Merit Coffee — Restaurant in Shavano Park

Merit Coffee in San Antonio is a haven for anyone who truly appreciates the art of coffee. From the moment you walk in, the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wraps around you, setting the tone for an exceptional experience. Located in several charming neighbourhoods throughout San Antonio, Merit Coffee stands out as the go-to spot for those seeking quality, consistency, and a genuine passion for coffee.

The ambience is effortlessly cool yet cosy, with a minimalist design that creates a perfect setting for everything from a quiet morning coffee to a productive afternoon of work or a casual catch-up with friends. The natural light, comfortable seating, and calming vibes make it a space where you can truly relax and enjoy your time.

The star of the show, of course, is the coffee. At Merit, each cup is crafted with precision and care. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about their craft, taking the time to explain the origins of the beans, the nuances of the flavors, and the different brewing methods. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good cup of joe, you’ll find something to love here.

Merit Coffee sources its beans directly and roasts them in-house, ensuring that every cup is fresh, rich, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly pulled espresso, a creamy latte with exquisite latte art, or a pour-over that highlights the subtle complexities of single-origin beans, Merit delivers with consistency and flair. Even their cold brew is a standout—smooth, bold, and incredibly refreshing.

But it’s not just the coffee that impresses. Merit also offers a selection of fresh pastries and light bites that perfectly complement their drinks. The pastries are always fresh, and the menu offers a thoughtful selection that’s ideal for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat.

What truly sets Merit Coffee apart, though, is the community vibe. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and always ready to engage in conversation, making you feel like more than just a customer. It’s a place where regulars are known by name, and newcomers are treated with the same warmth and hospitality.

In a city brimming with coffee options, Merit Coffee is a standout. It’s a place where quality and passion come together in every cup, creating an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re a local or just passing through San Antonio, Merit Coffee is a must-visit destination for anyone who values exceptional coffee and a...

We love coming to merit and have for several years. The coffee, atmosphere, and service has been awesome! Recently, we had a very poor experience on a Saturday morning. The girls working that morning were very distracted and causes a lot confusion with several orders including ours. The person at the register was inattentive and would periodically stop and talk to the person behind her and they just talked and giggled (there was a line almost out the door) and would do it in front of customers waiting to order. They looked like they’d rather be anywhere else and did not care to give a positive experience to the customers. We waited 30 minutes on my partner’s coffee and it turns out the order somehow got lost and they called out the wrong name multiple times for what should’ve been our order. Coincidentally, the day before, I came in the afternoon and asked one of those same girls about the cute pink mugs for sale. I asked “do you know how long y'all will have these?” and she replied with a blank stare and attitude “until we run out..” I am usually very patient with things like this and understand stuff happens and sometimes people are having a bad day. I’m sure the girls that morning didn’t have bad intentions, but they created a very negative experience for long time loyal customers and it was really disappointing. The usual baristas we encounter are awesome and friendly, I hope this was just a fluke and the service we know and love...

Icame in an hour before close with my girlfriend from out of state, she thought the ambience was great cups cute and we were excited to get our afternoon coffee - the staff was not very educated on their own product and after requesting we get cups to sit at location one server said yes then the barista went ahead put it all in to go containers and proceeded to mentioned that she made that decision because they were closing in an hour in that she was hoping we wouldn't linger.

oWe ordered an expresso shot and affogato neither are items that are meant for sipping.

Needless to say the vibe of this being a comfortable place to hang out is no longer here, and I've decided to post this here because it's been a similar vibe every week for the past month while I've been here visiting family. Always feeling rushed out - my questions never really answered, etc... It's a coffee shop it's supposed to be welcoming and people should care about their craft especially if you are paying a $$$ premium for what is effectively just coffee.

If you are a local, you can get great beans just one mile away at the HEB and you'll spend 1/3.

Update: after my sister decided to stop here mid morning and got equally rude service I am now confident that at least some of this staff is discriminating and actively treating a specific type of customer better than another. From two stars to one.. honestly this place...