Top 5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Coffee Shop

Not all coffee shops are created equal!

Whether you're searching for a cozy place to work, meeting friends for coffee, grabbing breakfast on the way to work, or simply trying to find your new favorite local coffee shop, there are a few things that can turn a regular coffee run into a place you'll want to visit again and again.

So, what should you look for when trying a new coffee shop?

Here are my top five things to look for when choosing a coffee shop—and yes, I might be a little biased.

1. The Vibe & Aesthetic

I love a good vibe!

The atmosphere is one of the first things you'll notice when you walk into a coffee shop. Is it welcoming? Is it comfortable? More importantly, does it fit what you're looking for?

If you need a coffee shop to work or study, look for outlets, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a few cozy corners where you can settle in with your laptop and a latte.

Meeting friends? You'll probably want cute tables with enough room for everyone to gather around, catch up, and stay awhile.

But maybe you're not looking to sit down at all. If you're grabbing coffee on your way to work or heading out for a busy day, convenience might matter more. In that case, look for a coffee shop with a drive-thru or online ordering so you can get great coffee without slowing down your morning.

The perfect coffee shop isn't necessarily the fanciest one—it's the one that fits into your life.

2. Do They Have Signature Drinks?

This is a big one for me!

I think every great specialty coffee shop should have a signature menu with a few drinks that set it apart.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with ordering a classic caramel latte or your usual cold brew, but when I'm visiting a new coffee shop, I want to see what they do differently.

Maybe it's an unusual flavor combination, a house-made syrup, a unique cold brew, or an espresso drink you wouldn't think to order anywhere else.

A good signature coffee menu gives a shop personality—and gives you a reason to come back and try something new!

3. Is the Staff Friendly?

A friendly staff can truly make or break an experience.

Of course, coffee shops get busy and everyone has an off day, but it's always a huge bonus when the baristas are welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu.

This is especially important if you're new to coffee or aren't sure what to order.

A great barista should be able to hear, "I want something iced, sweet, but not too sweet," and point you in the right direction.

Great coffee matters, but great service is what can turn a first-time customer into a regular.

4. Check the Reviews!

It's never a bad idea to check the reviews before trying somewhere new.

Reviews can give you an idea of what actual customers love about a coffee shop. Are people constantly talking about a particular drink? Is there a breakfast item everyone says you HAVE to try? Do customers mention the friendly service or cozy atmosphere?

When searching for the best coffee shop near you, reviews can help you narrow down your options—but don't be afraid to try a place and form your own opinion, too!

Your new favorite drink might be waiting somewhere you didn't expect.

5. Don't Forget About the Bites!

Coffee is important.

But the food? Also very important.

I love having a good snack or something to munch on while I'm trying a new coffee shop, but I'm especially interested in places that serve something unique.

Give me something I can't get just anywhere!

Whether it's a homemade pastry, a unique breakfast sandwich, or a local specialty, a memorable food menu can be just as important as the coffee itself.

And if I can get breakfast and specialty coffee in one stop? Even better.

So...Does Honey's Check the Boxes?

Okay, this is where I admit that I may have had an ulterior motive when making this list.

Because at Honey's Coffee & Biscuits in New Waverly, TX, we've worked hard to create the kind of local coffee shop we'd want to visit ourselves.

The vibe? Check! We have a welcoming space where you can grab a table with friends, settle in with your laptop, or simply enjoy your coffee for a while.

Need something quick? We've got a drive-thru for those mornings when sitting down just isn't happening.

Signature drinks? Absolutely. From specialty lattes and espresso drinks to cold brew, matcha, flavored cold foams, and seasonal drinks, there's always something beyond your standard cup of coffee to try.

Friendly staff? We may be biased here, but we think ours is pretty great. And if you have no idea what to order, just tell us what flavors you like and we'll help you figure it out!

And then there are the bites.

Biscuits are kind of our thing.

From our famous Orange Biscuits, biscuits with house-made honey butter, to biscuits and gravy, breakfast biscuit panini, we wanted our food menu to have just as much personality as our coffee menu.

So, whether you're searching for a coffee shop in New Waverly, TX, a coffee shop with a drive-thru, a place to grab breakfast and coffee, or somewhere to discover your next favorite specialty coffee drink, we'd love for you to give Honey's a try.

Come for the coffee. Stay for the biscuits.

Or come for the biscuits and stay for the coffee.

We aren't picky.

5 Orders at Honey's Under $10

Looking for coffee and breakfast in New Waverly, TX without breaking the bank? We've got you covered!

Whether you're craving a handcrafted latte, cold brew, or one of our signature biscuit creations, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great breakfast and your morning caffeine fix.

Here are 5 coffee and breakfast combos at Honey's Coffee & Biscuits for under $10!

1. The Buzz + Sausage Panini

The Buzz is made with our house cold brew, amaretto and vanilla syrups, and a splash of cream. Pair it with one of our unique breakfast creations, the Sausage Panini, and you've got yourself a meal!

Our Sausage Panini is made with egg, cheese, Cajun sausage, and jalapeño honey, all sandwiched between one of our warm biscuits and finished on a panini press.

Sweet, savory, a little spicy, and plenty of caffeine—what more could you ask for?

Cost: $9.75

2. Caramel Latte + Honey Butter Biscuit

A classic, tried-and-true choice.

Our Caramel Latte, served hot or iced, is paired with a warm biscuit and our house-made honey butter. If you're looking for a classic espresso drink with something sweet on the side, you really can't go wrong with this combo.

Simple. Delicious. Reliable.

Cost: $8.50

3. Blackberry White Mocha + Biscuits & Gravy

If you're looking for something with a little more flavor, try one of our signature lattes!

Our Blackberry White Mocha combines blackberry and white chocolate flavors for a sweet and unique specialty coffee. Pair it with a warm biscuit covered in our house-made sausage gravy, and you've got yourself one seriously satisfying breakfast.

Cost: $9.25

4. Sweet Cream Cold Brew + Sausage Biscuit

Of course we had to pair two of our top sellers!

Our Sweet Cream Cold Brew has a smooth vanilla sweetness that pairs perfectly with our Sausage Biscuit, made with a warm biscuit, Cajun sausage patty, and jalapeño honey.

Add cheese or leave it off—the choice is yours!

If you're a cold brew coffee lover looking for a quick breakfast, this might just become your new go-to order.

Cost: $8.75

5. Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte + Orange Biscuit

Last but definitely not least, we've got a combo for the coffee lovers out there.

Our Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte has a more subtle sweetness that lets the flavor of our espresso shine through. Pair it with our famous Orange Biscuit, and you've got the perfect combination of coffee, cinnamon, hazelnut, and citrus.

There's a reason that Orange Biscuit has been a Honey's favorite for years!

Cost: $9.25

Great Coffee + Breakfast Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

Whether you're a cold brew person, a classic caramel latte lover, or someone who wants to try a new specialty coffee, there's a Honey's combo waiting for you and you can get all five of these for under $10!

So, the next time you're searching for coffee and breakfast in New Waverly, TX, stop by Honey's Coffee & Biscuits. Grab your favorite handcrafted coffee, add a biscuit (or two), and start your day the Honey's way.

What Coffee Should You Order When You Don't Know What to Get?

You're going to a new coffee shop with friends, but you have absolutely no idea what to order. You look at the menu and suddenly you're getting flustered by fancy coffee words like "cortado," "cold brew," and "blonde roast."

Don't panic and order something random that you aren't even sure you'll like!

Finding the perfect coffee drink is actually much easier than it seems. Start by asking yourself three simple questions:

• Do I want something sweet and flavored?

• Do I want my coffee hot or iced?

• Do I like a lot of milk in my coffee?

Once you've answered those three questions, we can start narrowing down your perfect coffee order!

1. Do You Want Something Sweet and Flavored?

If your answer is a big YES, start with the specialty coffee drinks on the menu.

A coffee shop's specialty drinks are often some of its most popular and tried-and-true creations. They're also a great place to start if you're new to drinking coffee or aren't sure what flavors you like yet.

Still staring at the menu in a panic?

Look for familiar flavors like caramel, vanilla, or white chocolate. These tend to create sweeter coffee drinks and can help balance some of the stronger espresso flavor.

If you want your drink to taste a little more like coffee, try a flavor like hazelnut or ask your barista for something that isn't quite as sweet.

2. Do You Want Your Coffee Hot or Iced?

This one's easy!

Do you want something warm and cozy, or are you craving a refreshing iced coffee?

Most flavored espresso drinks and lattes can be made either hot or iced, so choosing one usually won't limit your options too much.

Texas summer? I'm probably going iced.

Cold morning? Give me that hot latte!

3. How Much Milk Do You Want?

This is where knowing a few basic coffee terms can really help.

If you like a normal amount of milk in your coffee, a latte is a great place to start. A latte combines espresso with plenty of milk, making it smooth, creamy, and approachable—especially when you add your favorite flavor.

But what if you want a hot drink with less milk and more foam?

Try ordering a cappuccino. You'll still get espresso and steamed milk, but the drink has a different milk-to-foam ratio than a traditional latte.

Now, what if you want something iced but don't want all that milk?

That's where cold brew comes in!

Ask if the coffee shop offers cold brew, then add the flavors you like with just a splash of milk or cream. For example:

"Can I get a cold brew with caramel and a splash of cream?"

And voilà! You've got a flavorful coffee drink without all the milk you'd typically find in an iced latte.

Still Don't Know What Coffee to Order? Ask Your Barista!

Here's the most important thing to remember when you're trying a new coffee shop:

You don't have to understand the entire menu.

If you're still unsure what to order, just ask your barista!

Tell them what you normally like. Sweet or not-so-sweet? Hot or iced? Creamy or strong? Do you love caramel? Hate chocolate? Want something where you can actually taste the espresso?

Those little details can help your barista recommend a drink that you'll actually enjoy.

That's what we're here for!

Looking for Coffee in New Waverly, TX?

If you're looking for a local coffee shop in New Waverly, Texas, come visit us at Honey's Coffee & Biscuits!

Whether you're an experienced coffee drinker or still trying to figure out the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, we're happy to help you find your new favorite drink.

From specialty coffee and espresso drinks to cold brew, matcha, breakfast, and our famous biscuits, there's something for just about everyone.

So come see us, tell your barista what you like, and we'll help you figure out what to order.

Who knows? You might just find your new go-to coffee order!

What Does Your Coffee Order Say About You? (Purely Based on My Own Interpretation Of Course!)

We all have that one coffee order we come back to again and again. But have you ever wondered what your favorite drink says about you?

As a local coffee shop in New Waverly, TX, we make a LOT of coffee—and after years of serving espresso drinks, cold brew, matcha, and everything in between, I think I've earned the right to make a few completely unscientific observations.

So, whether you're grabbing coffee on your way to work, meeting a friend for breakfast, or stopping by before an adventure in Sam Houston National Forest, here's what I think your coffee order says about you.

And yes, this is purely based on my own interpretation. Please don't come for me!

Straight Espresso

Okay, okay, we get it!

You are ALL business, and your idea of play is crushing every deadline before it's even in sight.

You don't need the extra fluff. Give you a great shot of espresso, and you're ready to conquer the world—or at least your inbox.

You're probably the person everyone else calls when they need to get something done.

Mocha

Something about you screams old soul to me.

You enjoy the simple things in life, but you're not overly indulgent. You appreciate slowing down, enjoying a good specialty coffee, and taking in what's around you.

I'd bet anything your ideal vacation involves camping at a new national park, finding the perfect hiking trail, and ending the day somewhere with an incredible view.

Honestly, if you're headed to Sam Houston National Forest, you might want to grab that mocha first.

Matcha

You love animals more than you love people, and there is a 100% chance you have fresh-picked flowers by your bedside as we speak.

You're a good and loyal friend—and you're definitely the designated person in the group for finding the best local farmers' markets on Saturday morning.

Your camera roll is probably 50% pets, 30% flowers, and 20% pictures of aesthetically pleasing food.

And, of course, you know exactly where to find a good matcha latte.

Sweet Cream Cold Brew

You, my friend, are the life of the party!

Your social battery apparently has no limits, and you can be found checking out all the coolest new places. You're always down for an adventure, and when your friends need a pick-me-up, you're the one they call.

Basically, you're the human version of a Sweet Cream Cold Brew: sweet, energetic, and ready to go.

And yes, you're probably the friend convincing everyone else that there's always time for one more iced coffee.

Cortado

You are my people.

You're a sipper. You like to take your time and actually enjoy your coffee instead of drinking it in three minutes on the way out the door.

You're probably an avid reader, and you take the long way home just to enjoy the scenery.

You appreciate the little things: a good book, a quiet morning, a perfectly balanced espresso drink, and finding a cozy local coffee shop where you can sit for a while.

No rush. You'll get there when you get there.

So, Did We Get Your Coffee Personality Right?

Whether you're a straight-espresso deadline crusher, a mocha-loving old soul, a farmers'-market matcha drinker, a Sweet Cream Cold Brew social butterfly, or a cortado-sipping bookworm, there's a drink waiting for you at Honey's Coffee & Biscuits in New Waverly, Texas.

We're proud to be a locally owned coffee shop in New Waverly, TX, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, cold brew, matcha, breakfast, biscuits, lunch, and plenty of other favorites.

So, the next time you're searching for coffee in New Waverly, grabbing breakfast and coffee near Sam Houston National Forest, or just looking for a new local coffee shop to call your favorite, come see us.

And when you order, don't worry we'll try not to judge you based on your drink.

No promises.

Finding Your Newest Favorite Coffee-Shop In a Town You May Not Have Heard of… Yet!

How Honey's Coffee & Biscuits Began

Welcome to New Waverly Texas, population of about 1,050 as of 2020. Now I will say this small Texas town is about to grow with new developments popping up left and right. But that potential wasn’t the reason Lindy, our owner, opened Honey’s Coffee and Biscuits.

This all started about nine years ago; Lindy made a big life change. After leaving her teaching career, she leaned on the experience she'd gained working in coffee shops during college and realized something was missing in the community she now called home, a local coffee shop where people could gather over great coffee and homemade breakfast.

Honey's first opened inside her aunt's storefront in downtown New Waverly. It didn't take long before that little coffee stand outgrew the space, and we moved across the street into a building of our own.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Now seems like the perfect time to introduce myself.

Hi! I'm Courtney, the Marketing and Events Director here at Honey's Coffee & Biscuits.

I actually started working here almost eight years ago. At the time, I was just looking for a little extra money during my last year of college. I never imagined I'd still be here all these years later calling this amazing place my career and second home!

While I'm not the owner, I've poured plenty of time, sweat, and yes, even a few real tears, into helping Honey's become what it is today. Watching this little coffee shop grow alongside our community has been one of the greatest joys of my career.

We Are More Than Just Biscuits

When Honey's first opened, our menu was simple.

We served our now-famous Orange Biscuits, the item that truly put us on the map, and classic biscuits and gravy. That was it.

Since then, we've expanded into a full breakfast and lunch menu featuring unique biscuit creations, fresh sandwiches, and seasonal favorites that keep our regulars coming back.

Of course, our coffee menu has grown right alongside it.

Today you'll find handcrafted espresso drinks, specialty cold brews, flavored cold foams, matcha lattes, refreshing lemonades, and rotating seasonal drinks. But many of our signature coffee recipes have been customer favorites for years.

After all, if it ain’t broke… well, you know the rest.

Customer Favorites

If you're visiting Honey's for the first time, here are a few drinks our regulars can't get enough of:

• The Buzz – Cold Brew with vanilla, amaretto, and some cream

• Sweet Cream Cold Brew – Our best seller

• Blackberry White Mocha – A latte that has some regulars in a chokehold

• Jalapeño Mocha - (for our adventurous coffee lovers)

Whether you enjoy classic coffee or love trying something new, there's a good chance you'll discover a new favorite.

More Than a Coffee Shop

At Honey's Coffee & Biscuits, we've always believed that coffee is about more than what's in the cup.

It's about moms catching up with their friends for the first time in forever, families gathering over breakfast, students studying, travelers stopping through on their way to Sam Houston National Forest, and the regulars who have become family over the years.

We're proud to be a locally owned coffee shop serving the New Waverly community, and we're excited to continue welcoming new faces every day.

Whether you're searching for the best small town coffee shop in Texas, a delicious homemade breakfast, or simply a cozy place to slow down for a while, we'd love to meet you.

We can't wait to serve you!