There’s something special about finding the perfect cup of coffee, whether you’re sneaking in a quick caffeine fix or searching for a cozy spot to linger. The area around New Braunfels is brimming with coffee shops that deliver everything from inventive lattes and Texas-roasted beans to out-of-this-world pastries and bottomless charm.
Let’s get to it.
Laika Cheesecake & Espresso
Stepping into Laika Cheesecake & Espresso, you’re met with outer space wall art and comfortably weird egg chairs. This independently owned shop blends cozy and futuristic elements, all under the guidance of a Ukrainian expat. Open daily from dawn to well past dinner, it practically guarantees a cheesecake fix anytime.
Cheesecake arrives by the slice or in a returnable $7 jar—flavors rotate through Milky Way Buffet and Picnic in Space. Gluten-free and keto options ensure everyone can indulge. Espresso takes center stage with beans roasted exclusively for Laika and a cold brew on tap. Non-coffee drinkers can choose dragonfruit strawberry matcha, homemade lemonades, or lavender-agave refreshments.
The modern, hip ambiance feels social without turning into a coworking space. Most guests pop in for a quick treat, while small groups enjoy the vibe. A drive-thru at this New Braunfels location means no leave-the-car hassles unless curbside spots are full. Laika delivers dependable coffee and cheesecake in an out-of-this-world setting.
On The Grind
On The Grind doesn’t try to reinvent coffee. It feels turbo charged by a double shot of espresso. This spot runs multiple drive-thru windows and carhop-style counters, so you won’t find tables or cozy corners—just your car or a quick spot by the walk-up window. Bold signage and punchy colors catch your eye, and the staff greets every order with genuine attention, even when you pile on modifiers.
They roast beans from Peru, Ethiopia, and Sumatra right on-site, and you can buy a fresh bag for ten dollars. Most people race in for their signature creations: the Grinder (Irish cream breve) or the Ripper for salted caramel fans. You’ll also find energy drinks, Italian sodas, fruit smoothies, and a wide selection of milk alternatives. Local dog owners appreciate the free whipped-cream pup cups at the walk-up treat station.
Open early to late, On The Grind keeps prices in line with major chains and rarely holds you up. If you want fast service, friendly faces, and enough caffeine to jump-start your day, this drive-thru coffee haven delivers.
Gruene Coffee Haus
Tucked into Historic Gruene, Gruene Coffee Haus delivers robust coffee and genuine Texas charm. This family-run shop roasts beans in a vintage roaster you can watch in action. House favorites span classic espresso drinks to local blends like Texas Pecan and Jamaican Me Crazy, while cold brew steeps a full 24 hours.
Non-coffee options include fruit smoothies, mimosas, and even craft beer. Pastries come from Wildflour Artisan Bakery and Evie & Me, and fresh tortillas arrive daily from NB Tortilleria. The building’s historic bones offer rustic appeal, with seating under a pergola and water bowls available for dogs.
Inside, solid Wi-Fi and sturdy tables—including a quiet back room—make it easy to work or gather. Fair prices reflect the fresh, on-site roasting and locally sourced treats. Gruene Coffee Haus feels crafted by residents, not a corporate office, and it shows in every cup and pastry.
2 Rivers Coffee
Inside 2 Rivers Coffee, the focus is on Texas-local beans from Friday Coffee Roasters. Their exclusive 2 Rivers Blend satisfies purists, while an espresso bar covers classics like cappuccino, americano, and lattes in vanilla or white mocha. House-special mochas stand alongside nitro and regular cold brew that packs a punch. For non-coffee fans, chai tea, local loose-leaf options, Italian sodas, fruit smoothies, and hot chocolate are all on tap.
The food lineup reflects local roots. Czech kolaches follow a family recipe, countering any gas-station imposters. A rotating selection of cinnamon rolls, scones, brownies, and gluten-free treats never taste cardboard. Breakfast bagels and lunchtime sandwiches arrive on artisanal breads with chips and tea for a proper midday meal.
Decor adds personality: film props, disco balls, and old TVs loop custom reels. Seating spills indoors and out, all backed by free Wi-Fi. Prices run a bit higher than average, but here you get more than just a cup—you get an experience. Family-owned and open early, this spot even offers a drive-through for busy mornings.
Kora Kora Coffee
Stepping into Kora Kora Coffee in Gruene Lake Village, you’ll find a spot where even the most serious coffee drinker pauses in appreciation. The beans arrive from top-tier suppliers, and you won’t spot a roaster tucked in the corner—that’s not the vibe. The menu offers nearly two dozen 1883 syrup choices, Pacific Foods dairy-free milks, and latte art so precise you might delay your first sip for a photo. Seasonal flavors rotate regularly, with options like marshmallow latte or gingerbread to keep things interesting.
Food here feels intentional, not just an afterthought. Fresh-baked bagels, scones, and muffins share space with breakfast tacos and light sandwiches. The interior features large windows, abundant greenery, and a freshly updated look. An outdoor patio draws dog owners, while communal tables, USB ports, and reliable Wi-Fi cater to those needing to work. All of this comes from a women-owned independent shop that clearly values community. Whether you’re catching up with friends or settling in with a laptop, Kora Kora Coffee delivers both quality and atmosphere.
Wicked Voodoo Espresso – Creekside Crossing
Wicked Voodoo Espresso – Creekside Crossing brings New Orleans flair to a Texas strip center. This family-run spot splashes purple and gold across its walls, sofas, and décor, creating a festive vibe. Instead of beignets, they offer homemade scones and kolaches—both popular, freshly baked treats.
Opening at 5 AM on weekdays and staying lively until 7 PM, the shop caters to early risers and evening go-getters. All coffee is small-batch roasted in Texas, and specialty drinks like the Lucky Charm latte (white chocolate, hazelnut, toasted marshmallow) stand out. You’ll also find iced flights, frappes, teas, and Italian sodas for those skipping espresso.
Prices stay reasonable, so you won’t hesitate to return. The drive-thru hums with morning traffic, while inside you might catch a local art show or overhear regulars chatting over breakfast sandwiches. With no corporate fluff, Wicked Voodoo Espresso feels exactly like the neighborhood coffee spot you’ve been waiting for.
Buttermilk Cafe
At Buttermilk Cafe in New Braunfels, breakfast takes center stage with a Texas twist. Since 2011, Chef Carol Irwin has overseen a menu built from scratch—cinnamon roll pancakes, house-baked breads, and daily soups all showcase true scratch cooking. The décor blends cozy farmhouse warmth and modern country style, with sunlight pouring in and rustic accents throughout.
Coffee here is serious business. Beans are roasted and ground in-house, with bold espresso shots and lattes that actually taste like coffee. Tea drinkers aren’t left out, and the drink menu also includes wine, craft beer, and brunch-friendly cocktails like mimosas. There’s no patio, no drive-thru, and Wi-Fi takes a backseat to conversation, so expect a social atmosphere rather than a remote-work hub.
Hours cater to early birds and brunch goers, closing early enough to keep things fresh. If you’re craving hearty scratch cooking and a stout cup of coffee, Buttermilk Cafe delivers a genuine, community-focused morning meal.
Root Cellar Cafe
At Root Cellar Cafe, brunch feels like a casual weekday treat and a weekend celebration. Rustic accents and local art create a welcoming atmosphere that complements the food rather than overshadowing it. Every loaf of bread, jar of jam, and pool of gravy is made from scratch. Weekend specialties such as Eggs Benedict and Florentine earn loyal followings, while signature plates like the Rae Sandwich, Chilaquiles Verdes, and Southern Hash keep regulars coming back.
They serve brunch daily until mid-afternoon, so there’s no rush to arrive early. Beverage choices range from in-house cold brew and classic espresso drinks to creative lattes. The hibiscus mint honey sweet tea has a devoted local fan base. A comfortable outdoor patio invites guests to linger over an affogato, which pairs espresso with ice cream from their sister shop, Rhea’s. Root Cellar Cafe operates without drive-through lanes, but the service feels personal and unhurried. This independent spot combines genuine Hill Country charm with a clear passion for quality brunch and coffee.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
At Einstein Bros. Bagels, convenience is the top priority. This counter-service chain in a strip-mall setting specializes in bagels, coffee, and quick breakfast sandwiches for days when home cooking isn’t an option. Communal tables and free Wi-Fi make it easy to settle in with a laptop, while fluorescent lighting and vinyl chairs keep the focus on efficiency.
The bagel menu covers classics alongside options like Texas Brisket and Nova Lox. “Shmear” makes a regular appearance, ready to slather onto any choice of circle-shaped dough. Coffee is brewed hourly from 100% Arabica beans, with options including drip, cold brew, and a solid caramel macchiato. For those skipping caffeine, teas, hot chocolate, and fruit-forward mocktails are also available.
Prices align with chain expectations: coffee starts around $2, espresso drinks climb a bit higher, and mocktails sit near $6. An all-day happy-hour deal on bagel and drink combos adds extra value. Corporate ownership is clear, but the experience remains reliable, straightforward, and practical—perfect for grabbing a quick breakfast and moving on with your day.
2tarts Bakery
Inside 2tarts Bakery, the emphasis is on scratch-baked goods crafted by two sisters, April and Ashley. Since 2010, they’ve operated from the Sweet 300 building, delivering a cozy café experience with small outdoor tables and four-tops inside. The pastry case rotates daily, offering cupcakes, tarts, cookies, and quiches alongside the whimsically named “pig in a poncho.”
Coffee service uses beans from Merit and Greenway, paired with Mill King Dairies milk. You’ll spot cortados, dirty chais, matcha lattes, and nitro cold brew alongside house-made hibiscus lemonade and hot chocolate. Pastry prices range from $2 to $7, while coffee drinks span $3 to $7—fair for award-winning baristas at the helm.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick takeout order or settling in with a laptop, the atmosphere remains relaxed. There’s no drive-through, but ample bike parking greets cycling visitors. Open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, 2tarts Bakery offers plenty of time to explore cold brew or sample a gluten-free treat without feeling rushed.
New Braunfels Coffee
Opened in 1992, New Braunfels Coffee stands apart from typical chain cafés. Every batch of coffee comes from organic, shade-grown beans roasted fresh for full flavor. Their commitment to fair-trade and sustainable sourcing adds an extra layer of quality.
The espresso bar serves lattes, cappuccinos, and café au lait alongside seasonal specialties that draw regulars through every season. Tea lovers can choose from a loose-leaf selection. Cold-pressed juices and fruit-filled smoothies round out the drink menu.
The food lineup covers all-day breakfast and lunch. You’ll find made-to-order omelettes and French toast, plus vegan and gluten-free dishes that don’t skimp on taste. Lunch features sandwiches and wraps, while fresh-baked pastries sit temptingly on the counter.
Exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and pieces of local art give the interior a vintage-rustic vibe. Communal tables invite collaboration and laptop work, while cozy nooks let you focus on a good book or quiet conversation. There’s no drive-through here, which makes stepping inside feel just right.
The Mess Around at Crosswalk
This café makes Southern comfort food feel both cozy and a little elegant. It’s tucked into the old Schmitz Hotel in downtown New Braunfels, where vintage character meets modern comfort. Local artwork decorates the walls, and you can choose to sit indoors or on the patio. A friendly buzz fills the air, inviting guests to settle in with a drink.
The espresso bar relies on beans from a local roaster, so you get authentic flavor, not just cream and sugar. Options include Americanos, seasonal lattes, white mochas, plus refreshing London Fog or matcha tea. If you want something fruity, try their lemonade or sparkling fruit beverages.
Brunch stars shrimp and grits, but lunch offers a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and a Creole meatloaf, each showing that Southern classics can be inventive. Prices stay reasonable given the quality, and the beer list highlights Texas craft brews alongside signature mimosas.
Locally owned and open early, The Mess Around at Crosswalk keeps its menu straightforward, classic, and delightful.
