Amy Garza Lee is a project manager at the downtown-based Dura Software. You can follow this avid foodie on Instagram at @saycheesehoney for more of her food adventures in the Alamo City.
Let’s face it, coffee shops have become the new remote workplace. So many benefit from the “coffee shop effect” — experiencing an increased focus and productivity while working remotely in cafes and enjoying quality coffee.
Here are my favorite places in and close to downtown San Antonio where you can find excellent coffee, comfortable seating, a strong Wi-Fi connection, available electrical outlets, and an environment that helps you focus on your work.
Commonwealth at the Weston Centre
Address: 112 E Pecan St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Saturday and Sunday)
Both professional and homey, Commonwealth at the Weston Centre is a great shop for focusing on your work for a few hours while enjoying great coffee. The quiet atmosphere, friendly baristas, and great location in the middle of downtown makes this a great choice. If you’re hungry, snag some tacos, croissants, or quiche.
Address: 1333 Buena Vista St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Shotgun Coffee Roasters is located in Warehouse 5 on the West Side of San Antonio. With generous indoor seating, an in-house coffee roaster, and a newly added wine and beer menu, you can’t go wrong. Order an iced horchata latte and add to your order from a selection of rotating local pastries, including vegan pastries from Southern Rootz. If you’re lucky, you’ll be there on a day they’re roasting coffee and smell the beautiful scent of freshly roasted coffee beans.
Address: 812 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
These people know their coffee. They roast and package on-site, and all of the baristas are extremely knowledgeable about their beans. You’ll find spacious seating, multiple outlets, and calm vibes. Order a single origin pour-over and sit in this naturally lit area. Brown also has free validated parking and late-night hours.
Address: 1320 E Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. -7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located on the East Side of San Antonio, this small and cozy shop roasts and packages its own coffee. Natural lighting, minimalist furniture, and indoor house plants make this place a great spot to spend hours in. Sit by the window and watch cars go by while sipping on an iced lavender latte.
Address: 138 E Mistletoe Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212
Hours: Daily 7 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Extra Fine is a great addition to the Monte Vista Area. Both indoor and outdoor seating can be made into your home office for the day. You can find on-site parking, breakfast and lunch on the menu, and of course, carefully crafted espresso drinks. Order the avocado toast or quiche, an oat milk cappuccino, and be ready to tackle your meetings for the day.
Local Coffee Founders at the Pearl
Address: 302 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
A cozy atmosphere, homemade almond milk, and a great location in the middle of the bustling Pearl District makes this a unique spot. Take your Zoom calls from either inside or outside where multiple outlets are available. If you’re hungry, pick up pastries sourced from Bakery Lorraine, only steps away from the coffee spot.
Address: 203 E Jones Ave. Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78215
Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p (for wine bar – Thursday 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Rosella began in 2014 as a specialty coffee shop serving quality food, wine, and beer, soon became a gathering place. The flagship Rosella location has an industrial aesthetic and roomy upstairs space. An easy short walk from the San Antonio Museum of Art and the River Walk, this Rosella’s has free on-street parking.
Address: 114 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78705
Hours: Opening soon!
The downtown location is in the historic Rand building. A full-service restaurant, this upscale coffeehouse and lounge serves small-batch espresso, New American bites and cocktails. The Houston location had been closed down due to the pandemic but is ramping back up to open later this summer, so check their website before heading over.
Address: 4035 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Daily
Sitting in Press Coffee is like sitting inside a greenhouse with all of the natural lighting shining through. Though this shop is small, if you arrive early you can find a spot and make it your home for the day. Try the London Fog latte and enjoy a mix of local pastries. A major plus, your Instagram followers will love your photos taken in this shop.
The featured image is from Brown Coffee, photo credit: Amy Garza Lee.