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Waldo's Coffee House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1030 Heights BlvdHouston, TX 77008
Neighborhood: The Heights
(713) 869-0700
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 8 am - 11 pm
Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
78 reviews for Waldo's Coffee House
Review Highlights
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"Free wi-fi and large tables and plenty of seating make this..." In 13 reviews -
"...distractions, has free wifi, big tables ideal for study..." In 7 reviews -
"It's a great study spot if you are into that type of thing..." In 4 reviews
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78 reviews in English
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Review from Jeff Y.
Houston, TX
5/6/2012 10 Check-ins Here
Waldo's has absolutely everything you could possible want in a coffee shop. The noise level is minimal, the lighting is perfect, the tables are huge, and the Wifi is fast and reliable. The art on the wall changes every so often, which I like. Last time I was there they had old concert posters all over the wall in the back room. The coffee is amazing as well. They cycle through four different brews, so every time you go you can try something different. All the espresso-based drinks are fantastic as well. They also have REAL Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which I have seen very few other coffee shops offer. The baristas are all fantastic, and they're super friendly (some more outgoing than others, though). If people are being obnoxious, or taking up a bunch of space without ordering anything, then they might say something to them, but I don't have a problem with that. They also have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, which is pretty hit or miss.
If you're looking for a place to study, you can't go wrong with Waldo's! -
Review from Elaine S.
Houston, TX
5/10/2012
Apparently, specifically referencing other reviewers in your review is against Yelp community guidelines, for some reason. So I will try this again.
Let's start with the positive aspects of Waldo's:
- Comfortable and unique atmosphere
- On the whole, drinks are made well and are delicious
- Manager is always accommodating
- Great live music on weekends
Negative aspects:
- Not all of the baristas are friendly and attentive. There are a few who act like the customers are annoying pests forcing them to do their job. A couple in particular need to be fired for blatant rudeness to customers, and for ignoring them.
- Is not cleaned often enough -- and if it is being cleaned, guess who the employees are who you see cleaning? Yep. The nice ones.
- Only one staff person is working per shift, and if the place gets really busy, the place doesn't run as efficiently but still manages fine for the most part.
Now, in this place's defense:
Some reviewers have complained about being asked to leave Waldo's after they loiter in the establishment without purchasing anything. As someone who has worked in the food service industry for a while, I must inform reviewers who get upset over being asked to leave after making it clear that they don't intend to order anything: (cue long rant)
If you enter a business and loiter for quite a while without ordering anything, OR if you make it clear early on that you don't intend to order anything at all during that particular visit, don't be all shocked and indignant and appalled when you are politely asked to leave -- even if you've been a patron of the place before. This is a very standard policy in the food service industry, and I have not yet heard of a place in Houston, much less in most urban areas, that does not have this policy in place. From both a customer AND employee perspective, if you expect to be awarded some type of special free-pass status because you frequent a business often, you have some serious cheapskate entitlement issues. Businesses value loyal customers, but don't expect special treatment for frequenting the place often. It's not fair to other customers. All customers need to be treated equally.
There are delicious menu items at Waldo's that are priced very reasonably, and quite a few for $2.50 or less. Spend just a dollar or two, and you're free to linger as long as you wish. If word gets around that a certain business allows people to come in without paying, for whatever reason (for free wi-fi or air conditioning during the hot summer days), more and more people will attempt to get away with this and take up space in the establishment that paying customers could be enjoying instead. Then the establishment has to deal with too many people in the place, and the crowdedness drives paying customers away, and then there's not enough income for the day -- including very scarce tips for those working. In addition, places like Waldo's have very little parking. Non-paying visitors take up scarce parking space as well. There *is* logic and reason behind this policy, so please, just honor it. Just buy something. A couple of dollars is all it takes, honestly, and you can hang out there for as long as you like.
Lastly, if you DO have a problem with a business's policy, which is your right to have as a customer, do not childishly insult, complain about and make fun of the staff member who asked you to leave. As someone who has worked barista and server jobs, these employees are simply following orders from their managers and the owner of the business. Unless they ask you to leave in a rude manner, you really have no grounds to complain. If you wish to register a complaint about the way the business operates, ask to speak with the manager or owner. Shooting the messenger is, quite frankly, immature.
Also, if a reviewer believes someone is "threatening" them when they are emailed one simple suggestion to read a different review of a place, then they are overreacting. Trying to report to Yelp something so simple and harmless as an email suggestion as a "threat" is further indicative of an unreasonable character. Just bceause someone suggests that you consider other ideas does not mean they are "threatening" you. Absolutely ridiculous.
With all of this, Waldo's is great at times and not so great at times -- it all depends on who's working that day. Go in when someone nice is working, and you'll have a great experience. Go in when lazy and rude people are working, and you'll be sorely disappointed and inclined to never come back -- even if the drinks are superb. -
Review from Claude B.
Houston, TX
3/20/2012
Would be a pretty nice to work or study over a decent cup of coffee. However, the noise level could be improved. The music playing throughout the house is sometimes broadcast radio, including commercials. And there's only one room where you can escape the audio of the TV the staff has on in another room.
Please - I can tolerate one annoying noise stream, but not two simultaneously. -
Review from Alex M.
Houston, TX
5/18/2012
Excellent coffee (houston's own- Katz) and definitely the best, most quirky service; exactly what I look for in a coffee house. If you live in the heights, go here
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Review from Jeena L.
3/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Studying at Waldo's can be a hit or miss depending on my luck of getting a parking spot, a table, and a friendly barista. There have been times where my friend and I studied in the main room with the tables and that barista was awesome. He made me a delicious chai tea latte iced with 2 shots of expresso. Let's just say I won't be getting the expresso anymore since I struggled to fall asleep. It was amazing though! I thought the barista was extremely friendly and helpful.
There was another time where another barista was super passive aggressive and kept checking up on me when I was in the sofa room. He then proceeded to say "just come up to the counter whenever you're ready to order." I had just sat down and was waiting for a friend to study together before ordering a cup of coffee. It was a bit irritating, I understand that coffee shops don't want you to take up their space if you're not ordering anything from them but I eventually was going to get something after I settled down a bit. Throughout the time we were there, he kept checking in the rooms every so often. It did not make us feel comfortable or welcome. I felt that the room was stuffy and dusty too. I can't imagine if they even clean or dust out the couches.
On a side note, I wish they'd fix their loud creaking front door. -
Review from Matthew C.
Houston, TX
2/27/2012
Waldo's stands in stark contrast to the corporate, commercialized coffee (i.e. Starbucks) that seems to be defining the coffee experience in America. First of all, it's an actual "coffee-house" located on the first floor of a quaint home in The Heights. Its brewed coffee is some of the best in Houston - second only to Catalina in my opinion. And as many other people have said, Waldo's is an ideal place to study with its free wi-fi, large tables, and quiet atmosphere. (Disclosure: I was there on a Friday at 10:00 A.M.; it may be busier in the evenings or the weekend.)
My only complaint was the poor customer service. I ordered the light-roast, which still needed to be brewed. The wait wouldn't have been a problem except that the barista offered to bring me a cup once it was finished brewing but forgot about it. Overall, it was only a minor inconvenience and not a big deal, but very attentive service is always a plus. -
Review from Sara S.
Houston, TX
12/5/2011
Great place to study with a cheap cup of coffee. First off, it's in an actual house, which reminds me of the coffee shops I love in Austin, except here you can actually get a table without having to share with 5 other people.
Like the previous reviewer said, it's a nice place to study (actually study) since it's a lot quieter than other coffee shops. There's no Björk or animal noises blaring, which is nice when I'm studying for the CPA exam and actually have to attempt to pay attention.
It can get pretty cold, especially if you're sitting by the door. -
Review from Matthew C.
Houston, TX
10/14/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Let's start with the building itself. Waldo's is literally housed in an old heights home right off of Heights Blvd. (however, it is somehow easy to miss... If you pass 11th, you have gone too far) The place has a cool feel - being in a turn of the century bungalow certainly adds to the atmosphere and almost invites you to hang out and spend some time on your computer. Of course, like most coffee shops of this era - they have free Wi-Fi.
Service can be a little slow if there is a line, but I have never found it to be off-putting. I will give them this - all of the employees seem to know their stuff. Also, Waldo's has a pretty good selection of fine crafted sandwiches. The Chicken Salad Sandwich is a winner.
One of the better aspects of Waldo's is fairly regular musical entertainment. They have a small stage up front and from what I remember, most of the live music I have heard there is on Friday and Saturday night. Most of this is posted near the back door.
Unfortunately, I do have a complaint. I know it's an old house, but it can get a little warm at Waldo's when they have a crowd or during the summer. It's not terrible, but it is noticeable. -
Review from Dinorah H.
Houston, TX
10/18/2011
We weren't impressed by Waldo's.
The place is very trendy and we played board games there which was cool, but we ordered hot teas (one regular and the other one special) and it was basically hot water with a cheap tea bag! Sorry we expected something a little more gourmet and not a corner store brand teabag.
Overpriced hot water and tea bags. -
Review from Todd S.
6/29/2011
A visit to Waldo's is like having a tea while waiting for your friend at their grandparents' house. It's quiet. It's slow. Nothing really "happens," there. You just sit in an old comfy chair by the window... and let the time pass mindlessly.
You don't go up to the counter and stamp your foot and expect for the place to change its pace. Pretend that that little barista is your friend's grandmother. If you have that expectation of pace and focus, you'll be fine. Other reviewers have complained about this. Accept it. This is the way things are at Waldo's. I'm sure that Starbucks is more attentive. You're welcome to go there, Dearie.
Now, I'm a coffee lover. Real coffee. Espresso. Not sugar+milk+droplet-o-coffee. Having made this disclaimer, I'm not terribly impressed with the brew. However, it's not terrible (believe me: I would tell you).
This is an old house that's been converted into a cafe. The original rooms are, well, original and stlll there. It's a segmented space. It's quiet and filled with people studying, reading, or otherwise being quiet. If I want to have a roaring conversation with my peeps, I'll hit Antidote or, well, SOMEWHERE ELSE. Waldo's is a fine place... and it has its place.
Heed these bits of advice and, well, you'll have appropriate expectations and likely enjoy Grandma's. If not, the Wolf will get you. ;-)Listed in: Coffee near the 'trose
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Review from Kate L.
Houston, TX
6/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I was a HUGE supporter of this coffee house. I used to study in one of their back rooms all the time, grab a quick latte to go, or just spend a morning reading a paper with the hubby. But after the downright rude behavior I received the other day, I will NEVER go back.
A girlfriend and I showed up at 730am to grab some coffee and a quiet study spot. The barista informed me that they were not open yet, even though the door clearly stated that their hours started at 730am during the week. When I inquired when they would be open, she just repeated that they weren't open. 8am, I asked? "Sure," was the only response I received.
We decided to wait outside til then and once they started putting the porch furniture out, we thought it was safe. As we walked in we received dirty looks from the barista, but ignored them thinking she was just having a bad day. We even waited until she looked settled before we ordered drinks. When I ordered tea, she told me it would not be ready for awhile. Really? It's just hot water and a tea bag. After I sat down, I could hear her from another room asking her coworker why someone would order tea when the outside sign clearly says coffee.
The rest of the morning got worse from there. She was obviously training a new employee and while they were walking around, this same barista kept making rude comments about customers. Like if someone complains about the music, tell them that this is an adult coffee house and they can play whatever they want. The comments just continued to flow until my friend and I got up to take our business elsewhere.
I have never felt so unwelcome in a business where customer service should be a priority. I will never go back to this place, but there's tons of new coffee shops in the Heights, so I probably won't have to. -
Review from Karen T.
Houston, TX
10/8/2011
I want to love this place, I really do. It's adorable and in walking distance of my house and I'm all about supporting local businesses, but I've given it too many chances to disappoint.
One huge disappointment is that they only have the little mini moo individual creamers for your coffee. Little ridiculous for a COFFEE house... and what if someone wants skim??
The last time I went they had 4 coffees on their "daily brew" chalk board - a light roast, a dark roast, a flavored, and decaf. I asked for a flavored... "no, we don't have that" and then the light roast... "no, we don't have that." Then why are they yon the board?!?! I don't like dark roast and decaf defeats the purpose, so I was about to leave, but the barista told me they could make the flavored one. They couldn't have been out of coffee yet, it was only about 30 minutes after they opened!
Revival Market is a few blocks the other way on Heights and I've been happily walking a little farther for a much better coffee experience. I would love to give Waldo's another chance if things change. -
Review from Kara D.
Houston, TX
3/3/2012
This is a great place for studying with lots of a large tables and rooms. It wasn't too loud and the music was peaceful (not distracting while reading). The coffee and service were also great! I will definitely be coming back! There is additional parking in the back but the spaces are limited.
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Review from Chris C.
7/6/2011
Chill, quiet place as it's not as packed as other hipster gatherings. Plus you can study in style in a house!
Too bad there is no upstairs access, but you should be able to find the dinning or side room to get away from the main entrance. -
Review from David N.
3/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Studying season is upon me, midterms galore, if I sit at home I have way too many distractions, mainly my bed, so I must leave the house to get work done.
I found my love but now I found my mistress.
Waldo's literally is a coffee HOUSE.
It's just a medium sized house, with rooms decorated as though someone had actually lived in here.
You will find people in each room sitting at random furniture from dining tables to couches.
The main room can be really loud, the side rooms are more quiet.
I had the white chocolate on ice, it was OK.
I found easy street parking. They offer live music at night too. Free WIFI, no password. Outlets are limited to what a normal house would have. People are genuinely nice as they will whisper in the back rooms if people are studying. Understood the front area is the loud areas. After 6 PM it gets more loud, starts to play music over the intercom, kind of loud.Listed in: Houston: Study Spots
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Review from Anna W.
3/9/2011
My friend was in town for residency/internship interviews (I lose track of what year he's in). We had brunch, and then headed to Waldo's, because he had some time to kill before a dinner/interview and I needed to work on applications.
There are a few tables out on the porch, and you walk through the main room to the back to order. Even though I had reviews that had said Waldo's is housed in a house, I was still pleasantly surprised that, well, Waldo's felt like a cozy home. There was only one barista in the back, so he was busy bussing tables and cleaning dishes, but he was super friendly. So friendly that he said that my friend and I made a cute couple, which, hilarious, as I've been friends with my pal for nearly a decade, and he's been with his girlfriend, whom I'm also friends with, for over five years.
I cannot overstate how awesomely conducive to productivity working in such a cozy environment is while still having free wifi and plenty of outlet plugs. It's a nice change of pace from the giant rooms to working in small rooms with couches and small and large round tables. And so many windows! As houses are wont to have. In fact, it was so conducive to productivity, I wound up chatting online with my friend and another friend.
One awkward moment: When the barista was really pissed off because I'd parked in front of the driveway. What can I say, my blind spot are the driveways in the Heights--they just look like parking spots! There's actually parking behind Waldo's.Listed in: Coeds and Keggers
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Review from Colin R.
Houston, TX
11/15/2011
Waldo's is the place to go when you want a cheap cup of coffee and a nice, relaxing atmosphere. As for me, I use it as a place for studying for the CPA exam in the evenings.
You can't get higher quality coffee in the Heights, but this gives you good bang for your buck. A large coffee for $2 with 50 cent refills ain't too shabby.
The atmosphere sets Waldo's apart from the other coffee houses. It's much quieter than other places (thanks in large part to the separate rooms where patrons can enjoy their conversation). The porch view is one of my favorites in Houston. It looks right out on to the World War II Memorial on Height Blvd. If it's a nice, warm evening in Houston, this is a great place to spend it. -
Review from Cindy W.
Houston, TX
1/15/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I almost didn't want to write a review so that people wouldn't find this place, but dammit, credit needs to be given where credit is due. I think I've found myself a new coffee hangout. I've been frequenting Onion Creek this whole time, and just down the street was this little gem tucked away in a neighborhood. Waldo, why are you hiding from me??? Either way, I found you. I FOUND WALDO. HAR HAR! *Ahem*...anywayyyy...
Awesome place. :) I probably never would have noticed it if I was just passing by, but that's part of its "secret hideout" appeal. :) I was looking for somewhere to hang around on a cold day, and this fit the bill in so many ways. Plenty of warm drinks to sip on (it's a coffeehouse, duh), and it's got a great warm and inviting ambiance. You feel like you've been invited to walk into someone's home to plop down on the couch for a cuppa joe and some good conversation. Just a breakdown of how awesome this place is:
- Cozy. It's in a little house. It doesn't get much cozier than that. Lots of nooks and crannies for you to hide away into.
- Free wifi - ALWAYS a plus
- Great baristas - the guy actually INTRODUCED HIMSELF and asked for my name...how often do you see baristas do that these days? His name was Sean (sp?), and he was awesome and friendly. :)
- Big tables - great for scattering out study materials, or just for big projects that require some space
- Eclectic music selection - I usually bring my ipod, but I can always appreciate a quirky music selection
- Board games! Fun for everyone!
- BYOB for a $5 fee. I have yet to try this, but it's definitely something to keep in mind for future visits. :)
My only gripe is that the air circulation is a little funky (probably comes from the fact that it's a little old house), so it gets kinda chilly if the weather's cold. But it's nothing that a sweater or jacket can't take care of. :) So go have a cup of coffee, but uh, don't stay too long...cuz I need a table too. :D -
Review from Naomi Y.
Houston, TX
11/14/2010
I didn't even get to taste the coffee. My high school friends and I decided to catch up at a coffee house. Seeing the high reviews, we decided to try Waldo's. When we got there, there were 4 people in front of us. The first two left fairly quickly but we proceeded to wait 20 minutes while the barista waited on the 2 in front of us. She made the drinks but continued to small talk with the customers in front of us. Apparently the two ladies were visiting from abroad so I guess that made them very fascinating.
It was only when we walked away (or maybe b/c she heard our comments) did she ask what we wanted. We ended up at Antidote which had a better atmosphere and service. -
Review from Miinkay Y.
Houston, TX
1/31/2011
Waldo's is a nice cozy home turned into a coffee shop. It has a lot of individual rooms for extra privacy and even houses a clock that chimes on the hour and half hour. The music is light and mellow. Perfect place to sit and work and enjoy a cup of joe.
Tried the Valencia coffee but didn't really taste the orange syrup. It was quite light actually. I did request decaf, but didn't think that would take so much of the coffee flavor out. -
Review from MIchelle P.
Houston, TX
2/16/2011
This place is adorable!
It's such an eclectic little house- it looks like it was decorated with grandmother's old furniture along with craiglist and flea market furniture finds. I love that they have the little individual rooms because it allows for privacy- I like that the big room on the right has the huge tables perfect for group studying.
Their sandwiches aren't anything to write home about, but their breakfast sandwiches are pretty tasty. Their brownies are super moist. Their coffee is just okay, but you don't come to Waldo's for the coffee... you come more for the ambiance and for the ability to spend hours studying or working on a project without anyone bothering you.Listed in: Study Spots
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Review from Chrissy D.
Houston, TX
Updated - 11/18/2011
Waldo's...I think whoever hires the barista's needs to think twice. Many hipster-esqe folks frequent this place, but normal young professionals come here to work too. Not sure, but the barista today was busy having a loud conversation with her friends that seemed to love saying the b-word way too many times. This will be my last time coming to Waldo's.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2011
I would have rated this place with 4 stars but on a Saturday evening, WHite Linen Night to be exact,… Read more »
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Review from Dane W.
New York, NY
12/27/2010
A great place to go work if you need quiet. It's like studying at home, if your home were mildly old-fashioned and eccentric. The coffee is good, though the food selection leaves something to be desired. But what it lacks in the food department, it makes up for in study space and friendly staff. There are nice big tables where you can spread out your papers or books, as well as a comfortable porch for smoking and watching the sunset.
Two little things, though. It does close a little early--around ten. And some nights you'll randomly find yourself there on music nights. If you like amateur bluegrass or country-folk, then it's probably no biggie, but if old men paying acoustic guitar isn't for you, it's a bit of a inconvenience.
All in all, though, one of the best coffeehouses in Htown and a regular spot for me. -
Review from Jay K.
Houston, TX
2/25/2011
Pretty cozy, clean bathrooms, and the chai tea latte was off the chains
they also have private rooms you can reserve. not sure if you have to pay...
enjoy! -
Review from Miss B.
Houston, TX
5/3/2011
Whatever you do, avoid the rude girl that works on Saturday! She will take your food, and tell you to leave 30 minutes early - dark brown hair, super, super rude girl!!! If they fired her, this place would have a 5-star rating.
While reading the other comments, I realized that most of them complaining about service was on days that she worked. I live nearby, so I have learned which days she is there to avoid her!
I love Sean and the others! -
Review from Farrah A.
So, I was ready to do an update on my Waldo's review, and it turns out ... I NEVER yelped it! Wha? How could I have NOT yelped one of my favorite chillax hangouts? Sheesh. Farrah, get with it.
Well, like everyone else mentioned, Waldo's opened earlier this year after almost a year of a sign hanging out front saying "opening soon." When it finally did open--no fault of the lovely owners; it's our wonderful city permit system--the entire Heights neighborhood was thrilled.
I like my coffee houses to have nooks, private rooms, a homey feel. That's exactly what Waldo's has, cause it's set in a house.
Shawn, one of the spunky owners is an absolute pleasure to chat up and can make just about anything you request. I like giving him an idea of what I want and letting him stir something up good for me.
There are plenty of couches, lounges and chairs to sit on, a front porch, a soon-to-be TV/game room for groups of peeps too. They host live acoustic shows on Fri and Sat, and since it's in the "dry" part of The Heights, it's also BYOB for a modest $5 cork fee. -
Review from Danielle S.
Houston, TX
7/13/2008
I love stepping into Waldo's. The fact that it's housed in an old arts-and-crafts bungalow, as well as the Victorian decorating scheme, makes me think I'm a flapper. I'm in love with the knicknacks sprinkled throughout the house, including the framed vintage sheet music which covers one wall of the women's bathroom. I just might be stealing a few decorating ideas from this adorable (albeit very feminine) decor.
Free wi-fi coupled with the great staff means that I can spend a few hours studying, working on photos or just surfing the web and nobody's tapping their foot waiting for me to leave. While Inversion (admittedly one of my favorite places to snag free interwebs) often feels like a gigantic incubator for computer users--with row after row of laptops plugged into the walls--Waldo's is cozy and intimate, thanks to its former life as a residence, and has lots of nooks and crannies for holding a conversation without feeling like everyone else knows your business too. Granted, there aren't that many electrical outlets, but each time I've been at Waldo's it's never been too busy for me to snag a plug.
And the customer service here? Let's talk about that, because it simply cannot be beat. Sean is amazing...he's chatty but isn't bothersome, and if you're a new customer he takes great lengths to learn your name. I've only gone a handful of times and I already feel like a regular, and thanks to the amazing service, I will be.Listed in: I'm in ur coffee shops,…
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Review from Shahrzad K.
Houston, TX
8/5/2009 1 photo
I just moved to Houston and in my attempts to dive head first into my CPA studying, I've been in need of the perfect study spot.
Waldo's was one of the first I tried out and has proven to be one of the best as well! I've been going in the early afternoon on weekdays and have found it to be very peaceful and conducive to studying. There's plenty of table space to spread out if you need to, or if you just want to relax and read a book there are a couple cozy couches as well.
The staff (and other patrons) have been very friendly. The lattes were pretty good and the iced chai or the lemonade is perfect for a hot day.
2 thumbs up :)Listed in: Houston Coffee Shops
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Review from Katie L.
Houston, TX
3/6/2008
Waldo's is a cute little coffee shop, perfect for meeting up with friends and chatting the afternoon away. The coffee is pretty standard (I didn't try any pastries but they looked good), but the atmosphere and great customer service really make it tops.
As other reviewers mentioned, the shop is in a converted old Heights house with a nice little front porch to sit out on if the weather is friendly. Each room in the shop has a completely different feel to it with different seating, wall color and lots and lots of big windows for natural lighting.
They are very keen on promoting Houston artists and musicians, so be sure to drop by to experience unique H-Town talent and, of course, bring some work samples and a business card if you are searching for a unique venue to showcase your own great stuff. I will definitely be back - really a relaxing nice place! -
Review from Helen C.
Honolulu, HI
4/5/2009
I think Waldo's is one of my favorite coffee shops in Houston, fo sho. I love parking out front and walking in the door like I live there... because that's how it feels! I feel like I'm going over to a friend's house to cozy up and study.
I got a chai when I was there and it was verrry good -- I kept wishing the cup would stay full for the duration of my stay here!
The free wi-fi was great, because I brought up laptop and got right down to work here, while my friend was able to study on the other side of the table. There was an outlet right near the table, so we didn't have to go searching for a place to plug in.
Since we were there for a while, I got to use the bathroom several times. Lucky for me, I absolutely loved the bathroom decor -- made me want to stay in there a bit longer than necessary!
In fact, I stayed at Waldo's so long they had to kick us out at 10 o' clock to close up shop ... Will definitely be back!! -
Review from Claire R.
Austin, TX
1/4/2010
Law school has made me a coffeeshop fiend. I don't drink coffee, and I don't actually like to study that much in coffee shops, but I've succumbed to peer pressure and taken to going to every coffeeshop around Austin.
Now that I'm visiting the fam in Houston for the holiday, I thought I would check out this spot for some thanksgiving weekend studying. SUCCESS!
There are several different rooms which keeps the shop quiet.
This place is perfect for studying. HUGE tables, and lots of them and extremely quiet and appropriate-study music.
I also really like how it's in an old style house and the old-style furniture that goes with it.
They have a good selection of teas as well.
There is not too much parking available. -
Review from Carey J.
Houston, TX
12/9/2008
Waldo's is a great place to study. It's got a lot of (antique) tables and enough power outlets to go around. It would probably be a great place to bring some friends for board game fun as well because of the larger tables in the back.
It's also in the dry area of the Heights and they don't serve lunch or dinner, so you don't have to worry about it getting swarmed by happy-hour goers on the weekend, like is the case with Antidote or Onion Creek.
It's just a nice, quiet place.
They also serve breakfast, but I've never tried it. -
Review from Genie M.
Houston, TX
9/8/2011
I've had good times at Waldo's. Its a good venue for local musicians and there is a variety of music played there. Friday and Saturday evenings I've heard acoustic blues, bluegrass and folk music while surfing the net and drinking a latte.
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Review from Heather M.
Houston, TX
9/20/2009
I respectfully submit that Waldo's be renamed Valhalla. It's the closest thing to heaven on earth I've found in Houston so far (and I'm in a viking mood.).
It reminds me a lot of Cafe Pergolesi in Santa Cruz, CA as it's set up inside a formerly residential house, but cleaner and friendlier. There isn't booze for sale, but apparently you can BYOB for 5 bucks.
Any coffee drink you want, any type of comfortable furniture you want, any friends you can bring, art on the walls, and board games. It's a perfect place to work with lots of tables, thank god I'm out of grad school, but this place would have been a godsend. It's a perfect place to hang out, chat, or knit with buddies. Very comfy cozy.
LOVE. -
Review from Cory O.
Houston, TX
4/14/2008
We met here for the Yelp Book Club meeting and it was a pretty great location for a small group. There was plenty of seating inside and a few spots outdoors. The armchairs were nice and comfy, but the chairs that were paired with the tables could've used a cushion. Though I think that the Heights is pretty overrated, I do enjoy when businesses renovate old homes and use them to create a nice, comfy atmosphere. Waldo's did that and did it well. They even had cute little china cabinets. Course, the random photos of half naked pre-pubescent boys didn't quite fit the feel of the place, but whatever.
My little kolaches were pretty good and were enormous. I couldn't tell from the box where they get them from, but I did feel that they were a tad overpriced. My big beef with the place was that while I was in the restroom, an overeager employee threw away a half full drink of mine and before long I was thirsty again and had to purchase a whole new one.
The free wi-fi was nice and I saw plenty of laptops being pulled out. The parking could use a little help and it could be a little hard to find if you're just driving by without an exact address. In the end, I liked it okay, but there are better coffee shops in town to spend the day. -
Review from Grace K.
5/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Haha sorry I have to give it only 3 stars...
It's a cute homily place, but it's so quiet i felt obligated to whisper so that other studious folks couldn't overhear our convo.
The good thing is they have free wi-fi so when I take summer school i'll def. take advantage of that, and it'll be a Good thing it's so quiet!
* i found the caramel macchiato creamier than starbucks' * -
Review from Kelly K.
Houston, TX
11/1/2009
Waldo's is about ten steps from my house, so I was eager to give it a try, and I met a friend for some knitting around 5pm one evening.
The staff was friendly, there appeared to be plenty of regulars, and my tea and cookies were well priced and good, but I think I just prefer a more open environment. What some would call cozy, I call cramped, and I didn't really feel comfortable there. I haven't been back, but I'm willing to give Waldo's another try. -
Review from Tep C.
Houston, TX
9/19/2009
First off, I'd like to admit that I'm not much of a coffee drinker. Their mocha latte was excellent.
The place has a great atmosphere. It feels as if you're at your grandmothers house visiting with friends. The staff is great.
An interesting point is that they have local bands playing on the weekends. Thursday night is also movie night.
Overall a great cozy place. -
Review from wag m.
Houston, TX
9/1/2009
As a Vancouverite, coffee is essential to life (hey, it's beautiful up there but it friggin rains for 2/3's of the winter. ya NEED the caffeine maaaan!).
But um, what's with Starbucks deciding it was the only choice in Houston?!?
So while hunting around for some great local brew, I stumbled onto Waldo's in the Heights (actually I was just checking out the friggin awesome homes & architecture there).
Great hosts, great cozy atmosphere that a writer would enjoy & be able to do some work.
And if you want to meet some interesting people, that's possible too. Like the servers (owners?).
Thanks for saving me from Farbucks! -
Review from marianne c.
Houston, TX
3/28/2011
If a coffee shop has flavored syrups as their accoutrement, I try to stay away. They served watery ice coffee. The girl who served me asked me to wait one more second until she finished texting.
