I’m back with a solo review today from the elusive and beloved city of Houston, Texas. I’m here for a long five weeks to audition for a residency program and am just thrilled to the bones to be here. My baby sister Sydney is a recent transplant to Houston, and has started medical school. She went off to lecture today and gave me the keys to her car, so I endeavored to rate my first ever Houston latte.

Swamp Water
Outdoor seating at Retrospect coffee bar

I decided to visit Retrospect Coffee Bar, which was nearby Sydney’s apartment. This is such a cool spot with a great atmosphere—there is no indoor seating, but they have extensive outdoor benches, chairs, and other various forms to place your butt. I walked up to the front window and perused the menu. I decided to get a little crazy today and order something called “Swamp Water”, which is a matcha latte with a shot of espresso. The person that took my order was quite polite and we had some nice conversation. While I waited for my coffee, I went around back, where there was a large area of seating with greenery and a sort of water fountain fixture. It was peaceful.

The latte, despite its unappealing name, was a delightful surprise. It had a unique brownish-green hue that hinted at its unconventional ingredients. The first sip revealed a rich and creamy matcha base, perfectly balanced with a subtle coffee undertone. The sweetness was just right, evoking the comforting taste of cereal milk left after finishing a bowl of Fruit Loops. It was a nostalgic and indulgent experience in a cup.

I have to keep today’s review short, but I give this spot a 9/10. Although I have only been in Houston for a few days, I have been hugely impressed daily by their food and drink which has exceeded all my expectations. Every spot has great food, atmosphere, decoration, etc. Houston is really showing up and showing out.