The best specialty coffee shops in Houston

Houston’s specialty coffee scene doesn’t make a lot of noise—but it knows what it’s doing. From small-batch roasters to cafés focused on detail and hospitality, the city offers a thoughtful mix of places that take coffee very seriously. Whether you’re into single-origin espresso or just looking for a quiet corner to recharge, there’s something for you.

With the Specialty Coffee Expo taking place this week at the George R. Brown Convention Center, now’s the time to explore what Houston has to offer beyond the show floor.

Here are the 9 shops worth visiting.

Boomtown Coffee

• Address: 242 W. 19th St., Houston, TX 77008
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 15 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Boomtown Coffee

Located in the vibrant Heights neighborhood, Boomtown Coffee is a local favorite known for its small-batch, house-roasted beans and laid-back, artsy atmosphere. The space is cozy and characterful, filled with local art, vintage touches, and friendly energy.

First-time visitors should try the “Shakarato”—a shaken espresso drink with agave, citrus, and bitters—or explore the wider menu of lattes, classic brews, and inventive seasonal specials. Fresh pastries and light bites round out the offerings, making it a great stop for breakfast or an afternoon recharge.

With a strong community vibe and a commitment to quality, Boomtown captures the essence of Houston’s independent coffee culture.

Blacksmith

• Address: 1018 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 10 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Blacksmith

Blacksmith is a Montrose mainstay that delivers precision coffee and a down-to-earth vibe. Housed in a sleek, industrial space with communal tables and exposed brick, it’s the kind of place where baristas know their craft and regulars know each other.

Whether you’re after a textbook-perfect espresso, a creamy flat white, or a strong batch brew, Blacksmith delivers with consistency and care. The food menu is just as strong—expect elevated Southern comfort, like biscuit sandwiches and hearty breakfasts that hold their own.

With quick service, exceptional attention to detail, and a location close to the Expo, it’s the perfect stop for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Catalina Coffee

• Address: 2201 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 10 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Catalina Coffee

Catalina Coffee is one of Houston’s original third-wave cafes, and it still sets the standard. Tucked along Washington Avenue, this no-frills shop is all about precision and purity—no Wi-Fi, no distractions, just excellent coffee.

The menu leans classic, with beautifully balanced espresso, rich pour-overs, and silky lattes made with beans from top-tier roasters. It’s a space that invites conversation and contemplation, where baristas are approachable and the focus is on the cup in your hand.

With its pared-down interior, generous natural light, and steady stream of loyal locals, Catalina is the place to go when you want to experience coffee done simply—and done right.

BlendIn Coffee Club

• Address: 3201 Allen Pkwy, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77019
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 10 minutes by car
• Google Maps: BlendIn Coffee Club

BlendIn Coffee Club brings a thoughtful, science-forward approach to specialty coffee. Founded by coffee professionals with a background in sensory science and roasting, the shop takes pride in controlling every stage of the coffee journey—from sourcing to roasting to brewing.

Expect a minimalist space where the focus is squarely on the cup: pristine single-origin espressos, precise pour-overs, and experimental offerings like nitro cold brew or espresso tonics. Baristas are knowledgeable and approachable, happy to walk newcomers through flavor notes or brewing styles.

BlendIn’s in-house roasting and commitment to transparency make it a standout for those who care not just about how coffee tastes, but how it’s made. It’s the ideal stop for Expo visitors looking to dive deeper into the craft.

Three Keys Coffee

• Address: 712 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 5 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Three Keys Coffee

Located inside Finn Hall, Three Keys Coffee is a standout in Houston’s specialty coffee scene. Founded in 2019 by a husband-and-wife team, the roastery draws inspiration from jazz, infusing their craft with creativity and rhythm.

Their offerings include unique selections like the “Double Train” blend, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation. The café’s ambiance is modern and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers.

With its proximity to the Expo, it’s a convenient stop for visitors seeking a refined coffee experience. 

Fifth Vessel Coffee Co.

• Address: 104 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 5 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Fifth Vessel Coffee Co.

Fifth Vessel Coffee Co. offers a curated coffee experience in the heart of Downtown Houston. Known for sourcing beans from renowned roasters like Dak and Friedhats, they present a rotating menu that delights the palate. Signature drinks such as the “Bonito” latte and “Momo” matcha peach latte showcase their inventive approach.

The café’s minimalist design, complemented by ample natural light, creates a serene environment for patrons.

Xela Coffee Roasters

• Address: 4409 Canal St, Houston, TX 77011
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 10 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Xela Coffee Roasters

Situated in Houston’s Second Ward, Xela Coffee Roasters is dedicated to delivering specialty and exotic coffees. Their commitment to quality is evident in offerings like the “Ethiopia King of Guji,” a seasonal selection that meets their exacting standards.

The café’s ambiance reflects their philosophy: no corners cut, no dogmas, just pure coffee excellence.

Luce Coffee Roasters

• Addresses:
  • 1717 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
  • 3995 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77027
  • 2520 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 10–15 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Luce Coffee Roasters

Luce Coffee Roasters has been serving Houston since 2017, offering a blend of tradition and innovation. Their in-house roasted beans are the foundation for a variety of drinks, including the popular “Island Latte” with coconut pandan milk.

The cafés provide a cozy atmosphere, ideal for studying or casual meetings. With multiple locations across the city, Luce ensures that quality coffee is never far away, making it a convenient choice for Expo attendees exploring Houston. 

Tenfold Coffee

• Address: 101 Aurora St, Houston, TX 77008
• Distance from Expo: Approximately 15 minutes by car
• Google Maps: Tenfold Coffee

Tenfold is not just a café—it’s a roastery, education hub, and specialty coffee destination. Known for its emphasis on transparency, origin storytelling, and dialed-in brew methods, Tenfold regularly runs public cuppings, brew classes, and tasting sessions. They roast on-site, source with traceability, and their baristas are trained to talk varietals, processes, and flavor profiles fluently.

It’s a favorite among coffee professionals in Houston, and is often cited alongside BlendIn as one of the city’s most technically respected operations.

Whether you’re in Houston for the Specialty Coffee Expo or just exploring the city’s coffee scene on your own terms, these 9 shops represent the best of what Houston has to offer for serious coffee lovers. Each café on this list has earned the respect of the specialty coffee community—not just for their drinks, but for their sourcing ethics, roasting precision, and commitment to the craft. From pioneers like Catalina and Blacksmith to newer standouts like Tenfold and Fifth Vessel, Houston’s specialty coffee culture is rich, varied, and always evolving.

Did we miss someone? Houston’s scene is always growing, and we’d love to hear your recommendations. Which coffee shops would you add to this list? Let us know.