< Previous10 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 W hen I moved to Galveston in 2000, the coffeehouse boom hadn’t quite picked up steam on the island. I was a little spoiled in Hous- ton, where baristas at a Montrose Starbucks started making my nonfat cappuccino as soon as I pulled into the parking lot. That was my morning com- mute ritual. But when I wanted to meet up with friends, we found our way to one of many indepen- dent coffeehouses in Houston where we could enjoy well- made espresso drinks, artisan pastries or towering slices of cake (Ah, the days I didn’t worry so much about calories) and good conversation. When I arrived in Galves- ton, Starbucks wasn’t here and there were maybe a handful of downtown coffee shops, although I could find a worthy cappuccino at Mosquito Café. Then in 2001, Craig and An- gela Brown opened MOD Coffeehouse on Postoffice Street. As listed in this issue, MOD is the mother of all the island coffeehouses. More than 20 years, one massive hurricane and a lot of java later, it still provides a comfortable space for locals, tourists, students and professionals seeking an office away from the office. It’s notable, to me anyway, that many themes of this magazine were brainstormed at MOD, now owned by Holly Hopkins. MOD established a culture of warmth and famil- iarity. Rarely do I show up at MOD without bumping into someone I know. It’s also worth mentioning that the coffee is good and the baristas skilled. Since then, the coffeehouse scene here has changed dra- matically. Starbucks has built one or more shops in cities all along the upper Texas coast. But in very recent years, we’ve also seen a proliferation of independent coffeehouses from Kemah to the island and all places in between. Do coffeehouses build community? We’d say so. Being a nosy journalist, I can always pick up snatches of conversations at coffee shops, often about hot local topics or current events. Coffeehouses are comfort- able and affordable workspac- es with free Wi-Fi and ready access to caffeine. And wheth- er people are studying with earbuds on or working on an important presentation, they’re there for social connections, a way to be a part of the world around them. As you’ll read here, coffee shops provide places to ex- plore art and showcase local talent. They can serve as art galleries, giving budding artists invaluable exposure. Coffeehouses host book clubs, open mic nights, karaoke and even faith-based gatherings. Each coffeehouse here reflects the community in which it operates, encouraging people to engage with one another. Whatever has fueled the recent rise of independent shops, we welcome and celebrate it in this issue, which you just might be reading in your favorite coffeehouse. Coast Monthly wishes you a Happy New Year! LAURA ELDER Coast Monthly Editor FROM THE EDITOR THE BEST PART OF WAKING UPIS YOUR HOME MISBEHAVING? Perform a Forensic Review Mold | Moisture | Warped flooring | High humidity | HVAC failures | Odd smells Indoor health concerns | Contaminates | Staining | Water damage | Comfort issues Swollen trim | Building defects | Bad workmanship | Poor design | Mysteries "We had moisture and construction issues that NO one could solve or address - but Toner Home Matters DID. After diagnosing our issue, we followed the "prescription" we needed. We would venture to say that Toner Home Matters SAVED our home." SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WWW.TONERHOMEMATTERS.COM Actual Google Review Find out what's wrong, why it happens, and what to do about it12 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 SHORELINES WE ASKED ON FACEBOOK: Seawall Coffee Company Dutch Apple is amazing! Harbor’s Edge Coffee is great and love their third-floor work area/study hall, plus dog friendly patio. And lastly MOD Coffee — love their variety of lattes, pastries and love the dog friendly patio. Chris Kimble The Java Owl Coffee House has the best drinks and the best owner! Caroline Beghein Corduroy Coffee and Clay is unique and excellent. Catherine Stroud Holly Berry Tearoom in League City is my favorite! Their tea and food are wonderful. Denise Sowell Shead Harbor’s Edge. Alice C. Jensen Seawall Coffee Shop and Harbor’s Edge. Both are my favorite. Jackie Austin Island Vibes Nutrition — protein coffee, protein shakes or a Lite Tea. Marta Gonzalez-Malone MOD Coffee for their Almond Joy Latte. I owned a successful coffee house, I know my way around an espresso machine — this crew is the best. Deanna Hepler Grissom Seawall Coffee Company, and Java Owl Coffee House when I have to go onto the mainland. Cathi Walsh I love Starbucks on Harborside. I order White Chocolate Mocha or a whole milk misto! Always get the venti. Second place goes to my own kitchen! I use steamed frothed milk in regular coffee. Bobbey White Art of Coffee Kemah Vanilla Latte. Shirley Ann Thomas Java Owl Coffee House in Nassau Bay. Amanda Vermillion I’m a MOD’s patron from way back. Daphne Watkins Harbor’s Edge Coffee on The Strand. Lovely new space with view of the harbor — owner Jennifer Nigro. Dahlia Woods Where do you go for the best coffee, espresso drink or tea? What do you order? red Light on Market. Elizabeth Ruh Harbor’s Edge Coffee & Goods. Lisa Lively I love the Lavender Latte at Pariah next to Galvestonite Bistro in Jamaica Beach! Or, of course, the Hummingbird Latte with Lavender cookie at MOD! Rachel Lambert Mostly, I go to my kitchen for my cuppa joe. However, if going out, it’s hard to pass up MOD for a cappuccino. It’s very close to home and the coffee is always good. Venturing further afield, red Light Coffee roasters is the way to go. If I don’t get a cappuccino, I’m doing a calorie splurge with a breve! Holly Thorson I’ve gone to the Starbucks near South Shore Harbour for 20-plus years. It’s the hub of the community and where locals go to chat. My go-to is basic coffee with oat milk. Jerry Jones Freckleberry on Market Street. Glynda Parker Oglesby After a two-year quest to find the best Arnold Palmer on the island, I have two favorites, in no particular order: Freckleberry Teahouse and Galveston Bagel Company. Lindsey White Well, I know we’re biased but Gon- zalo’s American Bistro ‘GAB’. Angela Gonzalez Freckleberry, I love the teas and that she carries rose flavor! Debbie Borque If I could jet back to Galveston from Georgia, it would be the MOD! Ela Bell LESLIE PLAZA JOHNSON Barista Eli Kacal pours hot milk to make a latte at Java Owl Coffee House in Nassau Bay. read more about Java Owl and other local coffee shops on Page 14.To fi nd care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/care-clearlake or call 281.333.8899 . surrounding communities We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research 45 45 225 146 DICKINSON 96 FRIENDSWOOD TEXAS CITY PASADENA DEER PARK NASSAU BAY 528 518 LEAGUE CITY 270 2351 HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE HOSPITAL Clear Lake Hospital Breast Care Emergency Care Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Primary Care Specialty Care HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us14 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 Victoria McDaniel, barista at The Den, pours steamed milk into a latte at the coffee and cocktail bar at Hotel Lucine in Galveston. (Opposite) Espresso drips into a cup for a latte at The Den. PHOTOS: JENNIFE r r EYNOLDS COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 15 FEATURE CUPS RUNNETH OVER A robust rivalry has led to a proliferation of new coffeehouses on the upper Texas coast compiled by JOHN DELAPP, LAURA ELDER, B. SCOTT MCLENDON, MYRIAN OREA and MICHAEL A. SMITH S ince its founding in 1971, Starbucks has grown from a small coffee roasting shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market to become a global giant with more than 32,000 stores across the world and there’s one — or more — in almost every small city on the upper Texas coast. To be sure, Starbucks still has a significant presence and strong following here. But in the past few years, rivalry has become robust as homegrown coffeehouses and roasters set up shop. Coast Monthly took a caffeine-fueled tour of shops old and new in search of the creamiest cortados, most mar- velous macchiatos and exceptional espressos while soaking up the charm and settings of independent coffeehouses that reflect the communities they serve.16 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 Ben Apolinar, the director of brews and beverages at MOD Coffeehouse in Galveston, pours frothed milk to create a design in a latte. AMANDA HOVEY COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 17 FEATURE THE DEN Mid-century modern cad Don Draper would look right at home on a stool at the bar in The Den at Hotel Lucine, peering through Ray-Bans at somebody lovely by the pool. The dapper Don might the night before have been elegantly draped, as it were, in full Brooks Brothers and across one of The Den’s low-slung couches, sipping an Old Fashioned until his dinner date arrived. But morning by the sea calls for Bermudas, camp-collar shirts, a cup of Joe, and The Den has that covered with a full menu of drip coffee and espresso drinks, small and large plates and even cures for last night’s dog bites. The Den at Hotel Lucine, 1002 Seawall Blvd., Galveston MOD COFFEEHOUSE The mother of all independent coffeehous- es on the island, MOD would fit right in any arty Seattle or New York City neighborhood. Around since 2001, MOD has been the gath- ering place for conversation and community. Skilled baristas have long tenures here and lattes are a specialty. Need an extra kick with your caffeine? Try the El Diablo Latte made with mocha and cayenne. Too early to think? Go for the “Just Ask Me Latte” and let the baristas decide. Teas, freezes and smoothies also are available along with muffins, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and more. Inside, the walls are adorned with locally created art for sale. An arbor-shaded outside seating area is perfect for people watching and taking in views of picturesque Postoffice Street. Check times for live music outside. MOD Coffeehouse, 2126 Postoffice St., Galveston INDIES COFFEE BAR & SPEAKEASY Brandon Jones is bringing his Hollywood flair to the island coffee scene with a coastal take on the typical coffee shop hangout. When it opens in January, Indies Coffee Bar & Speakeasy will offer fresh-roast coffee, pastries and desserts, as well as local beers on tap and wine. Jones is roasting the coffee on site. The name Indies is inspired by the business’ efforts to promote local, indepen- dent bakers, brewers and other artisans of confections and libations. Indies will feature FILE PHOTO: JENNIFE r r EYNOLDS CO ur TESY (From top) Brandon Jones’ coffee shop, Indies Coffee Bar & Speakeasy in Galveston, will open in January. Jones is roasting the coffee on site; Harbor’s Edge is a full-service coffee shop in the Hutchings & Sealy Co. Building in the island’s downtown. The coffee shop serves specialty espresso drinks along with artisanal pastries and treats.18 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2024 FEATURE a waterside deck overlooking Offatts Bayou. Local bands and comedians will have regular shows in the fashion of Hollywood speak- easies of the 1920s and 1930s. Indies Coffee Bar & Speakeasy, 1813 61st St., Galveston HARBOR’S EDGE COFFEE & GOODS Need some caffeine to fuel your shop- ping excursion in the island’s downtown? This relative newcomer, brought to us by Jennifer Nigro, serves espresso drinks in the heart of Historic Downtown Galveston. Tucked inside the Hutchings & Sealy Co. Building, Harbor’s Edge serves specialty espresso drinks along with artisanal pastries and treats. Come here for the coffee but take in the views. The outdoor area offers an intimate view of this old seaport city. Harbor’s Edge Coffee & Goods, 2326 Strand St., Galveston SUGAR BEAN COFFEE & CREAM This idyllic and welcoming coffee shop in Galveston’s Evia neighborhood exudes Southern charm. It’s a cozy gathering space for friends and a peaceful place for study or remote work. Caramel Macchiatos, Sticky Bun Lattes and Coconut Mochas all are specialties here. Artisanal teas are available, along with smoothies. In a hat tip to Texas, the shop proudly serves Blue Bell Ice Cream and Texan Pecan Cold Brew. Peruse the pastries and charming merchandise while waiting to place your order with the friendly baristas. A generous outdoor space offers lawn games, lake views and access to cute shops in the Sugar Cubes. Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream, 11 Evia Main, Galveston STEAM KAFFE Sonja Fuqua bought Steam Kaffe from a previous owner in October 2023 with a dream to have a faith-based community coffee shop, providing a safe space for families, teenagers and kids, she said. The sound of karaoke songs fills the large space from noon to 3 p.m. each Saturday. Along with traditional coffee shop offerings, Steam Kaffe serves 16 different combinations of waffle sticks, both savory and sweet. “It is almost like a carnival brought to a cafe,” (From top) Liz Canales, left, and Kenzi Chalk prepare made-to-order treats like waffles rolled in fruit cereal on a stick and iced caramel macchiatos at Steam Kaffe in Dickinson; People of all ages hang out to work and relax at Steam Kaffe. PHOTOS: JENNIFE r r EYNOLDS Fuqua said. In the mornings, the chick- en and waffles and sausage waffle sticks are most popular. New to the menu this month are lunch foods such as pizza and paninis. Open much later than most cafes in the area, Steam Kaffe aims to become a meeting place for the community. 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