Sponsored by Visit Pearland

Nothing beats a warm drink on a chilly day, or a cold drink on a hot one, and Pearland’s coffee and tea scene has options to match everyone’s preferred vibe, from artisanal and classy to cozy and homey. Coffee options, especially, have grown by leaps and bounds the last few years, and visitors can set up quite the tour of local coffee roasters and shops to see all the different approaches to the humble coffee bean. 

When it comes to great coffee, Pearland has proven to be an ideal town for building a foundation. First Cup Coffee Co., Pearland Coffee Roasters and Waygood Coffee all planted their roots in Pearland and have gone on to open additional locations. Each shop has its own charm and specialties, and brings variety and a community gathering spot to Pearland. Soon joining the scene will be another new business: Qurbah House of Coffee. 

Go to the Visit Pearland website for more information on dining, arts, events and more! 

Coffee Shops & Local Roasters in Pearland

First Cup Coffee Co., 2645 East Broadway: This Texas-grown mini-chain with only three locations, including one in Pearland, names its roasts after American history, landmarks and famous figures, like the signature John Hancock Blend or George Washington Carver. First Cup offers a dozen blends and roasts in sizes ranging from tiny one-cup pods for casual drinkers or 5-pound bags for enthusiasts who prefer to stock up. In-store, there are classic seasonal drinks such as Hot Maple Pecan Latte, fun ones like the Ube Shaken Espresso and teas, including matcha. First Cup even offers cozy gathering spaces. There are multiple private spaces to rent with the smallest being a cozy office that sits two up to a comfortable 10 person meeting room.

Gripons Coffee Co., 2512 1/2 East Broadway: This charming stand is the perfect spot for a quick to-go stop or a little break at the outdoor tables. As a walk-up coffee spot, Gripon’s has a tight selection of classic and seasonal drinks, both caffeinated and not, and, most importantly, churros. The churro offerings include classic, drizzled, filled and, the most-decadent option, a churro sundae. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, some current seasonal latte options are the Mi Amor with white chocolate, cherry and almond, and Corazón with chocolate and raspberry. Gripons is the exact kind of small, local shop that will capture the hearts of its visitors. It’s open until 5 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends.

LIT Java Coffee and Books, 5018 Broadway: A book is always better with a coffee, and that’s exactly what LIT Java Coffee and Books offers. Owners Angie Jackson and Dewana Montgomery started with a book club and have built a community. The shop is Black-, veteran- and women-owned and -operated, and a stand-out space for people looking for connection. 

LIT Java has a large rotating menu of specialty espresso drinks like the Cookies n Cream Shaken Espresso and the Toffee Latte alongside the normal coffee offerings, and breakfast options such as kolaches and boudin. The shop also really shines thanks to a packed calendar of events, including the BYOB Book Clubs in the evenings, author meet-and-greets and community events for children.

Lone Star PAWZ Catfé, 8209 Broadway: Any guest who wants to have a warm drink and pet a kitty, all while helping cats find their forever homes, will enjoy the scene at Lone Star PAWZ Catfé. The Catfé benefits Lone Star PAWZ rescue, which operates primarily in Brazoria County. Coffee can be enjoyed in the cat-hair free lounge while watching the kitties bound and play, and play sessions in the kitty room can be booked in one-hour increments for $15. 

The Catfé focuses on providing for the kitties, so while the menu is not the largest it has all the classics like café lattés, chai and matcha lattés with little snacks. Have a warm sip — and maybe meet your forever friend at the Catfé! Visits to the Cat Cave to hang out with the kitties can be booked in advance online. 

Pearland Coffee Roasters, 4106 Broadway: A true homegrown business, this local coffee roaster and shop focuses on ethically sourced coffee beans. It also offers a place for the community to relax; neighbors are welcome to bring in a book, enjoy a hot beverage and slow down. Pearland Coffee Roasters has three locations, and two are in Pearland.

Coffee beans can be ordered in quantities ranging from small 5-ounce samples all the way up to 5-pound bags, with wholesale options for resellers or corporate purchasers. Pearland Coffee Roasters focuses on comforting and artisanal drinks such as the seasonal Magnolia, an oolong tea latte with white chocolate, or an herbal Mark Belt, an americano made with brown sugar, peppercorn and bay leaf.

Luce Coffee Roasters, 11625 Broadway: This rapidly growing local chain has shops all over the Greater Houston Area and focuses on not only excellent roasted coffee beans but also consumer education. People interested in learning about coffee roasting, barista skills or about coffee in general can book classes on the website. Luce Coffee Roasters’ beans are chosen with sustainability in mind and roasted fresh daily. 

The shop has plenty of carefully crafted, signature artisanal drinks, and some intriguing options on the Black Label line. Each option on the Black Label includes activated charcoal to suit any got spirit, and includes the Mont Blanc, a dramatic vanilla latte with charcoal and hints of chocolate, or a Black Cloud, an iced cappuccino sweetened with agave and sprinkled with sea salt. Breakfast bites are available for the peckish, including empanadas and breakfast tacos.

Waygood Coffee Company, 2715 Old Max Court: This business, with only two locations, one in Pearland and one in Houston, focuses on high-quality ingredients and partnering with coffee bean farms that use good environmental practices and innovative growing techniques. Waygood’s Pearland shop brings a bright and cheerful vibe to the coffee scene, and it uses housemade flavors in signatures such as the James Brown, a brown sugar and cinnamon latte, and the Brown Butter Latte with housemade caramel, vanilla and brown sugar. Either is a cozy, flavorful choice.

Haraz Coffee, 11401 Broadway: Though this coffee company got its start in Detroit, when it opened in Pearland, it brought a wealth of tradition with it. Haraz focuses on traditional Yemeni coffee and other Arabian flavors from the homeland of coffee. They have the Sana’ani, Yemeni style coffee made with cardamom, the Saffron Adeni a black tea flavored with saffron and Qishr, a traditional drink made with coffee husks, ginger and cinnamon. 

Haraz Coffee is the shop for people interested in the history and birthplace of coffee, or just those who require a potato samosa to get through the winter days.

Tea Rooms in Pearland

Sweet Magnolia’s Tea Room, 2202 Park Avenue: This stand-out shop focuses on high tea, a magical experience for those celebrating or who just want to feel special for an afternoon. It includes a selection of canapés, sandwiches and premium teas, perfect to warm hearts and tummies. A reservation for high tea can be booked on the website. 

Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sweet Magnolia offers a walk-in lunch service and serves classics such as tomato basil soup, turkey and apple sandwiches and salads for those looking for a light bite. The tea selection depends on availability, but includes classic black and green teas, and unique blends like the Panhandle Pear made with black and green tea leaves, pear and sunflower petals. 

Four Friends Tea Room, 3816 E Broadway. This tea house has walk-in lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m., when guests can enjoy their own hearty afternoon tea experience. The Four Friends Classic high tea includes a pot of tea, a cup of soup, salad, finger sandwiches or croissant sandwiches, a pickle spear, potato chips and your choice from the dessert tower. There are plenty of classic sandwiches to choose from, such as pimento and cheese, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad and cucumber cream cheese. 

The tea room is available not only for high tea, but also princess parties and hosting fun outings for friends and family. Reservations are available by calling (281) 485-6484.

Jo Cook

Jo Cook is an illustrator who has somehow taken up a keyboard and pen to begin writing. They are a person of many talents who uses their abilities to make creative content outside of their day job, and they have a special relationship to the Houston food scene.