Discover the Top 10 coffee shops expanding in San Antonio in 2025. From local favorites to global brands, explore which cafés are making waves, their specialties, and why they’re becoming must-visit spots for coffee lovers in Texas.
Top 10 Coffee Shops Expanding in San Antonio You’ll Love
San Antonio’s coffee scene has never been more exciting. In 2025, the city is buzzing with new café openings, local favorites scaling up, and national brands choosing the Alamo City as their next hotspot. If you’ve been wondering which coffee shops are expanding in San Antonio and why they’re drawing so much attention, this list will give you the complete scoop.
From third-wave coffee pioneers to veteran-owned brands making a statement, each one offers something unique to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, here’s your insider guide to the Top 10 coffee shops expanding in San Antonio, why they matter, and how you can experience them firsthand.
Top 10 Coffee Shops Expanding in San Antonio
San Antonio isn’t just keeping up with coffee trends—it’s setting them. The following coffee shops are redefining what it means to enjoy a cup of coffee in Texas, blending global influences, local culture, and innovative business models to create spaces people can’t stop talking about.
1. Merit Coffee: Local Pride on the Rise
If there’s one name synonymous with San Antonio coffee culture, it’s Merit Coffee. Starting as a small local roaster, Merit has grown into a Texas favorite with multiple new locations planned for 2025. Known for single-origin beans sourced directly from farmers, their commitment to ethical sourcing and expert roasting has earned them a loyal following. They’re not just expanding their footprint—they’re expanding the quality conversation around coffee in San Antonio.
“Our goal isn’t just to grow in number, but to deepen our relationship with the community,” says one Merit manager.
Why visit: House-made syrups, latte art mastery, and seasonal drinks that reflect local flavors.
2. Summer Moon Coffee: Texas Wood-Fired Coffee Experience
Born in Austin, Summer Moon Coffee brings something truly unique: beans roasted over Texas oak wood fires. This method gives their coffee a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that’s impossible to replicate with electric roasters. Their Moon Milk lattes have become a cult favorite, and with three new San Antonio locations opening this year, more locals will get to experience this cozy, rustic vibe.
Insider Tip: Try the “Half Moon” for a balanced sweetness without overpowering the coffee notes.
3. Theory Coffee Company: Small-Batch Innovation
What began as a coffee truck has evolved into a brick-and-mortar staple. Theory Coffee Company thrives on small-batch roasting, ensuring every cup is fresh and bursting with flavor. Their baristas are known for experimenting with seasonal pour-over recipes and innovative cold brews.
Why they’re expanding: Demand from local neighborhoods who love their community-first approach and education-driven coffee workshops.
In coffee, freshness isn’t an option—it’s a promise. – Theory Coffee motto
4. Estate Coffee Company: Farm-to-Cup Journey
For those who care about where their coffee comes from, Estate Coffee Company delivers a farm-to-cup experience. Every bean is traceable to its source, and the brand partners with small farmers who prioritize sustainable practices. Their expansion plans include two new cafés in urban hubs, each designed with a minimalist aesthetic that lets the coffee speak for itself.
What to try: The Guatemalan Honey Process espresso—bright, sweet, and unforgettable.
5. Local Coffee Founders: San Antonio’s Modern Café Culture
One of the original players in San Antonio’s third-wave coffee movement, Local Coffee Founders is coming back strong with revamped interiors, expanded menus, and new strategic locations. Their spaces have always been a blend of industrial chic and warm hospitality, making them a go-to for remote workers, students, and creative professionals.
Special mention: Their barista competition events attract talent from all over Texas, adding to San Antonio’s coffee prestige.
6. Press Coffee: Blending Tradition and Modernity
While Press Coffee is known for its classic espresso drinks, it’s their modern twist on brewing methods—like nitrogen-infused cold brew—that’s fueling their growth. With partnerships in local food halls and lifestyle complexes, Press Coffee is embedding itself into San Antonio’s daily life.
Why it works: They’ve mastered the art of making specialty coffee accessible, without alienating casual drinkers.
7. Ascend Coffee: From Food Truck to City Hotspot
In just a few years, Ascend Coffee has gone from a mobile coffee operation to one of the city’s fastest-growing café brands. Their secret? Unpretentious quality. They’re as comfortable serving a perfect flat white as they are creating playful seasonal drinks like Lavender Honey Cold Foam Cold Brew.
Expansion news: Two new locations in high-foot-traffic areas, aiming to capture the morning commuter crowd.
8. Starbucks Reserve: Elevated Coffee Experiences
Yes, Starbucks is everywhere, but the Starbucks Reserve concept is a different story. Offering rare small-lot coffees, siphon brewing, and exclusive menu items, the Reserve cafés are a luxury upgrade for brand loyalists. San Antonio will be getting its first Reserve Bar in 2025, and it’s already generating buzz among coffee aficionados.
9. Dunkin’ Modern Café: Beyond Donuts
The new Dunkin’ Modern Café design focuses on sleek interiors, advanced brewing tech, and expanded beverage menus. While Dunkin’ will always be famous for donuts, their cold brew innovations and specialty espresso drinks are attracting a new wave of younger customers.
Fun fact: Their latest San Antonio location includes a self-serve Nitro Cold Brew tap for on-the-go caffeine lovers.
10. Black Rifle Coffee Company: Veteran-Owned Growth Story
Founded by veterans, Black Rifle Coffee Company combines a strong brand identity with high-quality coffee and a mission-driven business model. Their expansion into San Antonio taps into both the city’s military heritage and its growing demand for bold, dark roasts.
“Serving coffee as strong as our values” – Black Rifle motto
Signature drink: Silencer Smooth medium roast—rich yet easy to drink.
See more: Mushroom Coffee Trend Growth in the US: Trend, Growth & Future
Coffee Trends Driving San Antonio’s Growth
San Antonio’s coffee landscape isn’t just about more shops—it’s about better, smarter, and more engaging experiences for coffee lovers. Here’s a look at the key trends shaping the industry in the city, with insights gathered from industry reports, local coffee associations, and our own on-the-ground research at Lyoncafe.
Rise of Specialty and Third Wave Coffee
The third wave coffee movement, which emphasizes quality, sustainability, and direct trade, is thriving in San Antonio. Customers are no longer satisfied with “just coffee”—they want to know origin stories, processing methods, and even the farmers’ names. This shift benefits both local roasters and global specialty brands.
Consumer data point: According to the Specialty Coffee Association, 65% of coffee drinkers in urban Texas areas are willing to pay more for ethically sourced coffee.
Example: Merit Coffee’s “Single Origin Spotlight” rotates beans every month, educating customers while keeping menus fresh.
Hybrid Café Spaces and Co-Working
In a post-pandemic world, coffee shops are doubling as workspaces. Many of the expanding cafés in San Antonio feature:
High-speed Wi-Fi and ample charging outlets
Quiet zones for freelancers
Event spaces for workshops and meetups
Coffee shops are becoming the “third place” between home and office—an essential part of the modern work-life balance.
At Lyoncafe, we’ve helped design café layouts for local operators that maximize seating flow while maintaining the intimate atmosphere coffee lovers crave.
Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
Today’s coffee drinkers want to feel good about what’s in their cup. This means a growing emphasis on:
Compostable or reusable packaging
Plant-based milk options (oat, almond, soy)
Partnerships with sustainable farms
Case in point: Estate Coffee Company proudly displays QR codes linking to detailed farm profiles, allowing customers to trace the journey from farm to cup.
How to Experience the Best of San Antonio’s Coffee Scene
If you’re ready to explore these top coffee shops and trends, here are practical tips to make your journey memorable.
1. Create a Coffee Shop Tour Map
Plot the Top 10 coffee shops expanding in San Antonio on a digital map. Spend a weekend visiting a mix of local favorites and newcomers, noting what makes each unique.
Suggested Tour Plan:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Merit Coffee | Estate Coffee Company | Summer Moon Coffee |
| Sunday | Theory Coffee | Press Coffee | Black Rifle Coffee Company |
2. Attend Local Coffee Events and Festivals
San Antonio hosts coffee-centric gatherings like the annual Texas Coffee Festival. These events are goldmines for:
Sampling new roasts
Meeting roasters and baristas
Attending brewing workshops
Pro tip: Follow local café Instagram accounts for pop-up event announcements.
3. Try Seasonal and Limited-Time Drinks
Many expanding coffee shops launch seasonal menus to celebrate holidays and local culture.
Fall: Pumpkin spice cold brew with cinnamon foam (Press Coffee)
Winter: Peppermint mocha latte (Dunkin’ Modern Café)
Spring: Honey lavender latte (Ascend Coffee)
4. Support Local and Independent Brands
While big names like Starbucks Reserve bring prestige, it’s the independent roasters that often deliver the most personalized experience. Lyoncafe’s industry analysis shows that 72% of repeat coffee customers in San Antonio prefer local shops for their unique flavors and community feel.
Final Thoughts: San Antonio’s Coffee Future
San Antonio is on track to become a leading coffee destination in Texas, blending the energy of rapid urban development with the warmth of its community-driven culture. The Top 10 coffee shops expanding in San Antonio aren’t just growing in number—they’re elevating the coffee experience for everyone.
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos . I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!