Next week, Houston becomes the center of North America’s coffee universe as the Specialty Coffee Expo rolls into the George R. Brown Convention Center from April 25‑27, 2025. Over 17,000 professionals from 85 countries are expected to pack the floor, taste new products, make deals (and friends), and get caffeine jitters.
I’ll be at Expo representing Team Fresh Cup, making the quick hop from Austin. I’m not a Houston local, but with plenty of family in H‑Town, I’ve logged dozens of visits and have a shortlist of go‑to cafes. We also wanted to hear from readers, so we asked folks on social media to suggest their favorite coffee shops. Think of this guide as a blend—and by no means an exhaustive list—of my personal staples with community picks.
We also want to highlight the after‑hours and off‑site events—the parties, throwdowns, and late‑night mixers that keep the networking rolling once the show floor goes dark. Whether you’re looking for a nice shop to decompress after a busy day or trying to plan your expo night life—we’ve got your Houston game plan covered.
This is part one of our Houston guide. Tomorrow, we’ll tell you all the events and after-parties you should check out.
Houston Coffee Shops Worth Visiting
Tenfold Coffee in the Heights and Downtown
Tenfold roasts its own coffee and leans hard into education and community. Swing by the flagship roastery‑cafe in the Heights or, if you’re short on time between panels, they have an espresso bar literally a block from the convention center.
During Expo week, they’re hosting all kinds of events: bar takeovers every morning, a Mexico‑inspired “Cantina Tenfold” Friday afternoon at their downtown location, and a Texas‑style tailgate Saturday night at the Heights shop, plus a sustainability‑focused “Brazil In Focus” cupping at Paper Co. Café (a Tenfold concept).
Heights: 101 Aurora Street
Downtown: 1550 Lamar Street, Suite 110
BlendIn Coffee Club at Sugar Land and Allen Parkway
BlendIn has been the source of some of my most memorable cups of coffee over the years, and the only place I can remember seeing an $800-per-pound gesha just sitting on the shelf. Owner Weizhong Zhang—2024 U.S. Brewers Cup champ—runs one of the country’s few SCA premier training campuses, so you’ll spot rare lots on the bar.
Sugar Land (just outside of Houston): 8410 US-90 ALT, Building B
Allen Parkway: 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 170
Blacksmith at Montrose and Memorial City
A Houston classic from the Greenway Coffee team. Go for the almond‑milk cortado and house‑made biscuits. The team opened a new counter atTwo Memorial City Plaza, serving office‑tower crowds. During Expo weekend, they’re hosting guest pours from London’s Square Mile and Scott Rao’s Prodigal—check their Instagram for the exact times.
Montrose: 1018 Westheimer Road
Memorial City: 820 Gessner Road
Catalina Coffee is an OG third‑wave spot famous for meticulous pour‑overs and coffees from sister company Amaya Roasting. Even after years in the game, it’s still a top pick for great filter coffee in town.
2201 Washington Avenue
2024 Roast Magazine Micro‑Roaster of the Year finalist and Food & Wine’s “Best in Texas.” Their music‑driven bar pours rotating single origins and if you buy a bag of beans to take home, they’ll give you a coffee-specific playlist to match.
Finn Hall, 712 Main Street
Can’t Miss Spots From the Fresh Cup Community
Xela Coffee Roasters — Pronounced “Shey-Lah,” they roast coffee in the Second Ward neighborhood. Open Wednesday through Monday at 4409 Canal Street.
The Tipping Point Cafe — Coffee and records: a perfect combination. Located inside ‘93 Til, a record-focused restaurant at 1601 West Main Street. Tipping Point will also be hosting bar takeovers during Expo from folks like the Drip Collective, Café Comunión, and Proud Mary.
Las Perras Café — Latina‑owned roaster opening a brick‑and‑mortar at 3401 Harrisburg Blvd.
Cafe Tales — A shop specializing in Colombian coffees at 11195 Westheimer Road.
La Tazza — A new shop opened in 2024 at 8427 Stella Link Road, Suite B.
Kefita Coffee — An Ethiopian coffee shop located in the Wonderlikewander space in the Third Ward at 2506 La Branch Street.
New Heights Coffee Roasters — The folks at New Heights started roasting in 2022 and opened a brick and mortar in 2024 at 825 Studewood.
Slowpokes — A Houston cafe serving coffee, beer, and wine with six locations.
Little Dreamer Coffee — Brand‑new Montrose shop at 1953 Montrose Blvd. Ste A from Boomtown Coffee founder Matt Toomey.
Un Caffè – Midtown roastery‑café (3217 Milam St.) with certified Q grader and Specialty Coffee Association trainer (AST) founder Soonkack Kook working behind the roaster.
Fifth Vessel – Design‑forward downtown hangout at 104 N. Main St. with inventive seasonal drinks.
OSO Coffee Co. – East End bungalow cafe at 2603 Navigation Blvd.
We can’t wait to see you all! Have fun and stay caffeinated!
