A Guide to Locally-Owned Coffee Shops in Corpus Christi
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A Guide to Locally-Owned Coffee Shops in the Coastal Bend

Where to get your ultimate caffeine fix around town.

By Vanessa Perez|24 days ago

Photography by Deux Boheme

Locally owned coffee shops in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend region offer so much more than a caffeinated beverage. In these spaces, neighbors share stories, mornings begin anew, and community is found. Here are over a dozen options to choose from when looking to fuel up.

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 Rd.
Photography by Deux Boheme

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.
Driftwood Coffee Company | Photography by Rachel Benavides

Island Joes Coffee & Gallery

Many things set Island Joes apart from other coffee experiences, from its bright exterior made entirely from shipping containers to the beach backdrop and a menu full of experimental and inspired flavors. This shop offers Chemex, French press and traditional espresso options, as well as a healthy multitude of housemade syrups.

  • Must-Order: Many of its lattes pull influence from Latin American flavors, such as the Tembleque latte, which features notes of coconut and cinnamon.
  • Location: 14829 SPID

Lucy’s Snackbar

A gem of the local coffee scene, Lucy’s Snackbar offers the ideal coffee shop experience for those on the go or working remotely in Downtown Corpus Christi. With a full menu of traditional espresso, drip coffee and a variety of lattes, Lucy’s also lives up to its name with several food options. From snacks such as chips and housemade dips to salads, sandwiches and pastries provided by Cookie & Crumb, Lucy’s is the one-stop coffee and lunch spot if you’re looking to stay or have a walk about our beautiful downtown.

 

Coffee Waves

An early contender in new wave coffee culture in South Texas, Coffee Waves is the tried and true option for many local coffee enthusiasts. With locations across the Coastal Bend, many Islanders call the shop near Texas A&M-Corpus Christi home throughout the semester as they search for the perfect study locale. The extensive menu covers the gamut of traditional drinks, specialty lattes and blended coffee options, as well as housemade gelato, fresh-pressed paninis and baked goods provided by Carrie Nell’s Old Fashioned Desserts and Millie’s Sweet Designs.

Coffee Mugg

A magical treat in the specialty shop scene, the Coffee Mugg offers the full experience for those interested in living out their Harry Potter dreams, and plenty of tasty options for those in need of a pick-me-up. A family-friendly environment oozing with charm, the Coffee Mugg holds a little magic for every customer who visits.

  • Must Order: House creations like the Bellatrix, an Oreo cookie latte, and the Horcrux, a horchata-based latte, are two of many favorites waiting to be discovered on the expansive and experimental menu.
  • Location: 1112 Morgan Ave.

Texas Coffee Bar

Texas Coffee Bar mixes cafe and beauty shop social hour vibes from its neighbor and sister shop, Meche Beauty, where it used to share space. The product is a blend of communal spirit and friendly service, complete with a menu providing unique flavors and experiences such as its special coffee flights, which offer a blend of seasonal favorites. The cafe also serves as a one-stop shop for lunch-goers, with house-made soups, sandwiches and baked goods provided by Stl Eatx.

 

Coffee flights from Texas Coffee Bar | Photo by Levi Guzman

The Brewery:  @_thebrewery_
Kilates Coffee: @kilatescoffee
Wednesdays Coffee Co.: @wednesdayscctx
Personally Brewed Coffee: @personallybrewed
Creatures Coffee and Tea Co.: @creaturescoffeeandteaco

Roasted Coffee Shop

A Southside Corpus Christi staple, Roasted offers patrons a merged experience of classic brewed favorites and fresh new flavors. In addition to an exciting slew of syrups and flavor combinations, as well as traditional espresso items, Roasted offers the unique option to infuse any drink with CBD. The spacious shop offers a generous workspace for those looking to stay a while. Here, you’ll also find pastries provided by Sugarbakers and Yummy Tummy Cheesecakes.

  • Must-Order: The Ewok with espresso vanilla bean, honey, cinnamon and milk.
  • Location: 5535 Bonner Dr

 

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 Saigon Civet Cafe

The premier Vietnamese coffee experience of the Coastal Bend, Saigon Civet Cafe blends French and Vietnamese-inspired drinks and cuisine. The cafe touts a full espresso bar for classic items like cortados and americanos as well as specialty drinks featuring star Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan and ube. Trading directly with farmers in Buôn Mê Thuôc, Vietnam, Saigon Civet Cafe brings a quality, authentic experience to the local coffee community.

Cafe Calypso

A true institution of the local coffee culture, few places have stood the test of time as Cafe Calypso has. Owner Marcy Ekumus and her beloved late husband Erdal paid homage to culture and community by cultivating a friendly cafe that offers a menu full of traditional and Turkish classics and newer modern flavors. The international feel of the cafe hosts a diversity of patrons and provides a home away from home for many. The kitchen serves housemade baked goods daily with a rotating selection of cookies, cakes, muffins and other treats. 

Main Street Coffee House

Main Street Coffee House brings a friendly neighborhood coffee flair to the community of Rockport by way of specialty coffees, teas and other housemade treats. The cafe caters to a host of coffee drinkers, reflected in the menu full of classic, seasonal and original creations. Homey interiors and a coastal community feel make Main Street Coffee House a cozy coffee stop.

  • Must-Order: Mad Hatter, a latte with dulce de leche and coconut or the Unbirthday Mocha with chocolate and cherry notes.
  • Location: 802 E. Main St., Rockport 

Grind Coffee

Inspired in many ways by its namesake culture, Grind Coffee takes the craft of its product and service delivery seriously. With a menu focused on traditional espresso options and well-crafted lattes, the knowledgeable staff at Grind dedicate themselves to their mission of empowering the community to achieve focus, creativity and mindfulness in their respective lives beginning with their daily coffee routine. A bag of its signature roast, Starter Fluid, can even be delivered straight to your door.

Grind Coffee Co. | Photo by Laro Pilartes

Rockport Daily Grind

For 15 years, Rockport Daily Grind has been serving and cultivating the coffee community in its corner of the Coastal Bend. While its friendly and community-driven spirit makes the shop a favorite among many in the area, the exciting menu options full of seasonal and classic treats make it a must-stop even for those just passing through. Those looking for a sweet treat can stop in for a muffin or a scone, made fresh daily by an in-house baker.

Barefoot Beans

Barefoot Beans marries the spirit of tiki bars and surf shops to the caffeine-drinking experience for those in need of a unique coffee break. The menu touts bolder flavors by way of Chemex, pour-over, French press and nitro cold brew options while offering a lighter half featuring various lattes, teas and smoothies. Barefoot Beans is the ideal reprieve for any coffee drinker in need of a refresher.

Stingers Coffee

Stingers has long served the Coastal Bend coffee community across all trends in the industry. Its menu gives options to hardened black coffee fanatics, newer wave latte enthusiasts and non-caffeinated options for a diversity of patrons. Locally owned and operated, Stingers prides itself on supporting other local baking operations, sourcing its kolaches and croissants from King Donuts while everything else is made in-house.

Bloom City Coffee Co.

Bloom City Coffee is all about passion—what started as a shared love for specialty coffee among six friends has grown into a local favorite. With two locations in Portland, The Cafe offers a full menu and drive-thru experience, while The Counter inside H-E-B is perfect for a quick, quality pick-me-up. Sourcing beans from around the world and roasting them to order, Bloom City delivers fresh, seasonal flavors that invite coffee lovers to discover their perfect cup—whether it’s a bold brew or something light and tea-like.

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