Written by Kylie Cooper, Vanessa Perez and Alexa Rodriguez
Photography by Deux Boheme
There’s something undeniably magical about a cup of coffee — the way its aroma stirs us awake, its warmth cradles our hands and its presence invites us to pause. Only one thing can elevate the coffee experience: a perfectly paired pastry.
Locally-owned shops selling coffee and pastries in Corpus Christi offer so much more than a caffeinated beverage and the solution to a sweet tooth craving — although we’re grateful they provide us with those things, too. In these spaces, neighbors share stories, mornings begin anew and community is found. Inside this feature, we’ve rounded up over 20 local spots, from bold brews crafted by local roasters to delicate confections baked with care.
Local brick-and-mortar and pop-up coffee shops to get your ultimate caffeine fix.
Adelphos
Since its opening just over a year ago, Adelphos has quickly earned a top spot in many local coffeegoers’ weekly rotations. Blending a menu with traditional, complex flavors as well as original lattes and housemade syrups, Adelphos has something to offer the wider spectrum of coffee aficionados and casuals alike. The mint-green trailer totes a friendly outdoor atmosphere matched only by even friendlier service and local baked goods provided by TASTE at 555 and Wednesdays.
Must-Order: Anything from the “Brothers” portion of the menu.
Location: 4706 Everhart Road
Driftwood Coffee Co.
A longtime favorite in the roasting and brewing game, Driftwood offers a variety of flavors for coffee drinkers looking to go back to basics or those willing to try something new. Located on South Alameda, Driftwood draws from its solid foundation for flavor and craft. Dating back to the early days when the shop offered a menu dedicated to pour-over, drip and French press coffee, Driftwood has grown to match the diversity of the local coffee scene, touting house-made flavors and locally sourced baked goods from S&J Bakery and Fika Microbakery.
Must Order: Any of its seasonal espresso drinks with housemade syrups.
Location: 4703 S. Alameda St.
Where to find croissants, pan dulce, donuts and more sweet treats in the Coastal Bend.
Central Kitchen
A delightful part of the Water Street Restaurants lineup, Central Kitchen focuses on great food made from quality ingredients. The local scratch bakery opened to fill the only gap in the Water Street family, breakfast. The talent behind the scenes is evident in artisan breads, elegant pastries and addictive home-baked goods of all kinds.
Go here for: House-made croissants and kouign-aman are no-brainers, but the citrus cronut alone is enough to make this a regular morning pitstop.
Location: 320 Lomax St., Ste. C
Bien Mérité
Confectionary works of art abound at this local French bakery. Executive Chef Marjorie Pettigrove heads up the pastry team which fills its glass cases with the likes of croissant varieties, macarons, eclairs, beignets, tarts, eclairs and more. As the only French-focused eatery in Corpus Christi, Bien Mérité blends tradition with creativity, elevating the art of pastry making in the area.
Go here for: A box of macarons or a decorative and delicious entremet.
Location: 1336 S. Staples St.
A full round-up of independent, small-batch and specialty coffee roasters.
Kilates Coffee
This local female-founded roastery offers high-end, specialty coffee, sourcing only the most refined and exceptional beans available in the market. With a focus on exotic flavors and aromas, the roasts combine extremely fragrant notes of fruit, honey, bourbon and even rose. Purchase a subscription or individual bags online or at local retailers like Cabana Pantry. kilatescoffee.com
Hester’s Cafe
Walk into either location of Hester’s Cafe and find its signature coffee roasts on tap. A few popular varieties include Hester’s Best, a medium-bodied house roast; Snickerdoodle, a light roast with notes of cinnamon and hazelnut; and German Chocolate, a dark roast with notes of chocolate and coconut. 12-ounce bags of whole bean coffee can be purchased at the Six Points location or online. 1714 S. Alameda St. & 3812 S. Alameda St.
