Get Your Caffeine Fix: Best Coffee Shops Within a Mile of UST

In the heart of Houston, Texas, you will find a University that nourishes both the spirit and the mind. But sometimes the mind grows foggy and the only thing that will help is a caffeine pick-me-up. Luckily, there are some great coffee shops within walking distance from St. Thomas that will always be there for you when you need them most. So check out my favorite spots on the map below and plot your route to one of these coffee shops for your next coffee fix.

Black Hole Coffee House
4504 Graustark Street
0.3 Miles
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

If coffee shops were bars, Black Hole would be the diviest of the bunch. That said, they do carry the best cold-brewed coffee in the area. Whether you are looking for some early morning joe or a late night study spot, black hole delivers. As a side note, the shop does have a strong set of regulars visit the bar daily, so if are hoping to get a good seat, show up early as the place tends to get packed in the early evening.

Blacksmith
1018 Westheimer Road
0.6 Miles
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you are looking to get some late night studying done, Black Smith is not the place for you. However, if you are looking for a chill spot to do some studying midday, this could be it. Their lattes are delicious and will set you back four bucks, and they do have a great assortment of light breakfast options, pastries, yogurts, biscuits, etc… that you could snack on if your hard studying leaves you feeling peckish.

Siphon Coffee
701 West Alabama Street
0.5 Miles
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Another great chill spot, Siphon offers great natural lighting to aid in whatever studies you may be doing. The shop is small, so if you want a guaranteed seat you had better show up early. Their lattes are also delicious and they offer pastries as well.

Common Bond
1706 Westheimer Road
0.8 Miles
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ok, so this is a bit of a hike if you are walking, but if you make the trek you can reward yourself with macarons, or croissants, or brownies, or cupcakes or… You get the idea, they have a lot of pastry options, and all of them are delicious. Like Black Smith, they are not open late, so your best bet is to go during the 2 hour break you have between classes. Oh, and they offer breakfast and lunch too.

Agora
1712 Westheimer Road
0.8 Miles
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Agora is a Montrose institution. It is the oldest of the coffee shops on the list and perfectly encapsulates the spirit of The Montrose. The shop is a Greek-themed coffee shop that is as eclectic as the residents of the neighborhood. The couches are comfy, and the space is surprisingly intimate despite how big it is. Best of all, it is open until 2 a.m. to cover all of your super late night study needs.

By Darnell Miller