The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards spotlight leaders within the culinary business inside particular classes — however yearly, CultureMap’s editors add a twist with the introduction of a wildcard. For 2025, the twist is Greatest Espresso Store.
In a metropolis the place every neighborhood has its personal taste, these espresso spots provide greater than only a caffeine repair. The vary of espresso outlets highlighted makes use of science, sustainability, and craftsmanship to create constantly scrumptious sips. As well as, lots of them take their meals choices as critically as their drinks, with award-winning bites which have earned nationwide recognition.
From neighborhood cafés which have redefined the artwork of brewing to vibrant group hubs that double as assembly spots, our picks showcase the perfect of town’s espresso scene whereas providing a style of Houston’s vibrant tradition.
Discover out which store rises about the remainder at our Tastemaker Awards ceremony April 3 at Silver Road Studios. Dine on bites from this 12 months’s nominees, sip cocktails from our sponsors, and witness as we reveal the winners. Purchase your tickets now earlier than they promote out.
Blacksmith
Since opening its first Montrose location in 2012, Blacksmith has carved out a popularity for its artisanal brews and being a favourite of Houston hospitality staff, who frequent the store earlier than heading to their jobs at a few of the metropolis’s greatest eating places. Patrons take pleasure in expertly brewed coffees crafted from beans sourced at Blacksmith’s affiliated Greenway Espresso roastery, enriched with hand-crafted syrups and house-made almond milk. Blacksmith’s second location, not too long ago unveiled within the Memorial Metropolis space, showcases the identical dedication. To not point out, pastry chef Christina Au snagged Pastry Chef of the 12 months on the 2022 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards.
BlendIn Espresso Membership
Espresso is a science at BlendIn; in any case, proprietor Weihong Zhang has a Ph.D. in biochemistry. The espresso store goals to be a “tree-to-cup professional,” in that they’ll hint every bean again to its origin earlier than being freshly roasted in-store. With two areas — one in Sugar Land and one other on Allen Parkway — the membership provides every thing from nitro chilly brew to single-origin espresso and suave pour-overs, all served in vivid, fashionable area that displays the store’s meticulous strategies.
Brass Tacks
Brass Tacks isn’t only a espresso store — it’s a vibrant hub that blends a café, bar, lounge, boardroom, and occasion area below one expansive roof. Whether or not you’re after a wealthy French press or a lavender latte, there’s a seating choice for each temper — from plush couches and intimate cubicles to expansive group tables and cushty nooks. With a menu starting from indulgent Nutella crepes and hearty breakfast tacos to a strong Cuban sandwich, it’s the perfect spot for an informal catch-up or a fast break between conferences in EaDo or downtown.
Catalina Espresso
Moving into Catalina Espresso is like taking a nostalgic journey again to a less complicated time, which displays the store’s standing as one in all Houston’s oldest “Third Wave” espresso outlets. With an emphasis on consistency and high quality, this laid-back spot ditches the distractions — there isn’t a Wi-Fi or retailers right here — inviting patrons to savor the second or at the very least maintain a dialog. Uncovered brick partitions and the artwork (out there for buy) hanging on them lend a classic allure to the area.
Koffeteria
For individuals who recognize a facet of candy (or savory) with their espresso, Koffeteria is the vacation spot. Coming quickly to Spring Department, its menu includes a artistic mixture of candy and savory breads that honor Houston’s immigrant culinary traditions. Signature gadgets like the meat pho kolache and pistachio baklava croissant have a good time each native and Cambodian influences and pair properly with coffees just 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 is named for the legendary knock out punch within the Road Fighter online game sequence. Chef-owner Vanarin Kuch’s accolades embody a Pastry Chef of the 12 months win on the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, two James Beard Award semifinalist nods, and a spot on the New York Instances record of America’s greatest bakeries.
Slowpokes
Slowpokes has carved out a loyal fanbase with its enjoyable and eclectic idea. It focuses on espresso, beer, and wine, every represented by lovable mascots (a sloth for espresso, a turtle for beer, and a snail for wine). Alongside a menu that includes every thing from a breakfast bagel with crispy bacon and spinach to a prosciutto and fig flatbread, rotating espresso specials and collaborations with native distributors preserve the expertise recent — serving to the model develop to 6 areas throughout the Houston space.
Tenfold Espresso
Espresso schooling meets beautiful brews at Tenfold Espresso. Proprietor Jacob Ibarra has traveled the globe studying about espresso, and he has introduced that data again to his hometown. With two areas (plus its espresso served in different native outlets), you’ll be able to catch a refreshing chilly brew or an expertly crafted espresso drink and even watch the roasting course of in motion at their soon-to-open roastery. Tenfold focuses its sourcing on seven key origins, together with Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Colombia, making certain that each cup tells a narrative of origin and experience.
Un Caffè
For individuals who recognize the artwork of coffee-making as a efficiency, Un Caffè in Midtown delivers a front-row expertise. Founder Soonkack Kook provides a private contact, greeting every visitor and sometimes shocking them with a particular drink. Highlights embody the favored Einspänner, a beloved Korean espresso drink. Kook pays homage to the birthplace of espresso, Italy, by the store’s colourful decor and dedication to darkish roasting.
Xela Espresso Roasters
Founders Benji Aguilar and Kaitlin O’Brien supply direct-trade coffees and brew them into handcrafted drinks at this Second Ward roastery and occasional store. The labels wrapped across the drinks boast designs by Benji, including a private contact. Xela’s pre-made espresso items, served in handy and quirky chilly medication bottles, are excellent for having fun with straight away of their outdoor-only seating space or taking residence to be savored later.
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The Tastemaker Awards program is delivered to you by Stella Artois, Topo Chico Glowing Mineral Water, PicMe Occasions, and extra to be introduced. A portion of proceeds will profit our nonprofit associate, the Southern Smoke Basis.
