Introduction
In this installment of A Cup of Happiness we take a look at two more standout coffee shops offering seriously good coffee and seriously good vibes—Tenfold Coffee Company and Minuti Coffee.
Whether you’re seeking meticulously crafted brews or a cozy community atmosphere with Italian flair, these cafés have something unique to offer every coffee enthusiast.
Tenfold Coffee Company: Elevating Coffee Culture in Houston
Nestled in the vibrant Heights neighborhood of Houston, Tenfold Coffee Company has established itself as a serious player in the city’s ever-growing coffee scene.
Since opening its doors in June 2020, during the challenging times of a global pandemic, Tenfold has grown from a simple café to a destination where coffee lovers, local businesses, and the wider community come together.
But this isn’t your run of the mill coffee shop—it’s a roastery, café, and educational hub all rolled into one, committed to making specialty coffee accessible to everyone.
A Coffee Journey: From Farm to Cup
At Tenfold, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it’s a global journey that begins with coffee farmers around the world. With a mission to educate customers about the origins of each cup, Tenfold highlights the care and precision involved in growing coffee plants.
From Caring Farmers to Master Roasters
The coffee they serve starts with farmers who meticulously tend to their crops, and from there, Tenfold’s roasting team develops roast profiles that emphasize the unique tasting notes of each batch.
Expert Hands Creating Unforgettable Concoctions
Once the beans are roasted, it’s up to Tenfold’s skilled baristas to experiment with recipes, offering a curated coffee experience to both new and seasoned coffee drinkers.
The result? A well-rounded cup that reflects Tenfold’s dedication to quality and their desire to create a meaningful connection between the coffee and the consumer.
Never Die Attitude
Opening in the midst of the pandemic didn’t deter Tenfold; instead, it became an opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community.
A Little Help from Friends
Collaborating with local vendors like Pudgy’s Cookies and Burger Bodega, Tenfold hosted outdoor pop-ups and plant markets, offering a safe, welcoming space for Houstonians to gather and support small businesses.
This initiative quickly endeared Tenfold to families and coffee lovers alike, making it a neighborhood staple.
Becoming a Part of the Community
As the world reopened, Tenfold took things a step further by launching coffee classes. Whether you want to perfect your latte art, brew the perfect pour-over, or master the nuances of espresso, Tenfold’s classes are designed to demystify specialty coffee.
By providing hands-on education, they empower their customers to better appreciate the intricacies of coffee, deepening their connection to both the beverage and the community around it.
A Global Vision: Supporting Coffee Farmers
Tenfold’s mission extends far beyond Houston. While their café serves as a local hub, their commitment to coffee farmers abroad is equally strong. Recognizing the challenges faced by coffee growers, Tenfold actively supports projects that promote sustainable farming practices.
One such initiative involves “stumping” in Ethiopia, a process that rejuvenates coffee trees and leads to higher future yields. Through these efforts, Tenfold helps provide a financial buffer for farmers, ensuring the long-term health of the coffee supply chain.
Raising the Value of Coffee
By focusing on both the local and global aspects of coffee production, Tenfold strives to elevate the value of coffee in broader culture, making it more than just a commodity, but a symbol of connection, sustainability, and quality.
Tenfold Cold Brew: A Houston Favorite
For many Houstonians, especially during the scorching summer months, Tenfold’s cold brew has become an absolute must. This refreshing drink, available on tap, provides a smooth, invigorating experience with subtle tasting notes of milk chocolate and almond.
A Brew, or Two, or Three
Whether you prefer your cold brew black, with a splash of milk, or even as part of their inventive cold brew shandy (a blend of cold brew and lemonade), it’s the perfect antidote to Houston’s heat.
Improved Over Time
Tenfold’s cold brew recipe has been carefully developed over time. Their initial small batches, brewed with a short steep time, have evolved into a process that now yields 30 gallons per batch, allowing for a longer steep and more robust flavors.
The result is a low-acidity cold brew that’s smooth and approachable for all coffee drinkers.
A Deeper Dive Into Flavor
For those looking for something a bit different, Tenfold offers nitro cold brew on tap, featuring single-origin coffees from Mexico and Ethiopia.
These selections showcase unique flavor profiles, such as the fruity bouquet of their Bekele Belachew Ethiopian coffee or the strawberry notes of their Mundo Maya Classic Natural from Mexico, giving cold brew fans the chance to explore new dimensions of flavor.
A Space for Community
At its core, Tenfold isn’t just a place to grab a great cup of coffee—it’s a space for the community to gather, connect, and engage. Their staff is dedicated to creating an inspiring and welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.
Their “coffee-forward, community-centered” philosophy ensures that no matter what brings you through their doors, you leave with a sense of belonging.
A Diverse Menu for Every Palate
Tenfold’s menu is as diverse as the coffee they roast, offering everything from classic drip coffee and pour-overs to chai lattes, espresso tonics, and even beer and wine for those looking to unwind.
Signatures and Singles
Their signature blends, like the versatile “My Shout,” offer tasting notes of white peach and panela, while single-origin offerings, like the dynamic “Bekele Belachew” from Ethiopia, bring a world of flavors to the Houston coffee scene.
A Variety to Try
For those eager to try something new, Tenfold’s rotating limited-release offerings, steeped coffee, and bottled cold brew provide plenty of options to explore.
A Coffee Hub for the Whole Community
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cold brew, taking a class to sharpen your barista skills, or simply enjoying a catch-up with friends, Tenfold offers an experience that’s deeply rooted in people and community.
By making specialty coffee accessible and supporting coffee farmers across the globe, Tenfold Coffee Company is truly elevating Houston’s coffee culture—one cup at a time.
Minuti Coffee: Italian Tradition and Culture in Houston
Minuti Coffee offers an authentic taste of Italy with every cup. It’s a modern twist on the traditional Italian café, where culture, style, and sustainability seamlessly blend.
With multiple locations throughout the Houston, Minuti Coffee has become a beloved hub in several neighborhoods throughout the city.
Whether you’re a morning commuter grabbing a quick coffee or a professional looking for a cozy space to work, Minuti Coffee provides a welcoming atmosphere for all.
A Taste of Italy in Every Cup
Minuti Coffee takes its craft seriously, sourcing beans roasted by their expert ‘roast master’ in Italy, ensuring that every cup delivers rich flavors that transport you to the heart of Italian coffee culture.
A Cup Full of Soul
Whether you’re sipping on an espresso, enjoying a cappuccino, or indulging in a creamy affogato (espresso poured over vanilla ice cream), you can taste the passion behind the brew. The café’s commitment to quality shines through with its use of premium coffee beans and meticulously prepared beverages.
Variety to Spice Up Your Day
Minuti offers more than just coffee, with a menu boasting a variety of Italian-inspired drinks. From their specialty Shakerato iced coffees to nitro cold brews, the options are endless for any coffee enthusiast.
They also offer popular drinks like chai lattes, dirty chais, and decadent chocolate beverages, all made with the same Italian precision that coffee connoisseurs adore.
Stylish Italian Ambiance
The moment you step inside Minuti Coffee, you’re greeted by an environment that feels distinctly Italian yet modern. With a sleek red and black interior, the café pays homage to Italy with Ferrari and Vespa-themed artwork adorning the walls.
A Cultured Cup of Joe
The atmosphere is further elevated with opera music playing softly in the background, creating the perfect ambiance for a relaxing coffee break or productive work session.
Interior Elegance
The store design itself is a thoughtful blend of traditional and modern elements.
Wooden floors, crystal chandeliers, and leather booths provide a sense of comfort, while the cool, contemporary Italian furniture adds a touch of sophistication.
Elevate your Daily Cup
Whether you’re seated by the grand Renaissance-style mirror behind the counter or tucked into a comfy leather booth with a magazine in hand, the space feels as chic as it does inviting.
More Than Coffee: A Full Dining Experience
Minuti Coffee takes pride in offering more than just beverages. Their menu includes a variety of fresh-baked pastries like cinnamon scones, buttery croissants, and indulgent chocolate chip cookies.
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Breakfast options include ham and cheese croissants or English muffins, perfect for a quick morning bite. For lunch or dinner, you can enjoy hearty sandwiches, soups, paninis, and even pasta pots—providing an Italian café experience from morning until night.
Un-caffeinated Delights
If you’re not in the mood for coffee, Minuti also serves a selection of refreshing smoothies, Italian cream sodas, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Whether you’re on the go or looking for a relaxing spot to sit down and enjoy a meal, Minuti has something to satisfy every palate.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Minuti Coffee doesn’t just focus on creating delicious drinks and food; they’re also dedicated to making a positive environmental impact.
Material Importance
The café uses eco-friendly materials wherever possible, including some of the most sustainable paper cups in the world.
Their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint is woven into the very fabric of their operations—from recycling initiatives to renewable energy usage.
Drink in with Peace of Mind
The company’s dedication to organic and fair trade practices ensures that their coffee is ethically sourced, offering patrons a guilt-free indulgence with every sip.
This focus on sustainability, combined with their devotion to quality, sets Minuti apart from other chain stores.
The Minuti Experience: Community and Connection
One of the most captivating aspects of Minuti Coffee is the sense of community it fosters. The vibrant staff, brimming with energy and passion for coffee, add to the lively, friendly environment.
Whether you’re meeting friends for a post-work coffee or stopping by for a solo study session with your laptop, Minuti’s warm, welcoming vibe makes it easy to feel at home.
Take Home the Experience
For those looking to bring the Minuti experience home, the café offers a selection of coffee blends to go, as well as other Italian products.
So, whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, lingering over a meal, or purchasing some beans to brew at home, Minuti makes it easy to savor the Italian coffee culture wherever you are.
A Break from the Ordinary
Minuti Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a celebration of Italian culture, coffee, and community.
From the carefully crafted espresso drinks to the stylish yet cozy ambiance, everything about Minuti is designed to offer an elevated experience and trip to the heart of Italy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re savoring the global coffee journey at Tenfold or indulging in the warmth of Italian tradition at Minuti, each visit promises more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and the simple joys that coffee brings.
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