I've been exploring coffee shops lately to find some that help patrons stay warm. Since it's hot (or what we call "normal") for the majority of the year, it doesn't make sense for places which serve Hot Drinks to also have a hot environment with fireplaces, heaters, and anything else people in the north have to stay warm. 

I was surprised to not really find many places in Houston which offer fireplaces + coffee. How strange is that? There was only 1 place I found which offered both coffee + a fireplace (Backstreet Cafe), but I hardly call it a coffee shop, even though I recommend it to everybody reading this article. 

I created this list based on: do they serve coffee, is the space big enough so you won't freeze every time someone new walks inside, and the place must not have the initials SB. 

If you have warm places for me to visit this week, please let me know in the comments!

Photo by @BrasilHouston

Photo by @a2ndCup

This list is in no particular order. However, if you haven't been to one of these places, I highly recommend adding it to your Houston Bucket List!

Cafe Brasil
This is one of my favorite places in town and their backyard is one of my favorite hidden gems in Houston (even though it's not the season nor the post for that). I recommend getting Hot Cocoa and some tamales if you're hungry. There are a few corners where you can avoid the outside... but typically this place is best when it's a bit warmer out. 

Common Bond
Another very tasty place. I'm not sure I recommend going here so quickly after New Years Resolutions are made because it's nearly impossible to go through the line without ordering a cookie. So if you're there, do yourself a favor and order a dang cookie. Any of their lattes are delicious and I usually get mine with almond milk because I'm a hippy. 

Red Dessert
Located in the Heights off Studemont, this place always pops up in my Instagram feed because of their beautiful latte-art-master-pieces. It's not the biggest place in town, but it'll warm you up as soon as you walk inside. 

Agora
If Cafe Brasil is a little too chilly for you, (quickly) make your way across the street to Agora. Agora is 2 stories, and since we all know hot air moves up, I'd advise finding a cute little seat upstairs. This location is also great for people watching. I'd recommend just getting the drip coffee here since it's free refills and their espresso isn't really anything to write home about. You'll definitely be warm inside Agora. 

Fellini
This seems to be one of the favorite places for people living in West U/Rice University area. Is it because there aren't other good places south of 59? If there's a good place near the area that isn't Fellini, please let me know! If you do make it to Fellini, I recommend the Hot Cocoa. Also, I'm definitely not discouraging you from going to this area, I just hardly travel that far south :P

*Update: The Museum of Fine Arts is South of 59 and also offers tasty coffee! (but still no fire place).

Revival Market
This place is small, so not exactly toasty if you're near a door. However, this place is usually packed, and therefore you should be able to stay warm easily. Everything from here is great, but when in doubt, just ask for "a taco and flat white". You'll be full, hydrated, and hopefully, still warm. 

Catalina
It's definitely not the computers keeping the place warm, since they don't offer public wi-fi, but the location is cozy and coffee is (sorry-if-you-don't-agree) THE BEST IN TOWN. If you haven't been to Catalina, put it on your bucket list. 

Tout Suite
You love it, you hate it, or you've never been. You cannot be indifferent towards this coffee shop. They supply @GreenwayCoffee and have tons of great food and pastry options. You can go for lunch and get a sandwich and coffee, or dinner and get some protein and a beer or wine. There's plenty of seating so you don't need to worry about feeling the cold breeze whenever people walk inside. 

Backstreet Cafe
This is one of my favorite brunch spots in town and on the list not only because of their all-star Chef, Hugo Ortego, but also because they have a fireplace upstairs! It's the only spot in town I was able to find a fireplace inside and also enjoy some coffee. 

If you know of any warm coffee shops in Houston, or another with a fireplace, can you please let me know in the comments?!

Photo by @TheHoneymoonHTX

Photo by @ericozco