Best Cafes on Washington Avenue, Houston
Washington Avenue, in the Washington Avenue Coalition/Memorial Park area, is a hotspot for dining, nightlife, and exceptional coffee. Its proximity to Downtown Houston and The Heights makes it ideal for coffee and matcha lovers like me! Not only do these cafes have quality roasts, and locally sourced beans, they also offer delicious pastries, bread, sweets, and quiet atmospheres. I love exploring cafes in Washington as they perfect for work, socializing, or a quick coffee run.
Below, we explore the top cafes in Houston’s Washington Avenue scene, best for your coffee cravings.
1. Catalina Coffee: A Washington Avenue Classic
Location: 2201 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Vibe: Cozy and minimalist, with indoor/outdoor seating, ideal for remote work or casual meetups.
Why It’s Top-Rated: A cornerstone of Houston coffee shops, Catalina Coffee is renowned for its expertly brewed coffee and house-made pastries. Sourcing beans from top roasters, it’s a favorite for pour-over enthusiasts and latte lovers.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Caramel Latte: $5.25, creamy with balanced sweetness.
Pour-Over Coffee: $4–$6, showcases single-origin beans.
House-Made Croissant: $3.75, flaky and buttery.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Espresso ($3.25), Cappuccino ($4.25), Cold Brew ($4.75), Chai Latte ($5).
Food: Muffins ($3.50), Scones ($3.75), Breakfast Tacos ($4.50).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.25–$6.
Food: $3.50–$4.50.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.5/5, 1,200+ reviews, 2025): “Catalina’s caramel latte is perfection, and the pour-over is top-notch. Cozy but seating is tight.” Fans love the croissants but note parking challenges.
Reddit (r/HoustonFood, 2025): “Catalina’s espresso is smooth, and the patio is great for sunny days. Best coffee on Washington Ave.”
Reservations & Contact:
Website: catalinacoffeeshop.com
Phone: (713) 861-8448
Hours: Mon–Sun 6:30 AM–7:00 PM
Pro Tip: Arrive early for outdoor seating. Order online for quick pickup during busy mornings.
2. Blue Tile Coffee: Artisan Brews with Community Focus
Location: 3663 Washington Ave, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77007
Vibe: Modern and welcoming, with locally roasted beans and ample seating for work or socializing.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Blue Tile Coffee is celebrated for its superb espresso drinks and community-driven ethos. Its sleek design and focus on local roasters make it a top pick for Washington Ave cafes.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Cortado: $4.75, bold and balanced.
Seasonal Latte: $5.50, rotates flavors like lavender.
Blueberry Muffin: $4, freshly baked.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Drip Coffee ($3.25), Latte ($5), Nitro Cold Brew ($5.75), Matcha Latte ($5.50).
Food: Bagels ($4), Pastries ($3.50–$4.50), Avocado Toast ($6.50).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.25–$5.75.
Food: $3.50–$6.50.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.6/5, 300+ reviews, 2025): “Blue Tile’s cortado is flawless, and the avocado toast is fresh. Spacious and chill.” Some note occasional Wi-Fi issues.
Houston Food Finder (2025): Praises the seasonal latte for its innovative flavors.
Reservations & Contact:
Website: bluetilecoffee.com
Hours: Mon–Sat 6:00 AM–6:30 PM, Sun 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Pro Tip: Follow their Instagram for seasonal drink specials. Great for laptop work sessions.
3. La Vita Coffee: Italian Charm with New York-Style Bagels
Location: 3730 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Vibe: Warm, European-inspired coffee shop with a cozy patio, perfect for a quick coffee or leisurely breakfast.
Why It’s Top-Rated: La Vita Coffee prides itself on authentic Italian coffee and New York-style bagels, alongside organic smoothies and teas. Its Italian flair and bagel focus make it a unique gem among Houston coffee shops.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Espresso Macchiato: $3.75, rich and frothy.
Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese: $4.50, chewy and authentic.
Mango Smoothie: $6.50, organic and refreshing.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Americano ($4.25), Cappuccino ($4.95), Latte ($4.95), Chai Latte ($5.95), Mochaccino ($5.75).
Food: New York Bagels (Plain, Everything, Sesame, $3.50–$4.50), Bagel with Lox ($8.50), Italian Pastries ($4), Breakfast Panini ($7.50).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.75–$6.50.
Food: $3.50–$8.50.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.4/5, 200+ reviews, 2025): “La Vita’s everything bagel is legit New York-style, and the macchiato is spot-on. Love the patio.” Some mention limited parking.
Reddit (r/houston, 2025): “La Vita’s bagels with lox are a game-changer for Washington Ave. Smoothies are super fresh.”
Facebook (2025): Highlights the New York bagels as a standout, paired with Italian coffee.
Reservations & Contact:
Website: washingtonpatio.com
Phone: (713) 864-0000 Ext. 1001
Hours: Mon–Sun 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
Parking: Side lot by blue container; overflow at Porch Swing Pub.
Pro Tip: Try the bagel with lox for a hearty breakfast. Park at Porch Swing Pub’s overflow lot if needed.
4. The Coffee House at West End: A Multi-Level Coffee Haven
Location: 802 Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007 (just off Washington Ave)
Vibe: Unique three-story coffee shop with rooftop seating, ideal for groups or Instagram-worthy coffee dates.
Why It’s Top-Rated: The Coffee House at West End stands out for its expansive layout and rooftop views, offering classic coffee drinks and creative pastries. Its proximity to Washington Avenue makes it a local favorite.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Vanilla Latte: $5.25, sweet and creamy.
Cold Brew: $4.75, smooth and bold.
Almond Scone: $3.75, perfect with coffee.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Flat White ($4.75), Iced Mocha ($5.50), Tea Lattes ($4.50).
Food: Cookies ($3.25), Breakfast Sandwiches ($6.50), Pastries ($3.50–$4.50).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.25–$5.50.
Food: $3.25–$6.50.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.5/5, 400+ reviews, 2025): “The vanilla latte is amazing, and the rooftop is a vibe. Great Houston coffee spot.” Crowds noted on weekends.
Instagram (@thecoffeehousehtx, 2025): Showcases the cold brew and rooftop for photo-worthy appeal.
Reservations & Contact:
Website: www.thecoffeehousehtx.com
Instagram: @thecoffeehousehtx for updates
Hours: Mon–Sun 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Pro Tip: Visit the rooftop for sunset views. Arrive early on weekends to snag a table.
5. Café Forth: Specialty Coffee with a Modern Twist
Location: 1731 Yale St, Houston, TX 77007 (near Washington Ave)
Vibe: Sleek and modern, with a focus on specialty coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for coffee aficionados.
Why It’s Top-Rated: Café Forth is known for its artisanal coffee and minimalist design, making it a hotspot for high-quality brews and quiet work sessions near Washington Avenue.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Nitro Cold Brew: $5.50, velvety and refreshing.
Matcha Latte: $5.25, vibrant and frothy.
Banana Bread: $4.25, moist and flavorful.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Espresso ($3.50), Cortado ($4.50), Iced Latte ($5.25), Herbal Tea ($3.75).
Food: Pastries ($3.50–$4.50), Breakfast Tacos ($5.50), Yogurt Parfaits ($6.50).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.50–$5.50.
Food: $3.50–$6.50.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.5/5, 250+ reviews, 2025): “Café Forth’s nitro cold brew is unreal, and the banana bread is a must. Quiet and cozy.” Less crowded than others.
Reddit (r/HoustonFood, 2025): “Café Forth’s matcha latte is the best near Washington Ave. Perfect for studying.”
Reservations & Contact:
Website: www.cafeforth.com
Hours: Mon–Sun 6:30 AM–6:00 PM
Pro Tip: Try the nitro cold brew for a smooth caffeine kick. Ideal for early morning visits.
6. BHBG Coffee: Cozy Vibes with Creative Drinks
Location: 3903 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Vibe: Cozy and warm, with a modern interior, perfect for coffee dates or casual hangs.
Why It’s Top-Rated: BHBG Coffee is a newer gem among Washington Ave cafes, known for its creative coffee drinks and delectable treats. Its inviting atmosphere and extended hours (until 10:00 PM) make it ideal for day or night visits.
Must-Try Drinks & Eats:
Honey Lavender Latte: $5.50, floral and sweet.
Drip Coffee: $3.50, robust and smooth.
Chocolate Croissant: $4, rich and flaky.
Menu Highlights View Menu:
Drinks: Espresso ($3.50), Cappuccino ($4.50), Iced Coffee ($4.75), Seasonal Latte ($5.50).
Food: Pastries ($3.50–$4.50), Muffins ($3.75), Breakfast Sandwiches ($6).
Price Range:
Drinks: $3.50–$5.50.
Food: $3.50–$6.
Customer Reviews & Favorites:
Yelp (4.3/5, 150+ reviews, 2025): “BHBG’s honey lavender latte is a game-changer. Cozy vibes, but service can be slow.” Diners love the chocolate croissant.
Reddit (r/houston, 2025): “BHBG’s iced coffee is solid, and the late hours are clutch for Washington Ave.”
Reservations & Contact:
Website: bhbg-coffee.restaurants-world.com
Phone: (346) 519-0199
Hours: Mon–Sun 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening for a quieter vibe. Try the honey lavender latte for a unique twist.
Why Visit Washington Avenue Cafes?
Washington Avenue’s coffee scene is a blend of quality, creativity, and community. Catalina Coffee offers classic brews, Blue Tile Coffee emphasizes local roasts, La Vita Coffee shines with New York-style bagels, The Coffee House at West End wows with its rooftop, Café Forth caters to specialty coffee fans, and BHBG Coffee adds cozy, late-night charm. Espresso lover, matcha fan in need of a good workspace or just a quiet vibe? These cafes are worth a visit!
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Enjoy the best cafes on Washington Avenue, Houston! Which coffee spot will you visit first?
Note: Prices and menu may change. For accurate and up to date selection, contact the cafes directly with the details listed above.