Ascension has several locations around the metroplex, but I usually frequent the Design District location in Dallas. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner too, so don’t skip on their yummy food! Try the Avocado Toast or Tomato and Mozzarella Panini. Fort Worth location coming soon on River Run near HG Supply and Bar Taco.

Craftwork describes itself as a “specialty coffee shop and co-working space. Our mission is to see people thrive in our connected live and work environment.”

Find them at Camp Bowie Boulevard, Magnolia Ave near Melt Ice Cream, and the Foundry District in Fort Worth, with the newest location in Austin — the brand new Flatiron Building in the Domain, to be exact. Last I talked to the staff, there are no plans to open a Dallas location. Road trip, anyone?

Halcyon’s Lower Greenville location has the cutest interior and delicious drinks to boot! You’ll find plenty of comfy booths, tables, board games and weekly events like Wine & Succulents, trivia and more. Check out the food menu too (I recommend the Avocado Smooshed Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Cobb Salad and fresh muddled Strawberry Lemonade). Did I mention they’re located across the street from a Top Pot Doughnuts and right next to Val’s Cheesecakes? Also located in Austin and San Antonio.

The first Houndstooth opened in Austin in 2010. Here in Dallas, Houndstooth was crowned Readers’ Choice Winner of D Magazine’s Best of Big D in 2018. You can check them out at either Henderson Ave, the Sylvan | Thirty apartment complex or the Hill Shopping Center (right off the US-75 Walnut Hill exit). Fun fact: they serve donuts from local shop More-ish Donuts.

La La Land is tucked away off of Greenville Ave, but you can’t miss the little-house-turned-coffee-shop with its bright yellow truck parked out front. Enjoy the charming porch, dog-friendly patio, sweet lattes like Campfire and French Toast, and motivational coffee sleeve sayings. Bonus: their mission is to hire and mentor foster youth aging out of the foster care system. You can’t help but leave with a sunny disposition.

Merit Coffee, formerly known as Local Coffee, is based in San Antonio with a footprint in both Austin and Dallas. Maybelle’s Donuts (from Bakery Lorraine’s pastry chefs) supply treats for the SA and Austin locations, while Moreish Donuts and La Casita Bakeshop have the two Dallas locations covered. I love the spacious layout of the Deep Ellum shop, but the Highland Park location is nice for young families.

Did you know Parks has been proudly roasting coffee for 30 years? Tour the Roastery & Cafe in Carrollton, or host your next gathering. According to their website, “We have a third-floor event hall and covered patio that’s perfect for corporate outings, organizations and group events for up to 84 people!” Equally as important as their coffee? They often host La Casita pop-up’s…and you don’t wanna miss those made-from-scratch pastries!

I was first introduced to Summer Moon’s “wood-fired coffee” in Austin and immediately got hooked.  As luck would have it, they’re also closer to home with outposts in Frisco and Keller. No one knows what’s in the infamous Moon Milk (is it crack?) but you’ll probably order it every time.

Pinch of Salt Pastries provides gluten-free baked goods like Honey and Pistachio donuts. Keep in mind seating is limited here and lines form quickly on the weekends.

Toasted is a great spot to meet girlfriends, work from home, or hang with your pup in the covered patio. Apart from coffee, check out their variety of Texas-sized toasts, smoothies and booze. I personally recommend the Vietnamese Coffee. And right next door is a fantastic organic nail salon and spa called Vivian’s. All the best things in one spot!

Not only is White Rock Coffee close to the lake (hence the name), they have a super convenient drive-through. Plus, drinks are better and cheaper than Starbucks — especially the Chai Tea and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. The staff is always friendly and happy to remind you about their fresh-baked pastries and breakfast sandwiches.