Simply Coffie occupies a dark, two-storey building in the Heights, northwest of downtown Houston. Inside, ash-clad walls and a high wooden ceiling frame street-facing windows, a window counter and a limited number of tables. Come with time to choose a single origin and drink it slowly; this is a stop for exploring coffee, with pastries if you want something alongside.
Coffee
The beans are roasted in-house, and the changing selection extends from everyday choices to expensive small lots. Ask the barista to narrow it down by the flavours you enjoy and how much you want to spend. Single-origin espresso and milk drinks sit alongside hand brews, so the choice of bean matters as much as the drink name. There are no syrups or added sweeteners.
Pour-over is the strongest reason to make the trip. Hot and iced preparations let you compare origins, with a carafe option for a longer tasting. The iced service brings a glass carafe resting on ice and a chilled cup. Check the price before choosing a rare lot: the upper end of the menu can cost substantially more than a regular coffee. Bags of beans are available to take home; tea and matcha give non-coffee drinkers other options.
Pastry
The pastry selection changes, with cakes, tarts and croissants among the offerings. Basque cheesecake and chocolate truffles have been recurring favourites; choose from the counter on the day. Plan this as coffee with something sweet, and leave a full brunch for another stop.
Service & Room
Small tables suit a solo visit or a conversation for two, and the baristas can talk through the bean selection. Allow time for your drink, especially when several orders arrive together. Seats and parking can be hard to find at busy times, so keep the visit flexible if you are coming with a group.