Top Houston Coffee Shops

The best java spots across town

Do you thrive on the caffeine jolt? Do you forsake the big national chains for locally brewed java? Then Houston is the place for you. Check out these not-to-miss coffee spots.

Heights hipsters flock to the shopping-center-set Antidote Coffee House for its caffeine-laden offerings and laid-back, at-home vibe. The loft-like interior, with its rubbed concrete floors, exposed brick walls and open vent-work-is filled with an array of eclectic furniture and artwork produced by local artisans. There is free wi-fi and plenty of plug-ins, but you know what they say about all work and no play-head there for happy hour Monday through Friday (4 to 7 p.m.) and enjoy $1 double espresso.

Greenway Coffee and Tea owners David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto partnered with the owners of Underbelly and The Hay Merchant to develop their Blacksmith coffee shop on Lower Westheimer. Blacksmith's baristas hail from around the country (New York City, New Orleans, Grand Rapids and Seattle), as well as from Houston. Although the spot appeals to the everyday customer, coffee-on-the-way-to-work crowd with its full menu of traditional coffee shop offerings, guests that want to spend a little more time at the Montrose-set venture will also find an expanded, sit-down menu on offer.

What better name for a Houston coffee shop than Boomtown? This eclectic little café on 19th Street in the Heights sports a gushing oil derrick on its signage—homage to the black stuff that helped build Houston and a fitting tie to the other black stuff served inside. Boomtown Coffee offers its own small-batch artisan roasts, sourcing quality beans from around the world and, if guests get hungry, they can find food trucks frequently parked out front.

Named one of the ‘100 Best Places to Drink in the South,' by Imbibe magazine, Catalina Coffee is serious about its brew. The independently-owned, Washington-Avenue-set shop offers up art-worthy lattes and cappuccinos. Display cases tout an assortment of pastries and lite-bites, too. Need to get some work done? CC's has free wi-fi, but outlets are hard to come by, so make sure that computer is juiced-up before stopping in.

Common Bond offers a casual yet elegant setting, with lots of wood, concrete and glass accents. But the focus of the café, or course, is the 24-foot rustic contemporary bakery case. The café is counter service, seating 60 indoors and accommodating an additional 40 on the patio. In addition to a broad selection of coffees and teas, Common Bond also serves wine and craft beer.

Just a short distance away on the light rail line, Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails is a comfortable space to enjoy a morning coffee...or have an evening cocktail. The two female proprietors created a sophisticated tiki look that mixes bamboo and wood elements with antique chairs and vintage details. While the interior is on the smaller side, there is a covered patio with reliable WiFi and a pleasant soundscape that allows for studying and socializing alike. 

A major piece in the renaissance of the Downtown Historic District debuted in summer 2014. The Honeymoon adds coffee, light bites, and cocktails to the already bustling area near Market Square Park. Boomtown Coffee is sourcing and roast all beans used at The Honeymoon. The coffee program features a slimmed down version of the coffee menu at Boomtown in the Heights, with a focus on classic coffee drinks. The vibe switches to a loungey atmosphere in the evenings with craft cocktails and light bites.

A meeting ground for artists, art lovers, neighbors, friends and visitors, Inversion Coffee House--located at the Art League of Houston--is the product of art-loving entrepreneurs, aiming to bring coffee, community, and creativity together under one roof. After years of tasting, roasting, purchasing, and selling coffee, Michael Terrazas and his creative crew are offering up some of the world's most flavorful beans. Stop by anytime for its artistically inspired brew and a tempting array of hearty snacks, artisan-baked pastries, and other indulgent offerings.

Business partners Ryan Pera and Morgan Weber opened their Heights-set Revival Market several years ago, touting everything from produce and dairy to full-service coffee drinks and artisan bread. Local roasters like Katz, Amaya, and Fusion are all on offer, along with made-to-order items that can be purchased to-go or enjoyed at Revival's in-store dining space.

From a brewing technique perfected over 160 years ago, Siphon Coffee in Montrose brings a slow-brewed cup of joe only found in a handful of places in the U.S. Formed via a vacuum process, water is pulled through a filter, extracting oils and flavors from the coffee beans along the way to create a rich flavor. So flavorful, in fact, added sweetener are said to take away from the natural taste. Siphon also offers baked goods and small bites made in-house including paninis, Argentine-style empanadas, and breakfast tacos. 

In 2012, Sean and Michelle Marshall unveiled their craft coffee and wine bar, Southside Espresso, in Houston's Montrose neighborhood. Tucked away, right behind Uchi, the shop is open daily turning out caffeinated art, vino and small plates to loyal locals. Beyond ample outlets, free wifi and relaxed ambiance, guests find a menu touting Fusion Beans coffees, as well as a rotating line-up of guest coffees. Local pastries, meats, cheeses and other light bites are also on offer, along with a well-informed beer and wine selection.

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