Alicia Simpson
Google
If I could give Cariño Coffee a 10/5, I would.
This place is such a hidden gem—emphasis on hidden. I literally drove past it at first, but once I found it, I was instantly charmed. The ambiance is adorable—clean, cozy, and thoughtfully designed with a full bar that adds a sophisticated touch. It gives off that perfect “local favorite” energy with a boutique vibe that’s hard to find.
I was visiting Houston for the weekend and had one mission: find a legit matcha latte. As someone who’s admittedly a bit of a matcha snob (I usually just make mine at home because I’m that picky), I was hoping to find something special—and Cariño absolutely delivered. I ordered the blueberry lavender matcha, which I had never seen before, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was phenomenal—balanced, not too sweet, and full of nuanced flavor. Easily a 12/10.
What really made the experience stand out, though, was the incredible service. The person who helped me was genuinely so kind, patient, and knowledgeable. I mentioned I’m not a fan of overly sweet drinks, and they explained that all their syrups are house-made, which gives them a more natural, clean flavor. That attention to detail won me over immediately.
Cariño Coffee is the kind of place you wish you had in your own city. I’ll 1000% be back the next time I’m in Houston—and probably dreaming about that blueberry lavender matcha until then.