For most of us, our day hasn't started until we take our first sip of coffee in the morning. America seriously runs on this stuff. No wonder people call it "liquid gold."
Gone are the days where Starbucks is the end-all-be-all place to grab a cup of Joe, especially in Houston. This city is beyond blessed with its selection of local coffee shops. And even though they are all serving the same thing -- coffee -- no two coffeehouses are the same. Some are better for sitting and chatting with friends while sipping on a specially-made flavored latte; others are more conducive to a quick on-the-go coffee run; some roast their own beans; others enhance their coffees with a selection of house-made pastries.
Because there are so many coffee shops in Houston, we wanted to be of assistance to you, dear readers, and help you narrow your choices down when you're in need of some caffeine. Here are the ten best places for coffee in the Bayou City.
10. The Nook Cafe The fairly new coffee shop on campus at UH is not just for college students. Sure, you'll typically find several students studying or writing papers, but it creates a relaxing and calm atmosphere you desire from any coffee shop. Upon walking inside The Nook Cafe, you'll instantly see a display case with cakes, muffins and cookies, all from local bakeries; listen to your stomach and order one of those treats. You honestly can't go wrong with a pumpkin cream cheese muffin from Sinfull Bakery paired with a creamy cappuccino topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It all comes together to create one heck of a fall-flavored snack. Keep it simple with a cortado, or amp up the sweetness with a sugary frappe or latte, like the s'mores latte.
9. Revival Market What's not to love about Revival Market? Not only does this Heights cafe/market offer some of the best locally-sourced grocery items along with a splendid offering of sandwiches, soups and breakfast items, but it's also got an awesome coffee bar. Craving something sweet? Opt for the vanilla latte. It's got an excellent balance of sweet vanilla syrup and bright coffee; initially your taste buds light up from the sugary vanilla, then are mellowed by the smooth coffee. And you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't pair your coffee with a pastry, biscotti or one of Fluff Bake Bar's macarons.
8. Paper Co. Coffee Paper Co. Coffee is a recent addition to the Houston coffee scene. The expansive shop is tucked away in the sixth ward and is making some of the best chai tea lattes around town. If you're looking for a quiet place to work on your laptop, read a book or simply sit in peace, then you need to get to Paper Co. Coffee ASAP. Friendly smiles from baristas welcome you as you walk through the bright blue door to enter what is basically a giant warehouse. But, back to the chai tea lattes. As soon as you remove the lid, you're hit with the sweet smells of Christmas -- cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, nutmeg and, of course, sugar. It's smooth, creamy and warms you up with each sip.
