Houston’s culinary landscape is diverse and interesting, and that includes its bounty of coffee bars and cafes. There are countless places to score a cup of joe, but some of Houston’s top coffee haunts are upping the ante by featuring well-rounded food menus, luxurious patios and stocked bars to turn a routine coffee stop into a full experience. Treat yourself to a freshly roasted brew from a sustainable source, a piping hot cup of chai or a perfectly sweetened lavender latte before flipping open your laptop or book. From trusted neighborhood gems to a luxe coffee bar located in Houston’s hottest new high-rise hotel, there are plenty of places to consider for your next caffeine run.
Slowpokes
Multiple locations
This growing local coffee chain has five locations spread across the city — Spring Branch, Kirby Grove, Garden Oaks, West U and the newest outpost in Memorial. It’s well known for its coffee and blended beverages, plus a substantial menu of sweet and savory eats like churro donuts and bagel sandwiches. Guests often venture in for long visits with laptops in tow, but for those in a hurry, Slowpokes offers a made in-house, bottled cold brew for grab-and-go convenience.
Maven Coffee + Cocktails
Buffalo Bayou Park
After operating mobile carts within Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center during sporting events and concerts, Maven Coffee + Cocktails now operates its first outpost on the street level of the new Thompson Hotel. The buzzy brand, co-founded by Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., has quickly become a household name in Houston, as its cold brew coffee concentrate is used in countless restaurants around town. Guests can venture into the shop for premium coffee, teas, pastries, parfaits, sandwiches and sweets, plus a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, including their beloved Espresso Martini and Carajillo.
Blacksmith
Montrose
Houston’s coffee scene can hardly be discussed without the mention of Blacksmith Coffee and its founder David Buehrer. The veteran coffee brewer opened Blacksmith in the heart of Montrose more than a decade ago, and it remains a cornerstone of the hip neighborhood. The industrial space, with a wraparound covered patio that looks upon Lower Westheimer, is often crowded with regulars. While the coffee ranks among the best in the city, Blacksmith’s food menu, which features favorites like Vietnamese steak and eggs, earns just as much fanfare.
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Consider these restaurants for your next outingSunday Press
Garden Oaks
From the team behind Tout Suite in Downtown, Sunday Press is an all-day cafe where guests can enjoy coffee, tea and cold-pressed juices in a modern, light-filled space. Coffee drinkers can get adventurous with signature drinks like the honey sea salt latte or go for something basic and bold like the nitro cold brew. There is a hefty food menu, with offerings ranging from loaded acai bowls to hot and cold sandwiches, including the creamy tamago sando. Linger around the Instagrammable space or grab something to go by way of the drive-thru.
Citizens of Montrose
Montrose
Newly opened in Montrose, this Australian-style cafe has become a fast favorite for its whimsical space, robust coffee program, and full bar. Along with fresh brewed drip coffee, the cafe is known for its lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso martinis – offered for $0.99 during happy hour. Brunch is offered daily, with dishes like brekkie platters, loaded bowls, avocado toast, and pancake stacks on offer all day.
Bluestone Lane
Multiple locations
New York-born Bluestone Lane recently made a splash in Houston, opening four locations of its vibrant coffee shop in less than a year. The Australian-inspired brand has garnered a strong following for its premium roast, menu of health-focused eats and dedicated merchandise, including packaged coffee and compostable Nespresso pods. Beyond coffee, Bluestone offers teas, smoothies and juices, alongside a menu of superfood bowls, wraps and all-day brekkie plates.
Three Keys Coffee
Downtown
Located at a dedicated counter inside Finn Hall, Three Keys Coffee is a popular stop for Downtowners looking for a caffeine fix. The shop places a hefty focus on sustainability, carrying certified coffees from Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Bird Friendly. Try the vanilla latte, a house favorite, or the nitro cold brew, a refresher on Houston’s hot and humid days. Afterwards, you can explore diverse food offerings from the bustling food hall’s dining vendors.
Badolina
Rice Village
From the team behind Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa, Badolina is the quintessential sidewalk cafe, located in the heart of Rice Village. The cafe and bakery is lauded for its freshly baked loaves, sweet and savory pastries, and custom cakes–all of which pair harmoniously with any one of the coffee drinks. Peruse the glass cases while a barista prepares your beverage, and then take it to the lush front patio for prime people watching.
Black Hole Coffee
Montrose
This divey coffee bar is discreetly situated on a residential street in Montrose, but it’s well known and loved by locals. Along with all of the coffee and espresso staples, Black Hole features eats from local purveyors like bagels from Brazos Bagel, breakfast cookies from Bare Bakery and birria tacos from visiting food trucks. Settle into a comfy seat inside or hang out on the dog-friendly front patio and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
La La Land
Heights
This famed national chain has an outpost in Houston’s M-K-T Heights development, and it’s not hard to find with the brand’s signature yellow vintage truck parked outside. A far cry from the area’s many casual hangouts, La La Land is polished and pristine, featuring a clean white space bedecked with chandeliers. Drinks like the two-toned lavender bloom matcha latte are just as Instagrammable as the shop itself.
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