A Guide to Houston's Best Coffee Shops

Houston’s Best Coffee Shops

By Carrie Colbert with contributions from our entire team

Who doesn’t love great coffee? Oddly enough, I never drank coffee at all, until I was out of college and well into my career. But now I pretty much can’t start my day without it. And I know many of you are with me on that. But first, coffee! And, more coffee, please! Right? For most of us, our days don’t officially begin until we’ve had our hot cup of java.

When it comes to coffee, we’re pretty particular about it, too. I mean, if we’re in a rush and don’t have many options, we’re not going to totally discriminate because, well, a girl needs her caffeine. But, if we have a choice, we certainly have some favorites, particularly in our hometown of Houston.

And it doesn’t just stop at the actual coffee. We love the experience of going to a coffee shop – the ambiance, the atmosphere, the vibes, the personality. A place either has it, or it doesn’t. And other factors come into play too… Is there wifi? How are the pastries (if any)? Is it hard to find a place to sit? Is it noisy? Is the staff friendly? And so forth and so on…

So, in this updated Houston coffee guide, we’re highlighting the very best coffee shops here in Houston. These coffee shops are listed in alphabetical order with detailed commentary from me, as well as all of our Houston-based team members. As you’ll sense, we feel passionately about our Houston coffee shops! As well, be sure to check out the handy dandy map at the bottom so you can locate each one easily.

Now, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy!

1. Blacksmith

1018 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

You’ll find some of the best specialty coffee around at Blacksmith, along with great food – specifically their biscuits. They are to die for! You’ll constantly see lots of creatives hard at work here, as the atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable. And again, did I mention the biscuits? So good. – Julie

2. Boomtown Coffee

242 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008

Nestled in the Heights, and in one of the most quaint commercial streets in that area (W 19th), Boomtown offers top quality coffee and great bites to eat, whether you visit in the early morning or late afternoon. The ambiance at this neighborhood cafe is relaxed and inviting, with always great service and knowledgeable baristas. Their menu ranges from the regular coffee drinks to their signature house lattes, with drip and slow brew options and well as teas and cold brew. Their cortado is excellent, as well as their signature Mayan Mocha and Milk and Honey! You can’t go wrong with their outstanding coffee, and the casual environment here will make you feel right at home. Try their breakfast tacos and house-made pastries! A true favorite coffee shop! – Maritere

I like going here, because you feel like you’ve been transported out of Houston and into the heart of small town America. The location of Boomtown has a very “main street” feel. Not only is the coffee good, but the food is particularly delectable. My favorite food to try is the quiche of the day. Besides all that, how can you not start your day on the right foot with the bright sunshine painted on the patio wall? – Carrie

3. Bouchée Patisserie

1600 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77027

Now, this is a brand new spot in Houston, and it has quickly became a favorite of mine! Perhaps the favorite? Bouchée is located in the opulent and gorgeous new Post Oak Hotel, which is an experience unto itself. As for Bouchée, I just adore the experience I have each and every time I am there. From the delightful customer service  to the Parisian-inspired indulgences, you’ll feel lavished with luxury when you’re here. No detail at all is overlooked at Bouchée. Plus, the walls are lined with Sugarfina candy! And they even have great wifi! What more could you ask for? It’s truly an extraordinary place that we highly recommend visiting! – Carrie

4. Café Poetes

122 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019

The week that Café Poetes opened I had to take my daughter to investigate. This charming French cafe in the heart of Midtown thought of every detail – the tea is served in delicate china teacups and saucers with a darling Bredemeijer teapot, and the outside patio is transformed into a Parisian street corner with their bistro style chairs and tables. They’re known for their sweet and savory eclairs and signature coffee and tea, but if you need something stronger they also have an extensive French wine list. Mama tip: order a hot chocolate with a blooming marshmallow. There’s also a corner that my daughter said reminded her of Belle’s library in Beauty and The Beast so sit your child down with a book or some colors and enjoy your tea (or wine!) with two hands. – Jenny

5. Catalina Coffee Shop

2201 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007

From fresh roasted coffee to seasonal loose leaf teas, Catalina Coffee is a hip spot in town. It offers cozy seating and a relaxed environment great for catching up with friends. Now, do note that Catalina does not have wifi or outlets. But if you really want to experience the coffee experience (versus be productive), this is your spot. A slow pace, time for contemplation, interesting art by local artists… these are all things you’ll find at Catalina. Plus, right across the side street, you’ll find mural number seven, mentioned here in our Houston Mural Guide. – Julie

6. Cavo Coffee

3773 Richmond Ave #1F, Houston, TX 77046

Stepping inside this hip coffee joint, I worried I wasn’t cool enough, but the strong coffee and sleek design immediately put me at ease. Housed in a high rise on Richmond, the marble tables and the copper wire chairs are worthy of an Insta post. Bonus: They also have Topo Chico on hand to chase with the coffee. – Jenny

Cavo is one of my favorite coffee shops in Houston because not only do they have amazing coffee, but the best avocado toast. I love the decor and always look forward to going there. – Alex

7. Common Bond Cafe & Bakery

1706 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006

Montrose is such a hot area in town, and Common Bond Cafe & Bakery certainly fits in well there. Not only is the coffee incredible, but the pastries are out of this world. Their almond croissant is perhaps the best in town. I also love the feel of this cafe. It has a bit of an industrial look with simple chic decor, plus lots of natural light streams in the windows. – Carrie

I love going to Common Bond because it’s just down the street from my work and I enjoy walking there. The coffee is great, but the pastries are better! There is always a line so get ready to wait for some tasty treats! – Alex

8. Dolce Bacio Café

2800 Kirby Drive b128, Houston, TX 77098

Another new-ish spot, Dolce Bacio is quickly becoming a go-to spot for us! Located in West Ave, we really like the fresh, modern, yet warm vibe. It’s close to where a few of us on the team live, so you’ll often find us working here in the morning and early afternoon hours. Both the wifi and the coffee are strong, plus the food is scrumptious. We highly recommend the crepes and waffles! Plus, in the evening, I’ve been known to stop back by there for some yummy gelato. – Carrie

9. Kraftsmen Baking

611 W 22nd St, Houston, TX 77008

Kraftsmen has more than just coffee! Their lattes and cortados are delicious. We really love being able to get there for breakfast or grabbing coffee. On an ideal brunch day, I’d enjoy their French Toast & their Vanilla Latte. Its a super cute cafe, that sells fresh baked goods, and is perfect for families. The relaxed, homey vibe is great for us. – Ashley

The cozy, “at-home” vibe found here is so unique in Houston! This place is unlike any other on our list. You’ll feel like you are sitting in a cozy reading nook or at your breakfast table at home. But the coffee and food and service will be much better than that at home (or at least at my home – ha!). Plus, we have always found the staff to be so nice and friendly – a big plus in our book! – Carrie

10. Siphon Coffee

701 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006

I absolutely adore Siphon. While it can get very packed on weekends, it’s 100% worth the wait. They work with Houston roasters Amaya Coffee and Boomtown (more on Boomtown above!), and they use special burners to make the most decadent and perfect cup of coffee. Their breakfast taco is one of my favorites in the city, and it’s a very cool spot with a staff that you can tell is extremely passionate about coffee. – Julie

11. Tout Suite

2001 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002

Over the past couple of years, Tout Suite has emerged as a staple in the emerging EaDo (East Downtown) area for so many reasons. For starters, it’s such a cool environment, with big windows and lots of light. The pastries and coffee are delicious. I’m a big fan of the honey cinnamon latte in the fall. Plus, the acai bowl is a great nutritious option. It’s an ideal place to work and study. Just be warned that it can get very busy and crowded. Besides the great food and drink offerings, I also love that local 20-somethings took the risk to follow their passion and start this now-thriving business. – Carrie

Your Favorites

There you have it – our best of the best in terms of Houston coffee! Now, we’d love to hear your favorites! Where do you love to go for coffee in Houston? Let us know in the comments below.

Enjoy your day!

All photos by Maritere Rice