Welcome to Retrospect Coffee Bar
At Retrospect Coffee Bar, we blend exquisite flavors and a unique ambiance, creating a haven for coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Nestled in Houston, this charming spot offers a cozy outdoor seating arrangement, enriched by soothing garden waterfalls and shaded areas perfect for relaxation or study. Our savory crepes, like the Howard Hughes with smoked salmon, and delicious house-made granola showcase a commitment to quality ingredients. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with friendly service and a diverse menu, makes each visit a memorable experience. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or enjoying a tranquil moment with friends, Retrospect is your ideal retreat.
- 3709 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004 Hotline: (713) 993-6600
If you're ever wandering around Houston and find yourself craving a comforting cup of coffee in a vibrant setting, look no further than Retrospect Coffee Bar. Nestled at 3709 La Branch St, this charming coffee roastery has garnered attention not only for its exceptional brews but also for its inviting ambiance that melds urban chic with a touch of nature.
Retrospect Coffee Bar transforms the classic coffee experience into a delightful outing. With an emphasis on outdoor seating, patrons can enjoy their drinks while soaking in the atmosphere of a covered garden, complete with soothing water features. This picturesque setting makes it ideal for both productive study sessions and leisurely catch-ups with friends.
One of the standout elements of this coffee haven is the menu that offers more than just beverages. Their toasted paninis are a must-try; the Anna Nicole option, with its creamy mixture of cream cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and green onions, is a savory delight for just $8. If you're in the mood for something heartier, the Donald Judd panini with rosemary ham and melted Swiss will surely satisfy for $9. These dishes pair perfectly with their savory crepes, such as the Howard Hughes crepe filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese— a culinary experience to be remembered for $11.
Don't miss out on the outdoor classics like house-made muffins and granola, each offered at just $3. The muffins change daily, so be sure to ask for the flavor of the day—you might discover a new favorite!
The coffee at Retrospect is equally commendable. Many patrons rave about the intense flavors and care found in each cup. Whether you're sipping on an iced vanilla latte or indulging in a rich Americano, the quality and passion poured into each brew shine through.
- Customer favorite: The iced vanilla latte— a semi-sweet yet comforting option.
- Unique experience: The charming outdoor setup, featuring shaded areas and rustic fountains, ideal for therapy sessions or spirited conversations.
- Ambiance: A mix of rustic charm and vibrant social space, perfect for all occasions.
Overall, Retrospect Coffee Bar is not just about the coffee; it's about creating a community hub where flavors meet connections. Every coffee enthusiast or casual visitor should experience this enchanting coffee bar, where every sip tells a story and every visit is an opportunity to unwind. So grab your favorite book or gather with friends, and let Retrospect Coffee Bar become your new go-to spot in the heart of Houston.

I came back here a couple of times to study and tried out their savory crepe, it was delicious! Also love their coffee and the ambiance of the place! Service is always fast and friendly!

I give this place 5 stars based on ambiance alone! I came here on a bustling Saturday morning and immediately loved the appeal of the place. The seating is all outdoors (albeit covered) and there are several impromptu garden waterfalls which are a soothing vibe. I got the stroopwaffle with light ice, coming in around $6. There were some waffles and other food as well which I did not try, but looked tasty. Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone in the area, particularly if looking for a place that can accommodate a large group with an ample parking lot.

I stopped by after Axelrad. The baristas are brilliant, the coffee is excellent. With a laid-back vibe

This coffee shop is great for both studying/working AND catching up with friends! There's a large covered outdoor portion as well as an open outdoor portion so you can choose your seating based on what you're looking for in your coffee shop visit. The workers are super nice and the ambiance is quite nice as well - there's a little fountain on the side. The coffee is very good, they serve vegan pastries as well (which were delicious!) They also have breakfast tacos but they run out quickly, and crepes which are made fresh. The only complaint I have is that there were many mosquitoes and I was bit many times, even in the middle of the day in winter (November) which was odd. Perhaps they could use some more mosquito control to improve their shop even more!

I love this coffee bar! It's just refreshing and I always meet new people and have these long conversations about pets and whatever is going on in the world. It also has a little hidden garden off to the side. Plenty of parking too

Needed a tranquil place to do therapy but that also offered liquid gold..coffee!! Retrospect is the perfect place for me today. It's mostly an outdoor spot where you order coffee from a window. Even being outside, there are plenty of open spaces in front and in the back of the property. I was also surprised to see they have a restroom for customers as well considering they are an outside location. The ambience is nice for working, catching up with a friend or perhaps doing an online therapy session like me. The back patio area is shaded and has rustic water fountains that add a nice touch for a serene sound. I highly recommend this place for sure. The coffee is also very tasty. Try the iced vanilla latte if you're up for something semi sweet and comforting. Happy Yelping!

Let me just get this out of the way - the tipping scheme is new to me. It's awkward enough that most places turn an iPad to you and have it ask for "a question", but over here, the cashier directly asks you if you want to add a tip. You aren't provided a paper receipt or screen to privately decide at your own pace because the cashier pushes the buttons for you. The three options that are presented on their screen are $1, $2, or $3 (not percent). I'm all for tipping at coffee shops, but this style makes me feel uncomfortable and more obligated to tip more than I want. Makes me question if this is intentional to increase revenue. In a slight panic, I chose $2 for an Americano and Croissant. Legends have it that I'm still questioning my decision to this day. The cashier is very knowledgeable when it comes to coffee. And although they don't roast their own beans here, they source their beans from well known roasters around, such as Blendin Coffee. My Americano was great! Surprisingly, the croissant was really good too. My son wanted a "white croissant", but what he really meant was the almond croissant covered with white sugar powder. It was delicious and I would recommend. I think this used to be an old gas station, so you can expect the type of seating arrangement - it's all outside. This limits the opportunities to sit for coffee because of the Houston weather, but when it's nice, it sure is enjoyable! They do offer indoor restroom with running water. I heard parking is a pain, but we didn't experience any issues. Perhaps it's because we came on a weekday morning. Overall, good coffee but uncomfortable tipping scheme. Great place to grab a quick cup or enjoy your coffee/pastry outdoors when the weather is nice.

The last time we visited this spot we ended up going somewhere else since they don't have indoor seating and it was super hot. It's an "order at the window" spot. Saturday morning around 8:30 it was pouring -so quiet and no wait. Ordered my usual Cappuccino with Oat Milk. The Muffin (house baked) of the day was Banana Chocolate Chip. Tasty coffee and the Muffin had more chocolate vs banana flavors-just the way I like it. On my next visit. Blueberry with Lemon Icing was also excellent. They also offer Breakfast Tacos and Crêpes. Friendly and engaged people made for an excellent service experience. Historic Building with a spacious outdoor area delivers a unique coffee/breakfast experience.

I live walking distance to this place and it really has become my go to spot. I am new to the coffee world so I am not sure if my opinion is worth much when it comes to this but they have my favorite espresso ever! They only have outdoor seating which I know is rough during Texas summers but their back patio is shaded and has fans! And also is just so cute out there and they always play great music. Additionally, they offer discounts when you walk and treat the pups so so nicely! The workers here are overall great which just adds to the great vibe of the place. I'll come back and update my review once I try the food!