Cafe del Beso: Coffee shop in Houston’s Old Town Harrisburg with Mexican-American flavors
Overview of Cafe del Beso
Cafe del Beso is a coffee shop and casual eatery located inside Old Town Harrisburg’s Pizzeria at 6632 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77011, USA. It blends a Mexican atmosphere with familiar American comfort foods to create a colorful, cozy spot in Houston. This coffee shop in Houston is ideal for those seeking a relaxed place to enjoy specialty coffees, frappes, pizza and Mexican-American fusion dishes. It suits visitors looking for a casual meal, families who want an informal dining experience, and anyone who enjoys vibrant décor and photo-worthy exteriors.
What Cafe del Beso offers
Cafe del Beso offers a combination of coffeehouse beverages and a varied food menu that reflects Mexican-American fusion. Core offerings include specialty coffees, frappes, smoothies, and signature items such as the tres leches frappe and the Beso affogato. On the savory side, patrons can expect pizza (including inventive options like fajita and Mexican meat lovers pizzas), sandwiches, tacos, pupusas, gorditas, and wings. The place is described by visitors as having friendly, warm service on many occasions, and a relaxed environment that encourages lingering and socializing.
For visitors who want to plan ahead, it is possible to book coffee shop in Houston style reservations or reserve a table at peak times. Those comparing options can look up prices for coffee in Houston and menu value to decide whether Cafe del Beso matches their budget and expectations. Seasonal specials and occasional new menu tastings have been mentioned by staff offering samples to guests, indicating an openness to introduce new items to regulars.
Menu and specialties
The menu centers on approachable items that appeal to a broad audience. Notable categories and highlights reported by visitors include:
- Specialty coffees and drinks: traditional hot coffee with cinnamon variations, mocha, and unique creations such as the tres leches frappe and Beso affogato.
- Frappes and smoothies: sweet blended drinks and fruit-forward options; some guests find certain frappes very sweet while others praise their flavor.
- Pizza selection: classic and fusion pizzas including a highly recommended fajita pizza and a Mexican meat lovers pizza that several guests enjoyed.
- Mexican-American dishes: tacos, pupusas, gorditas, and sandwiches that reflect a blend of flavors and informal presentation.
- Desserts and ice cream: including gluten-free ice cream options identified by customers.
Those looking for a quick lunch or a casual dinner can look into the lunch menu in Houston or book a table at Cafe del Beso for evenings when the place tends to be busier. The mix of coffee and pizza makes it a convenient stop for mixed groups with varied tastes.
Customer experience
Customer feedback paints a picture of a lively, colorful spot with strengths and some inconsistencies. Positive impressions often mention a beautiful, Mexican-inspired décor and a cozy atmosphere that makes the location feel like a small slice of Mexico for visitors. Many reviews praise friendly, warm service: cashiers and back-of-house staff have been described as welcoming, and several guests reported that staff checked in during meals and even offered samples of upcoming menu items.
Food quality receives mixed but often favorable comments. Multiple guests celebrated the pizza (some calling it among the best in Houston), the fajita pizza, and distinctive coffee options such as the cinnamon coffee and the tres leches frappe. The Beso affogato and frappes also received enthusiastic mentions from fans who appreciated the dessert-like drinks.
On the critical side, there are real concerns mentioned by several visitors: long wait times for orders (including instances exceeding 40–60 minutes), occasional cold or poorly timed dishes, inconsistent drink temperatures, and moments of perceived disorganization. A number of guests reported unwelcoming or inattentive interactions with staff, and at least one mention cited cleanliness issues in the restroom. A few customers also noted arriving to find the place unexpectedly closed despite posted hours, suggesting irregular opening times or communication problems. These negative points are important to weigh alongside the many positive remarks about the food and atmosphere.
Practical tips before visiting
To make the most of a visit to Cafe del Beso, consider the following practical tips:
- Visit during quieter hours if possible. Several guests found the place empty and calm during daytime visits, while evenings can be busier and sometimes subject to longer waits.
- Reserve a table or call ahead for larger groups to reduce wait times and ensure seating, especially if planning to try popular pizzas.
- Expect a colorful, photo-friendly exterior and interior—great for those who enjoy taking pictures of lively décor.
- For those sensitive to sweetness, ask about the sugar level of frappes in advance; some reviews describe certain drinks as very sweet or artificial tasting.
- Be aware that operating hours may occasionally differ from online listings; a quick phone call before traveling late in the evening is recommended.
- Consider ordering pizza if seeking a standout savory option—multiple guests praised the pizza choices.
Reviews and ratings
- Positive: Consistently praised for its Mexican atmosphere, colorful décor, and cozy vibe that makes it a pleasant spot for photos and casual visits.
- Positive: Many guests highlight friendly, warm service and attentive staff who engage with customers and sometimes offer tastings of new menu items.
- Positive: Standout items like the fajita pizza, tres leches frappe, and coffee with cinnamon receive repeated recommendations from satisfied visitors.
- Neutral with criticism: Occasional long wait times reported, with some customers experiencing delays of 40–60 minutes for orders during busy periods.
- Neutral with criticism: A few visitors noted inconsistencies such as cold dishes, overly sweet drinks, inattentive or unwelcoming service, and occasional cleanliness issues.
Frequently asked questions and how to choose a coffee shop in Houston
When deciding among options, prospective visitors commonly search for practical information. Cafe del Beso answers many common queries for people seeking a coffee shop in Houston or a place that serves pizza and Mexican treats in one spot. For example, visitors often look for coffee shop in Houston that offers a Mexican atmosphere or best coffee shop in Houston for specialty drinks. Those wanting family-friendly places search for coffee shop for families in Houston or coffee shop near Old Town Harrisburg to find convenient locations.
Typical questions include: What are the approximate prices and is the place good value? Customers can compare prices for coffee in Houston and menu items to get a sense of value; many reviewers find the pizza and signature drinks worth trying. How long do orders take? Expect variable service times—during busy evenings wait times can increase, so book coffee shop in Houston style reservations or call ahead if timing matters. Are there standout items to try? Popular searches like tres leches frappe in Houston and Beso affogato in Houston reflect items that guests frequently recommend.
Other common search phrases include Mexican-American fusion coffee shop in Houston, coffee and pizza in Houston with good value for money, and coffee shop open late in Houston. All are natural ways people look for a spot that combines drinks and hearty food. Finally, those prioritizing a quiet visit might search for coffee shop near Old Town Harrisburg during daytime hours, while groups seeking a lively dinner could check availability in the evening but prepare for possible waiting times.