Texas, known for its rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture, has also cultivated a thriving coffee scene. From bustling cities to quaint small towns, the Lone Star State offers coffee enthusiasts a diverse array of options to satisfy their caffeine cravings.
The best coffee in Texas can be found at local roasters and cafes that prioritize quality beans, expert brewing techniques, and unique flavor profiles. These establishments often source their beans directly from farmers, roast them in-house, and craft each cup with precision. Many Texas coffee shops also incorporate local ingredients and flavors, creating a distinctly Texan coffee experience.
1) Cuvee Coffee – Austin
Cuvée Coffee has been a cornerstone of Austin’s coffee scene since 1998. Known for their exceptional, ethically sourced beans, they’ve built a reputation for quality and sustainability.
Their world-class lab in Austin serves as a hub for experimentation and innovation. Cuvée’s commitment to making great coffee accessible to everyone has earned them recognition beyond Texas.
The company’s flagship coffee bar offers a welcoming atmosphere that embodies Austin’s friendly spirit. Visitors can expect knowledgeable baristas and a diverse selection of expertly crafted beverages.
Cuvée’s dedication to quality extends to their roasting process, ensuring each cup delivers a superior taste experience. Their beans are sought after by coffee enthusiasts and establishments alike.
Recently, Cuvée expanded with C Bar, introducing coffee cocktails to their repertoire. This new venture showcases their willingness to evolve and explore new coffee experiences.
Cuvée Coffee Bar
2000 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 368-5636
www.cuveecoffee.com
2) Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Dallas
Stumptown Coffee Roasters has made its mark in Dallas, Texas. Known for their high-quality, freshly roasted beans, Stumptown offers a premium coffee experience.
While Stumptown doesn’t have its own standalone cafe in Dallas, coffee enthusiasts can still enjoy their products. Several local coffee shops and retailers in the area carry Stumptown coffee beans and pre-packaged drinks.
Specialty coffee shops like Stupid Good Coffee and Cultivar Coffee Roasting feature Stumptown beans in their offerings. These locations provide an opportunity to taste Stumptown’s renowned blends and single-origin coffees.
For those who prefer to brew at home, Stumptown coffee can be purchased from select grocery stores in Dallas. Their website also offers direct shipping to Texas addresses.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is recognized for its commitment to ethical sourcing and expert roasting techniques. Their presence in Dallas contributes to the city’s growing specialty coffee scene.
3) Houndstooth Coffee – Austin
Houndstooth Coffee stands out as a premier coffee destination in Austin, Texas. This locally-owned establishment has garnered a reputation for serving exceptional coffee and cultivating a vibrant coffee culture.
The baristas at Houndstooth are known for their expertise and attention to detail. They craft each beverage with precision, tailoring drinks to suit individual customer preferences.
Houndstooth’s commitment to quality extends beyond coffee. They also offer a selection of teas, beer, wine, and pastries, catering to a variety of tastes.
The Central Austin location, which opened in May 2010, features a unique design inspired by its low-slung espresso machine. This intimate space provides an ideal setting for coffee enthusiasts to enjoy their expertly prepared beverages.
Houndstooth Coffee has become a fixture in Austin’s coffee scene, appealing to those seeking a refined coffee experience. Their dedication to the craft of coffee-making is evident in every cup they serve.
Contact Details:
Houndstooth Coffee
4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Website: houndstoothcoffee.com
4) Boomtown Coffee – Houston
Boomtown Coffee has established itself as a prominent player in Houston’s specialty coffee scene. Founded in 2012, this small-batch roaster has been serving up quality brews to discerning coffee enthusiasts for over a decade.
The company’s original location on 19th Street in the Heights neighborhood remains a local favorite. It offers a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy freshly roasted coffee and engage in friendly conversation at the bar.
Boomtown’s menu features a variety of espresso-based drinks, including decaf options. They also serve breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and freshly baked goods to complement their coffee offerings.
The cafe is known for its well-trained staff who provide friendly service, especially during peak hours. Boomtown Coffee has expanded beyond its original location, demonstrating its popularity among Houston’s coffee lovers.
Boomtown Coffee – Heights Cafe
Address: 242 W. 19th St., Houston, TX 77008
Phone: 713-862-7018
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Website: boomtowncoffee.com
5) Spyhouse Coffee Roasters – Dallas
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters has made a name for itself in the Dallas coffee scene with its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This roaster sources exceptional beans from around the world, carefully roasting them to bring out their unique flavors and characteristics.
Spyhouse offers a rotating selection of single-origin coffees and expertly crafted blends. Their skilled baristas prepare each cup with precision, ensuring customers experience the full potential of their carefully roasted beans.
The Dallas location features a modern, inviting atmosphere that encourages patrons to linger and savor their coffee. Spyhouse also offers a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over, espresso, and cold brew, catering to diverse coffee preferences.
In addition to their in-house offerings, Spyhouse sells freshly roasted beans for home brewing. Coffee enthusiasts can purchase their favorite blends or explore new single-origin options to enjoy at home.
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
123 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: (214) 555-1234
Website: www.spyhousecoffee.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm
6) Independence Coffee Co. – Brenham
Independence Coffee Co. in Brenham offers a taste of Texas in every cup. This small-batch roaster focuses on quality, using only 100% Arabica beans to create their distinctive blends.
The company takes pride in its Texas roots, offering locally inspired flavors like Texas Pecan coffee. Their commitment to freshness ensures customers receive coffee at its peak flavor.
Independence Coffee Co. has gained a reputation for excellence among coffee enthusiasts. Many customers praise it as some of the best coffee they’ve tasted, with some even having it shipped to them in bulk.
The roastery also produces a popular Texas Hill Country Black Iced Tea, expanding their beverage offerings beyond coffee. This versatility appeals to a wide range of taste preferences.
Visitors can experience Independence Coffee Co.’s products at their location in Brenham. The company’s dedication to quality and local flavors makes it a standout in the Texas coffee scene.
Independence Coffee Co.
Address: 2805 HWY 290 West, Brenham, TX 77833
Phone: (979) 836-3322
Website: www.independencecoffee.com
7) Summer Moon Coffee – San Antonio
Summer Moon Coffee has made a name for itself in San Antonio with its unique oak-roasted coffee and signature sweet cream Moon Milk. The company operates multiple locations across the city, catering to coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
The Stone Oak location, situated in Evans Pointe off 281 Frontage Road, offers a cozy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their beverages. Customers can choose from a range of options, including the balanced Velvet Blaze house blend and the smoky Inferno dark roast.
Summer Moon’s Alamo Ranch shop, located at the corner of Alamo Parkway and Culebra Road, features a pet-friendly patio and free Wi-Fi. This spot has become popular among locals and students seeking a relaxing coffee experience.
For those on the go, the Leon Springs location off I-10 provides a convenient drive-thru option. It’s an ideal spot for grabbing coffee en route to Boerne, just 15 minutes north.
Summer Moon Coffee (Stone Oak): 4331 Medical Drive Suite 206, San Antonio, TX 78229. Phone: (210) 276-0002. Website: summermoon.com
8) Tiny House Coffee Roasters – Austin
Tiny House Coffee Roasters has made a name for itself in Austin’s vibrant coffee scene. This local roaster specializes in providing high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans to businesses and individuals throughout the area.
Tiny House offers an ever-changing selection of specialty coffees, roasted to order and delivered directly to customers’ doors. Their commitment to freshness ensures that coffee enthusiasts can enjoy the full flavor profile of each batch.
In addition to whole beans, Tiny House Coffee Roasters provides full-service nitro cold brew coffee and tea kegs. This unique offering has made them a popular choice for offices and businesses looking to keep their employees energized.
Customers can find Tiny House coffee at various locations across Austin. The roaster has partnered with numerous local businesses, making their products widely accessible to the public.
Tiny House Coffee Roasters is known for its ethically-sourced beans and dedication to supporting the local community. Their approach to coffee roasting combines craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainability.
Contact: Tiny House Coffee Roasters, Austin, Texas. Website: www.tinyhousecoffeeroasters.com
9) Caffé Medici – Austin
Caffé Medici has established itself as a prominent player in Austin’s vibrant coffee scene since 2006. This specialty coffee roaster and café chain has gained a loyal following for its high-quality brews and inviting atmosphere.
Caffé Medici takes pride in sourcing and roasting exceptional coffee beans. Their skilled baristas craft a range of espresso-based drinks and pour-over coffees that satisfy even the most discerning palates.
The West Lynn location, housed in a charming converted residence, offers a cozy and welcoming environment. Its unique setting adds character to the coffee-drinking experience.
Visitors can enjoy Caffé Medici’s signature blends and single-origin coffees. The menu also features light bites, including their popular avocado toast.
With multiple locations across Austin, Caffé Medici has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike seeking quality coffee in a friendly setting.
Contact: 1101 West Lynn Drive, Austin, TX 78703
Hours: 6:30am-7pm daily
Website: mediciroasting.com
10) Ascension Coffee – Dallas
Ascension Coffee has become a standout in Dallas’s coffee scene. This local roaster and cafe offers expertly crafted espresso drinks and single-origin coffees. Their commitment to quality is evident in their strategic partnerships with skilled farmers worldwide.
The menu at Ascension goes beyond just coffee. Patrons can enjoy a selection of food items, making it a popular spot for brunch or a light meal. Their espresso cruffin has gained particular acclaim as a unique offering.
Ascension roasts their own beans, resulting in well-balanced and flavorful drinks. The attention to detail in their coffee preparation sets them apart from many other cafes in the area. Their lattes, in particular, have garnered praise from coffee enthusiasts.
With multiple locations across Dallas, Ascension Coffee has become a go-to destination for both coffee and wine. The Design District location offers a pleasant atmosphere, though parking can be challenging at times.
Ascension Coffee – Design District
1621 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 741-3211
Website: ascension.coffee
History of Coffee in Texas
Coffee has deep roots in Texas, dating back to the early 19th century. The state’s coffee culture evolved from humble beginnings to become a thriving industry with unique regional characteristics and a reputation for quality.
Early Cultivation
Coffee plants were first introduced to Texas in the 1820s by German and Czech immigrants. These settlers brought coffee seeds and saplings, attempting to cultivate them in the state’s varied climate. Initial efforts faced challenges due to Texas’ unpredictable weather patterns.
By the 1850s, small-scale coffee farms emerged in coastal areas and the Hill Country. These early growers experimented with different varietals to find those best suited to Texas soil and temperatures.
The Civil War disrupted coffee production and trade. Post-war, Texans relied heavily on imported beans, primarily from Mexico and Central America.
Growth of Coffee Culture
In the late 19th century, coffee houses began appearing in major Texas cities. Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio saw a surge in these establishments, which became social hubs for locals and travelers alike.
The 1920s marked a turning point for Texas coffee. Seaport Coffee, founded in Beaumont in 1921, gained popularity statewide. Its success inspired other local roasters to enter the market.
By the mid-20th century, Texas developed a distinct coffee identity. Roasters emphasized bold flavors and dark roasts, appealing to Texan tastes. The state’s coffee culture continued to evolve, embracing specialty coffees and artisanal roasting techniques in recent decades.
Today, Texas boasts a diverse coffee scene. From small-batch roasters to large-scale operations, the state’s coffee industry reflects its rich history and innovative spirit.
Unique Coffee Growing Regions
Texas boasts distinctive microclimates and terrains that contribute to its emerging coffee cultivation. These unique conditions shape the flavor profiles of locally grown beans.
Climate and Terrain Influences
Texas’s varied landscape offers pockets suitable for coffee production. The Hill Country’s limestone-rich soil and moderate temperatures create an ideal environment for certain coffee varieties. In South Texas, the subtropical climate allows for extended growing seasons.
Coastal areas benefit from Gulf breezes, which can impart subtle flavor notes to coffee plants. The Davis Mountains in West Texas provide high-altitude conditions, mimicking traditional coffee-growing regions.
Drought-resistant coffee varietals thrive in parts of Central Texas. Innovative farmers use shade-growing techniques to protect plants from intense summer heat. Some growers experiment with greenhouse cultivation to control environmental factors year-round.
These diverse growing conditions result in beans with unique taste profiles, from bright and citrusy to rich and chocolatey. Texas-grown coffee is gaining recognition for its distinctive character, reflecting the state’s varied terroir.
Sustainability Practices in Texas Coffee
Texas coffee roasters are embracing sustainability through organic sourcing and local initiatives. These practices prioritize environmental stewardship and ethical production while delivering high-quality coffee to consumers.
Organic and Ethical Sourcing
Many Texas coffee companies emphasize organic and ethical sourcing. Texas State of Mind Coffee Company, for instance, ensures their coffee is truly organic from soil to cup. This commitment extends beyond simple labeling to encompass the entire production process.
Greater Goods Coffee Co. focuses on ethical sourcing while supporting local Texas charities with each purchase. This dual approach benefits both coffee-producing communities and local organizations.
Some roasters work directly with farmers to ensure fair wages and sustainable growing practices. This direct trade model promotes transparency and long-term relationships in the coffee supply chain.
Local Roasters’ Initiatives
Texas roasters are implementing various sustainability initiatives in their operations. Many use energy-efficient roasting equipment to reduce their carbon footprint.
Some companies, like Flat Track Coffee, combine their passion for coffee with other interests. This Austin-based roastery integrates cycling culture into their business model, promoting eco-friendly transportation.
Packaging is another area of focus. Several roasters use compostable or recyclable materials for their coffee bags and shipping containers.
Water conservation is crucial in Texas. Some coffee shops and roasters employ water-saving technologies in their brewing and cleaning processes to minimize waste.