The Best Coffee Shops in Houston: A Guide to the 2025 Tastemaker Awards
In the vibrant city of Houston, where every neighborhood has its own unique flavor, the coffee scene is a melting pot of innovation, creativity, and passion. The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards highlight leaders in the culinary industry, and for 2025, we’re excited to introduce a new category: Best Coffee Shop.
From neighborhood cafes that have redefined the art of brewing to vibrant community hubs that double as meeting spots, our picks showcase the best of Houston’s coffee scene while offering a taste of the city’s vibrant culture. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a great cup to start your day, these shops have something for everyone.
Meet the Nominees
- Blacksmith: Since opening its first Montrose location in 2012, Blacksmith has carved out a reputation for its artisanal brews and being a favorite among Houston hospitality workers. Patrons enjoy expertly brewed coffees crafted from beans sourced at Blacksmith’s affiliated Greenway Coffee roastery, enriched with hand-crafted syrups and house-made almond milk. Blacksmith’s second location, recently unveiled in the Memorial City area, showcases the same commitment. Not to mention, pastry chef Christina Au snagged Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
- BlendIn Coffee Club: Coffee is a science at BlendIn, where owner Weihong Zhang has a Ph.D. in biochemistry. The coffee shop aims to be a "tree-to-cup expert," tracing each bean back to its origin before being freshly roasted in-store. With two locations – one in Sugar Land and another on Allen Parkway – the club offers everything from nitro cold brew to single-origin espresso and artful pour-overs, all served in bright, modern space that reflects the shop’s meticulous methods.
- Brass Tacks: Brass Tacks isn’t just a coffee shop – it’s a vibrant hub that blends a café, bar, lounge, boardroom, and event space under one expansive roof. Whether you’re after a rich French press or a lavender latte, there’s a seating option for every mood – from plush couches and intimate booths to expansive community tables and snug nooks. With a menu ranging from indulgent Nutella crepes and hearty breakfast tacos to a robust Cuban sandwich, it’s the ideal spot for a casual catch-up or a quick break between meetings in EaDo or downtown.
- Catalina Coffee: Stepping into Catalina Coffee is like taking a nostalgic journey back to a simpler time, reflecting the shop’s status as one of Houston’s oldest "Third Wave" coffee shops. With an emphasis on consistency and quality, this laid-back spot ditches the distractions – there’s no Wi-Fi or outlets here – inviting patrons to savor the moment or at least hold a conversation. Exposed brick walls and the art (available for purchase) hanging on them lend a vintage charm to the space.
- Koffeteria: For those who appreciate a side of sweet (or savory) with their coffee, Koffeteria is the destination. Coming soon to Spring Branch, its menu features a creative mix of sweet and savory breads that honor Houston’s immigrant culinary traditions. Signature items like the beef pho kolache and pistachio baklava croissant celebrate both local and Cambodian influences and pair well with coffees like the Salty Cambodian (a latte with sweetened condensed milk and a pinch of Maldon salt) or the Tiger Uppercut, a Thai iced tea with a shot of espresso that’s named for the legendary knock out punch in the Street Fighter video game series. Chef-owner Vanarin Kuch’s accolades include a Pastry Chef of the Year win at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, two James Beard Award semifinalist nods, and a spot on the New York Times list of America’s best bakeries.
- Slowpokes: Slowpokes has carved out a loyal fanbase with its fun and eclectic concept. It focuses on coffee, beer, and wine, each represented by adorable mascots (a sloth for coffee, a turtle for beer, and a snail for wine). Alongside a menu featuring everything from a breakfast bagel with crispy bacon and spinach to a prosciutto and fig flatbread, rotating coffee specials and collaborations with local vendors keep the experience fresh – helping the brand expand to six locations across the Houston area.
- Tenfold Coffee: Coffee education meets exquisite brews at Tenfold Coffee. Owner Jacob Ibarra has traveled the globe learning about coffee, and he has brought that knowledge back to his hometown. With two locations (plus its coffee served in other local shops), you can catch a refreshing cold brew or an expertly crafted espresso drink and even watch the roasting process in action at their soon-to-open roastery. Tenfold focuses its sourcing on seven key origins, including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Colombia, ensuring that every cup tells a story of origin and expertise.
- Un Caffè: For those who appreciate the art of coffee-making as a performance, Un Caffè in Midtown delivers a front-row experience. Founder Soonkack Kook adds a personal touch, greeting each guest and occasionally surprising them with a special drink. Highlights include the popular Einspänner, a beloved Korean coffee drink. Kook pays homage to the birthplace of espresso, Italy, through the shop’s colorful decor and dedication to dark roasting.
- Xela Coffee Roasters: Founders Benji Aguilar and Kaitlin O’Brien source direct-trade coffees and brew them into handcrafted beverages at this Second Ward roastery and coffee shop. The labels wrapped around the beverages boast designs by Benji, adding a personal touch. Xela’s pre-made coffee goods, served in convenient and quirky cold medicine bottles, are perfect for enjoying right away in their outdoor-only seating area or taking home to be savored later.
The Tastemaker Awards Ceremony
Join us on April 3 at Silver Street Studios as we reveal the winners of the 2025 Tastemaker Awards. Enjoy bites from this year’s nominees, sip cocktails from our sponsors, and be a part of the celebration.
Buy Your Tickets Now
Don’t miss out on the fun! Buy your tickets now before they sell out.
The Tastemaker Awards Program
The Tastemaker Awards program is brought to you by Stella Artois, Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water, PicMe Events, and more to be announced. A portion of proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Tastemaker Awards?
A: The Tastemaker Awards is an annual program that recognizes leaders in the culinary industry, including restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
Q: What is the Best Coffee Shop category?
A: The Best Coffee Shop category highlights the best coffee shops in Houston, showcasing their unique offerings and contributions to the city’s vibrant coffee culture.
Q: How can I attend the Tastemaker Awards ceremony?
A: You can purchase tickets for the ceremony online or at the door. Don’t miss out on the fun! Buy your tickets now before they sell out.
Q: What is the Southern Smoke Foundation?
A: The Southern Smoke Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the Houston food and beverage community, providing resources and opportunities for local chefs, bartenders, and restaurateurs. A portion of the proceeds from the Tastemaker Awards will benefit the foundation.
