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Antidote
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
729 Studewood StHouston, TX 77007
Neighborhood: The Heights
(713) 861-7400
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6:30 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
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$
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Here at Paciugo, we uphold our Italian roots by making our gelato with whole milk and all-natural ingredients. Our sorbets are made with fresh fruit,… read more »
190 reviews for Antidote
Review Highlights
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"You have to try the iced cajeta latte (goat's milk." In 22 reviews -
"Great espresso, good prices, + free wi-fi." In 20 reviews -
"With a little almond milk that sh*t was deeeeeeeelicious." In 8 reviews
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190 reviews in English
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Review from Anant H.
Houston, TX
3/24/2012
On one evening after many trips to Antidote I happened to meet the owner behind the counter. I sarcastically complained that his prices were way to reasonable and that coffee probably can't taste good if it isn't at least $5 a cup. He laughed and told me I was welcome to pay more for the coffee and instructed the baristo to ring me up higher!
This place consistently makes great coffee, great internet, and provides an eclectic atmosphere that doesn't really care if you don't like it. It is admittedly hipster, but authentically so; Antidote would never try to sell me $8 thrift store hipster shoes for $120.
It is a fine fixture of the Houston Heights and I am very happy to have this place near my apartment. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
If this review seems a little too glowing, I will mention that the parking situation kind of sucks. -
Review from Fu W.
I have such mixed feelings about this place. The coffee shop has a pretty cool and friendly vibe. It has a few couches on the inside, and lots of tables both on the inside and outside. It's got free wifi and plenty of outlets, PLENTY! Unlike some other coffee shops, this place actually invites you to stay for as long as you want! The lot itself does not have many parking spots, but there is plenty of street parking on the side.
Now, the coffee - not bad, but just okay. I have been back a few times, pretty similar results. I really wish it were better because then it'd be the PERFECT place! The espresso was good, but the frothe on the cappuccino was a bit too thick and foamy. The iced latte was average, but the soy latte tasted like watered down brewed coffee with soy milk. One of their specialties is the cajeta latte, made with goat milk and caramel. Be warned, if you don't usually take sugar with your coffee, this is not the drink for you. It was way too sweet for me but the goat milk was a nice touch. On the upside, the drinks were relatively cheap.
Would I go back? Absolutely. While the espresso may not be stellar, it is still a pretty nice place to chill and hang out. Perfect for getting some work done outside the house. -
Review from Joanne C.
Houston, TX
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
One wouldn't think you could find a coffee house so electic in Htown. Of course, if you were to find one it would definitely be in the Heights! I'm not a big coffee drinker but i do appreciate the smell and the atmosphere while i read a book or mingle with friends. Don't get me wrong, i don't just sit and free load, i do purchase and indulge in non-coffee bean beverages =) Every now and then i do get adventures and try a cup coffee....
For a great dim down lighted effect and cute multi colored iron chairs for your bum, head outside and around the corner. -
Review from Paris J.
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Finally had a chance to visit this place & I wish I lived & worked closer to this place. It's very charming & the staff was really friendly. I also love mid-century furniture, so I pretty much wanted to steal the couches & such. They also have little terrariums all throughout the place which are really neat to look at.
I tried to the cajeta latte as suggested by another Yelper's quick tip, but I tried it hot & not iced since it was quite cold inside. It warmed me up pretty well & it was super delicious. Its consistency was kind of thick & the goats milk flavor packs a punch, so the drink is a bit decadent in terms of texture. It's really just the nature of the goats milk though, so even though I had a bit of difficulty drinking the last bit of it, it was mighty delicious!
The only thing about this place is that I wish it were slightly bigger.. It can get a bit cramped, but I think so many other things about this place more than make up for it.
I will definitely try the cajeta latte iced next time! -
Review from K W.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
Nice place to enjoy your coffee/tea. The baked goods and other snacks look really wilted and have seen better days. The atmosphere is interesting and the side yard is a great place to hang out. There's plentiful street parking. They take Amex too!
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Review from Emily C.
Houston, TX
5/11/2012 8 Check-ins Here
Some of the people who work here are really nice! I like to get their yerba mate tea there. In the evenings, it is relatively quiet, and you can relax and get some work done. They could benefit from some volume control on the music that they play, though. Not everyone is cool with heavy metal blasting when they are trying to study, for example, in the late evening.
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Review from Dakota L.
3/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I happened to be in the neighborhood and needed to study so I stopped by Antidote, since I've been hearing for ages how cool it is. Was pretty disappointed all around. There weren't many tables and they were all full, so I milled around for a few minutes waiting for something to open up. Luckily someone finished their coffee and left so I didn't have to continue looking like a creepy awkward stalker.
I connected to the wifi and it was going very slowly. And when I say slowly, I mean really slowly. Like overcooked oatmeal dripping down a wall slowly. I ran a speed test on it and it was 0.8 mbps. By way of reference, my home internet has a download speed of around 7 mbps, and typically coffee shop wifi hangs out at about 2-3 mbps.
It was cold outside and sitting inside wasn't a whole lot warmer, and the chair wasn't super comfortable either. As to the decor... I can appreciate a funky vintage look. I'm all for hipster cafes and off-kilter style. But I was really not feeling the look of Antidote. It was a bit like it was trying too hard, and ended up looking more like dumpster dive chic than anything else. Maybe I'm just not cool enough to appreciate it.
Needless to say, there wasn't a good reason to stay. But, y'know, the coffee is probably good. -
Review from Cynthia C.
Houston, TX
4/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think Antidote is the best coffee shop in Houston. I like coming here. The staff are awesome, the music is awesome, the other clients are nice and usually keep to themselves, everything is fantastic. When I was here today, it felt like the metal part of the bench was electrocuting my leg a little bit though. But, if I don't put my leg up against it it's not that big of a deal. I just love this place.
Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Nicole P.
2/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Nice, cozy, and comfortable place for your caffeine fix. The baristas are cool. The music is usually pretty good, and it's a nice place to get some work done (hooray-for free wifi and outlets) or just catch up with some friends. They also have a nice assortment of nibbles. The croissants are tasty and so is the biscotti from Michael's Cookie Jar.
There's also a cute little patio area when the weather is nice. If there's no parking in the lot, I've usually found street parking close by.
Overall, it's a great place to spend an afternoon in The Heights. -
Review from Gracie D.
2/17/2012 4 Check-ins Here
The past handful times I've been here I haven't ordered coffee. Probably because I've been coming at night and also because their coffee was never memorable.
Regardless, I still love this place. Whereas I love Catalina for their coffee but don't really care to hang around, I love coming here to get some work done or just chat with friends. The mid-century furniture, exposed brick walls fits the Heights hip-cool neighborhood. Chill indie rock music always playing to fill up the silence and add to the ambiance.
My absolute favorite part about coming to Antidote is getting some late-night vegan grub. Crazy to say since they don't have a kitchen but they always have food from my favorite vegan joint, Radical Eats, in their fridge. If it's 10pm and I'm craving vegan tamales, I know I can get it there. And I'll usually pair it with a bottle of the locally-owned Kickin' Kombucha tea. If I only want something sweet, they're also fully stocked with an assortment of delicious treats from the vegan bakery Sinfull Bakery. Antidote loves vegans!
One thing: you WILL leave this place smelling like a coffee shop. I've found that there's this distinct smell that lingers on my clothes if I spend more than 10 minutes there (or Catalina). It's not the smell of coffee beans, but something else (best described as sour). Hope you have Febreeze in you car! -
Review from Peizuan T.
Houston, TX
2/24/2012
This place sells its atmosphere and hipster culture, not coffee. I ordered a cappuccino and got a cup with espresso shots at the bottom, a tiny bit of milk added next, and a huge layer of foam *scooped* into the cup on top of everything. This is not coffee craft, and no I am not talking about latte art. What is the point of doing so to a cup of cappuccino? The taste was nothing but bitterness, the sweetness that was supposed to come from the steamed milk was not there.
Not recommended for serious coffee drinkers. I won't go back. -
Review from Erika V.
1/28/2012
Went to Antidote coffee today for the first time after clearly driving past in unknowingly for many years...
I was surprised by what a cute little coffee shop it was and I also enjoyed a cup a great black coffee and a gluten free chocolate chip cookie that was indeed quite delicious!
Also enjoyed the friendly service and the free WiFi :)Listed in: Soaring to New Heights, Best Coffee
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Review from Jeena L.
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Parking is no bueno and getting a table is difficult depending on your luck and timing. I don't particularly think it's a great study spot as the music is a bit loud and people are chatting up storms around you. I had their chai tea latte and it was average.
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Review from Tatiana V.
Pasadena, CA
3/19/2012
There are very few things that I miss about Texas, and this is definitely one of them. I found this coffee house towards the end of my stay in Houston and was so pissed that I had waited so long to try it out.
The atmosphere at this coffee shop is a very laid back vibe with mellow peeps working the counter and board games stacked up next to the couch in the back corner. It's a place you can go to to meet up with your friends or go on a super casual date.
And if you really want to know how much I like this place, well the picture that is my icon is the meal I got there. A fantastic turkey sandwich with figs and provolone wrapped in white paper with a red, white, and blue string. I thought I was back in Europe for a second at a fabulous cafe. And the coffee, oh the coffee! I got a mocha during my first visit, but after tasting my friend's cajeta drink with goat's milk caramel I decided that that was my go to drink from now on. If you like goat cheese you'll love this drink. I mean love, love, LOVE!
If you have lived in Houston your whole life and never have gone there shame on you. And if you are going to Houston for the first time and find yourself wandering around the trendy boho area of the Heights then make sure you make a stop here cause with all their sweets on the counter, the selection of coffee and I believe beer as well, you definitely must find time to go here and just sit and chill for awhile. -
Review from Solomon W.
Austin, TX
10/1/2011
It is quite possible that my review is indeed skewed because I sat outside on my one day in Houston during fair weather! It was 80 outside! Amazing!
In new cities, I do my best to check out the cool, local coffee shops, and I hit the nail right on the head with the Antidote. Heh, get it? This place reminded me so much of Austin's java scene: laid back, hip, and tucked into a neighborhood.
The offerings are certainly well-sourced. They use Big Bend roasters from Marfa, TX for coffee. Furthermore, as Metropolitan as Houston is, I was really surprised by the Kickin' Kombucha, made in Houston? Definitely reminiscent of Austin. Lastly, their baked goods are prepared close by as well.
Now... the real winner: they had pimento cheese that day. Sadly, I was stuffed from lunch. Nonetheless, any joint that offers my favorite Southern munchie/spread gets a thumbs up from me.
Now to review their actual product. The light roast coffee was bold and well brewed. That is all. Oh, the $1.50 price tag is good.
For anyone in the area or driving into Houston looking for a "Yelp-inspired" buzz spot, Antidote will provide you with just the right amount of "hipsterness." I mean... Yelp just always guides you to those neighborhoods, correct? -
Review from Kasey M.
Houston, TX
12/12/2011
Best and cutest coffee house ever! The only place that I think beats this one is Common Grounds coffee house in Waco.
Open late, free wifi, great atmosphere and nice location on Studewood. -
Review from Janna L.
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like regular lattes and I love soy lattes, so I was intrigued by the concept of an almond milk latte. After recently giving up soy and dairy, I needed a new way to get my latte fix. Goodbye Starbucks (don't hate me), hello Antidote.
The inside/outside decor looks a lot like Poison Girl. Why? Because they have the same owner. No complaints here-- I'm a big fan of Poison Girl. The decor is funky, quirky, and shabby-chic. It's supposed to look thrown together, but you can tell that lots of thought went into the design.
I went on a Saturday morning for a pre-workout dose of caffeine. It wasn't crowded at all so my latte was ready before I even had a chance to sit down. The almond milk definitely wasn't as creamy as real milk (or even soy) but still tasted good. I think it was nice just to have the (paleo-friendly) option.
Maybe next time I'll bring a book or a magazine and spend some more time inside. It's close to my house, so yes I will be returning.Listed in: Highest Rated Heights
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Review from tiziano h.
Houston, TX
7/21/2011
I will proudly admit that I am a regular at Antidote. The staff is friendly, patient and graciously accommodating. It also helps that the overall customer culture at Antidote mirrors the jovial nature of its employees and owners. I take comfort in knowing that I always have a place where I can meet my friends, host a book club meeting, read a book or just hangout . Antidote, along with its sister coffee shop Black Hole, are my comfort zones of coffee hangouts.
In the summertime, I typically opt for a much needed Iced Soy Mocha Latte. I absolutely love their take on this popular drink. In winter, It's either a Warm Mocha or a Cajeta Latte (yes they use Mexican Cajeta and it is delicious). Sinful Bakery also offers wonderful desserts (their Cinnamon Rolls are too die for). Also on hand are Various Refreshments from Beer, Wine, Tea, Soda as well as the increasingly popular Kickin' Kombucha. I can also vouch for their Cheese Plate. Its a wonderful cheese assortment that is sure to pair up well with any drink preference. -
Review from Farrah A.
Updated - 6/16/2011 24 Check-ins Here
They have bendy straws. That's worth five stars for sure.
The Dote is still my all-time favorite work/read/lounge/meet-up/casual happy hour spot. You can catch me here working, having meetings, catching up with friends over beer and wine, relaxing on the patio with a good book, listening to the random live musical entertainment, sipping teas (I rec blending their flavors) or munching on their sandwiches, homemade granola, and sinful pastries.
They still have the kewlest baristas in the barrio - or in Houston for that matter. Garreth is such a sweet heart! For serious. He made this cool design in my latte and that just about made my day. And the owners are such welcoming folks. It's a family-friendly establishment, so if you have kiddos and have been given the stank eye at other cafes, bring 'em to Antidote. You'll find toys, sidewalk chalk, and other neighborhood parents with kiddies in tow. It's also dog-friendly. They're just everyone-friendly.
I'm usually in the back, chillin' on one of their vintage couches. But if it's a gorgeous day outside, the patio is equally pleasant. They've got extension cords and outlets, fans and even bug spray. WHO ELSE in Houston does that for their customers?
They have cool art, a community bulletin board where you can scope out eccentric events, board games, and they also sell books from local Houston authors. Once upon a time, I referred this place as Antarctic-dote because of the blasting A/C, it was advised to always bring a sweater, but one of the owners finally fixed the vents so that the baristas wouldn't burn up and the patrons not freeze. See. Everyone's happy at The Dote.Listed in: Houston - Dog-friendly, Houston - Free Wi-Fi, Houston, Cypress/Katy -…, Houston - Happy Hour, Houston - Coffee & Tea Houses
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2008
Yes, yes and yes. This place is my new go-to coffee grounds.
The baristas are some of the friendliest… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer N.
Houston, TX
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice cozy lil joint for coffee, beer or wine! The coffee is tasty and my friend really enjoyed the cajeta latte.
They have board games, sofas, and even seating outside.
The only thing I would fix... better pastries. I love pastries with my coffee and the cake and cupcake they had that day was dry and not doing it for me. -
Review from Jodi M.
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a cute little place! Came with some work folks to Antidote a couple weeks ago and it was perfect.
The place is so cozy and quiet which makes it nice to get work done (plus they have FREE wifi!). They have a good size menu if you need some munchies, and great coffee.
The only thing that sucks is the parking. If the 3 spots in the front are taken, you have to find parking on one of the side streets. -
Review from Mike S.
Houston, TX
8/14/2011
I'm an almost regular, I guess. I suppose it sort of sucks during the summer because it's so hot and seating inside is so limited, but they do they best with what they have. They have a better beer selection then most bars though. Their coffee is great, but their iced coffee is sort of strange tasting.
One time, I saw a 45 year old woman wearing a dress, ride up on her beach cruiser bike with a milk crate strapped to the front to recycle her old kombucha bottles.
That sort of sums Antidote up perfectly I think. -
Review from Esther L.
Sugar Land, TX
12/21/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This place gets better and better each time David C. and I stop by for coffee! I really didn't have a great impression the first time, but stop by here or Black Hole whenever I have a chance now. Currently my favorite drink is an Iced Vanilla Latte with soy. I tried the Cajeta Latte before and it's just not my thing but everyone seems to love it. The baristas are so nice and friendly - always! I love that. Antidote is such a cute spot to chill, study, and hang out with friends. I'll be back soon to get my caffeine fix!
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Review from Daniel L.
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
It is really hard to get a table here sometimes. But when you do: you can unleash a torrent of "lulz I am at antidote" updates to keep the blogosphere atwitter about your coffee drinking adventures in a completely ironic, yet still totally cool way.
Minus one star for making me feel poor that I do not own an iPad I take out of the house to a coffee shop for other people to gawk at me.
Minus one star for bearded hipster weirdos who say I can sit at your table ... as if *crosses arms* -
Review from Kelly R.
7/13/2011
Bestest. the coffee is delectable and their snacks look yummy. I'm mostly there time and time again for the coffee. They are quite strong and after two doubles I'm pretty shaky. Which I'm into-you may not be.
The staff is always super nice and makes me feel like I'm home.Listed in: My BEST of Houston
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Review from Arie M.
4/17/2011 ROTD 7/16/2011
Only visited this place for the first time, so this may not be indicative of how this place normally is. Having said that, it is true that this place is crawling with bearded hipsters, but I will take bearded hipsters over Affliction wearing douche bags any day. Do Affliction wearing douche bags even go to coffee shops, you ask? They do at a certain Starbucks that's open 24 hours(see other review).
Anyway, this place does have cute artsy girls too so the scenery isn't all bad. Oh wait, you probably want to know about the service and the coffee. Coffee does very bad things to me so I am a tea drinker and to my surprise the very nice barista asked me whether I wanted to drink my tea here or to go. I didn't know I had a choice! Also to my surprise, that tea was freshly brewed in a kettle as in REAL tea leaves and not the tea shavings you see in the usual tea bags.
Unfortunately, this place is a little out of my way so I can't be a regular but it seems to be a relaxed atmosphere where they leave you alone so you can study without being stared down like a lot of other mom and pop coffee shops who give you the bums rush if it's been more than 20 minutes since your last order. It really did feel like an Austin Coffee Shop in that way.
Of course, you're a jerk if you just buy one cup of coffee and stay there all day, but one reason I like Starbucks (except the one with the douche bags) is they welcome sitting and taking your time and a lot of mom and pop shops don't. It's good to see, this place has desks and haven't covered up their plugs *I'm looking at you, that place on Washington Ave with the name that starts with cat*. -
Review from Jaime Q.
Houston, TX
1/7/2012 5 Check-ins Here
They get 5 stars just because they have cajeta and mate lattes. The outdoor seating is comfortable and the choice of eclectic drinks and pastries make this one of the best coffee houses in Houston, right next to Agora.
Listed in: Best Hangouts
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Review from Renee J.
Coffee shops, they're my little excuse to get out of my house. I was apprehensive about going here because I thought maybe the baristas would be like rude or snobby, but no, totally the opposite. I brought my little baby girl and one of the baristas said that she loved babies. How sweet for me. She couldn't have been nicer. Then I saw it on the counter...
Pistachio cupcake, where have you been all my life?!! Oh my, it was like heaven in my mouth. I also tried the cajeta coffee drink hot (I can't remember the exact name). It was different, the goat milk was a bit strong for my taste.
I had been dying to go back to try the Antidote. When I did, I tried it on ice and it was fan-freakin'-tastic. Really excellent coffee. I got a mozzarella sandwich that was lovely and simple, but not bland. Definitely looking forward to coming back here again.Listed in: The Most Important Meal of The…
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Review from R N.
Austin, TX
7/5/2011
Okay so this place gets this high of a rating mostly because of the energy and vibe this place has.
I went with a couple of friends, got coffee and just sat there for a couple of hours talking. We also made friends with the people around us.
The guy making the coffee was a bit stressed so he was not very attentive or helpful, but he def gave my friend a heads up when her car was about to get towed (so nice!) Also, the food was a bit overpriced for such small portions.
The inside was full of people studying and it was super quiet (I guess a good sign if you need to get some studying done). We sat outside and it was really hot but good thing they had fans to cool off the customers.
This place is also really easy to miss and small. I def. enjoyed my time here and the vibe. I will come back and recommend to others. -
Review from Robi L.
Houston, TX
9/27/2011
They don't have a lot of food offerings which I was hoping for since I went for lunch. They had 3 sandwiches - premade at another tea/coffeehouse - a bunch of pastry items, and some sweets.
The tea selection wasn't overly impressive although I had the Velvet Tea which was dlicious. They do have a decent selection of beers although I didn't have any today. Not a lot in terms of indoor seating and it was a bit warm for me to sit outside.
And not a lot of parking. It's in the corner of a tiny strip center they share with a mini market which claims 1/2 the spots. -
Review from PingPing N.
Houston, TX
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I dont love it. Im so sorry. =[
Just about every table inside and out was filled so I thought I would become a fan....if others like it, I should too, right?
While their coffee was good I just couldnt get comfortable. I kept on fidgeting like an annoyed 6yr old. Ugh!!!! I sat in the back left corner on the chairs and had to switch chairs with the Mr., slouch down, sit straight, prop my feet up on his chair, move to the table and sit on the wooden bench, flip the pillow cushion, move back to the chair. Ughhhh. Cant a coffee house provide comfy chairs??????? We gotta sit to enjoy our cafe maaaaaaan.
I probably wont be back. Oh yea, bad a/c air flow too. This is Hoooston with 100+ summers, please take care of your patrons. Andddd, theres a self-serve water pitcher with cold water but once again....hellooo, we're in Houston where we need ICE water.Listed in: Best coffee shop
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Review from Kari M.
Antidote is exactly what I have been looking for in Houston. It's what a coffee shop is meant to be. No loud and obnoxious music, unique furniture and art, great tasting (and priced) selections of coffee and tea, not to mention their options for snacking.
The side patio is HUGE! At first I pulled up and thought that the three tables in front were it, then we turned the corner. I couldn't believe how many places there were to sit, and even better how many of them were big sturdy tables. I got the luxury solid metal back rocker chair so I was comfortable. My husband and his friend both were complaining about their backs hurting because they got the older metal mesh looking types.
The barista was really nice. I hate going to coffee places that have rude, rushed and inconsiderate baristas.
The bathrooms are a bit confusing. They are unisex, which is cool. They are also really old. Still have old sinks and fixtures, even the trash can is rusty and looks like it's from the 50's. I was confused because the guy in there before me totally turned off the light so I didn't know that it was behind a curtain next to the water heater.
This place is a bit far from my house but I know that if I need a great place for studying I will probably make the trek out here. And don't think you can't come here to just chill. They totally have a great selection of beer and wine as well. I saw lots of people just hanging.Listed in: Houston: Best Bars, Houston: The Heights
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Review from Morgan H.
League City, TX
7/14/2011
As an east coast native, coffee practically flows through my veins. Only after graduating from college did I vow to give up caffeine. That is, until I went to Antidote.
Not only was my large iced chai tea DELICIOUS but it was only $2.75. WHAT?! That would have costed at least $4.50 at "the man" (aka Starbucks). And who doesn't love supporting local business?
The ambience is great for students to come and do work or sit outside with friends on a not-so-hot day. We had a community organizing meeting there and there was tons of outdoor space for us. I would recommend this to anyone in the Houston area! -
Review from Eric B.
4/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Terah K is right to like this place- it's Austin Chic, as someone I know would say, kind of cool.
Next to the one I had at a little place in London, they serve the best Mocha I have tasted to date. That was all I have tried so I can't give you further food details.
It's a little bit retro with a hippyish, Austin kind of feel. Random and yet clean. It's a place where you may end up sitting in the middle of people you don't know but look like you are part of the group you sit amongst.
Back yard seating, and I do mean backyard feeling, is available. With the dog barking next door and the strung up party lighting next to the privacy fence, you will feel like your hanging out at a friends place. -
Review from Ellen C.
3/3/2011
I finally dragged my happy butt to Antidote a couple of times now (I had been meaning to forever and day ago, but I'm shamefully a creature of habit so I usually stick to Brasil or Starbucks (hey shut up, their wireless and coffee are consistent!)).
Located in The Heights, Antidotes does indeed emulate all things Heights-like (if you know what I mean?). No corporate overload feelings here. It's all very whimsical in a very understated way. It's right next door to Kaboom Book which is a beautiful union of things (duh, books and coffee) and a gas station for all your other needs. I mean basically, you could camp out in the parking lot here and it would be like "Survivor Man: The Heights Edition," or maybe not . . . whatever.
My first time here, I had a soy latte and some hot green tea - pretty run of the mill. I was able to accomplish a decent amount of work as it was rather calm here with some weirdly singular static guitar plucking music piped in.
My second time here, the wonderfully friendly barista suggested I try some chai latte with almond milk concoction (it was far more complex than just latte, but my comprehension of fancy coffee concoctions is pedestrian in nature, so sue me!) as she was sipping such she freshly made for herself. I was intrigued because I had never had a coffee drink with almond milk. Boy oh boy did the barista toil away what seemed like forever, on my one beverage - I can certainly appreciate the seeming fine craftsmanship of my caffeinated beverage. When I finally took my first sip, I would've fallen back in my chair had I not been sitting on the bench. Holy charred spicy! I am not quite sure what that was all about, but it was NOT tasty. I still managed to chock it down because I didn't want to hurt the barista's feelings and I needed my caffeine, darnit!
The WiFi here is pretty consistent, the restrooms - way adorable and clean. Although I can't ever characterize this place as "crowded" because all the seating areas are nicely-spaced, the available chairs and benches do fill up on the weekends and holidays.
I've never explored the patio or outside seating, but I imagine it can be absolutely charming on one of these gorgeous springy days. -
Review from David C.
Updated - 2/11/2011
Boom. Came back - half a year later - to see if we changed our minds about the place. I was just tired of going to Catalina's every single time we wanted to go into town and grab a cup of coffee. This is also why my Yelp reviews are just updates of previous places I've liked. Too scared to leave the comfort zone.
Well, we left the comfort zone and got lost. I refused to look up directions and exited 3-4 exits early. Hence, the Gatlin's stop. We got there and it was as I remembered. Really, really charming. Best interior for any coffee / drink / small bakery shop. Super nice baristas. Onto the coffee.
We both got mochas and are happy to report they came out 3-4x better than last time. It wasn't lukewarm, was piping hot, actually, and thicker in texture. Catalina still has the best mocha I've had in Houston but I like Antidote in that it isn't an ALL-COFFEE, NO FRILLS kinda place. If a group of friends wanted to go into that area, I'd definitely pick Antidote's lounge-y, hipster, Anthropologie-like ambiance with their very good coffee over Catalina's relatively sterile interior.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/18/2010
Not often in the Heights but stopped by Antidote when I was nearby to see what it was about. Esther… Read more »
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Review from Meeball L.
Houston, TX
5/9/2011
Good coffee, no parking, crappy sofas.
I love the feeling of walking into this creative, artsy coffee shop. There is a lot of character in the decoration and the dilapidated seating in the dining area. Cozy as it is, the furniture looks as though it was collected from the road side in front of a college frat house. Not trying to be a snob, it just feels dirty.
Also, the parking is tough to manage. If you're lucky you'll get one of the few spots in the lot in front of the shop. If not, you'll probably be a block or two away on a residential street.
Apart from all my complaining about the parking and the sofas, this is a really great place for coffee. The brew isn't too bitter and there are usually multiple roasts available to try.Listed in: Unique Brews
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Review from Eric V.
Houston, TX
2/16/2011 2 photos
Decided to try a different coffeehouse for some reading (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Overall good experience - friendly baristas, good coffee, plenty of tables / outlets, free wifi, but I was most impressed with how cheap the coffee was. My large iced latte (http://media1.px.yelpc...) was just $2.75 including tax. Pretty much all of their drinks are in the $2-$3.75 range.
The main drawback I'd say is that parking is scarce (typical in the Heights) - there's only 4-5 spots in the lot, otherwise you have to find street parking. They keep the AC blaring so bring a sweatshirt! -
Review from walker f.
4/29/2011
Stopped in on recommendation from my brother (who lives in the hood) for some caffeine to fuel the drive home to Austin. Cute little patio, small, but charming inside. I ordered an Americano on ice and the bf grabbed a sandwich and a cookie bar.
Sad to say, the Americano was extremely bitter. My pal at Texenza said something about the order in which you do the shot and the water and the ice or something is key? So that was a big fail.
The sandwich had fresh motz and loads of pesto so that earned points. And the pecan cookie bar was great.
I liked the vibe, so I'll return, but will reserve stars in hopes of better coffee next time. -
Review from Terah K.
What can I say, I think everyone should have a coffee shop where they know you by name, or at least your order. I have been a fan of Antidote since they opened.
I tend to need a potent coffee in the mornings, so logically a triple latte will do just fine. They also have great pastries that goes great with that strong latte in the morning.
The reasons I love Antidote is coffee is great, the barista staff awesome, and atmosphere relaxing. Feel free to make this your local coffee shop!Listed in: Heights Eateries
