Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails — Restaurant in Houston

It had been several years since I visited this place when I was living in Midtown and was happy to see that not only is it still open but has been renovated as well. I always enjoyed it in the past, but it did have a bit of a divey, "distressed" feel to it previously, which could be charming but sometimes felt a bit dingy. With the new construction, it now has a cleaner, lighter feel to it, while still maintaining the tropical, somewhat Bohemian vibe it had before.

Unlike many coffee shops that offer limited selections of beer and wine, Double Trouble (DT) is both a coffee shop and a full service bar, offering all kinds of liquor and cocktails. They have all your standard coffee options, with beans sourced from local roaster Greenway Coffee, There is also an extensive cocktail list, both of old classics as well as ones unique to DT, complemented by a selection of beer and wine. Additionally, at the intersection of the coffee shop and bar is a menu of espresso martinis and other coffee-infused cocktails that give you the best of both worlds.

I started off with drip coffee while reading and later moved on to an Irish coffee martini (Irish whiskey, Irish cream, fresh double espresso, and nutmeg) once I was joined by a friend. Neither drink disappointed. The coffee was bold with an excellent flavor, and the Irish coffee martini was smooth and creamy.

The two critiques I have of DT are the parking and speed of service. The place is located right next to the light rail, and as such, there is only street parking available on side streets, which can often be hard to find in Midtown. As far as service, there were two bartenders working when I visited, but neither seemed to have much of a sense of urgency or at least skill in quickly preparing cocktails. I waited about 7 minutes after ordering for the bartender to finish the cocktail before me and then complete mine, and I watched others experience similar delays.

Such criticisms, however, are not enough to prevent me from returning or to cause me to not recommend the place to others, especially considering its uniqueness as a bar/coffee...

Double Trouble is the brainchild of Robin Berwick and Robin Whalan, who have previously worked at what is widely regarded as one of Houston's premiere craft cocktail bars, Anvil.

it was easy to get to, as it is literally across from a Metro Rail stop. The first area is open, with a wooden lattice that forms a door. Within this open area are various tables and chairs. I took full advantage of both this open area and the beautiful weather.

Inside, although small, does contain only a slight tiki motif, therefore calling Double Trouble a 'tiki bar', I think, is a bit of a stretch. Double Trouble's inside area contains the requisite bar and barstools, but it also has raised rounded tables with barstools. I found this made it easier to talk to people.

My first drink was a Jamaican Coffee, since I had never had one before Along with the drink, I was suprised a cinnamon stick in my drink. This added a fantastic cinnamon flavor to my coffee. My next drink was a Shark Wheat (not sure of name). Tequila was the main ingredient, and the final drink looked pink in color. This was what I expected from a 'tiki bar' drink: definitely strong, but also tropically sweet. I finished my evening off with a Southern Star Bombshell Blonde.

Also, Double Trouble is a very short walk from Tacos a Go Go if anyone in your group is in need of drunchies (drunk munchies). Being so close to the Metro Rail and a ride deeper into Downtown also allows Double Trouble to serve as the first bar of the night.

In summary, although rather small, Double Trouble offers a calm drinking environment, great drinks, fantastic location, and an overall...

GREAT PLACE FOR THOSE WHO DON"T DRINK TO STILL HAVE A GOOD TIME AMONGST DRINKERS!

True coffee house - There appeared to be sweets on the menu but we didn't see anyone else eating so we just drank our coffee and shut up!

Limited seating - When you arrive, you are little uncertain about what to do, should I go to the bar for coffee, will someone come to me should I sit? Questions, questions. Answer: Walk up to the bar order your drink, go sit down and the bar tender will make eye contact when its time for pick up. If it's a bit crowded just hand around the bar area. The service is fairly quick.

Coffee and spirits - The menu consists of coffee and tea, Coffee and Alcohol drinks and fully stocked bar. we ordered the Jamaican and the Oaxacan Coffee, and we were good to go.. man.. Coffee and liquor is STRONG.

Parking - Street parking is best in this area.. it's not overly crowded on this stretch of main and Travis downtown. You can also catch the rail depending on where you live in the city. The METORAIL will drop you off at the Ensemble Theatre and you simply walk...