Texas isn’t just about BBQ and rodeos; it’s also home to some amazing coffee spots! From repurposed gas stations to wood-fired roasting methods, the Lone Star State offers coffee experiences that go way beyond your average cup of joe.
These eight unique coffee shops across Texas combine local culture, creative spaces, and serious brewing skills to create unforgettable coffee adventures for both locals and visitors.
1. Houndstooth Coffee in Austin: Craft Brews with a Barista’s Touch
Tucked away in Austin’s vibrant downtown, Houndstooth Coffee elevates brewing to an art form. Baristas here don’t just make coffee; they craft personalized experiences, often asking about your flavor preferences before recommending the perfect cup.
Founded in 2010 by Sean Henry, this minimalist space features sleek counters where you can watch the meticulous preparation process. Their signature drink, the Japanese-style iced coffee, undergoes a slow drip process that produces incredibly smooth results.
Local architects designed the space to maximize natural light, creating a warm atmosphere where Austin’s creative community gathers. What truly sets Houndstooth apart is their rotating selection of beans from small-batch roasters across the country, each carefully selected for distinctive character and ethical sourcing.
2. Agora in Houston: Old-World Charm and Artistic Vibes
Walking into Agora feels like stepping into a European café transported to the heart of Houston. Housed in a converted 1920s building, this two-story coffee haven boasts towering bookshelves, original Greek artwork, and weathered leather chairs that invite hours of lingering.
Named after the ancient Greek marketplace for ideas and conversation, Agora stays true to its roots. Greek coffee served in traditional brass briki pots remains their specialty, though their extensive menu features everything from Turkish coffee to modern espresso drinks.
The upstairs gallery regularly showcases local artists, while evenings bring poetry readings and acoustic performances. Unlike chain cafés, Agora maintains a no-laptop policy on weekends, encouraging genuine conversation among the diverse crowd of students, artists, and professionals who call this Montrose neighborhood gem their second home.
3. Summer Moon Coffee in San Antonio: Wood-Fired Roasting Tradition
Summer Moon stands as the only coffee shop in Texas still roasting beans over wood fire, using a 19th-century technique that infuses each batch with subtle smoky notes. Their vintage Cowboy roaster, visible through a viewing window, burns Texas oak to create distinctively rich flavors you won’t find elsewhere.
The San Antonio location occupies a renovated limestone building from the 1880s, complementing their old-school approach. Fans travel miles for their signature Moon Milk, a sweet cream made from a secret family recipe that transforms their espresso drinks into something magical.
Founded by a husband-wife team in 2002, Summer Moon maintains small-batch quality despite growing to several locations. The San Antonio shop features reclaimed barn wood tables, Edison bulb lighting, and a patio where you can sip their Wood-Fired Coffee while watching the world go by on Broadway Street.
4. Retrospect Coffee Bar in Houston: Espresso from a Vintage Gas Station
Once a 1950s Gulf gas station, Retrospect Coffee Bar transformed automotive history into Houston’s most photographed coffee spot. The original curved architecture and restored vintage gas pumps (now planters) create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your morning caffeine fix.
Located in Houston’s Museum District, Retrospect honors its roots with drinks named after classic cars. Try the Thunderbird, a honey-lavender latte that pays homage to the iconic Ford model, or the Impala, their signature cold brew infused with chicory.
Owner Keisha Bocage spent three years restoring the building, preserving its mid-century character while adding modern touches like a wrap-around patio. The small interior encourages outdoor seating, making this a perfect spot to enjoy Houston’s milder months while sipping coffee that’s as thoughtfully crafted as the space itself.
5. Merit Coffee in Dallas: Local Chain with Single-Origin Focus
Merit Coffee brings San Antonio roasting expertise to Dallas with a scientific approach that would impress even the most serious coffee nerds. Their Deep Ellum location features a custom La Marzocco espresso machine where baristas measure extraction times to the second.
The bright, airy space contrasts beautifully with the neighborhood’s industrial vibe. Founded by coffee competition champions in 2016, Merit directly sources beans from small farms in places like Ethiopia and Colombia, often paying farmers premium prices for exceptional harvests.
Their signature Flight of Three lets you sample different single-origin coffees side by side, complete with tasting notes. The walls feature rotating exhibits from Texas photographers, while their pastry case showcases treats from local bakeries. Beyond excellent coffee, Merit hosts monthly cuppings where customers learn to identify flavor notes from fruity to chocolatey.
6. Coffee Waves in Corpus Christi: Surf Culture and Fresh Roasts
Surfboards mounted on blue walls set the laid-back tone at Coffee Waves, where beach culture meets serious brewing just blocks from Corpus Christi Bay. Founded by a former competitive surfer in 2007, this coastal gem roasts beans in small batches right on site, filling the shop with intoxicating aromas throughout the day.
Their signature Tsunami drink combines six espresso shots with house-made caramel for those needing serious fuel before hitting the waves. Unlike most coastal coffee shops, Coffee Waves makes their own gelato in 24 rotating flavors, creating perfect affogatos when paired with their espresso.
Local marine biologists helped design their sustainable practices, including compostable cups and a water conservation system. The back patio offers views of palm trees and distant water glimpses, while inside, local surf photography and driftwood accents complete the authentic coastal vibe that keeps both tourists and locals coming back.
7. Common Grounds in Waco: College Town Favorite with Live Music
Housed in a converted 1920s home near Baylor University, Common Grounds creates a living room atmosphere where students have been fueling late-night study sessions since 1994. Mismatched vintage furniture fills multiple rooms, while string lights illuminate the sprawling backyard that transforms into an intimate concert venue several nights weekly.
Their signature drink, the Cowboy Coffee, adds chocolate, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon to espresso, creating a Texas-inspired treat that’s converted many non-coffee drinkers. Before Magnolia Market made Waco a tourist destination, Common Grounds was already a cultural hub where many local musicians got their start.
Owner Jill Mashburn maintains close relationships with coffee farmers in Guatemala, visiting annually and displaying photos of their families throughout the shop. Despite their popularity, they’ve resisted expansion, preferring to perfect their craft in this single, beloved location that feels more like community gathering space than business.
8. Cherrywood Coffeehouse in Austin: Laid-Back Spot with Local Flavor
Occupying a corner bungalow in east Austin’s Cherrywood neighborhood, this coffeehouse doubles as a community living room where artists sketch, writers type, and musicians jam. Unlike downtown’s sleeker establishments, Cherrywood embraces a deliberately unfussy vibe with local art covering every wall space and plants hanging from the wooden ceiling beams.
Their kitchen serves breakfast tacos until 3pm daily, using eggs from chickens raised just five miles away. The coffee program showcases Texas roasters exclusively, with their signature Cherrywood Latte incorporating locally produced lavender honey and a hint of rosemary.
The spacious backyard features picnic tables under pecan trees, where dogs lounge while their owners enjoy Cherrywood’s famous Sunday bluegrass brunch. Family-owned since 2009, they maintain a community board packed with local events and offer their space free to neighborhood meetings, embodying Austin’s supportive local business culture.
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