West End: Three Floors of Coffee and Views
The Coffee House at West End, located in a former church, offers three floors of seating, including a charming rooftop. Enjoy traditional espresso drinks, drip coffee, teas, and specialty coffee and tea combinations.
Antidote Coffee: Heights Hideaway
Antidote Coffee, tucked away in the Heights, offers a relaxed atmosphere with pastries, beer, wine, coffee, and free Wi-Fi. Try their cajeta latte or the signature Antidote coffee.
Boomtown Coffee: Heights Coffee Roastery
Boomtown Coffee in the Heights is known for roasting artisanal beans in small batches. Try their Milk and Honey latte, Shakerato, or Mayan mocha.
Roast & Brew: Coffee, Greek Food, and Happy Hour
Roast & Brew combines coffee, Greek food, and happy hour specials. Enjoy espresso drinks, breakfast fare, or Greek specialties like frappes, falafel, and gyros.
Tenfold Coffee Company: Coffee Roasting Expertise
Tenfold Coffee Company roasts its own beans in-house, offering a unique coffee experience in an industrial-style setting.
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The roasting process: Tenfold Coffee Company’s dedication to quality coffee. Photo by Eric Walley.
Sunday Press: Garden Oaks Drive-Thru and Cafe
Sunday Press in Garden Oaks offers a convenient drive-thru and a stylish interior. Enjoy their inventive menu of coffee house bites, including Japanese egg salad sandwiches, overnight oats, and croissant swirls.
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Stylish and inviting: The interior of Sunday Press. Photo courtesy of Sunday Press.
Conclusion: Houston’s Coffee Scene Awaits
Houston’s coffee scene is a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape. With its diverse offerings, unique flavors, and welcoming atmosphere, there’s a coffee shop in Houston for every taste and preference. Explore the city’s coffee culture, discover your new favorite cafe, and experience the best that Houston’s coffee scene has to offer.
FAQ: Your Houston Coffee Questions Answered
Q: What are some of the unique coffee drinks I can find in Houston?
A: Houston offers a variety of unique coffee creations, such as the Moshi Moshi at Kohiko, the Iced Citrus Americano Latte at Un Caffe, the Salty Cambodian Latte at Koffeteria, and the Tiger Uppercut, also at Koffeteria. Many coffee shops also offer seasonal specials and innovative flavor combinations.
Q: Are there any coffee shops in Houston with outdoor seating?
A: Yes, several coffee shops in Houston offer outdoor seating, including Retrospect Coffee Bar, XELA Coffee Roasters, Brass Tacks, and Agora. These spaces provide a pleasant environment to enjoy your coffee outdoors.
Q: What are some good coffee shops for working or studying in Houston?
A: Many coffee shops in Houston offer a comfortable environment for working or studying, including Segundo Coffee Lab, Catalina Coffee, Paper Co., and Boomtown Coffee. Look for cafes with Wi-Fi, ample seating, and a quiet atmosphere.
Q: Do any Houston coffee shops offer food besides pastries?
A: Yes, several coffee shops offer more than just pastries. Blacksmith serves breakfast dishes, Brass Tacks has an all-day menu with sandwiches and salads, and Boomtown Coffee offers breakfast tacos. OSO Coffee Co. also features Mexican-inspired breakfast specials.
Q: Where can I find a coffee shop open late at night in Houston?
A: Agora in Montrose is open until 2 a.m. daily, making it a great option for late-night coffee cravings.
Have more questions about Houston’s coffee scene? Share them in the comments below! We encourage you to share this guide with fellow coffee lovers and help spread the word about Houston’s vibrant coffee culture.
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