Houston: A City Built on Beans (and Maybe Oil)
Ah, Houston. The heart of Texas, home to rodeos, scorching summers, and enough refineries to make your head spin. But what about those long mornings, when you need a jolt of caffeine to face the day (or the never-ending Houston traffic)? Fear not, weary traveler, for Houston boasts a Starbucks bounty that would make even the pickiest bean snob raise an eyebrow.
So, How Many Starbucks Are We Talking About Here?
This, my friends, is where things get interesting. The exact number seems to be a closely guarded secret, like the Colonel's secret blend of herbs and spices. Some sources claim there are around 174, while others throw around figures as high as 191. Let's be honest, at this point, who's counting? It's safe to say there's a Starbucks on every corner (with maybe a Whataburger thrown in for good measure).
Houston's Starbucks: A Never-Ending Quest
Here's the beauty of Houston's Starbucks situation: you're never truly lost. Stuck in the labyrinthine Galleria mall? Starbucks. Just finished conquering the Museum District and your brain feels like mush? Starbucks is right there, ready to refuel your intellectual engine (or at least get you wired enough to attempt to pronounce those Impressionist painter names).
Pro Tip: If you're meeting a friend in Houston, suggesting a Starbucks is a guaranteed success. There's bound to be one within a 5-mile radius, no matter where you are.
The Downside (Yes, Shockingly There Might Be One)
Okay, okay, we can't all be sunshine and rainbows. Having this many Starbucks can be a bit overwhelming. Sometimes you just want a local coffee shop with a quirky name and a barista who remembers your order. But hey, that's what makes Houston great – there's something for everyone (even if that something is a venti caramel macchiato with oat milk, extra shot).
So, the next time you're in Houston and that caffeine craving hits, don't worry. Your next cup of joe is just around the corner, waiting to greet you with a friendly barista and that oh-so-familiar siren call. Just be careful not to get lost in the caffeinated maze – you might end up accidentally ordering a Pumpkin Spice Latte in July (and let's face it, nobody wants that kind of judgment).
