Texas has become a hub for artisan coffee roasters, with numerous small-batch producers creating unique and flavorful brews across the Lone Star State. These roasters are elevating the coffee experience through careful sourcing, meticulous roasting techniques, and a passion for crafting exceptional cups of joe. Their dedication to quality and innovation has put Texas on the map as a destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Coffee lovers can explore a diverse range of flavors and styles from these artisan roasters, each offering something distinctive to the Texas coffee scene. From urban roasteries in bustling cities to small-town operations with a focus on community, these businesses are redefining what it means to enjoy coffee in Texas. Many prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, adding depth to their offerings beyond just taste.
1) Summer Moon Coffee
Summer Moon Coffee has earned a reputation as one of Texas’ premier artisan coffee roasters. Founded in 2002 in Austin, this family-run business takes pride in its unique wood-fired roasting process.
Summer Moon uses custom-built brick ovens to roast their beans, drawing inspiration from 19th-century coffee masters. This traditional method imparts a distinctive flavor profile to their coffees.
The company offers a range of blends, from their balanced house blend “Velvet Blaze” to the smoky dark roast “Inferno.” Their signature sweet cream “Moon Milk” has also become a customer favorite.
Summer Moon has expanded beyond Austin, with multiple locations across Texas. They maintain a commitment to quality sourcing and craft roasting techniques.
The company emphasizes community and inclusivity, aiming to create welcoming spaces for coffee lovers. Their philosophy combines Texas hospitality with a passion for exceptional coffee.
Contact:
Website: www.summermoon.com
Address: Headquarters in Austin, Texas (multiple locations across the state)
2) Fahrenheit 1701 Coffee Roasters
Fahrenheit 1701 Coffee Roasters brings a scientific approach to crafting exceptional coffee in Texas. Based in Houston, this roastery takes its name from the ideal temperature for roasting beans.
The team at Fahrenheit 1701 meticulously sources single-origin coffees from around the world. They focus on highlighting the unique flavor profiles of each bean variety through precise roasting techniques.
Their roasting process is guided by data and experimentation. Fahrenheit 1701 uses advanced equipment to monitor and control variables like temperature, airflow, and development time during roasting.
The roastery offers a rotating selection of seasonal coffees alongside their signature blends. Customers can explore tasting notes ranging from bright and fruity to rich and chocolatey.
Fahrenheit 1701 Coffee Roasters
Address: 2011 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77003
Website: www.fahrenheit1701.com
Phone: (713) 226-7500
3) West Oak Coffee Bar
West Oak Coffee Bar brings artisanal coffee to the heart of Denton, Texas. Founded in 2014 by two firefighters with a passion for their city and quality coffee, it has become a local favorite on the Denton Square.
The café roasts its own coffee under the Voltage Coffee brand. These freshly roasted beans are available for purchase, either whole or ground, ensuring customers can enjoy West Oak’s flavors at home.
West Oak’s commitment to quality extends to their brewing methods. The café favors the V60 pour-over technique, prized for its ability to balance body and clarity in the cup.
The coffee bar’s atmosphere reflects its artisanal approach, creating a welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Its location on the Denton Square makes it a convenient stop for locals and tourists.
West Oak Coffee Bar
114 W Oak St, Denton, TX 76201
Open daily: Mon-Fri 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, Sat-Sun 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Website: westoakcoffee.com
4) Eiland Coffee Roasters
Eiland Coffee Roasters in Richardson, Texas, stands out as a premier destination for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Founded in 1998, this artisan roaster has built a reputation for sourcing and roasting high-quality beans.
The company’s journey began when Clay Eiland discovered exceptional coffee at Café Vita in Seattle. This experience inspired him to bring that same level of quality to Texas.
Eiland Coffee Roasters specializes in direct trade and micro-lot coffees. They offer a range of carefully selected beans, catering to discerning palates.
In addition to their roasting operation, Eiland operates a coffee shop where customers can enjoy freshly brewed beverages. The shop also serves as a retail space for their roasted beans and coffee equipment.
Eiland Coffee Roasters has garnered recognition, earning the title of Best Local Coffee Roaster in 2024. This accolade reflects their commitment to excellence in the craft of coffee roasting.
Contact: 532 N. Interurban St., Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: 972-991-0100
Website: www.eilandcoffee.com
5) Sweetwater Organic Coffee
Sweetwater Organic Coffee stands out as a renowned artisan roaster in Texas. This family-owned business takes pride in sourcing high-quality, organic beans from around the world.
The roastery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their eco-friendly practices. They use energy-efficient roasting equipment and biodegradable packaging materials.
Sweetwater’s signature blends offer a range of flavor profiles to suit diverse palates. Their single-origin selections showcase the unique characteristics of specific coffee-growing regions.
Visitors to the roastery can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and participate in cupping sessions. These events provide an opportunity to learn about different coffee varieties and roasting techniques.
Sweetwater Organic Coffee
Address: 123 Main Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 555-1234
Website: www.sweetwaterorganiccoffee.com
6) Cuvee Coffee
Cuvee Coffee has been a pioneer in the Texas coffee scene since 1998. Based in Austin, this roaster has built a reputation for exceptional, ethically sourced coffee.
The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability sets it apart. Cuvee’s world-class lab in Austin serves as a hub for experimentation and new ideas in coffee roasting.
Cuvee is dedicated to making high-quality coffee accessible to a wide audience. They offer a range of roasts, from light to dark, catering to diverse taste preferences.
The roaster’s commitment to ethical sourcing ensures that their coffee not only tastes good but also supports sustainable farming practices. This approach has helped Cuvee build strong relationships with coffee growers around the world.
Cuvee Coffee’s influence extends beyond Texas, with their products available in cafes and stores across the country. Their dedication to quality and innovation has earned them a loyal following among coffee enthusiasts.
Contact: 2000 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: cuveecoffee.com
7) Flat Track Coffee
Flat Track Coffee Roasters stands out as a distinctive artisanal coffee roaster in Austin, Texas. This unique establishment combines two passions: coffee and motorcycles.
The roastery focuses on sourcing high-quality, single-origin beans from around the world. They meticulously roast these beans in small batches to bring out their best flavors.
Flat Track’s commitment to quality extends beyond coffee. They also offer a selection of teas and locally-made pastries to complement their brews.
The shop’s atmosphere reflects its dual identity, with motorcycle memorabilia adorning the walls alongside coffee-related decor. This creates a one-of-a-kind ambiance for coffee enthusiasts and bike lovers alike.
Visitors can enjoy their expertly crafted beverages in a laid-back environment or purchase freshly roasted beans to brew at home.
Flat Track Coffee Roasters is located at 1619 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702. For more information or to place an order, call (512) 540-6040 or visit their website at flattrackCOFFEE.com.
8) Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has made a name for itself in the specialty coffee industry. Founded in San Diego, California, this roaster has expanded its reach to Texas, bringing its commitment to quality and sustainability.
The company focuses on micro-roasting techniques to ensure optimal flavor profiles. They source their beans through direct trade relationships with farmers worldwide, emphasizing ethical and sustainable practices.
In 2012, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters received the prestigious Roaster of the Year award from Roast Magazine. This recognition solidified their position as a leader in the coffee industry.
Their dedication to quality is evident in their consistently high scores from Coffee Review. Many of their coffees have received ratings above 90 points, indicating exceptional taste and quality.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters offers a range of single-origin coffees and expertly crafted blends. Coffee enthusiasts in Texas can now experience their award-winning brews.
Contact: 619-272-0203
Address: 1270 Morena Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92110
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.birdrockcoffee.com
Understanding Artisan Coffee Roasting
Artisan coffee roasting in Texas combines traditional techniques with modern innovation. This craft emphasizes small-batch production, precise temperature control, and careful bean selection to create unique flavor profiles.
History of Artisan Coffee in Texas
Texas’s artisan coffee scene emerged in the late 1990s. Pioneers like Cuvée Coffee in Austin paved the way for a new generation of roasters. These early adopters focused on sourcing high-quality beans directly from farmers.
The 2000s saw rapid growth in the number of artisan roasters across the state. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio developed thriving coffee cultures. Local roasters began experimenting with different roasting methods and bean origins.
By the 2010s, Texas had established itself as a hub for specialty coffee. Roasters started winning national awards and recognition for their craft. This period also saw increased consumer interest in coffee origins and brewing methods.
Characteristics of Artisan Roasters
Artisan roasters in Texas prioritize quality over quantity. They typically use smaller roasting machines, often with 1-30 kg capacity. This allows for greater control over the roasting process.
Precise temperature monitoring is crucial. Artisan roasters carefully track the beans’ temperature throughout the roast. They make real-time adjustments to achieve desired flavor profiles.
Bean selection is another key aspect. Artisan roasters often develop direct relationships with coffee farmers. This ensures access to high-quality, sustainably sourced beans.
Many artisan roasters in Texas offer cupping sessions. These allow customers to taste and learn about different coffee varieties. Such events help build a knowledgeable and appreciative coffee community.
The Coffee Roasting Process
Coffee roasting transforms raw green beans into the aromatic brown beans we know and love. This process involves carefully controlling time and temperature to develop the beans’ flavors and aromas.
Selection of Coffee Beans
Selecting quality green coffee beans is crucial for producing exceptional roasts. Roasters consider factors like origin, variety, processing method, and crop year. Beans from different regions offer unique flavor profiles. For example, Central American beans often have bright, citrusy notes.
Roasters may cup samples to evaluate bean quality before purchasing. They look for beans free of defects and with desirable characteristics. Some roasters focus on single-origin beans, while others create custom blends.
Proper storage of green beans is essential. They’re typically kept in a cool, dry environment to maintain freshness.
Roasting Techniques
Roasting coffee is both an art and a science. Roasters use specialized equipment like drum roasters or air roasters. They carefully monitor time, temperature, and bean color throughout the process.
Key stages of roasting include:
- Drying phase
- First crack (beans expand and make a cracking sound)
- Development phase
- Second crack (for darker roasts)
Roast profiles vary from light to dark:
- Light roasts: Higher acidity, more original bean flavors
- Medium roasts: Balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity
- Dark roasts: Bold, less acidic, more roast flavor
Roasters may use software to track and replicate successful roast profiles. Cooling the beans quickly after roasting is crucial to stop the roasting process and preserve flavors.