Coffee aficionados know that different beans and roasting styles create distinctly different tastes, and that's where House of Coffee Beans steps in. Since 1973, House of Coffee Beans has been roasting all its own beans, in small, hand-tended batches, using a vintage German roaster.

This Houston shop offers dozens of different bean varieties, all of which are available to grind and brew at home. Pick up a pound of classic French roast, or treat yourself to one of the shop's custom flavored coffees, like creme brulee, vanilla nut cream, or hazelnut. During the holiday season you can even get unique holiday blends that evoke the flavors of egg nog, gingerbread, or pumpkin pie. If you consider yourself to be a more educated coffee drinker, you'll appreciate the non-flavored, shade-grown, single estate beans in varieties like Ethiopia Sidamo, Sumatra Mandheling, and Celebes Toraja.

House of Coffee Beans
2348 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-0057
www.houseofcoffeebeans.com
www.yelp.com/biz/house-of-coffee-beans-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/waferboard

The word "casual" shows up time and time again in Yelp reviews of Luna Pizzeria. It's meant as a compliment in this context. The pizzeria's unique ceiling shows off a fun geometric patchwork of multi-colored triangles, offset by black tables and bright red stools. So the environment still hints at careful design, despite the casual vibe that permeates it.

The real appeal of Luna Pizzeria, however, is of course its Italian fare. Many Yelp reviewers commend its spicy andouille pizza. The pie sports andouille sausage, red onion and red pepper, fresh jalapenos, and green onions. The prosciutto pizza is another popular option, but this one comes topped with its namesake Italian meat, arugula, tomato, provolone, mozzarella, and a lemon vinaigrette. You can also build your own pizza from Luna's gourmet ingredients or opt for a salad or sandwich instead. Save some room for gelato, tiramisu, or Italian cream cake.

Luna Pizzeria
3435 Kirby Drive
Houston, TX 77098
(832) 767-6338
lunapizzeria.com
www.yelp.com/biz/luna-pizzeria-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/ozchin

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