Top Three Coffee Shops in a One Mile Radius of UST

Jesús Ramos - The Summa

As Christmas approaches and the temperatures slowly drop, what better way is there to spend your Tuesday nights but at a cozy coffee shop with a good friend or a good book? Whether you’re looking to spend time with friends or trying to act cool while spending time with your studies, Montrose has a coffee shop for you. I checked out several shops around UST, and I will guide you through my top three favorites, and end with the best location for you to take your friends, family or your date.

First stop: Agora. Located on Westheimer, Agora is about four minutes from the university by car. Warning, they have very few parking spaces. I went at non-peak hours, and I still had to illegally park in a no park zone. If you’re not used to parking in tight spots, you may want to avoid Agora. Once you get into Agora, however, things change. This Greek themed coffee house has two levels, and serves coffee, various drinks, and desserts. It seems Agora is very popular; upon my arrival, no regular tables were available. The only open tables were low coffee tables that made placing my drink down awkward. Out of all the shops I visited, Agora was the most crowded, but the staff still managed to whip up my drink quickly. Open every day till 2:00 a.m., it’s easy to let the hours pass in this charming and quaint café.

Final Verdict: If you’re a pro at finding a parking space and a pro at finding a table then you will definitely enjoy Agora’s unique Greek vibe and quality coffee.

Next stop: Blacksmith. Also located on Westheimer, Blacksmith is just a few minutes from the university. The shop is easy to find, has sufficient parking, and has a friendly staff.  Watch out though, Blacksmith closes every day at 5:00 pm. Sorry guys, no late night coffee runs here. However, they more than make up for it with their impressive menu. Blacksmith serves several variations of coffee, tea, breakfast plates, and lunch dishes. During my visit, I sampled their espresso; it was very robust and I could taste the quality in every sip. If you’re into espresso, then definitely try it here at Blacksmith, but if you’re searching for something that won’t knock your socks off consider their hot cocoa. It’s smooth, and makes you feel all warm inside. As I was enjoying my drinks, I noticed that the small interior is decorated in a traditional brick coffee house style with rustic wooden tables. While a bit cramped, the shop does give you a cozy feeling while you’re sipping on your fantastic cup of joe. Also, if you would rather be outside, there is the option to sit on the benches adjacent to the shop.

Final Verdict: Blacksmith is a convenient, cozy coffee shop that serves excellent coffee and treats; if you don’t drink coffee after 5:00 p.m., and aren’t claustrophobic, this is the coffee shop for you.

Last stop: My favorite shop, Inversion, is located on Montrose Blvd and is only about five minutes from the university by car. With a name like that, you may be thinking that I took a detour to a night club and not a coffee house. The name, however, is indicative of the young and artsy vibe the shop possesses. Large windows loom around the shop allowing natural sunlight to enter and allowing you to see outside. These windows and the high ceiling give the illusion that the shop is very spacious and grand. I could easily imagine myself falling asleep over homework while in the Blacksmith Coffee house, but not at Inversion. The atmosphere at Inversion is modern, trendy, and cool. In addition, plugs for your laptop or phone are readily available, and they offer free Wi-Fi. Inversion only sells coffee, teas, and treats. No need to worry, though, if its food you desire, they do have a food truck parked outside. During my visit, I had a vanilla latte with soy. It was very delicious and I literally couldn’t put my cup down… it was so good. The staff member who made my drink was very friendly, and he completed my order promptly.

Jesús Ramos - The Summa

Final Verdict: If you’re not hungry, but want a nice cup of coffee and a modern atmosphere to drink it in then Inversion is your coffee shop. Remember they are open till 10:00 p.m. every day of the week.

At UST, we find ourselves located in the diverse cultural hub of Montrose. You owe it to yourself to explore and experience this interesting part of Houston. With your newfound knowledge of the local coffee shops, you are now ready to go on your own coffee shop adventures. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends, your books or your date and go drink some coffee!