When people think of Texas, coffee may not be the first thing that comes to mind—but the state has quietly built one of the most vibrant coffee cultures in the U.S. From bustling city cafés to hidden neighborhood gems, you’ll find spots where the coffee is roasted with care, the pastries are baked fresh daily, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay a little longer. Here are 10 of the best coffee shops in Texas for 2025—perfect whether you’re a serious coffee lover or just looking for a cozy corner to sip and relax.
1. Merit Coffee – San Antonio, Austin, Dallas
Merit Coffee has become a Texas success story. What started in San Antonio is now a chain of more than a dozen locations across the state, but it still feels like a neighborhood café wherever you go.
What to try: Their cappuccino is perfectly balanced—smooth, rich, and not too heavy on the foam. Seasonal drinks, like their cinnamon cortado in winter or a honey lavender iced latte in summer, keep the menu fresh.
Atmosphere: Clean, bright, and modern. Their cafés are designed for comfort, whether you’re catching up with friends or working remotely.
Why it stands out: Merit roasts their beans locally in San Antonio, so every cup is consistent and high-quality.
- Explore locations here: Merit Coffee
2. FIX Coffeebar – Houston (Montrose)
FIX is one of those neighborhood cafés where you immediately feel at home. Set in the eclectic Montrose district, it’s both hip and welcoming.
What to try: The Honey Lavender Latte is their signature, but if you’re more of a purist, the nitro cold brew is smooth, chocolatey, and refreshing.
Atmosphere: The vibe is laid-back and artsy—think plenty of sunlight, cozy tables, and locals hanging out with books or laptops.
Pro tip: The space is small, so weekday mornings are your best bet if you’re looking for a quiet moment. Weekends can get busy.
3. Tenfold Coffee – Houston (The Heights)
Tenfold is a dream spot for true coffee nerds. They take pride in sourcing beans directly from farmers and roasting them on-site.
What to try: Their pour-over menu rotates regularly, so ask the barista what’s new—they’re always excited to recommend a unique origin. The espresso tonic is a refreshing pick-me-up on hot Texas afternoons.
Atmosphere: Modern, open, and airy. With its tall ceilings and natural light, the café feels calm and inviting.
Community vibe: They often host public cuppings and coffee education events, making it a place where you can both drink and learn about coffee.
- Visit: Tenfold Coffee
4. Merit’s Sister Rival – Local Coffee Founders (San Antonio)
While Merit has grown, the city of San Antonio is still full of independent shops worth visiting. Local Coffee Founders is one of them—started by the same team that launched Merit but focused on keeping things rooted in community.
What to try: The cortado here has a loyal following, and their matcha lattes are also excellent if you want something different.
Atmosphere: A mix of rustic and industrial design, with lots of seating and a lively crowd of students, freelancers, and families.
Why visit: If you want a more “local-first” feel with strong ties to San Antonio’s culture, this is a must-stop.
5. NoFi Slow Bar – San Antonio
NoFi (short for No Filter) Slow Bar is one of the most unique coffee spots in Texas. Unlike most cafés, it’s designed as a space for intentional, slow coffee experiences.
What to try: Their marshmallow cortado has become a signature drink, along with single-origin espressos sourced from Guatemala and Colombia.
Atmosphere: Cozy, sunlit, and personal—you sit at the bar and chat directly with the barista as your coffee is prepared. It feels more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than a commercial café.
Why it’s special: In a world of fast coffee, NoFi slows things down. Each cup is brewed with patience, and the conversation is part of the experience.
6. Baked & Wired – Austin
Baked & Wired is a local gem in Austin’s South Congress neighborhood. Unlike a typical café, it combines incredible coffee with some of the best pastries in the city.
What to try: Their mocha latte paired with a signature “Big Chocolate Chip Cookie” is a must. They also rotate seasonal espresso drinks.
Atmosphere: Fun, quirky, and colorful with a casual vibe. Perfect for people-watching or catching up on work.
Extra: The bakery line can get long on weekends, so early mornings are ideal.
- More info: Baked & Wired
7. Houndstooth Coffee – Dallas & Austin
Houndstooth Coffee is a Texas favorite, known for precision brewing and high-quality beans sourced from around the world.
What to try: Their signature pour-over and nitro cold brew are consistently excellent. Seasonal drinks like lavender latte or chai latte are also worth trying.
Atmosphere: Minimalist and modern with plenty of natural light. Comfortable for solo visits or casual meetings.
Extra: They often host coffee tastings and brewing workshops—great for enthusiasts who want to learn more.
- Visit: Houndstooth Coffee
8. Summer Moon Coffee – Austin & Houston
Summer Moon is famous for its Moon Milk, a sweet, creamy addition to any coffee that has a loyal following. They specialize in wood-fired coffee roasting, which gives their drinks a signature flavor.
What to try: Moon Milk Latte or their classic cappuccino.
Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming, perfect for meeting friends or enjoying a slow morning.
Extra: Many locations have outdoor seating, ideal for sunny Texas days.
- More info: Summer Moon Coffee
9. Epoch Coffee – Austin
Epoch Coffee is a laid-back café that appeals to both coffee lovers and students. It’s a chain, but each location keeps a cozy, neighborhood feel.
What to try: Iced lattes, classic drip coffee, and the seasonal pumpkin spice latte are popular picks.
Atmosphere: Spacious with indoor and outdoor seating, often buzzing with locals and students.
Extra: Free Wi-Fi and plug points make it a great spot to work or study.
- Learn more: Epoch Coffee
10. Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors – Dallas
Figure 8 focuses on carefully sourced beans and small-batch roasting. It’s one of Dallas’s best-kept coffee secrets.
What to try: Their flat white is creamy yet bold, and rotating single-origin pour-overs give you a taste of the world in every cup.
Atmosphere: Minimalist, chic, and quiet—a great place to slow down or have a meaningful conversation.
Extra: Friendly staff who love explaining brewing methods and bean origins.
Final Thoughts (Expanded)
Texas is full of coffee culture waiting to be explored. From the bustling streets of Houston and Dallas to the laid-back neighborhoods of Austin and San Antonio, there’s a café for every mood, taste, and occasion. Whether you’re chasing the perfect nitro cold brew, savoring a seasonal latte, or just looking for a cozy corner to work or relax, these ten coffee shops represent the best of what the Lone Star State has to offer in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best coffee shop in Texas in 2025?
A: It depends on your taste, but Merit Coffee (San Antonio/Austin/Dallas) and FIX Coffeebar (Houston) are top favorites for quality and atmosphere.
Q2: Are these coffee shops good for working or studying?
A: Yes! Epoch Coffee (Austin) and Tenfold Coffee (Houston) are especially known for quiet spaces, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
Q3: Do these cafés offer specialty drinks or seasonal options?
A: Absolutely. Most cafés like Summer Moon Coffee and Houndstooth Coffee rotate seasonal drinks and feature unique creations like Moon Milk Lattes or Honey Lavender Lattes.
Q4: Can I buy their coffee beans online?
A: Yes! Many, including Merit Coffee and Figure 8 Coffee, sell beans online for home brewing.
Q5: What’s the best time to visit these coffee shops?
A: Weekday mornings are usually quieter, while weekends can get busy, especially at popular locations like Baked & Wired (Austin) or FIX Coffeebar (Houston).
