Houston, Texas, is known for its vibrant food scene, and its coffee culture is no exception. From local roasters to specialty coffee shops, Houston has an incredible selection of coffee beans that cater to both casual drinkers and serious connoisseurs. Whether you’re looking for single-origin beans, organic blends, or locally roasted coffee, this guide will help you discover the best coffee beans in Houston.
Why Buy Local Coffee Beans in Houston?
Buying locally roasted coffee has several advantages:
- Freshness – Local roasters often source beans directly and roast them in small batches, ensuring peak freshness.
- Quality – Many Houston roasters focus on high-quality, specialty-grade beans.
- Supporting Small Businesses – Purchasing from local coffee shops and roasters supports the city’s economy and coffee community.
- Sustainability – Many Houston roasters emphasize ethical sourcing, helping farmers get fair prices for their beans.
If you’re looking to upgrade your coffee game, here are the top Houston roasters and the best coffee beans they offer.
1. Boomtown Coffee
Location: Heights & Downtown
Best Beans: Velvet Espresso & Ecuador Loja
Boomtown Coffee is a staple in Houston’s coffee scene, known for its expert roasting and high-quality beans. Their Velvet Espresso blend is a fan favorite, offering a smooth yet bold taste with chocolate and caramel notes. If you prefer single-origin coffee, their Ecuador Loja beans feature bright acidity and fruity undertones.
🔹 Best for: Espresso lovers and those who enjoy balanced, complex flavors.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Chocolate, caramel, citrus, and berry notes.
2. Greenway Coffee
Location: Greenway Plaza
Best Beans: El Salvador Finca & Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
Greenway Coffee is widely regarded as one of Houston’s premier roasters. They source high-quality beans and have a meticulous roasting process that brings out the best flavors. Their El Salvador Finca beans deliver a rich, chocolatey body with nutty undertones, while their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers floral and fruity complexity.
🔹 Best for: Pour-over and drip coffee lovers.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Chocolate, nuts, floral, citrus, and tropical fruit.
3. Amaya Roasting Co.
Location: Houston, TX
Best Beans: Costa Rica La Pastora & Guatemala Huehuetenango
Amaya Roasting Co. is well-respected for its commitment to ethical sourcing and high-quality roasting. Their Costa Rica La Pastora beans deliver a balanced sweetness with citrus and caramel flavors, while the Guatemala Huehuetenango boasts a nutty and chocolatey profile.
🔹 Best for: Espresso and French press coffee.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Caramel, citrus, chocolate, and nutty notes.
4. Katz Coffee
Location: Heights
Best Beans: Bayou Blend & Moonlight Blend
Katz Coffee is known for crafting unique blends tailored to Houston’s diverse palate. Their Bayou Blend is a dark roast with smoky undertones, while the Moonlight Blend is a medium roast with a sweet and smooth finish.
🔹 Best for: Dark roast enthusiasts and those who love bold flavors.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Smoky, chocolate, caramel, and nutty.
5. Java Pura Coffee Roasters
Location: West University
Best Beans: Sumatra Mandheling & Colombia Supremo
Java Pura is a favorite among Houston coffee lovers for its rich, full-bodied roasts. The Sumatra Mandheling offers earthy and herbal flavors, while the Colombia Supremo provides a smooth and slightly fruity profile.
🔹 Best for: Drip coffee and French press brewing.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Earthy, chocolate, spice, and berry.
6. A 2nd Cup
Location: Heights
Best Beans: Rwanda Kanzu & Guatemala Huehuetenango
A 2nd Cup is a non-profit coffee shop and roaster committed to fighting human trafficking. Their Rwanda Kanzu beans provide a bright, citrusy profile, while the Guatemala Huehuetenango offers a rich and nutty flavor.
🔹 Best for: Ethical coffee buyers and pour-over enthusiasts.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Citrus, floral, nutty, and chocolate.
7. Tenfold Coffee
Location: Heights
Best Beans: Ethiopia Guji & Honduras El Cielito
Tenfold Coffee focuses on single-origin, ethically sourced beans. Their Ethiopia Guji is a favorite among light roast lovers, offering delicate floral and fruit notes. The Honduras El Cielito is a well-rounded medium roast with caramel and nutty flavors.
🔹 Best for: Specialty coffee drinkers and light roast lovers.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Floral, berry, caramel, and nuts.
8. Luce Coffee Roasters
Location: Cypress, TX
Best Beans: Mexico Chiapas & Guatemala Antigua
Luce Coffee Roasters, located just outside Houston, is gaining recognition for their expertly roasted beans. Their Mexico Chiapas has a smooth, chocolatey taste with hints of spice, while the Guatemala Antigua offers a well-balanced, slightly fruity finish.
🔹 Best for: Espresso and manual brew methods.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Chocolate, spice, citrus, and nuts.
9. Xela Coffee Roasters
Location: Spring Branch
Best Beans: Ethiopian Sidamo & Colombian Tolima
Xela Coffee Roasters prides itself on sustainable and organic coffee sourcing. Their Ethiopian Sidamo beans have floral and citrusy notes, while their Colombian Tolima delivers a smooth caramel sweetness.
🔹 Best for: Aeropress and pour-over brewing.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Floral, citrus, caramel, and berry.
10. Three Keys Coffee
Location: East Downtown
Best Beans: Blue Note Espresso & Ethiopia Misty Valley
Three Keys Coffee combines art, music, and specialty coffee in a unique way. Their Blue Note Espresso blend is a must-try for espresso lovers, while their Ethiopia Misty Valley single-origin beans bring vibrant fruit and floral flavors.
🔹 Best for: Jazz lovers and coffee experimenters.
🔹 Tasting Notes: Berry, floral, caramel, and chocolate.
How to Choose the Right Coffee Beans for You
Here are some tips to help you pick the best beans:
- Flavor Profile: Do you prefer nutty, chocolatey, fruity, or floral flavors?
- Roast Level: Light roasts are more acidic and complex, while dark roasts are bolder and smokier.
- Brewing Method: Some beans work best with espresso, while others shine in drip coffee or French press.
- Freshness: Always check the roast date. The fresher, the better!
Final Thoughts
Houston is home to a thriving coffee scene, with roasters dedicated to quality and sustainability. Whether you love bold dark roasts, fruity light roasts, or balanced medium roasts, there’s something for every coffee lover in Houston.
If you’re looking for the best all-around coffee beans, Boomtown Coffee’s Velvet Espresso or Greenway Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe are excellent choices. For those who love supporting ethical causes, A 2nd Cup offers great coffee with a mission.
No matter what your preference, Houston’s coffee roasters provide a variety of beans to explore and enjoy. So grab a bag, grind your beans fresh, and savor every sip! ☕
