HoustonTransplant Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Hey guys. I went and tried out the new Coffee Groundz cafe last night. It's located in the strip mall opposite Specs in Midtown (next to Comcast) on McGowan where Pilgrim Cleaners were once. They just opened this week. The coffee was great and they serve local gelato (freshly made), made to order paninnis and wine and other alcohol. The place is decked out with wireless internet with power outlets everwhere. It's a large space with outdoor patio seating (facing el patio/the tipsy clover) and private indoor booths. The manager came and chatted with the customers last night which was kind of nice and solicited any feedback to make the place better. Soon they will have the drive-through window up and running. I guess everytime I read a post on HAIF, every one is keen to have more local original businesses in midtown. I see this as being one of them but it will only remain if we support it. I guess try it out and make up your own mind! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Parking is nuts in that lot. I can barely find a spot to pickup my Ponzo's Deluxe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo58 Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Parking is nuts in that lot. I can barely find a spot to pickup my Ponzo's Deluxe. I will give $ to anyone lucky enough to find parking around DECO or Buffalo Wild Wings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Parking is nuts in that lot. I can barely find a spot to pickup my Ponzo's Deluxe.yeah i was talking to a friend last weekend and i guess gets his haircut somewhere nearby and they are thinking about closing earlier just for that reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Parking is nuts in that lot. I can barely find a spot to pickup my Ponzo's Deluxe.If I remember the area correctly, there should be several hundred people within walking distance. That could help keep it open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted June 16, 2007 Share Posted June 16, 2007 (edited) If I remember the area correctly, there should be several hundred people within walking distance. That could help keep it open.or keep it from growing if some parking isn't provided Edited June 17, 2007 by musicman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N Judah Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 Is it by the same guys as this one in Sugarland?http://www.thecoffeegroundz.com/I haven't been to either -- has anyone tried their coffee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GerryM Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 Is it by the same guys as this one in Sugarland?http://www.thecoffeegroundz.com/I haven't been to either -- has anyone tried their coffee?The mango gelato was excellent. The soy latte was good, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Voice of University Oaks Posted June 27, 2007 Share Posted June 27, 2007 The problem with that parking lot is that so many people have figured out how to park there and then "walk through" the Dog House Tavern on their way to Tipsy Clover or the Red Door. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dream Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 There used to be a coffee shop in the comcast space a few years ago. They went out of business after struggling along for a few years. I think it was Midtown Bagel Coffee shop. I hope these guys know what they are getting themselves into. I would not want to take on Starbucks everyday.Dream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 15, 2007 Share Posted July 15, 2007 There used to be a coffee shop in the comcast space a few years ago. They went out of business after struggling along for a few years. I think it was Midtown Bagel Coffee shop. I hope these guys know what they are getting themselves into. I would not want to take on Starbucks everyday.DreamElsewhere on HAIF is a thread that explains that the big reason that Midtown Bagel went out of business was an erroneous report on KPRC-TV stating that the joint was cited for health problems. It was not, and channel 2 admitted it, but refused to do an on-air retraction. There was an article about it in the Houston Press or some similar publication, but by then the damage was done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
takeshi Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 (edited) There used to be a coffee shop in the comcast space a few years ago. They went out of business after struggling along for a few years. I think it was Midtown Bagel Coffee shop. I hope these guys know what they are getting themselves into. I would not want to take on Starbucks everyday. Having decent coffee (unlike Starbucks) helps a lot. Edited December 4, 2007 by takeshi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Chenevert Posted December 4, 2007 Share Posted December 4, 2007 I do take out at Ponzo's fairly regularly. I just double park for 5 minutes with my flashers on while I go in and get the food.Seems Houston has never heard of double parking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barracuda Posted December 5, 2007 Share Posted December 5, 2007 There used to be a coffee shop in the comcast space a few years ago. They went out of business after struggling along for a few years. I think it was Midtown Bagel Coffee shop. I hope these guys know what they are getting themselves into. I would not want to take on Starbucks everyday.DreamI remember Midtown Bagel. They did have great bagels. Parking wasn't a problem back then as I remember it...especially not in the morning. Too bad, Midtown doesn't have any decent bagel shops now. Closest thing is Einsteins on Montrose.I do take out at Ponzo's fairly regularly. I just double park for 5 minutes with my flashers on while I go in and get the food.Seems Houston has never heard of double parking.That works if it's ready when you arrive. I've had to wait 20 minutes inside even though I ordered by phone 20 minutes earlier. They are slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTexas Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Love their panninis (sp?) and great to finally have a centrally located coffeehouse in Midtown. Nice touch adding the gelato selections too! I went by the Starbucks in Midtown today (only because I have a gift card) and thought they were much less courteous. No atmosphere at Starbucks either as compared to Coffee Groundz. My only complaint with Coffee Groundz is the fact that they have a minimum of $ 20 for gift cards as opposed to Starbucks which I believe could have a $ 5 minimum? Would love to see Coffee Groundz have more events. I know they have wine tastings occassionally (has anyone been?), but how about live music? Love the 80's satellite radio they have had on in the mornings during recent weekday visits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeebus Posted December 29, 2007 Share Posted December 29, 2007 I do take out at Ponzo's fairly regularly. I just double park for 5 minutes with my flashers on while I go in and get the food.Seems Houston has never heard of double parking.I get Ponzo's at least once a week. I've usually have to double park as well. That Italian roast beef it to kill for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rci2145 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 I went to Aperture Coffee (formerly Coffee Groundz) yesterday and a note was on the door saying that they were locked out by their landlord for not paying the rent on their lease. It looks like yet another coffee shop in this location has bitten the dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 That sucks, i liked that place.But coffee groundz/apature were the same owner I think... they just remodeled /rebranded it I believe.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rci2145 Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 There was a different coffee shop there before Coffee Groundz that failed. Also, the original owner of Coffee Groundz sold the business to an Asian family who eventually remodeled it into Aperture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 When JR Cohen managed it, it was great. It went downhill fast when he left. I think this must have been a failure of management, not anything to do with the location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Vik Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Coco's is nearby and much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Where is this coco's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdueenginerd Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Where is this coco's?Corner of Grey/Baldwin right across from Front Porch Pub. Same building as Post Midtown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 I would say that Double Trouble has the best coffee in Midtown. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTexas Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 The best place in this location was back several years ago before Aperture, Coffee Groundz, and Pilgrim's Cleaners. It was called Midtown Bagel. They had excellent food (bagels, pizza, etc) and great coffee in a casual atmosphere. I loved hanging out there and walking over there from what was Jefferson Midtown (Amli, Metro) apartments way back.Coffee Groundz was great when they first opened serving wine and Gelato. I sure hope someone comes in and drastically changes the place. I really want a great coffee house / bagel shop / wine bar within walking distance. They should model it after Brasil over at Westheimer @ Dunlavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGM Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 The best place in this location was back several years ago before Aperture, Coffee Groundz, and Pilgrim's Cleaners. It was called Midtown Bagel. They had excellent food (bagels, pizza, etc) and great coffee in a casual atmosphere. I loved hanging out there and walking over there from what was Jefferson Midtown (Amli, Metro) apartments way back.Loved that place! They had the best bagels in Houston.(at the time) I recall the owner stating that it took 2 years to break even and the final nail was a pizza place opening up right after they started serving pizza.The other place I miss is Kolache Kafe. Best Kolaches ever. Still have not found a place that serves a better Kolache. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rci2145 Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 My idea for a coffee shop there would be to open a New Orleans themed cafe with fresh beignets, jazz music, and even Community Coffee. The problem with Aperture is that it did nothing to set itself apart. I loved the space for doing work but their food offerings were horrible and you can get the rest of their stuff at Starbucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Specwriter Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 My idea for a coffee shop there would be to open a New Orleans themed cafe with fresh beignets, jazz music, and even Community Coffee. The problem with Aperture is that it did nothing to set itself apart. I loved the space for doing work but their food offerings were horrible and you can get the rest of their stuff at Starbucks.There is an issue with beignets - they have no shelf life. They must be eaten almost immediately after coming out of the deep fry (cooled enough not to burn one's tongue of course). Cafe du Monde sells beignets successfully because it has a steady stream of customers around the clock.I believe it was Crescent City Beignets that opened a shop in the Clear Lake area a few years ago near the corner of Bay Area Blvd. and El Camino Real. The pastries themselves were fine but when business picked up it wasn't possible to fry the beignets fast enough to please the average Shipley-shopping suburbanite*. And, of course, you can't "stock up" on these things. In fact, I wouldn't even dream of taking them home if I lived more than a short (3 minute max.) walk from the shop.Still, jazz and Community coffee sounds great to me and if the clientele can appreciate waiting a few minutes for a plate of beignets (they are so wonderful right out of the fryer) then so much the better.*No slight meant to Shipley doughnuts (Do-nuts); I like them too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Crescent City still does great on Westheimer across from Lamar High School. I think they have Community Coffee as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Will Southside Espresso by Uchi's be able to fill the gap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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