Cowboys and pioneers often drank their coffee black, as sugar and cream were luxuries in the old west. “Cowboy Coffee” was popular because of its ease to make on the trail. It produced a strong robust brew that was nicknamed after their method of stirring coffee grounds into boiling water and letting it sit long enough for the grounds to settle at the bottom. After it sat, they would carefully pour it to not get too many grounds into their cup. #oldwestfacts
Modern coffee has many methods and I appreciate most of them – cold brew, iced latte, hot latte, Vietnamese coffee, cortado, and flat white. When I decide to venture into Colt Bradford’s boots in Cripple Creek, I first find a coffee shop that suits that mood. Not just any coffee shop will do!
Some coffee shops are best suited for Colt’s trail adventures. Some are best for his moments with Lark. Some are best for shoot outs at Abe’s saloon. Some are best for the bandits. Each shop has its own distinct flavor, its own ambience, its own potential WIFI password time limit, and a ranking that deep down we all respect. Some are better and some are best but all are good in their own right and in their own way. So here are my recommendations if you’re in Houston and want to sip on a cup of coffee in town.
Antidote – 729 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77007
Antidote is a perfect spot for settling in for a quick writing session. They have a 1 hour limit on the WIFI and a smaller interior so it can get crowded more quickly. They have a patio with ample seating. On a Texas winter day (which is usually more mild), sitting outside there pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of joe. They sell whole beans, pastries, homemade cinnamon rolls, different milks, and even offer beer and wine. Their coffee is smooth and rich and is worth every sip.
Uncle Beans – 3024 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77009
Uncle Beans is the perfect neighborhood coffee shop. It has quick access to I-45 and has a drive thru if you’re in a hurry on a Monday morning. They have a lot of custom drinks including their horchata latte which is superb. They have an outdoor patio only and a walk up window. There is no parking lot so my suggestion is to street park and follow the crosswalk rules. It’s worth it and on a beautiful spring day sitting out on the patio with the Murders on Cripple Creek would be even more worthwhile.
Red Dessert Dive – 1045 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008
Red Dessert Dive is first and foremost a delectable bakery. They have croissants, daily slices of fluffy and pillowy cake with creamy frosting, vegan assortment of baked goods, and cheesecake. Their coffee is smooth and rich and they also sell wine and prosecco if you’re feeling more of a cake and champagne day. It’s great for treating yourself one afternoon. Guaranteed you won’t be disappointed.
Roast & Brew – 931 W 19th St, Houston, TX 77008
Roast & Brew is a local coffee shop with the hours to match. If I need to get work done, I want to have a meeting to discuss marketing ideas, or I want to wind my way across Cripple Creek on Colt’s horse, this is the place just for that. Their coffee is velvety and they have a full menu so if you get hungry and are craving something more than a croissant, they’ve got you covered. They have an outdoor patio as well that is adorable and if the parking lot is full, you can park across the street.
Slowpokes – 1203 W 34th St suite d, Houston, TX 77018
Slowpokes is exactly as its name intends – laid back, casual, and a place to sip and work. With a two hour limit on the WIFI, it’s great for a longer writing session or working session. I love to go earlier in the week because Fridays tend to get packed in the afternoons. So if you’re looking to slow down and just sip a coffee while reading a book or you’re looking to brainstorm your next great idea, this is your place.
Tiny Boxwoods – 3614 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77027
Tiny Boxwoods is an indoor/outdoor restaurant with a plant nursery. If you’re looking to combine your love of an afternoon coffee and a cocktail, this is your spot. The coffee is superb and the outdoor space is so relaxing on a spring afternoon. While it is a restaurant and has food, its coffee is not talked about enough and each time I go, I’m always surprised that I don’t go more often. So now you can go and enjoy this hidden coffee gem. You’ll thank me later.
Wild – 2121 N Shepherd Dr Suite C, Houston, TX 77008
Wild is just that – a coffee shop, a bar, an eatery, and dispensary (if you’re into that sort of thing). Its coffee is purely divine and worth the hype. The indoor seating in the location off Shepherd is modern and spacious. If I had to rate their espresso martini, it would be a 9.5/10. It’s THAT good. It’s a great place to write as well as it has a lot of seating with a lot of people intending to do the same thing. So whether it’s happy hour and you want a quiet place to unwind with a friend over coffee and possibly a martini, or you want to write your next great book, this place will keep things wild just for you.
There are so many other great coffee shops in and around Houston that I’ve been to and are popular (Boomtown & EQ Heights to name a few). These above just so happen to be my favorites and ones I would personally recommend. While some are unconventional in the sense that one is bakery and one is restaurant, they each have their own atmosphere and vibe. But they all have one thing we can agree makes mornings special – the first cup of coffee.
While I don’t intend to drink “Cowboy Coffee” ever and I wouldn’t recommend you doing it either — I do recommend the spots above. Check them out and let me know what you think!