Alex Reviews All

Tag: Coffee

  • The Morii Coffee

    The Morii Coffee

    It has been a while since I’ve been to Chinatown, so I thought I’d stop by to try out a coffee shop and watch some Spanish videos. I settled on this place after seeing reviews raving about the Iced Coconut Vietnamese Coffee.

    There was plenty of open parking and seating inside. After ordering the drink I chose a table and made myself at home. It was easy to with how open and peaceful it felt inside. The coffee came out shortly after and yummm. The coconut was extremely subtle, but you can lock in on it when focusing. The condensed milk and espresso were extremely smooth and not as strong as other Viet Coffee’s I’ve had. Some just scream in your face “HEY I’M A VIET COFFEE YOU GET WHAT YOU ORDER.” Morii’s however has nothing to prove. It knows what it is and treats you with respect.

    I was able to comfortably knock out over an hour of Spanish videos while here. The music was low enough that I couldn’t even tell it was playing with my airpods on. I was planning on staying a little longer, but had a sneeze come out that shook me to my core. Post sneeze my arm was covered in mucus. I didn’t know what to do and with no napkins around me, I quickly and subtly packed up my things and left.

    Rating: 877/1000

  • The Coffee House at West End

    The Coffee House at West End

    If you’re looking for a place to work without feeling pressured to leave after a while, then this is the place. Three stories of seating galore in a cozy and productive inducing atmosphere. I believe this is ran by the church Nextdoor.

    When we arrived there was zero parking in the lot and it was confusing to figure out where to go. However, after a confusing circle around the area a spot opened up. I get severe parking anxiety so I was ready to try somewhere else just due to this.

    I ordered the Black Sesame Latte. It’s a latte with honey and sesame seeds. To me it tasted like a normal latte. I wasn’t getting any of the additional notes it advertised which felt extremely strange. It’s as if they completely forgot the honey. Thus, the drink was completely average and forgettable even as a normal latte.

    The vibes however were immaculate for writing some reviews. Big Brother just ended and I was able to completely focus and gather my thoughts to write a longer review on the season. The music was light and atmospheric. The background chatter was minimal and easy to tune out in a comforting sort of way. Everywhere here was working hard, so it made me want to follow suit.

    Rating: 567/1000

  • Vibrant

    Vibrant

    Vibrant is a tiny cafe located in memorial park. You can choose to do paid parking nearby, or park on the street along the loop and walk over. I chose to walk since it was a nice morning.

    I settled on a plain ol iced latte. This place used to be vegan only with housemaid milks, but they now offer whole milk. I asked the barista what she’d recommend, and she said they had a fresh batch of whole milk that would be best.

    I decided to sit outside on a bench with no backrest, but had to switch sides to the chair after a while. The vibes inside were also nice. It’s filled with people visiting the park to walk, run, enjoy the scenery, and take in the nice weather. Who can be in a bad mood in those circumstances?

    The latte came out in a huge glass filled to the brim. Last time I came I hated my drink and expected to have similar feelings, but it was actually pretty solid. Nothing offensive or standoffish about it. The ratio of espresso to milk kept it smooth throughout. I enjoyed my time sitting outside, sipping my drink, and watching Spanish videos. The drink did get a bit watered down in the end, however it was a generous portion and that let me take my time enjoying it. I’d come here again for those vibes alone.

    Rating: 647/1000

  • CasaEma’s

    CasaEma’s

    Originally known as Ema’s, I guess they recently changed names. Other than that, the place looks exactly as I remember it. The first time I came here I was blown away by the coffee and food. Inspired heavily by Mexico, their menu goes above and beyond what you’d find at any other coffee shop in Houston.

    The line was unsurprisingly out the door. I had a bro coffee day and forgot to photograph the inside, but the vibes are solid. While waiting in line they ask how many people are in your group, and then seat you after ordering. Our group of five scored a table outside and it was nice to not stress about seating with the crowd it had.

    I ordered a horchata latte, pambazo, and peanut butter cookie with mole chocolate baked in. First the coffee. I’ve always loved horchata growing up, and drinking this brings me back to that feeling as a kid. The horchata flavors are prevalent and the ratio of espresso and milk are perfect. This is no doubt my favorite coffee drink in all of Houston. And just look at that latte art in the cover photo. They know what they’re doing here.

    The pambazo is a sandwich with the bottom bread soaked in a sauce while the top bread stays nice and crispy. The inside is packed with pork, beans, mayo, cabbage, and guacamole. Plus you get a salsa to spread on top. First off, the bread is fire. The contrast of the soft bottom piece packed with flavor and the crunch of the top piece is harmonious. The pork is tender and melts in your mouth while the other components swirl. The guacamole being included is the perfect finisher and I’m glad the chef knew not to skimp out on this. I was shook the first time I had this and I’m still in love to this day.

    Finally, the cookie. While not my favorite pastry I’ve had here, it’s solid. Peanut butter and chocolate just doesn’t fuze well in cookies. Both are great on their own, but neither brings out anything extra with the other. Save it for the Reese’s.

    If anyone asked me for a single place in Houston to get coffee, this would be it.

    Rating: 978/1000

  • Simply Coffee Shop

    Simply Coffee Shop

    Simply features high-end premium coffee that boasts a plethora of tasting notes. Overwhelmed with all the options I picked from the top of the menu. It’s a Panama Boquete with notes of jasmine, passionfruit, citrus acidity, tropical fruit blackcurrent, and finished with silky lemon peel. That’s just one drink.

    I’ve been to places like this before and similar to wine I have issues tasting what they say I should. After drinking I locked in on honey and citrus notes. It’s amazing how much flavor can be packed into these coffee beans and the more I drink the more I can actually pinpoint the notes.

    My friends also ordered blueberry and strawberry teacakes. I had a bite of each and the compote was a little too heavy for me. No way I would have finished one myself.

    While the coffee was enjoyable, I couldn’t justify the $20 order total. It’s a premium coffee bean so I knew what I was getting into, but it didn’t leave me eager to come again. I’d recommend an occasional visit to someone who wants a different experience than the normal latte shop.

    Rating: 657/1000

  • Boomtown Coffee

    Boomtown Coffee

    Boomtown will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been in love with their oat bars for years and nothing will take away that special connection we have.

    Today’s featured raspberries baked in and even with the oats, it maintains a soft and delicate texture. This used to be my treat spot and I’d have to get two of these. I’ve really grown.

    For the drink I ordered an Ice Capp which is espresso plus half and half shaken until fluffed and then topped with spices. The result is a cup that shockingly feels as light as a feather when picked up. I’m not sure if the picture shows the full effect, but you can see where the darkness ends and the fluff begins. Take a whiff and the smell of cinnamon will attack you full force.

    The drink is delicious and light. With the small amount of liquid, it’s a sipper. I got 1.5 hours out of this drink while reading and it was delightful to the last drop. Light, rich, and complex. I found myself swirling it in my mouth to let each tastebud get a turn. However, if you’re someone who devours drinks, then I’d steer clear for a fuller option.

    Final word of advice. This place fills up quickly on the weekends! Lines are long and tables are full. I was blessed to go on a weekday and to my surprise it was mostly empty. It’s also not the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shop as you can probably tell in the picture. One other one-off note, their ceiling fan kept making an annoying clicking noise today and it’d occasionally ruin my focus.

    Rating: 849/1000

  • BHBG Coffee

    BHBG Coffee

    After finishing up a run on a surprisingly nice Houston morning I craved more outside time. Beer Heights Beer Garden to the rescue. The coffee shop is located in a building within the beer garden separate from the beer and cocktails. The beautiful outdoor area combined with the oscillating fans was quite the treat to read in. The indoor portion is also homey and cozy, but I feared my stink would be too much even after changing shirts and doing sniff tests.

    I asked for a coffee recommendation and was suggested the iced flat white. The friendly barista said it really let the espresso shine and is served as 8 ounces. The drink ended up coming in a big cup which is fine, but I also enjoy a nice aesthetic. The first couple sips were a touch too bitter for me, but once the ice watered it down it was great. The espresso was quality and it needed to be for the drink to work.

    My hungry eyes settled on a potato and egg taco to complement. It came with a mild salsa and was pretty solid. Nothing about it stood out, but it satiated my hunger. I’d order again in a pinch.

    Rating: 691/1000

  • La Tazza Specialty Coffee

    La Tazza Specialty Coffee

    La Tazza or The Cup in English, has quite the charm. It’s located in an unassuming parking lot shared with a Walgreens and other small businesses. The outside doesn’t look special, but the inside is homey and inviting. I love how there’s a bunch of two seaters squeezed in and the chatter that promoted. When I was studying during college or for the CPA exams, this environment was my sanctuary.

    I was between the Cardigan (honey cinnamon latte) or the iced shaken old fashioned espresso. Both intrigued me and I asked for the baristas opinion. Since I was sitting in he suggested the cardigan. The latter would be best suited as a refreshing drink to have on the go.

    I choose one of the empty tables and spent the time reading. The laid back music combined with the surroundings of people studying and enjoying each other’s company was perfect for focusing. By the time I left there wasn’t a single empty table in the house.

    So the drink… I can happily say that it was delish! The honey and cinnamon flavors swam onto my tastebuds like Phelps going for gold. That combo with a good espresso was elite. Every piece of the latte puzzle fit like a glove (not OJ’s) and was prevalent. I sipped it throughout my book and every taste was as decadent as the last. My nit picky knock is that the latte art wasn’t picturesque.

    Rating: 859/1000

  • Luce Avenue Coffee Roasters

    Luce Avenue Coffee Roasters

    My girlfriend and I were looking for a chill read/work spot and Apple Maps locked us in on Luce. There are several locations in the Houston area and we visited the Heights one. It’s a two story building located in a lot with other trendy businesses.

    I asked about specialties and was pointed to the island latte. Funny enough it contains pandan which I’ve recently had for the first time at Twotone coffee, and coconut milk. Unlike the first time, the island latte was more subtle in its flavor profile. The nuttiness of the coconut yinged while the grassy vanilla notes of the pandan yanged. While my girlfriend gave it a sip and found it too sweet, I thought it was perfect. It wasn’t overpowering, but still sang. However, near the end of our stay it wasn’t savorable enough to have me craving those final sips.

    The baristas were friendly and the shop was separated by floor. On the first floor you’d order your drinks and then most likely head upstairs to sit. Comforting lofi plays in the background to encourage focus and productivity. It made reading over 100 pages fly by and I was surprised when I learned how two hours had already passed.

    First Floor
    Second Floor

    Rating: 755/1000

  • Third Place Coffee Shop

    Third Place Coffee Shop

    Coffee date with the homies and we decide to visit Third Place. It’s located in the heights and shares the same parking lot with affiliated restaurant Jun. I arrived around 9:15am and there was a decent amount of spots in the private lot, but by the time we left it was full. There is also street parking.

    The inside is modern casual and makes good use of seating for the smallish size. We snagged one of the two elusive half circular booths with a round table and seats on the other side. I ordered the nutty brew which boasts a peanut cold foam, pilonsillo which is a Mexican sugar, and peanut topping. I was hungry and added on a tomato bacon jam empanada that was topped with an everything bagel spice. The barista raved about it being it her favorite. My expectations are sky high with the prices they charge. The drink ran $9.50 while the empanada was a tad more reasonable at $6.

    After stirring my drink, the cold brew combined with the peanut-ie foam was just ok. It tasted exactly how you’d imagine it. While not bad, I couldn’t help be let down by the outrageous price. Still, it was easy to finish and there wasn’t a lot of sweetness which is a plus. The candied peanuts were nice, but I didn’t scoop much out till they were at the bottom. By that point I was all peanut’d out.

    The empanada on the other hand. The outside was crunchy, the everything topping was delectable with the perfect proportion of seasoning, and the savory filling was the icing on the cake. The tomato bacon jam was light, but complex. Don’t get me wrong I like tomatoes, but I wouldn’t expect it to shine as the star of the show like it did. The tomato was the last thing on my tongue after the flavors of each bite evaporated, and that left me craving another. The bacon notes weren’t as apparent, but it didn’t need to be.

    The restrooms deserve a shoutout. They were extremely clean and well decorated with tons of wall art. The lit candle is what sealed the deal on the special mention.

    Overall it was an ok drink that is hurt by the pricing and a delicious pastry. The baristas and staff are friendly and happy to help with any questions. As a cafe I have to factor in the drink more, but the empanada was a huge win and a reason for me to come back.

    Rating: 558/1000

  • Twotone Coffee Shop

    Twotone Coffee Shop

    In an unassuming shopping strip lies the coffee shop known as twotone. The door looks locked and it’s impossible to see in through the blocked out windows. I’ve never heard of this place till recently, but the google reviews paint a trendy, hip oasis. Upon entering, the vision came to life. It’s a tiny box room with chill hip hop playing, minimal yet trendy design, and a young crowd. There was one guy taking orders and three baristas behind him churning out drinks. 

    I went with the Jade which is an iced pandan foam latte. The total before tip was $8, so on the high end for a coffee. There wasn’t a lot of room and it was a little awkward finding a spot to wait with the little room in there. That said, the wait was only around 5 minutes. I would have liked to enjoy the drink there, but with no seating space I got my drink and left.

    The drink looks amazing with the beautiful light green foam dominating the bottom layer of coffee. To top it off there is a line of brown sugar on the foam. The cup also has an open lid with a straw handed to me, but not just any straws. One of those straws meant for boba with the pointy end. I may have to look over the menu again because I don’t see why a normal straw wouldn’t suffice for these coffee drinks. I assume the main purpose of the straw in this case is to just mix the foam in anyways. 

    To be honest I am not all that familiar with pandan. My first sip was unmixed and therefore completely foam. It tastes very matcha-ie with a small hint of caramel. The flavor is very unique and it’s an interesting compliment to my mixed drink follow up sips. The bitterness of the coffee and sweetness of the foam have a ying and yangness to them. 

    It was a fun drink to order and would look great on the gram. The taste is unique and fun. Does it have me coming back for more sips… not really. To me it’s a novelty drink that’s drinkable and enjoyable for what it is, but I don’t want a full cup of it. For $9 total after tip, not a place I’d frequent simply for the coffee. 

    Rating: 548/1000