Amazing Houston coffee shops can be found around any corner in any neighborhood. I’m not a coffee connoisseur by any means. I love coffee, but given my strong aversion to caffeine, that leaves me fairly restricted with what I can order. However, I do love a nice coffee shop and have a few on hand that work for a variety of situations. Here are several delightful coffee shops to check out in Houston:

Montrose

For people watching…Agora (1712 Westheimer Rd.) is a Houston coffee shop that is always packed no matter what time of day it is. You can grab some coffee or tea, or elect to go with something stronger and choose a beer or wine. There are lots of big arm chairs and interesting seating arrangements, so it’s not the best place to do work with a laptop, but it’s perfect for catching up and watching the eclectic Montrose crowd.

For a casual fix…FIX CoffeeBar (415 Westheimer Rd.) has an excellent selection of teas and creative takes on a latte. Inside is cozy and filled with Houston art. Parking can be tight, but with some determination you can find a good spot in the neighborhoods nearby. 

For a great cup of tea…Southside Espresso (904 Westheimer Rd.) I don’t know much about coffee, but I sure know how to appreciate a damn good cup of tea and Southside is definitely where it’s at. They have an extensive selection of loose leaf teas and the baristas are highly knowledgeable about what each one tastes like and can recommend something that you might enjoy.  If you’re a tea person, this is totally the place to go.

The Heights

For a pit stop during a run…EQ Heights (1030 Heights Blvd.) is build into an old house on Heights Boulevard this place is easy to get to off the Heights Running Trail (either this one or this one). Take your dog for a walk and take a pit stop to sit outside on the spacious porch and enjoy the delightful Houston weather.

For a bit of good fun…Tea & Victory (2030 E TC Jester Blvd.) offers you a delightful selection of loose leaf tea, snacks, and board games! Their extensive collection of 500+ games makes for a wonderful afternoon. It’s $5 per person to play all day, and they have game connoisseurs available to recommend games to your liking.

• 

• 

For a good karma… A 2nd Cup (1111 E 11th St.) gives back a portion of all of its profit to stop modern day slavery and help victims in Houston.  The walls share facts about human trafficking and inside houses a store with goods and handmade items that continue to give back. The cafe has plenty of open space and tables to work.

For some fresh air...Uncle Bean Coffee (3024 Houston Ave.) is entirely outdoor patio with counter service to get your coffee and tea. They serve breakfast tacos and light bites throughout the day and have a drive-through if you need your caffeine to go. 

• 

Washington Ave.

For a good conversation…Catalina Coffee Shop (2201 Washington Ave.) is built in an old building on Montrose, this coffee shop is hipster to the umpth degree because they [brace yourself] don’t offer Wifi. Resist the urge to insta your latte and accept the opportunity to digital detox for a while to catch up with an old friend.

For actually doing work…Coco’s Crepes (5555 Washington Ave.) – soooo yeah I know this isn’t technically a coffee shop or a local Houston joint, but it’s a really good place to get work done and eatsubstantial food, like crepes or paninis. I often go to the one on Washington and there’s always tables available to spread out my computer, notes, tea cup, food etc. Also the barista who works nights is hilarious. I’ve written many It’s Not Hou blog posts here.

Downtown

For a work day break…Louie Coffee (1201 Fannin St.) is a great alternative to your afternoon Starbucks run in the Tunnels. The new Houston coffee shop just opened in GreenStreet and is guaranteed to be fun walk [outdoor] from your office. Pop in for a cup of coffee, a tasty waffle, or even a scoop of ice cream!

EaDo

For Instagram worthy everything…Tout Suite (2001 Commerce St.) is just so on point. Take your workday lunch to the next level and upgrade your sad desk salad to a Instagram worthy feast of avocado toast and macaroons. Totally worth the Uber over from Downtown. Check out these 10 Reasons to Dine at Tout Suite.

For some skyline views… Around the Corner (1510 Hutchins St.) is an EaDo bar turned coffee shop is housed inside an old turquoise bungalow from 1903 who’s back patio overlooks the east side of Downtown Houston and next to many popular murals. It’s got this super neighborhoody vibe that is a touch reminiscent of Rainey Street in Austin. If you need something stronger, they’ve got a full bar too.

• 

Rice Village

For when you need to relax…Grinders Coffee (5410 Kirby.) is part coffee shop, part CBD shop. This joint has everything you need for when you need to chill out. The morning toasts are decently priced and you can spike any drink with a bit of CBD (if that’s your thing) for an upcharge. The sunny seating area is a great spot to relax and get some work done. 

• 

• 

• 

Upper Kirby

For a slow morning… Slowpokes (2925 Richmond Ave.) is situated in the lively Levi Park with a hilarious motif of sloths and turtles decorating the space. The shop is perfect for those moving slow before their morning cup of coffee. In the afternoon the vibe switches to a neighborhood bar with a selection of wines and beers on tap and happy hour until 7pm.

• 

Bellaire

To get outside the loop… Dandelion Cafe (5405 Bellaire Blvd.) offers your typical coffee selection from Greenway Coffee as well as juices, teas and smoothies. Whimsical dandelion like lamps and burlap coffee sacks hang from the ceiling and pops of green plants decorate the coffee shop counter. A display case next to the front counter offers baked goods like bagels bites and pastries from Weights + Measures as well as gelato. The lunch menu was delightfully robust and vegetarian friendly with choices between salads, sandwiches and paninis. 

• 

• 

What are your favorite Houston coffee shops to visit?