Hmmm... It could be more.
For a long time I've heard Houndstooth has great coffee, so this morning as I needed a cup while perusing the paper I thought, why not? Well, here's why not.
In fairness, I've only had one experience here, but it didn't make me want to come back. Maybe you will fare better.
The good: its a relatively low-key place - I don't remember any weird music wafting over the speakers as some places do. I was greeted as soon as I came in, there is ample seating including a comfy love seat and some cushioned chairs as well as the range of high tops tables and bar stools and, as a plus, a long community table seating maybe a dozen friends, family or maybe strangers-about-to-be friends. Every coffee shop should have one of these! And don't forget cleanliness - you and I have been to coffee shops where you're afraid to touch anything much less drink or eat, but Houndstooth isn't like that, at least not the one on North Lamar across from Central Market. It is clean and orderly with a nice mid-century modern chic.
Wow Chris, sounds like you like this place. Why only two stars? Okay, here's the downside.
I asked for a cup of bold rich coffee - there were several choices and I like to listen to the barista's advice. Although I could see several of the beans listed in front of me my barista said, oh, that would be our house blend. House blend? Okay, I'll give it a shot... The house blend was served almost hot (not hot enough Houndstooth) and was not memorable. Better than average? Sure. Anywhere near Thunderbird's? No, not in the same galaxy. Fuggetaboutit.
The croissant I order was small - close to junior - and was hard. As in not fresh. While I don't eat croissants often when I do I want a real one, sizable and fresh. Houndstooth was neither. I sometimes will pop an old croissant into the microwave to take the edge of the staleness but you really shouldn't have to. This one was just forgettable. My drink - a normal-sized mug - appeared on the bar but I never heard the barista call it out even though the comfy love seat I camped on was six feet away. Weird. Through-out my visit I noticed the barista called out all the drinks without volume or enthusiasm, so, if you happened to be somewhere else I'm not sure how you would hear him.
The cup and croissant, neither of which was large, set me bak $6. A little steep for mediocrity my friends.
Was not clear where to put my used dish and mug when I was down so I laid it on the corner of the bar with the consent of the barista, but even he didn't seem to know where to put it. I never saw anyone come out from behind the bar bussing the floor so its not clear to me how things get back to the kitchen.
All in all, not bad - definitely not one-star - but just no real reason ever to go back. read more