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A hand holding a latte from Slowpokes.
Get your caffeine fix at these Houston coffee houses.
Becca Wright

24 Essential Coffee Shops in Houston

Where to sip the strongest espressos, iciest cold brews, and creamiest cortados

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Get your caffeine fix at these Houston coffee houses.
| Becca Wright

Finding the perfect cup of coffee or tea in Houston isn’t a difficult task. The city boasts a plethora of haunts that serve up excellent cold and hot brews, chai, and toddies — ideal for caffeine on-the-go or leisurely sipping. But for some, it’s not just about the drink, but the ambiance, too.

When work-from-home has lost its charm, opt to settle in at one of these coffee house hangouts, where the snacks and atmosphere are given just as much attention as the beans. These coffee spots range from time-honored gems to new nooks that are undeniably hip.

Looking for a late-night study locale, the perfect spot to caffeinate whilst writing that breakthrough novel, or a place to have a boozy chat with your squad? Refer to our map of the 26 essential coffee shops in Houston.

This list has been updated to include newer coffee shops like Un Caffe, Ola, Bluestone Lane, and Campesino’s and Blue Tile Coffee’s latest locations.

Don’t see your favorite coffee shop on the list? Shout it in the comments.

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Slowpokes

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Those slow to rise are welcome to perk up — or wind down — at this attractive coffee house which serves coffee, beer and wine, gourmet eats, and pastries from local purveyors like Angela’s Oven and Sinfull Bakery. Pair your Americano with a ham and brie croissant in the morning. Or, stop by in the late afternoon for happy hour from 4 p.m., during which draft beers are $4 and wines by the glass are $5.

Luce Coffee Roasters Ella, Headquarters

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Have your coffee and watch it be roasted, too, at this Garden Oaks standout. Here, Luce Coffee roasts its brew onsite. Score your java at the first-floor counter, then snag a seat on the mezzanine level overlooking the entire operation.  

Sunday Press

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This Garden Oaks gem has a drive-thru for easy to-go orders but it’s essential to take a step inside to experience the aesthetically-pleasing space, where cushion-lined banquettes and plush furniture pepper the room. Go for the coffee and beverages, and stay for mouthwatering eats like the Japanese egg salad sandwich and PB&J overnight oats. 

Tenfold Coffee Company

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The roastery isn’t just for show at Tenfold Coffee — this bar roasts its own brew and offers a fine atmosphere in which to enjoy it. The industrial-style space is softened with the addition of tall, leafy plants. Likewise, floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the interior with the morning light, make it a hot spot for the work-from-home crowd.

Wild | Coffee | Bar | Dispensary

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Part coffee house, part cocktail bar, and part CBD dispensary, a visit to this Heights shop is like a walk on the wild side to say the least. With walls covered in lush tropical greenery, the Bali-inspired space houses a bar on one end — where hot and iced coffees and cocktails can be purchased; on the other end, a CBD shop with plenty of comfortable seating in between. For a stellar combination, try the coffee-based Buzz Wild frozen and add booze or a hemp-infused elixir. 

Wild dispensary and cocktail-coffee bar’s bud bar.
Wild offers coffees, hemp-infused elixirs, and cocktails.
Wild Concepts

Bluestone Lane Houston Heights Café

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With a location in the Heights, Rice Village, and in Post Oak Plaza, this fast-growing Australian breakfast chain Australian coffee shop chain offers plenty of ways to start your day, whether that be with a smoothie, a tea, juice, a breakfast bowl, hot and cold coffee drinks, or its variety of lunch and breakfast toasts, salads and sandwiches. Try a coffee the Aussie way and order its Hot Milo, made with malted chocolate and your choice of milk.

Roast & Brew

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Though expresso-based beverages and breakfast fare like buildable omelets and bagels are a surefire staple here, European influence reigns over the food and drink menu at this Heights cafe. Greek frappes are served alongside falafel and hummus, gyro sandwiches, meatballs with tzatziki, and glass cases stocked with spanakopita. Beyond the morning fare, there’s a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with $2 off wines by the glass and 20 percent off bottles on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Boomtown Coffee

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This quintessential Heights coffee shop is the archetype for fellow craft coffee shops in Houston when it comes to roasting artisanal beans in small batches. Definitely try the Mayan mocha, milk and honey latte, and fried egg tacos.

Antidote Coffee

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Hidden in plain sight in the Heights, Antidote features pastries, beer, wine, coffee, and free Wifi — replete with an unassuming environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu focuses on drip coffees and fancy brews, including the coveted cajeta latte, made with goat’s milk caramel, and the namesake drink, the Antidote, a brewed coffee with a shot of espresso.

La La Land

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If looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up, stop into this bright coffee shop. which hails from LA. The friendly staff will shower you with hellos and compliments, and then spoil you with one of their delicious coffees, including the frothy La La latte, its colorful Lavender Bloom Matcha Latte, and so much more. Be sure to try one of its breakfast toasts — for sweet, go for the toast smothered in Nutella and topped with berries. For savory with a hint of spice, order the Queen toast, which is topped with mashed avocado, cream cheese, everything seasoning, chili flakes, and lemon.

La La Land Kind Cafe’s Purple Rain Matcha iced drink, with a coffee sleeve with the message “just love each other.”
La La Land Kind Cafe puts the emphasis on kindness and good coffee.
La La Land Kind Cafe

The Coffee House at West End

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Looking for a change of scenery or a working space with a view? Housed in a former church, this beautiful, bustling coffee shop offers three floors of seating to choose from, plus a charming rooftop. The drink offerings also won’t disappoint, with traditional espresso options, drip coffee, teas, and specialty coffee and tea combos.

Blue Tile Coffee

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Progressing from a pop-up once housed in Gristworks into its own shop in the H-E-B on Washington Avenue, Blue Tile Coffee brings a very Houston flair to coffee. The shop, which gets its name from the blue tiles once used on curbs to designate street names across the city, makes an impeccable cortado made with rich whole milk and honey.

Catalina Coffee

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This cozy spot is a popular destination for laptop warriors, so getting there early to snag a seat is a must. Once settled in, enjoy a raisin roll or rosemary scone, and sip a perfectly-decorated latte. Need an after-work pick-me-up? Catalina is open until 7 p.m. daily.

Campesino Coffee House - Downtown

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While Campesino’s OG location in Montrose will always hold a place in our hearts, its newest Downtown location is also a vibe. The coffee shop sticks to its roots – serving up Katz coffee in many forms, including iced horchata and Maya mocha lattes, and sports a colorful outdoor alley-like patio. If you work up an appetite, its Salvadorian-style tamales, pastries, and sandwiches like the choripan – pork sausage on bolillo – served with plantain chips will hold you over. (Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday)

Giant Leap Coffee

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In addition to brewing coffee from Houston-based Amaya Coffee roasters, Giant Leap features kombucha, hot and cold tea, cold-pressed juice, and pastries from Cake & Bacon served from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Giant’s specialties include the Black Sesame Latte, with roasted sesame seeds sourced from Osaka, Japan.

Brass Tacks

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This EaDo cafe with a sprawling outdoor oasis reels the crowds in for coffee by day and for cocktails by night. An all-day menu of $3 breakfast tacos, loaded salads, Cuban and banh mi sandwiches, as well as sweet and savory crepes, pair well with either vice. 

XELA Coffee Roasters

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Evolved from a roaster, this straight-forward, funky Second Ward coffee shop stays on the grind, offering warm and iced beverages, plus bottled cold teas and coffee mixes through its walk-up window. When the weather is nice, stay a while — savor a cortado in its outdoor seating area.

Blacksmith

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This Montrose cult-favorite churns out some seriously perfect roasts from Greenway Coffee’s David Buehrer and his merry band of skilled baristas. Sit down with a creamy flat white while nibbling (or in this case, gobbling down) a plate of Vietnamese steak and eggs, plus warm, flaky biscuits.

Segundo Coffee Lab

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Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday (and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends), this East End coffee shop boasts great coffee and comfortable seating in a warehouse-like setting, making it a perfect place for working or unwinding. Try its variety of specialty coffees, including its monthly featured drinks, like the espresso-based “galletas y crema” (or, cookies and cream). Need a brain break? Grab your drink to-go and browse the nearby shops.

Opened at the beginning of the year, this bright Houston-born coffee shop brings cheer to Midtown, with juicy palmer drinks that combine lemonades with flavors like kiwi, masala chai black tea, hibiscus, blood orange, and more, plus a variety of drinks topped with dalgona. A for-sure highlight at this Midtown gem is the oat milk shakerato with the spiced brown sugar – a caffeinated frothy drink that’s sure to keep you happy, whether you’re in-shop to finish work or just enjoy a reprieve. Best of all – parking is plentiful, but if you’re looking for coffee on the go, the drive-thru is efficient.

Common Bond Bistro & Bakery - Montrose

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In addition to fresh-baked loaves, picture-perfect breakfast plates, and oversized morning pastries, Common Bond has java down pat. Its full coffee bar boasts selections like chai lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Drinks can be enhanced with flavored syrup or built with almond, coconut, soy, or nut milk. Visit the full-service coffee shop or take a convenient lap through the drive-thru at one of the on-the-go locations.

This beloved Montrose coffee house is open daily and offers a cozy European atmosphere, complete with wine, beer, and Greek snacks. Split over two levels, there are plenty of corners to get comfortable in while enjoying the old-world ambiance and excellent coffee (and booze) selection.

DUO Coffee & Pilates

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Part coffee shop, part workout studio, Duo offers guests a place to caffeinate and carb-load before (or after) a sweat-inducing pilates session. Enjoy traditional cappuccinos, lattes, and cortados that are best complemented by pastries from the wildly creative bakery Koffeteria. Skipping the workout? No sweat — Duo is open to all.

Un Caffe

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Aiming to be the new “Cheers” of coffee shops, this come-as-you-are coffee spot is perfect to meet a new face, finish some work, or grab a serious cup of coffee. The owner — coffee connoisseur and roaster — Soonkack Kook imports beans from around the world and roasts them in-house. The iced citrus Americano latte, inspired by his trip to the Korean island of Jeju-si, has become a recognizable signature, not only for its citrus slush but also for its frozen bear made of coffee that sits on top, making sure your drink stays cold, but not diluted.

Slowpokes

Those slow to rise are welcome to perk up — or wind down — at this attractive coffee house which serves coffee, beer and wine, gourmet eats, and pastries from local purveyors like Angela’s Oven and Sinfull Bakery. Pair your Americano with a ham and brie croissant in the morning. Or, stop by in the late afternoon for happy hour from 4 p.m., during which draft beers are $4 and wines by the glass are $5.

Luce Coffee Roasters Ella, Headquarters

Have your coffee and watch it be roasted, too, at this Garden Oaks standout. Here, Luce Coffee roasts its brew onsite. Score your java at the first-floor counter, then snag a seat on the mezzanine level overlooking the entire operation.  

Sunday Press

This Garden Oaks gem has a drive-thru for easy to-go orders but it’s essential to take a step inside to experience the aesthetically-pleasing space, where cushion-lined banquettes and plush furniture pepper the room. Go for the coffee and beverages, and stay for mouthwatering eats like the Japanese egg salad sandwich and PB&J overnight oats. 

Tenfold Coffee Company

The roastery isn’t just for show at Tenfold Coffee — this bar roasts its own brew and offers a fine atmosphere in which to enjoy it. The industrial-style space is softened with the addition of tall, leafy plants. Likewise, floor-to-ceiling windows that illuminate the interior with the morning light, make it a hot spot for the work-from-home crowd.

Wild | Coffee | Bar | Dispensary

Part coffee house, part cocktail bar, and part CBD dispensary, a visit to this Heights shop is like a walk on the wild side to say the least. With walls covered in lush tropical greenery, the Bali-inspired space houses a bar on one end — where hot and iced coffees and cocktails can be purchased; on the other end, a CBD shop with plenty of comfortable seating in between. For a stellar combination, try the coffee-based Buzz Wild frozen and add booze or a hemp-infused elixir. 

Wild dispensary and cocktail-coffee bar’s bud bar.
Wild offers coffees, hemp-infused elixirs, and cocktails.
Wild Concepts

Bluestone Lane Houston Heights Café

With a location in the Heights, Rice Village, and in Post Oak Plaza, this fast-growing Australian breakfast chain Australian coffee shop chain offers plenty of ways to start your day, whether that be with a smoothie, a tea, juice, a breakfast bowl, hot and cold coffee drinks, or its variety of lunch and breakfast toasts, salads and sandwiches. Try a coffee the Aussie way and order its Hot Milo, made with malted chocolate and your choice of milk.

Roast & Brew

Though expresso-based beverages and breakfast fare like buildable omelets and bagels are a surefire staple here, European influence reigns over the food and drink menu at this Heights cafe. Greek frappes are served alongside falafel and hummus, gyro sandwiches, meatballs with tzatziki, and glass cases stocked with spanakopita. Beyond the morning fare, there’s a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with $2 off wines by the glass and 20 percent off bottles on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Boomtown Coffee

This quintessential Heights coffee shop is the archetype for fellow craft coffee shops in Houston when it comes to roasting artisanal beans in small batches. Definitely try the Mayan mocha, milk and honey latte, and fried egg tacos.

Antidote Coffee

Hidden in plain sight in the Heights, Antidote features pastries, beer, wine, coffee, and free Wifi — replete with an unassuming environment with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu focuses on drip coffees and fancy brews, including the coveted cajeta latte, made with goat’s milk caramel, and the namesake drink, the Antidote, a brewed coffee with a shot of espresso.

La La Land

If looking for a caffeinated pick-me-up, stop into this bright coffee shop. which hails from LA. The friendly staff will shower you with hellos and compliments, and then spoil you with one of their delicious coffees, including the frothy La La latte, its colorful Lavender Bloom Matcha Latte, and so much more. Be sure to try one of its breakfast toasts — for sweet, go for the toast smothered in Nutella and topped with berries. For savory with a hint of spice, order the Queen toast, which is topped with mashed avocado, cream cheese, everything seasoning, chili flakes, and lemon.

La La Land Kind Cafe’s Purple Rain Matcha iced drink, with a coffee sleeve with the message “just love each other.”
La La Land Kind Cafe puts the emphasis on kindness and good coffee.
La La Land Kind Cafe

The Coffee House at West End

Looking for a change of scenery or a working space with a view? Housed in a former church, this beautiful, bustling coffee shop offers three floors of seating to choose from, plus a charming rooftop. The drink offerings also won’t disappoint, with traditional espresso options, drip coffee, teas, and specialty coffee and tea combos.

Blue Tile Coffee

Progressing from a pop-up once housed in Gristworks into its own shop in the H-E-B on Washington Avenue, Blue Tile Coffee brings a very Houston flair to coffee. The shop, which gets its name from the blue tiles once used on curbs to designate street names across the city, makes an impeccable cortado made with rich whole milk and honey.

Catalina Coffee

This cozy spot is a popular destination for laptop warriors, so getting there early to snag a seat is a must. Once settled in, enjoy a raisin roll or rosemary scone, and sip a perfectly-decorated latte. Need an after-work pick-me-up? Catalina is open until 7 p.m. daily.

Campesino Coffee House - Downtown

While Campesino’s OG location in Montrose will always hold a place in our hearts, its newest Downtown location is also a vibe. The coffee shop sticks to its roots – serving up Katz coffee in many forms, including iced horchata and Maya mocha lattes, and sports a colorful outdoor alley-like patio. If you work up an appetite, its Salvadorian-style tamales, pastries, and sandwiches like the choripan – pork sausage on bolillo – served with plantain chips will hold you over. (Open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday)

Giant Leap Coffee

In addition to brewing coffee from Houston-based Amaya Coffee roasters, Giant Leap features kombucha, hot and cold tea, cold-pressed juice, and pastries from Cake & Bacon served from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Giant’s specialties include the Black Sesame Latte, with roasted sesame seeds sourced from Osaka, Japan.

Related Maps

Brass Tacks

This EaDo cafe with a sprawling outdoor oasis reels the crowds in for coffee by day and for cocktails by night. An all-day menu of $3 breakfast tacos, loaded salads, Cuban and banh mi sandwiches, as well as sweet and savory crepes, pair well with either vice. 

XELA Coffee Roasters

Evolved from a roaster, this straight-forward, funky Second Ward coffee shop stays on the grind, offering warm and iced beverages, plus bottled cold teas and coffee mixes through its walk-up window. When the weather is nice, stay a while — savor a cortado in its outdoor seating area.

Blacksmith

This Montrose cult-favorite churns out some seriously perfect roasts from Greenway Coffee’s David Buehrer and his merry band of skilled baristas. Sit down with a creamy flat white while nibbling (or in this case, gobbling down) a plate of Vietnamese steak and eggs, plus warm, flaky biscuits.

Segundo Coffee Lab

Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday (and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends), this East End coffee shop boasts great coffee and comfortable seating in a warehouse-like setting, making it a perfect place for working or unwinding. Try its variety of specialty coffees, including its monthly featured drinks, like the espresso-based “galletas y crema” (or, cookies and cream). Need a brain break? Grab your drink to-go and browse the nearby shops.

Ola

Opened at the beginning of the year, this bright Houston-born coffee shop brings cheer to Midtown, with juicy palmer drinks that combine lemonades with flavors like kiwi, masala chai black tea, hibiscus, blood orange, and more, plus a variety of drinks topped with dalgona. A for-sure highlight at this Midtown gem is the oat milk shakerato with the spiced brown sugar – a caffeinated frothy drink that’s sure to keep you happy, whether you’re in-shop to finish work or just enjoy a reprieve. Best of all – parking is plentiful, but if you’re looking for coffee on the go, the drive-thru is efficient.

Common Bond Bistro & Bakery - Montrose

In addition to fresh-baked loaves, picture-perfect breakfast plates, and oversized morning pastries, Common Bond has java down pat. Its full coffee bar boasts selections like chai lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Drinks can be enhanced with flavored syrup or built with almond, coconut, soy, or nut milk. Visit the full-service coffee shop or take a convenient lap through the drive-thru at one of the on-the-go locations.

Agora

This beloved Montrose coffee house is open daily and offers a cozy European atmosphere, complete with wine, beer, and Greek snacks. Split over two levels, there are plenty of corners to get comfortable in while enjoying the old-world ambiance and excellent coffee (and booze) selection.

DUO Coffee & Pilates

Part coffee shop, part workout studio, Duo offers guests a place to caffeinate and carb-load before (or after) a sweat-inducing pilates session. Enjoy traditional cappuccinos, lattes, and cortados that are best complemented by pastries from the wildly creative bakery Koffeteria. Skipping the workout? No sweat — Duo is open to all.

Un Caffe

Aiming to be the new “Cheers” of coffee shops, this come-as-you-are coffee spot is perfect to meet a new face, finish some work, or grab a serious cup of coffee. The owner — coffee connoisseur and roaster — Soonkack Kook imports beans from around the world and roasts them in-house. The iced citrus Americano latte, inspired by his trip to the Korean island of Jeju-si, has become a recognizable signature, not only for its citrus slush but also for its frozen bear made of coffee that sits on top, making sure your drink stays cold, but not diluted.

Related Maps