There are few things in this world so distinctly hipster as the coffeeshop. Those venti, half-and-half-double-caffeine-soy-lattes are as ubiquitous as the burger joint nowadays, giving everyone a great place to go when there isn’t really anywhere to go. Want to get friends together? Find a shop halfway between all of you. Need to ask someone out? Go have a cup of coffee together. Just bought a new laptop? We all know what that thing was born for.
Considering how massive Houston is, it’s impossible to highlight all the great little places around the city. The My Houston Life crew went around and highlighted a few of the places that seem exceptional or unique or just flat out delicious. After the break, check out the MHL hand-picked spots, doing our damndest to help out the mom-and-pop shops that Houston houses. Because who are we, if not fanatics of the local grown talent and triumphs?
Maybe you've heard of it?
Starbucks
Westheimer & Post Oak Blvd
2521 Post Oak Blvd
Damn it!
Well, in all fairness, this particular Starbucks is one of a very small percentage. Basically, this one location is open almost 24 hours, closing from 3 AM to 5 AM. And those hours are used – believe it or not, this location typically has a line out the door well after midnight! It’s the coffeeshop for the Houston nightlife, those people who want to go out without actually going out. The place is spacious, has plenty of parking after hours, easy access to electrical outlets and ethernet ports. Aside from all that, yo, it’s a Starbucks; your grande caramel macchiato is the same you know and love.
With a "Z"
Coffee Groundz
2503 Bagby St
This little locale sits right in the heart of midtown, amidst the bars and restaurants that dot the outskirts of downtown. And this place has spirit; or, rather, spirits. Aside from the usual coffee choices, this place serves up cocktails – perfect when some of you want to hit a bar while everyone else just wants to take it easy. The atmosphere is very easy going; the music isn’t intrusive at all, and the patio area is well lit and spacious enough to allow private conversation. The staff is very friendly, making this an easy place to lose track of time in.
Parking in the back!
Agora
1712 Westheimer Rd
This gem in the Montrose area is a must visit location if only for its motif – the entire place is decked out in a Greek style that makes this place feel unique and almost scholarly. 
However, make no mistake; this is more bar than coffeeshop, where you’re just as likely to order a beer or another glass of wine as you are a cup of coffee, and it has the cramped crowds and music volume to suit. This all leads to a very unfriendly for working/studying atmosphere. Well, that and the bellydancers.
Oh yeah, this place has bellydancers! Every Wednesday night around 10:00 PM, a few of the girls put on a show for the crowd. It’s very unique and defintely has to be seen at least once…not to mention, it’s pretty hot.
Without the "Z"
Brasil
Westheimer & Dunlavy
2604 Dunlavy St
Across the street from Agora, Brasil might be more of what you studiers or conversationalists are looking for. The atmosphere is far more subdued than Agora’s, but the taste is not – the concoctions here are flat out delicious. The place also serves up a full menu that offers plenty of choices for your palate, from sandwiches to pizza to pastas to deserts, making this a great place to grab a meal along with your drink. This location has a whole lot of seating – two different patios and a big floor for performers, so you probably won’t have any problems in seating your party. If you can’t get everyone to decide on a place, try this one-stop shop.
Steaks, Shakes, and Pancakes
The Dot Coffee Shop
Gulf Fwy & Woodridge
7006 Gulf Fwy
Make no mistake, this place is a diner – and a damn good one. But don’t think that the words “coffee shop” aren’t merited by this establishment’s name; though it may only offer options for normal or decaf, the cup you’ll be served is almost guaranteed to be great, even to this blogger’s picky coffee tastes. And if you’re hungry, you’ll find this place to be your best bet. You’ll find food here, and you’ll find a lot – the portions are massive, and you’re almost sure to have some leftovers for the next day – or even later that very same day, since this place is open all 24 hours of any given day. You have the standard diner fare here, from breakfasts to burgers and anything a good dive would have, and the place is reasonably priced. If you night owls are looking for a clean, well-lit place after after after hours, this is what you’ve been looking for.
Hope you make it a point to try all these places out, and maybe the MHL crew has given you a few responses to the question “where do you wanna go?” Did we miss your favorite spot? Tell us how wrong we are, call us names, and drop us a comment telling us where we should go. We’ll make it a point to hit it.
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