The 2 Black-Owned Coffee Shops in San Antonio | ☕
These two Black-owned coffee havens aren't just serving drinks—they're creating spaces that are becoming part of the Alamo city's ongoing story.
Two gems sparkle in San Antonio's coffee landscape, each crafting experiences that linger long after the last drop. These Black-owned coffee havens aren't just serving drinks—they're creating spaces that are becoming part of the Alamo city's ongoing story; great coffee is the cherry on top.
🚐 SHINE COFFEE: Where Joy Radiates in Every Cup
The morning light catches the chrome of SHINE COFFEE's truck, where local coffee founder Anthony M. has created something extraordinary. One of the growing number of Black-owned coffee businesses reshaping Texas's coffee culture, SHINE embodies the warmth and innovation transforming our city's coffee scene.
The Apple Sin here stops me in my tracks every time. That first sip is pure alchemy - fresh apple brightness dancing with rich coffee depths. It's the kind of drink that makes you pause mid-conversation, close your eyes, and just savor the moment.
Standing there in the morning crowd, watching regulars greet each other like old friends, I'm struck by how the SHINE coffee trailer has become this beacon of warmth in the neighborhood. The Lil Crush latte has become my Monday morning ritual - its perfect balance of sweetness and coffee intensity somehow making the week ahead feel full of possibility.
🏡 The Pour Box: East Side Stories in Every Cup
Inside The Dakota East Side Ice House, something magical is brewing. Local coffee founders Desiree and Bianca Crawford are part of an inspiring trend - they're among the 39.1% of Black-owned businesses led by women, creating spaces that feel like home.
Their lavender honey latte is pure poetry - the honey's sweetness whispering beneath subtle floral notes, creating something in this coffee drink that feels both grounding and ethereal.
There's something deeply moving about watching this mother-daughter duo work in perfect sync, their shared passion evident in every carefully crafted drink. Their dirty chai has become my afternoon indulgence - complex, comforting, and carrying just the right kick to push through the day.
💝 Why These Places Matter
- Cultural Enrichment: Each cup celebrates unique flavors and perspectives that enrich San Antonio's coffee scene, part of a broader movement where Black-owned coffee roasters now constitute 12% of the U.S. coffee roasting industry.
- Community Impact: These spaces have become gathering places where coffee connects neighbors and builds lasting bonds, especially vital as only 2.7% of Black-owned businesses are employer firms. A great example of how a local coffee shop builds community is THRST Coffee in Waco, TX (which also happens to be a black-owned coffee shop in Waco).
- Economic Support: Every visit helps strengthen our local economy and supports Black entrepreneurship in our city, crucial given that Black-owned businesses currently account for just 1% of total U.S. business revenue.
✨ Essential Details for Your Visit
Shine Coffee
- Find them at: 1927 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
- Hours: Daily 7 AM to 2 PM (weekends from 8 AM)
- Must-try: The Apple Sin on a crisp morning or the Lil Crush latte when you need a smile
The Pour Box
- Located at: 433 S Hackberry St (inside The Dakota East Side Ice House)
- Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 7 AM to noon
- Don't miss: Their lavender honey latte or the soul-warming dirty chai
In Summary
These spaces represent more than just great coffee - they're part of a revolution in the industry, one that's projected to see the U.S. black coffee market grow from $74.1 billion to $203.1 billion by 2033.
While Black Americans represent 12.4% of the U.S. population but only 3.3% of all business owners, spaces like SHINE and The Pour Box are helping write a new chapter in American entrepreneurship. Texas itself has seen a remarkable 74% increase in Black-owned businesses, ranking 8th nationally for Black entrepreneurship.
For all coffee lovers, next time you seek coffee in San Antonio, let your path lead you here. Each visit, each sip, becomes part of a larger story of growth, community, and positive change - one carefully crafted cup at a time. 💕
