west-sidePublic cafe
Barrio Barista on Culebra Road builds Mexican-flavoured coffee, from horchata lattes to cafe de olla, a West Side cafe and roaster worth the trip.
Tip: The horchata latte and cafe de olla are what set it apart. A West Side cafe worth the trip for the flavours alone.
Sources from: Mexico, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
pearlPublic cafe
Local Coffee is one of San Antonio's early specialty-coffee names, well placed at the Pearl for an espresso before the Saturday-market rush.
Tip: An early San Antonio specialty name, well placed at the Pearl. Come before the Saturday-market rush for a seat.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Whole bean retail
alamo-heightsPublic cafe
Berry to Bean Coffee House on Broadway is an ethically sourced roaster-cafe leaning on Kenyan and Colombian beans, a healthier-leaning Alamo Heights stop.
Tip: The ethical sourcing and Kenyan beans are the draw. A Broadway cafe with healthier food options alongside the coffee.
Sources from: Kenya, Colombia, Ethiopia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
alamo-heightsPublic cafe
Theory Coffee is an Alamo Heights roaster-cafe that has ranked among Yelp's top US coffee shops, known for a rotating single origin and a dialled-in espresso.
Tip: Theory ranks among Yelp's top US coffee shops. Buy a bag of the rotating single origin; the espresso is the in-house order.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
alamo-heightsPublic cafe
Merit Coffee, founded in San Antonio and now across Texas, is the most widely available local roaster, with cafes around town and a bean subscription at home.
Tip: The most widely available local roaster, with cafes across town. The subscription is the easy way to keep beans at home.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail, Subscription
downtownPublic cafe
Estate Coffee roasts downtown with the roaster in full view of the espresso bar; ask what is fresh. A rare specialty roaster-cafe in the heart of the city.
Tip: Roasting happens in full view of the counter; ask what is fresh. A rare downtown specialty roaster.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Whole bean retail