To explore the San Antonio area’s local coffee shops and trucks, start here

Call it what you will: coffee, java, a cup of joe — it’s the hot brown liquid that makes the world go ’round. As with all big cities, San Antonio’s numerous cafes have drinks and munchies that make them unique.

As a coffee lover, I have made it my business to try to visit as many of those cafes and taste as many of those drinks as possible.

I started enjoying coffee back in my college days (and had many an overnight cup while posted up at the Denny’s in College Station to do those inevitable all-nighters). But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, I started taking an interest in various shops and their different brews, wanting to both support local businesses and try different cups of coffee.

Since then, I’ve visited dozens of coffee shops in the San Antonio area, from Southtown to New Braunfels, from Helotes to St. Hedwig.

I started Instagramming my visits, and my little personal project grew. Friends and followers asked for a map or list of all the places I’d been and asked for recommendations of the shops I’d tried.

Now, we’ve moved the map to the San Antonio Report, with the goal of visiting and describing every locally-owned coffee shop, cafe and truck in town.

We’ll be adding to the map when we can, to illuminate our growing local coffee scene and give readers a guide for where to go and what to try.

To use the map, click the locations to read more about San Antonio’s local caffeine purveyors. If you’re not a map person, you can peruse the list, below, for details on each place.

I look forward to expanding the map in all directions over time. Do you have a coffee stop suggestion for me? Email me at lindsey@sareport.org.

And thanks for coming along with us on this java journey!

2tarts Bakery

Neighborhood: New Braunfels
Known for: Delicious sweet treats and relaxing vibes
Sources beans from: Cuvée Coffee
Lindsey’s tasting notes: The coffee here is just as delicious as the amazing assortment of pastries. 2Tarts, which has been featured on the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge, is everything sweet and pink. Located in New Braunfels’ historic downtown, this quaint coffee shop is a local favorite.

Aftersome Coffee

Neighborhood: San Antonio Airport Known for: Its seasonal creations and pop-art style Sources beans from: Brazil; roasted in house Lindsey’s tasting notes: This fun black-and-rainbow coffee trailer, located on the central northside of town near the airport, offers fun seasonal options like the banana split latte, London boy latte and more. Definitely worth a quick stop if you have time before your next flight.

Akhanay Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: The Pearl Known for: Its Southeast Asian coffee beans and desserts Sources beans from: Southeast Asia; roasts them in-house Lindsey’s tasting notes: With brews unlike anything else in San Antonio, Akhanay’s coffee truck is for those who want to travel the world with their tastebuds right here at home. Whether you want to try an Indonesian-inspired latte or a Thai-inspired pastry, Akhanay is the place to go. 

Amaretti

Neighborhood: Broadway Street near the Pearl
Known for: Chai lattes and adorable storefront
Sources beans from: Cuveé Coffee
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Don’t be fooled by the menu specializing in chai lattes; Amaretti also offers delicious coffee brews worth talking about. If you’re looking to mix up your chai life or dirty chai life however, stopping at Amaretti is a must. 

Ambassadors Coffee

Neighborhood: Shavano Park Known for: Its donation-based mission and its aromatic blends Sources beans from: Independent roasters; makes its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: A hidden gem tucked sneakily behind Anchor Bar, this second-story coffee shop boasts delicious coffee. Ambassadors Coffee takes dollars from every purchase and gives back to several nonprofit organizations around the world.

Americana Coffee & Espresso Bar

Neighborhood: Schertz
Known for: Chic, minimalistic character and college feel
Sources beans from: Broadcast Coffee
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Simple, good coffee. Americana is a hidden gem tucked away in an industrial lot in Schertz. This minimalistic, bright coffee shop has a college feel to it that will make you want to come back. 

Apollo’s Coffee Shop

Neighborhood: Bulverde
Known for: Operating out of a shipping container and unique coffee drinks
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Formerly the Coffee Pail, Apollo’s Coffee Shop is a drive-thru coffee stand built in a shipping container. Get ready to try some out-of-this-world creations if you stop here.

Beans & Brews

Neighborhood: Travis Park and Far West Side Known for: Its robust rewards program and interesting energy drinks Sources beans from: High Altitude Roasting Lindsey’s tasting notes: With a new location downtown within the same office building as the San Antonio Report, this has become a recent favorite with our staff. Be sure to join their rewards program for free brews and tasty treats. 

Berry to Bean Coffee House

Neighborhood: Broadway near Brackenridge Park
Known for: Chalkboard art and ethical sourcing
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This vegan coffee shop means lattes with milk alternatives only and delicious vegan pastries. Its hipster vibes will make you want to come back.

Black Rifle Coffee Co.

Neighborhood: Bitters
Known for: Veteran-owned, serving “coffee and culture to people who love America”
Sources beans from: Independent roaster; creates its own blends
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Known as much for its politics as its coffee, Black Rifle has become a San Antonio staple for many, although its roots are in Utah.

Brevity

Neighborhood: Four locations around San Antonio; four more coming soon
Known for: Sugary delights and interesting brews
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Even without the added sweetness, Brevity coffee carries a lovely caramel-y flavor. Try their German chocolate mocha or Irish cream cold brew for silky smooth treats that will java you up.

Brown Coffee Co. – Southtown

Neighborhood: Southtown
Known for: Strong cold brew and cocktail-style iced coffees
Sources beans from: Independent, wholesale roaster, also offers subscriptions
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Brown Coffee is way more exciting than its name would imply. This coffee shop is everything a good cafe should be. Not only does Brown serve up a single cube for iced coffee, like you’re sippin’ an old-fashioned, but the machine that seals its to-go cups is also pretty cool to watch. Get there early in the day, though — parking in the area fills up fast.

Chico’s Coffee Shack

Neighborhood: Downtown Known for: Its pop culture-inspired drink creations and world-sourced beans Sources beans from: Around the world; independent roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: Whether you’re stopping in for a Taylor Swift-inspired latte or a cup of coffee with beans sourced from places like Central and South America, Chico’s Coffee Shack is just plain fun.

Coffee Crush

Neighborhood: Bulverde and 1604
Known for: Friendly, hands-on owners and super fun drinks
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This coffee shop is relatively new, having opened in the fall of 2021. The vibe here is young and fun, so it’s a great place for a meetup or hangout.

Coffee Me Crazy

Neighborhood: Leon Valley Known for: Sweet signature lattes and a homemade giant cinnamon roll Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: This Tezel Road treasure is a must for San Antonio brunch lovers. With bold a bright coffee roast, its black coffee sips as smoothly as its sweet signature lattes. Pair with one of their giant homemade cinnamon rolls for a buzz you won’t soon forget.

CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery

Neighborhoods: Alamo Heights, Hemisfair, Five Points, the Weston Centre
Known for: French artisanal baked goods
Sources beans from: Cuvee Coffee, Ferra Coffee Roasters
Lindsey’s tasting notes: So far I’ve only visited the Hemisfair location, and highly recommend soaking up the San Antonio vibes on the patio overlooking the park. The coffee shop is quaint as can be and makes darn good pastries.

Créme Coffee & Social

Neighborhood: Tobin Hill Known for: Its European-style decor and simple menu Sources beans from: Pulp Coffee Roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you’re looking for a cute new place near downtown to have a business-based coffee meetup, Créme fits the bill. This cute, minimalistic coffee shop mixes chic style with European simplicity to offer a quaint oasis in Tobin Hill.  

Crosswalk at the Schmitz

Neighborhood: New Braunfels
Known for: Unique flavors and its historic location
Sources beans from: Independent roaster
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This coffee shop is at the center of New Braunfels’ historic downtown. It offers a fun assortment of coffee flavors. 

Cultura Coffee

Neighborhood: Near Palo Alto College
Known for: An eclectic exterior and imaginative interior
Sources beans from: Flat Track Coffee Co.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: A true hidden gem, this Southwest side shop is half cafe, half art studio, making for an interesting visit while you sip on some of the best-brewed coffee in town.

Curator Coffee

Neighborhood: Thousand Oaks
Known for: Its gorgeous collection of pottery for sale and fun Friday night activities
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Curator Coffee is good, but what makes this shop great is its atmosphere. Curator sells pieces by local artists and offers favorites everyone will come to love. Try the Lavender Latte for something different.

Drippys Coffee

Neighborhood: The SA Yacht Club  Known for: Its fun food truck and latte art Sources beans from: Greater Goods Coffee Co. Lindsey’s tasting notes: This cute coffee stop is tucked inside a food truck at the new SA Yacht Club, and offers delicious brews with classy latte art. 

Early Bird Coffee

Neighborhood: Huebner Oaks Known for: Its chic European-styled menu and homemade syrups Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: With beginnings as a coffee trailer in 2020, Early Bird Coffee has made a name for itself in San Antonio with its simple but delicious roasts, homemade syrups and chic merch. Be sure to check out their new brick-and-mortar in the Huebner Oaks area. 

Eight Ball

Neighborhood: Southtown
Known for: Cool merch and friendly staff
Sources beans from: Creature Coffee Co.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This coffee truck embodies sipping with style. Whether you’re looking for a slick new fit or a relaxed coffee creation, Eight Ball is a must-try. 

Estate Coffee Co.

Neighborhood: Dignowity Hill
Known for: Delicious roasts and nonchalant vibe
Sources beans from: Independent, wholesale roaster; works with family-owned importers
Lindsey’s tasting notes: One of the closest coffee shops to the San Antonio Report office, Estate is a favorite for meetups for us reporters. When the weather heats up, check out their Coffee Old Fashioned — with a double shot of espresso, bitters, splash of Topo Chico and Bourbon Barrel smoked simple syrup, it’s a sophisticated way to sip!

Extra Fine

Neighborhood: Monte Vista Known for: Its hippie vibes and delicious menu Lindsey’s tasting notes: Along with coffee, Extra Fine Bakery has a tasty menu that’s always changing up. This colorful little gem is a great place to get some avocado toast along with your favorite latte.

Folklores Coffee House

Neighborhood: Government Hill
Known for: Relaxed atmosphere and puro South Side pride
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Another hidden gem of San Antonio’s is Folklores. The baristas go light on the syrups, but that’s because the coffee really speaks for itself. 

Gravves Coffee

Neighborhood: Tobin Hill
Known for: The Elixir latte and its gothic chic look
Lindsey’s tasting notes: You cannot call yourself a San Antonio coffee connoisseur if you haven’t tried the Elixir Latte. This one-of-a-kind ube (a kind of sweet potato) latte is sweet, dark, rich and creamy in all the right ways. While parking is scarce for this food-truck coffee stop, it’s worth the trouble.

Greenhouse Coffee

Neighborhood: Olmos Park Known for: Its chic ’70s minimalism and green food creations Sources beans from: Estate Coffee Co. Lindsey’s tasting notes: Created by the team that brought Mixtli to life, Greenhouse Coffee holds true to its name in both size and stature. The small green-themed shop looks like it was clipped straight from the ’70s and brings to life unique green food items like a new take on avocado toast and lunchtime salads.

Halcyon Southtown

Neighborhood: Blue Star Arts Complex
Known for: Its delicious food menu and its coffee or cocktail creations
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Halcyon is a Blue Star staple that offers unique craft coffees, cocktails and a delicious menu from morning till night. Be sure to try the Turkey Pesto Sandwich to go with an Iced Thai Latte. 

Indy Coffee Club

Neighborhood: UTSA Known for: Chic greenhouse vibes and scientific roasts Sources beans from: Parlor Coffee Lindsey’s tasting notes: Hidden in a small retail center amidst apartments behind UTSA, Indy Coffee Club is a college student study haven with bright blends that can attract the more seasoned coffee drinkers as well. 

Jubilee Coffee

Neighborhood: Olmos Park Known for: Hippie vibes and minimalistic menu Sources beans from: Tag Coffee Co. Lindsey’s tasting notes: This quaint coffee trailer feels like you stepped into a little piece of Colorado. Its chic exterior and its simple but delicious menu give you a taste of the mountain life straight from San Antonio.

Just the drip

Neighborhood: Leon Springs Known for: Serving and roasting Quantum Coffee Roasters brews and its artsy energy Sources beans from: Quantum Coffee Roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: This cute coffee trailer gives off uniquely San Antonio artistic vibes while serving up some delicious brews and a strong cold brew. 

Kapej

Neighborhood: Downtown
Known for: In-house art gallery
Sources beans from: Independent roaster
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This cool coffee shop has delicious Mexican-inspired flavors and is part art gallery as well. A cool stop downtown that’s fun to find and visit.

Kiki’s Coffee & Spirits

Neighborhood: Maverick Park Known for: Its fashionable interior and dog-friendly mission Sources beans from: Estate Coffee Co. Lindsey’s tasting notes: With delicious Mexican-inspired coffee and pastries, this place is a new favorite of ours. Bonus, Kiki — the owner’s adorable chihuahua that is the namesake and the muse for most of the shop’s art — is almost always around, and the store also sells doggy treats and puppuccinos.

Kora Kora Coffee

Neighborhood: Gruene
Known for: Owned by a mother/daughter team
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Located in the picturesque little town of Gruene, Kora Kora Coffee is good, and the shop has a newly renovated dining area. The menu is minimalist but delish. 

Kulture Kafe

Neighborhood: Southtown
Known for: See and be seen outdoor tables, cute shops nearby
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Kulture Kafe is a coffee truck with some unique lattes. Forget pumpkin spice and try the Texas Latte for a blend of spices — it’s unlike anything you’ve had before.

La Boulangerie

Neighborhood: Travis Park Known for: Its French pastries and classic espresso Lindsey’s tasting notes: This hidden gem is tucked just behind Travis Park and offers a wide variety of real French patisserie. You won’t find fancy syrups or fun flavors here; true to the European style, you can get an espresso, cappuccino or latte and add some sugar packets yourself. It’s worth a stop.

La Panaderia

Neighborhoods: Downtown, Broadway Street and The Rim Known for: Its delicious pan dulces and its Guatemala-inspired brews Lindsey’s tasting notes: Marrying beloved pan dulces with unique coffee creations, it’s impossible to stop into La Panaderia without getting a concha to accompany a delicious latte. Even with three locations across San Antonio, it’s rare to see La Panaderia not packed with people — yes, it’s that good.

Local Coffee

Neighborhood: Pearl
Known for: Its prime location and Bakery Lorraine-stock of goodies
Sources beans from: Merit Roasting Co.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This is the last Local location of what has become Merit Coffee across the rest of the state. It’s pretty much always packed, with drinkers populating many of the outdoor tables around it. Its strong coffee pairs well with a baked good from Bakery Lorraine, located right across the lawn. 

Magnolia Filling Station

Neighborhood: Castroville Known for: Its unique brick-and-mortar and its ridiculously cute cakes Sources beans from: What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: This comfortable, cozy shop is located inside a revamped antique Castroville gas station. With homemade treats and lunch items to accompany your latte, it’s a must-stop when driving south of San Antonio.

Mila Coffee

Neighborhood: Downtown
Known for: Its strong roast and flavorful brews
Lindsey’s tasting notes: A great cup of coffee for any day — strong, flavorful, delicious. With a new location across from CPS Energy’s headquarters, it’s keeping the lights on for those who are keeping our lights on.

Mildfire Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: Shavano Park Known for: Its Hot Butter Latte and fun creations Sources beans from: Around the world; roasts them in-house Lindsey’s tasting notes: With warm vibes inside its Shavano Park-based shop, Mildfire Coffee offers delicious roasts and kooky creations.

Medina River Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: Blanco Road Known for: Its fun flights and beautiful brews Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: Tucked into the heart of San Antonio, Medina River Coffee Roasters brings locally inspired brews to life. This hidden gem boasts its baristas are “coffee connoisseurs,” and has rotating creations its staff is always excited to share.

Merit Coffee

Neighborhoods: Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Fair Oaks
Known for: Tiny crushed ice and its homemade syrups
Sources beans from: Independent, wholesale roaster: Merit supplies restaurants, hotels and retail establishments across the country.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: The coffee here is strong and the menu includes offers options for everyone. Try their fall harvest latte if you like the flavors of fall without all the extra sweetness.

Moe Jo’s 

Neighborhood: Broadway Known for: Its sweet creations and old-school charm Sources beans from: Milano Coffee Lindsey’s tasting notes: This coffee truck, typically parked in front of Cheesy Jane’s, offers coffee and food items that take on different Latin American flavors while boasting “Italian old world charm.” From their red-and-white striped straws to their bright bold Hollywood-style lights, Moe Jo’s offers fun new creations like the Milkyway Latte while still giving off classy old-fashioned vibes.

Mozna Chocolate & Coffee Co.

Neighborhood: Downtown Known for: Its chocolates from all over the world and house-made coffee creations  Sources beans from: Around the world; roasts them in-house Lindsey’s tasting notes: This quaint coffee shop tucked on Broadway not far from CPS Energy’s headquarters is a fun and unique spot for San Antonio, as it mixes the art of roasting coffee beans with the art of roasting cocoa beans. Whether you’re interested in one of their make-your-own-chocoate-bar classes or a mocha from their world-curated stock, Mozna is a fun little place that’s made the 2-1-0 its home.

Mudslingers Drive-Thru Coffee

Neighborhood: Thousand Oaks
Known for: Whip cream-covered creations and drive-thru accessibility
Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you like coffee that’s more like a milkshake, try Mudslingers. Its sugary lattes look pretty enough for an Instagram post.

Niche Coffee Co.

Neighborhood: Downtown
Known for: Hearty, bold coffees Sources beans from: Quantum Coffee Roasters
Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you like strong espresso, Niche is where it’s at. Now located next to the Bexar County Courthouse, this delicious local roaster is a good stop before your next jury duty assignment.

Oak & Saint

Neighborhood: Eastside  Known for: Its dark modernist mood and sleek menu Sources beans from: Around the world; roasts them in-house Lindsey’s tasting notes: Hidden behind the Frost Bank Center, Oak & Saint is simply great coffee. Whether you want to try their around-the-world flight, or enjoy a coffee classic, Oak & Saint has you covered.

Olla Express Cafe

Neighborhood: Marymont
Known for: Coffee flights and an ancient brewing method
Sources beans from: Independent roaster
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This coffee sweet spot grew from a coffee truck turned brick and mortar. Olla Express Cafe specializes in Mexican brews made in earthen clay pots. Olla offers a coffee flight that will rouse the soul and body and some mezcal-infused creations great for happy hour.

Olmos Perk

Neighborhood: Olmos Park
Known for: Cute as a button decor Lindsey’s tasting notes: This shop feels like it was decorated by your fun aunt who always drinks too much wine at family reunions — but, like, in a good way. The espresso has lovely notes of chocolate, and the kolaches offer a nod to the region’s Czech heritage.

On The Grind

Neighborhood: New Braunfels
Known for: Bright orange drive-thrus and its sugary sweet lattes
Lindsey’s tasting notes: A New Braunfels classic, On The Grind’s drive-thru coffee stands are sweet and fun. Whether you’re trying a normal everyday latte or the Mexican mocha, they have something for you. Careful of the bees in the summer, they like sweet coffee too!

Pan & Coffee

Neighborhood: Stone Oak
Known for: Contemporary Mexican breads and organic coffees
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Definitely make sure to order the fresh-pressed espresso. Try some delicious pan dulce with your morning brew if you’re looking for a tasty breakfast combo.

PhiloÇoffee

Neighborhood: Alta Vista
Known for: college student hangout, late-night bites
Sources beans from: What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters
Lindsey’s tasting notes: The coffee at Philo is great, and this small shop is located close to San Antonio College, making it a great study spot.

Pink Cappuccino

Neighborhood: Stone Oak Known for: Its girly-girl decor and its Pink Cappuccino (duh!) Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you think in pink, Pink Cappuccino is the coffee shop for you. With adorable pink lattes, cute cakes and Instagrammable vibes, this little shop encourages ladies to “espresso yourself.”

Poetic Republic Coffee Co.

Neighborhood: Southtown
Known for: Its Instagrammable interior, focus on books and Friday wine nights
Sources beans from: Sells bags of its own Poetic blend
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This quaint spot is exactly what a coffee shop should be: accessible, interactive, chic. The coffee here stands out and makes a name for itself.

Press Coffee

Neighborhood: Broadway near Brackenridge Park
Known for: Its unique treehouse interior and its magic bar dessert.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Press Coffee is smooth and decadent enough to drink black — even if you don’t think you like it like that.

Pulp Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: St. Paul Square Known for: Their wholesale offerings and beans from all over the world Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: Pulp Coffee Roasters offers bold, bright beans for wholesale and retail across San Antonio. Locals can try a cup of globally inspired coffee inside its standalone small shop tucked in The Aiden.

Rise Up

Neighborhood: Stone Oak, McCullough
Known for: Delicious acai bowls and matcha lattes
Lindsey’s tasting notes: While there’s a strong focus on acai bowls at Rise Up, the other half of this chic cafe’s menu is delicious, simple coffee options. Matcha latte fans, this is a must-stop for you — their matcha-coffee creations go above and beyond. 

River Sun

Neighborhood: Downtown Known for: Its jazzy energy and cocktail-lounge style Sources beans from: Third Coast Coffee Roasting Company Lindsey’s tasting notes: Whether you like classic pour-overs or imaginative coffee drinks, River Sun has options for everyone. This delicious coffee shop turns into a chic cocktail lounge by night. 

Revolución Coffee + Juice

Neighborhoods: Downtown, Alamo Heights and the Rim
Known for: Cold-pressed juices and “plant-forward” bites
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This hipster-chic downtown location is fun and offers lots of healthy bites. I highly recommend the Revolución Latte. It’s got the shop name in it, for goodness’ sake.

Rose Hip Market

Neighborhood: Olmos Park Known for: Its springtime decor and slight twists on classic favorites Sources beans from: Weathered Hands Coffee Lindsey’s tasting notes: Whether you’re looking for a slight twist on your favorite vanilla latte or wanting to buy earrings made by a local artist, Rose Hip Market will have something for you. Lindsey loved the homemade pop tart that accompanied her latte; the icing is to die for.

Royal Blue Grocery

Neighborhood: Downtown Known for: Its crazy good sandwiches and classic blends Sources beans from: Proud Mary Coffee Roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you’re looking for a tasty afternoon pick-me-up to go along with your lunch, Royal Blue Grocery is a great spot. This cute little store located on Houston Street lets you grab your groceries with your latte, so if you’re looking to kill two birds with one stone, this is a good spot to do so. 

SAD;HRS Coffee

Neighborhood: St. Mary Strip, located inside Vibras Known for: Its non-alcoholic smoked bourbon latte and its gloomy girl energy Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you drink coffee by day and bourbon by night, SAD;HRS is a must-try for you. With unique blends inside the Miami-inspired bar Vibras, their coffee cocktails and concoctions will leave you feeling anything but sad.

San Antonio Gold

Neighborhood: South Flores
Known for: Its robust roasts and friendly staff
Sources beans from: What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Gold’s coffee is as rich as its namesake, and the staff is extremely friendly. A great pass-through, if you’re looking for a cup of joe on South Flores. 

Shine

Neighborhood: Tobin Hill
Known for: Sunny demeanor and sweet swag
Sources beans from: Onyx Coffee
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Shine is a coffee truck located not far from downtown that makes for a great quick stop in the morning. Its friendly owner and yellow furniture outside the truck make it hard to miss. Shine offers a simple menu from coffee brewed from Onyx Coffee beans.

Shotgun House Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: Near Westside
Known for: Its unassuming exterior and its Mexican vanilla
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This West Side hidden gem makes its own in-house Mexican vanilla that’s to die for. With a stylish interior, it’s a great place for remote workers to set up shop for the day.

Southbound Coffee

Neighborhood: South Side
Known for: Its cute pink food truck and dirty horchata latte.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Who doesn’t love some unique menu items? With specials such as the Mexican Mocha and the Dirty Horchata, Southbound Coffee has a lock on some puro San Antonio flavors.

Stranded Coffee

Neighborhood: Southtown
Known for: Low-key vibes and vegan breakfast tacos
Sources beans from: Proud Hound Coffee Roasters
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Stranded Coffee is a relaxed coffee truck that offers unique options and San Antonio vibes. Cinnamon lovers rejoice — the Maribel or Horchata latte will have you singing praises. Don’t forget to grab a tasty vegan taco if you stop here for breakfast. 

Summer Moon Coffee

Neighborhood: St. Mary’s Street
Known for: Its “moon milk,” which is what it flavors its coffees with.
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Summer Moon is an Austin staple brought to San Antone. If you like homemade syrups over the generic stuff, make sure to try a Half Moon or Winter Half Moon Latte for something unique. 

Tandem San Antonio

Neighborhood: Riverside Drive Known for: Delicious coffee with a chill vibe Sources beans from: Dark Matter Coffee Lindsey’s tasting notes: Located along the river just south of Mission Concepción, this coffee shop/bar is a must-stop along your next cycling path. With a simple but delicious coffee menu, Tandem is as fun as its name suggests.

Texas Grounds Coffee Company

Neighborhood: Helotes Known for: Its Republican-inspired blends and loaded pastries  Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: This military-centered, veteran-owned coffee company offers blends with a political theme. With pastry items as big as your head, it’s definitely a uniquely Texas stop. 

The Cracked Mug Coffee House

Neighborhood: Helotes Known for: The Willie Nelson Latte and Southern breakfast menu Sources beans from: Minutiae Coffee Roasters Lindsey’s tasting notes: If you want to be a true Texan, you have to try the Willie Nelson Latte along with the delicious biscuits and gravy here. This cute country stop also offers seasonal specials that are definitely worth a try.  

The Lookout Coffee and Community

Neighborhood: Timberwood Park
Known for: Its second-story location and relaxed vibes
Lindsey’s tasting notes: The shop is adorable, and quaint. If you like sugary coffee drinks, this place might become a new favorite.

The Rustic Bean Cafe

Neighborhood: Bulverde
Known for: Its “coffee ice” and the cute boutique next door
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This Bulverde hideaway is awesome. Enjoy iced coffee but tired of it getting watered down? No problem! The Rustic Bean makes coffee ice cubes that make your coffee even stronger. Check out the cute boutique next door while you’re at it.

Theory Coffee Company

Neighborhood: Oak Park – Northwood
Known for: Its parking lot chic aesthetic and rabid fans
Sources beans from: “Locally roasted coffee, out of Austin”
Lindsey’s tasting notes: This cup of coffee was the absolute perfect temperature from the moment it was handed to me. The friendly staff was welcoming and the truck was easy to find. It’s currently in a parking lot that is under construction which makes it a little tougher to get to but it’s worth the stop. 

Vice Versa

Neighborhood: St. Paul Square
Known for: Selling vinyl along with brews
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Vice Versa, or “Vice” for short, brings all the mellow good vibes one would want in a coffee shop. It’s chic, it’s cute, but its simple menu is also casual and not intimidating. Grab a cup of their cold brew to sip on while you browse their record selection. 

Voodoo Doughnut

Neighborhood: Travis Park Known for: Its outlandishly amusing donuts and bright pink design Sources beans from: Independent roasters; creates its own blends Lindsey’s tasting notes: A Portland original, Voodoo Doughnuts is best known for its unconventional donuts such as the Bacon Maple Bar, Memphis Mafia and The Cannolo, but as an Oregon classic you can bet it also has a delicious bean brew. With rich chocolate notes and hints of honeycrisp apple, Voodoo Doughnuts coffee is a trip on its own.

What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters

Neighborhood: Greater Harmony Hills
Known for: Its pinball machines and status as an OG roaster
Sources beans from: Independent, wholesale roaster, supplying many local coffee shops
Lindsey’s tasting notes: Roasting since 1981, What’s Brewing knows its beans. Although its shop is a bit off the beaten path, the backroom is loaded with pinball machines — just the start of what makes What’s Brewing unique.

Wicked Voodoo Espresso

Neighborhood: New Braunfels
Known for: The chocolate-covered coffee bean that comes with every cup
Lindsey’s tasting notes: A must-have if you’re in New Braunfels, Wicked Voodoo has both a brick-and-mortar shop and a drive-thru coffee stand. Its rich coffee is offered in fun flavors such as Kenny’s Sacred Drink or a Dark Chocolate Mocha. Every cup to go is topped with a chocolate espresso bean. It’s like a reward.