The bright, splashy setting at Ben's Beans in downtown Houston attracts customers as much as its fresh java does. Local artists showcase their masterpieces on its walls, giving the entire space a colorful, cozy ambience that seems to invite patrons to sit and stay a while without so much as a word.

However, they'll need something to do while they enjoy the artwork—that's where baristas come in. They transform the cafe's high quality coffee into various warm and cold beverages that are beloved by locals. You can get your cup of joe in various flavors, or opt for a cup of hot chocolate or tea instead. Match your coffee with a freshly baked pastry or a sandwich from the kitchen, and surf the complimentary Wi-Fi while you eat and drink at this coffeehouse near 3800 Main.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/risastla