Introduction
In today’s installment of Cup of Happines, we’ll look at two amazing cafes offering more than just your daily caffeine fix. From the historic charm of The Coffee House at West End to the artisanal elegance of Un Caffè, these two standout cafes blend community, craft, and passion into every cup.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy space steeped in history or a modern coffee experience with an masterful flair, these coffeehouses are redefining Houston’s café culture.
The Coffee House at West End: A Historic Hub for Coffee and Community in Houston
In the heart of Houston’s West End, nestled within a building rich with history, The Coffee House at West End is more than just a cafe. It’s a place where the past meets the present, where coffee is crafted with care, and where community and culture blend as smoothly as their espresso shots.
Whether you’re a long-time local or just visiting, this unique spot offers more than just a great cup of coffee—it offers a piece of Houston’s soul.
A Historic Building with Deep Roots
The building that houses The Coffee House at West End has a story that dates back to 1930, when it was first constructed by West End Baptist Church.
For decades, it served as a Sunday School, offering guidance to generations of families in the community. In the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair, yet it remained a beacon of service, operating as a food pantry and providing essential items to those in need.
Lost and Found
Despite its abandonment in the 2000s, the building never lost its potential. In 2015, when West End Baptist Church merged with River Pointe Church, the seeds of revitalization were planted.
By 2020, West End Church had a new vision—to transform this once-forgotten building into a thriving community space. The result? A coffee house that honors the past while embracing modernity.
Perfect Mix of Classic and Modern
Today, visitors can sip their drinks surrounded by architectural elements that maintain the building’s historic charm, while enjoying the modern touches like the mezzanine, rooftop deck, and enhanced acoustics for live music events.
A Place to Gather, a Place to Connect
Opened in October 2021, The Coffee House at West End is far more than a place to grab your morning brew. Its mission is clear: to foster connections and build relationships within the community.
The café’s design, from the cozy mezzanine to the rooftop deck with its stunning views of the Houston skyline, invites conversation, collaboration, and relaxation.
Whether you’re a student seeking a quiet study spot, a professional looking for a change of scenery, or someone simply wanting to catch up with friends, this coffee house caters to all.
A Space for Community and Culture
The rooftop deck is perfect for hosting events, and live music performances fill the space with energy, thanks to the building’s thoughtful acoustic upgrades. It’s a place where the atmosphere is just as rich as the coffee.
The Mural: A Tribute to Houston
One of the standout features of The Coffee House at West End is its vibrant mural, a visual love letter to the city of Houston. Designed by French, Houston-based artist Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau of Eyeful Design, the mural captures the spirit of both the cafe and the city.
From the skyline to the sports teams, the artwork incorporates iconic Houston imagery, reflecting the coffee house’s deep ties to the community.
Representing the Community
What makes this mural even more special is its message of diversity and unity. The cherubs depicted in the mural represent different cultures and backgrounds, embodying the cafe’s commitment to inclusivity.
In the center, one cherub proudly wears the cafe’s slogan, “Love People. Love Coffee.” It’s a motto that resonates throughout the cafe, where everyone is welcome, and every cup is brewed with care.
Be sure to snap a photo with the mural when you visit and tag @thecoffeehousehtx on social media to share your experience.
Coffee, Tea, and So Much More
At The Coffee House at West End, the menu is crafted with the same attention to detail that went into the building’s restoration. Coffee aficionados will find a wide range of traditional espresso drinks, from a robust double shot to the silky smoothness of a flat white.
Something Unique Brewing
For something more unique, the specialty drinks like the West End Latte, with its house-made syrup, or the Big Tex Latte, featuring an extra boost of espresso, are perfect options.
Tea Time and Cold Brew
If you’re more of a tea drinker, you’re in for a treat. Their selection of teas, including Jasmine Green, Thai Chamomile, and Naked Black, can be enjoyed hot or iced, catering to any mood or season.
And for those looking for something cool and refreshing, the cafe’s cold brew and iced drinks are a must-try.
Sweet Toothed and Savory Delights
The cafe also offers a delightful range of pastries that perfectly complement their drinks.
Whether you’re in the mood for a buttery croissant, a ham and cheese croissant for a savory snack, or a sweet treat like the key lime blueberry tart, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Just What You Are Looking For
What truly sets The Coffee House at West End apart is its ability to provide its customers with the exact experience they are looking for in their favorite coffee shop.
The mezzanine offers a peaceful spot to relax or work, the rooftop deck provides the perfect setting for gatherings, and the live music nights create a vibrant atmosphere for all.
Whether you’re drawn in by the rich history of the building, the allure of an expertly crafted latte, or the chance to connect with others in a meaningful space, The Coffee House at West End delivers an experience that is quintessentially Houston.
Un Caffè: Elevating Houston’s Coffee Scene with Passion, Craft, and Community
In the bustling heart of Midtown Houston, Un Caffè stands as a testament to what happens when passion for coffee intersects with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.
Founded by Soonkack Kook, a retired sergeant turned coffee connoisseur, Un Caffè has rapidly become a local favorite for those seeking not just a caffeine fix but a holistic coffee experience.
This roastery-cafe blends innovation with the warmth of human connection, making it a standout in the city’s dynamic coffee culture.
A Vision Beyond Coffee
Un Caffè’s mission is rooted in more than just brewing a good cup of joe. Soonkack’s vision was to create a space where patrons feel welcomed, where the quality of the coffee and service are of the utmost importance, and where sustainability is at the core of every decision.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or someone seeking a cozy spot to unwind, Un Caffè delivers an experience that caters to both your taste buds and your sense of belonging.
Ethical and Sustainable
The cafe prides itself on using ethically sourced beans, ensuring that every sip you take is steeped in the values of environmental and social responsibility.
This commitment to sustainability, paired with an ever-evolving approach to coffee trends, has solidified Un Caffè’s place as a premier coffee destination in Houston.
Soonkack Kook: The Man Behind the Beans
Soonkack Kook’s journey to Un Caffè is one of dedication and a deep love for coffee. After a career in the IT industry and owning a franchise restaurant, Soonkack decided to pursue his passion for coffee full-time.
From Novice to Master
He didn’t just stop at learning the basics. His quest for mastery led him to train under renowned coffee experts, including the winner of the 2016 Italian Espresso Championship and the 2017 Korea Roasting Championship.
These experiences, paired with numerous certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), helped him refine his craft to an expert level.
Dedication to Quality and Community
His story is a testament to the value of perseverance. From working as a barista in local shops to traveling the world to learn the best roasting and brewing techniques, Soonkack has poured his heart and knowledge into Un Caffè.
His hands-on approach, combined with a desire to create a community hub, is what makes the cafe so special.
Crafting the Perfect Cup
At Un Caffè, the emphasis is on quality, and this is evident in every aspect of the café’s operation. From sourcing the finest beans to utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, Soonkack ensures that each cup is a product of both passion and precision.
The roastery’s batch brewer, for instance, costs nearly 10 times the average machine in the market, ensuring the most consistent and flavorful brew possible.
Trained to Perfection
But it’s not just the equipment that makes Un Caffè stand out. The cafe’s baristas, led by Soonkack, are trained to focus on every detail—from water pH levels to the density and moisture of the coffee beans—so that every drink served is top-tier.
Their goal is simple: to create coffee that not only tastes good but provides a memorable experience for the customer.
A Community Hub
Un Caffè is more than a coffee shop; it’s a community space where connections are fostered. Whether it’s regulars striking up conversations with one another or new friendships forming over a shared love of coffee, the cafe has become a place where people gather, chat, and relax.
A Vision Realized
Soonkack’s vision of connecting customers with each other and with the wider world of coffee has become a reality.
He often engages with customers, sharing stories about the origins of their coffee beans and how their purchases help support coffee farmers across the globe.
A One of a Kind Cafe
By creating a “playground” for baristas with top-of-the-line equipment and fostering an environment where both customers and staff thrive, Un Caffè has become a local favorite.
It’s a space where coffee is more than just a drink—it’s an experience.
The Future of Un Caffè
With the recent opening of its roastery cafe in early 2023, Un Caffè is poised to continue making waves in Houston’s coffee scene.
As the business grows, Soonkack remains dedicated to his core values of quality, sustainability, and community. His vision of creating a cafe where customers can always find a friend, learn something new about coffee, and feel good about their purchases is what sets Un Caffè apart.
A Must Try Coffee Shop in Houston
In a city teeming with coffee shops, Un Caffè is carving out its niche by offering something more than just great coffee—it’s offering a place where coffee, community, and craftsmanship come together seamlessly.
Conclusion
Both The Coffee House at West End and Un Caffè showcase the heart and soul behind Houston’s evolving coffee scene. While one captures the warmth of history and local community, the other brings a sophisticated touch of craftsmanship to the city’s coffee culture.
Together, they represent the rich diversity of Houston’s love affair with coffee—one that’s built on passion, quality, and a sense of belonging.
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