Photos Courtesy Rayan Khan
Coffee means something different to every Cougar. To some, it’s a source of fuel for class and schoolwork. For others, it’s a moment of relaxation, a small break to enjoy the day.
In general, coffee shops bring people together, each with their own personality, atmosphere and offerings. Here are the best three places to grab coffee on campus, based on atmosphere, coffee quality and other must-try drinks.
Cougar Grounds
Atmosphere
Cougar Grounds has a warm atmosphere, with welcoming staff who always ensure that your experience is memorable. They also have the most seating area of the three, including comfortable lounge chairs for relaxing and tables with outlets when you need to get your work done.
Though usually a bustling environment, the energy of the students chatting and studying makes Cougar Grounds feel alive.
Coffee
Cougar Grounds has something to offer everyone, whether it is traditional espresso drinks, frappés or pastries.
Roasting their beans in-store also adds a personal touch that many coffee shops lack.
While the busiest of the three, Cougar Grounds has impressively quick service, making it a great spot to study or grab coffee on the go.
Recommendation
The Mayan Mocha!
The Mexican hot chocolate spice pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of espresso.
Instagram: @cougargrounds
Shasta’s Cones and More
Atmosphere
There isn’t much seating area within Shasta’s itself, but they have the atmosphere of a classic, cozy ice cream parlor.
It’s the perfect place to sit down and enjoy treats with your friends after class or late at night.
Coffee
Shasta’s is the go-to place on campus for sweet treats, but their coffee options are often overlooked. Their menu features options from creative specialty lattes to espresso drinks.
While it might not be a first choice for coffee, it is still a great option for those who like sweeter drinks or caffeine-sugar rushes.
Their drinks are also always affordable, which is big, especially for college students.
Recommendation
The latte of the month!
They always have a creative specialty drink.
Instagram: @shastasconesandmore
The Nook Cafe
Atmosphere
With coffee-related posters posted all around the café, it’s easy to tell how much they care about the craft.
The Nook has a cozy corner with a bookshelf, comfortable booths, chairs and couches to hang out with friends or get work done, as well as an outside seating area to enjoy the breeze. The Houston mural in the back is also such a nice, personal touch that ties the ambiance of the café together.
Coffee
The Nook has a large variety of food and drink options, offering everything from sandwiches to espresso drinks, pour-overs and cold brews. Their unique blends from Katz Coffee, founded by a UH alum, have a rich, distinct flavor profile that displays their attention to detail.
Recommendation
A bit of an unusual combination, but their cold brew with a cold foam!
The cold foam with a customizable syrup adds a sweet hint to their strong, homemade flavor of the cold brew.
Instagram: @thenookhtx
Overall, each place has something special.
Whether it’s the sweet specialty lattes from Shasta’s, the energetic atmosphere of Cougar Grounds, or the cozy ambiance of The Nook Café, each place has its own personality, giving UH students a diverse selection of spots to study, relax and enjoy the art of coffee.
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