Compared to other coffee shops, this one stands out as one trying to do something different and fun with their flavors and vibe. When you walk in you're transported into a cozy coffee shop dungeon and welcomed in by their friendly staff. Their menu is unique and intriguing so it's a tad overwhelming but just take your time reading through it. Don't get something boring here or you're doing yourself a disservice. Go to a different coffee shop for that. La Cherry 5/5- if you like salt tops on your Vietnamese coffees or in general and you love cherry you're going to love this drink. It's so unique and special and was definitely a nice welcome into the menu as my first drink here. Every sip was fun and enjoyable. They even use their own cherry coffee beans for this one. Oaxaca Cold Brew 4/5- if you like cold brew this ones for you. This one has a nice twist with the spices they use and the honey which is pretty sweet at first but as the ice melts it becomes perfect. Upon first sip my partner said "tastes like raisins!" But it became more enjoyable afterwards. I would consider the flavor to be more like a tea than a robust cold brew coffee. A weekend in CDMX 5/5- so this is the Oaxaca coldbrew but they add a oatmilk top that has more spices and citrus flavor and I definitely think this one is better. The way the top mixes with the bottom is just perfect. Sipping it right now and it's just so so tasty. I will be back to try the rest of the menu! read more

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Why 5 stars? Because I had to take a moment to pen this review. --- --- --- I write a Yelp review for 99% of the businesses I patronize, but something that falls into that 1% are most coffee shops. I realized a long time ago that it wasn't very useful for me to write reviews for black coffee because almost every time I am just saying the same thing: my black coffee tasted like black coffee. It gave me the caffeine I needed. The end. But when my wife wanted to stop at Xela, I couldn't help but take advantage of one of the very unique drinks on the menu: the LA Cherry. Upon taking my first sip, I was not sure what to think. Sip #2 got better. Sip #3 was awesome. I am not sure what cherry cheong sauce is, but it basically just tasted like cherry juice. And honestly, that's kind of what the coffee tasted like. So did I feel caffeinated from this drink? No. But it was delicious and I appreciated the creativity. My wife went inside to order these drinks while I stayed in the car with our son. Her summary of the experience: "it was a vibe and a half in there." read more

Although their sign currently reads Toasted Coconut, that's the restaurant next door, and the reason that I'm here is to wisit the recently-relocated coffeehouse Xela Roasters in Houston, which, confusingly enough, sits inside The Road to Nowhere, a tiki bar that still operates Thursday thru Saturday evenings. Confused yet? As such, all of the decor you see, and the overall dark theme of the space, is due to the bar and quite a departure from the lively and colourful murals that decorated Xela's original Second Ward cafe. If you look up my original post on my website, you'll see that that building was awesome, BUT this new space does have the adantage of offering indoor seating--the old cafe was patio seating only. Coffee-wise, just as I wrote back in 2021, Xela roasts too dark for me, BUT this time I was able to select their lightest Guatemalan for a V60 pour over, and I liked it better than my original experience. I also give propz to the staff, including a highly knowledgeable barista who helped me select the coffee and answered a lot my questions include how to pronounce Xela (it's not like Xavier, but rather the Guatemalan pronunciation, more like Chela). Oh, and even though they do not have the murals and artwork that the Second Ward cafe did, they still have artful coffee bags, each with a cute touch, a fennec fox. read more

I've been following this place on Instagram for a while and finally got to check out their new Montrose location next door to The Toasted Coconut. As soon as you walk in, the vibe is SO cool. It honestly feels more like a bar than a coffee shop but in the best way!! Dim lighting, music playing, lounge vibes, plus they have a record player and a whole vinyl collection that makes the space even cooler. I literally forgot it was Saturday morning. It felt like I had been transported to a bar on a Saturday night. Their flavors are all Mexican-inspired which I loved. I ordered a matcha and was actually really impressed, especially considering they're not specifically a matcha spot. My boyfriend got the Oaxaca cold brew that comes with honey and Mexican vanilla and absolutely loved it. He was genuinely in awe and kept repeating how much he loved it. Overall, this place really stands out because of the atmosphere they've created. There was a steady flow of people coming in and out the entire time we were there so they're definitely popular. So happy they're down the street from me now. I will absolutely be back! read more

Xela Coffee - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love the staff here. They're genuinely greeting you and you can tell. They've updated the menu with descriptions of the drinks which I mentioned as a suggestion. Helpful to cut the line down. It's been busy every time I've been but they are very efficient. There isn't WiFi (yet) but they said they'd work on it. I've worked here but on my own hot spot. It's obviously so cute, such a vibe inside, it's the speakeasy Toasted Coconut owns but Xela uses it during the day. I think it's seemingly working out really well and happy to have them in the neighborhood. Paper straws read more

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I happened across Xela when looking for some coffee in the area and wow am I so happy I went! When you walk in there's an immediate chill, cool, eclectic vibe. Staff was incredibly friendly and greeted me as soon as I walked in. They have bar seating as well as a cozy seating area in the back, but I got my drink to go (kinda regretting not staying!). They made my drink so quickly I was slightly disappointed that I didn't have more of an excuse to look around! Xela truly just has such good energy, what an amazing place I stumbled upon. It shares a small parking lot with Nonno's and The Toasted Coconut but I got lucky with a spot right out front. Will be back very soon!! read more

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I feel so bad giving a three star review here since the vibe of the place was super cool and everyone seemed very friendly at this establishment, but for coffee this is a bit of a skip for me. I ordered a cortado, and it just wasn't strong, tasted kind of watery, and also seemed like they used a darker roast that made the coffee taste burnt? I dont know. Maybe it was just an off day since the other reviews seem like they had a better experience, or maybe they just specialize in their signature drinks, but for me this was a no. Maybe they also gave me a milk alternative instead of whole milk? They didn't ask for my milk preference, but I do feel like most coffee spots default to regular milk if you dont specify, so i'm just confused. I'll have to revisit to see if maybe I just had a bad cup that day! read more

Xela Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Such a chill vibe inside. Really cool European coffee/alcohol bar vibe, which I love- something for everyone! Owner was working himself, preparing drinks, which I love to see. DEFINITELY crafted by hands with care. Takes a few minutes but oh so worth it. If you don't have the time to wait, there's a fridge full of premade coffees of some of their most popular options. Staff was patient with all customers, as there are some unique options on the menu. Will definitely be back! read more

Xela Coffee - Baby Milo (left), Valley Girl (right) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Houston, Texas

One of the best coffee experiences I've had! Being largely unfamiliar with the menu, the gentleman who took our order was very descriptive in the coffees they offer and even provided recommendations based on the flavor profile we were looking for. The highlight of the conversation was how thoroughly he explained the differences of how they make their hot and iced coffees (and no, they don't just put ice in their coffee!). Their attention to detail, combined with the a beautiful space, easily makes them a coffee purveyor worth visiting. read more

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Amazing coffees and worth enjoying at the bar if you have a moment. I ordered the magic johnson to enjoy at the bar, but I was informed by the staff that they offer many of their drinks bottled for grab and go in a separate fridge. After I enjoyed my drink, I also got the cold brew, tea, OB, valley girl, and the matcha bottles all to go. My favorites were the cold brew and the valley girl. read more

Was super excited to hear about this coffee shop near our house on TikTok! Absolutely loved up to the hype. Definitely on the busier and louder side, and had trouble finding outlets so wouldn't really recommend for studying. However, for just hanging out, the ambiance is electric. Loved our drinks as well! read more

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Houston in summer is an argument against going outside. Xela offers a temporary respite. It lives in what used to be a bar, and thankfully, some of the old DNA remains. It's dark and intimate. A little tucked away. There are couches in the back and music playing that somebody seems to have actually thought about. You can disappear into a corner, drink coffee, and pretend for an hour that the wet furnace waiting outside is somebody else's problem. The baristas are friendly without making a production of it. They make you feel welcome. This is rarer than it should be. The shaken espresso arrives cold in a glass, with a soft froth. Smooth, restrained, very good. No gimmick required. Xela is a hideout. A place to waste a morning in the best possible sense of the word. Eventually, of course, you have to go back outside and find another means to survive the swampy heat. read more

The coffee was so good and the vibes even better! I love it here! I sat at the bar and watched their specialty coffees being made while the baristas told us about the drinks! read more

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Visited with my sister to read our books and it was an amazing cafe find. The service is 10/10 and the coffee is amazing. You can tell they really care about what they are serving and how they are serving . I also appreciate the calming energy it is different than most cafes. read more

Xela Coffee - Seating - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Everyone was so nice & helpful! The guy taking my order took the time to explain every drink on the menu and give recommendations. I ordered the Valley Girl (mexican vanilla), Stardust (cinnamon), and Baby Milo lattes and everything is great. The inside is decorated beautifully and service was fast. read more

Xela Coffee - menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Houston, Texas

Xela Coffee has quickly become one of our favorite coffee shops. The team is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and you can tell they genuinely care about making every customer feel at home. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the food never disappoints. Whether you're stopping in for a quick morning pick-me-up or staying to relax, the atmosphere is always inviting and enjoyable. read more

Great service, excellent coffee, amazing vibe. Really feels like you're being teleported into a cafe in CDMX. The menu options are vast and the coffee itself is exceptional. Really glad this place opened up! Looking forward to coming back many times. read more

Xela has come to save Montrose from its drought of quality coffee. There is so much more soul here than at BlendIn, where it basically doesn't exist. Dalton served us and was super knowledgeable and friendly. Shout out to Matt who was also working that day. My boyfriend and I went on a Tuesday morning at 8 am and were impressed by the turnover of coffee lovers at that time, especially since Xela just opened at this location. I couldn't help notice the high-level speakers, which blend in aesthetically with the space. It felt like a cool listening bar like in Mexico City or Tokyo. The vinyl collection and record player really added to the vibe. There was ample caffeine in my delicious brown sugar Stardust, which left me happy and energized. When we walked outside, it felt like we were just cocooned in an oasis and stepped back into reality. I can't wait to come back for coffee before brunch at Toasted Coconut next door. Come here for an escape, a chill vibe, amazing coffee, friendly service, and great music. Montrose is so lucky to have you, Xela! read more

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My boyfriend and I are visiting from out of town and tried xela after hearing good things- and we were not disappointed!! We literally went twice in one day, we were so in love, and then returned the next day to buy a bunch of the grab and go coffees so we could bring them back to our hometown. The Baby Milo is a MUST TRY!!! And the Oaxcan cold brew is delightful. My boyfriend and I truly think it's better than even NYC coffee shops we have visited. read more

I so miss the OG Canal Street location but love the new tiki vibe also. They have glass cups and the latte art is always top quality. Super friendly owners/staff. A great place to hang out and talk. (Counter to one review below I'd encourage them not to get WiFi - the vibe is great without a bunch of laptops taking up every seat). From the lines our last couple visits it has been "discovered" but we were still able to get some seating in the back complete with bird sounds to have the full tiki vibe which is awesome. There's a decent size parking lot (for Montrose) but it does fill up on weekend mornings. read more

Great service great coffee and the matcha drink was out of this world ! Highly recommended super nice atmosphere

Stopped by for the first time because I've been disappointed in the local cold brew scene and heard good things about Xela. They did not disappoint. Friendly bartenders (really cool bar design) I felt like I stepped into a movie set somewhere in the Asian-Pacific. They ran out of their regular cold brew, but the barista recommended a delicious cold brew / oat milk drink that had subtle notes of orange and cocoa -- really good! Not too sweet. read more