Cozy comforts in Texas

Southern Living, Feb 2003 by McKenzie, Jennifer L

Get a buzz from a warm mug of coffee and a good book at one of the many coffee shops or bookstores in Houston.

Billy Joel once sang, "There's comfort in my coffee cup." Find a good book to accompany your joe, and you've got a recipe for relaxation.

Houston may well be the best city in the Southwest to do just that. Though not considered a literary mecca, this town has dozens of robust bookstores and cozy java hangouts that are perfect for an afternoon with a treasured novel. Here are some to check out.

A Neighborhood Favorite

In an established Houston neighborhood, River Oaks Bookstore attracts regulars who meet to discuss books. You will feel right at home browsing through the new and used books here and will be especially pleased with the regional and military collection. 3270 Westheimer, (713) 520-0061.

An Outdoor Oasis

On a pleasant day, Brasil is where you want to go to sit outside. The charming patio here is one of the most soothing places in town. The coffee specials include a house blend and the Colombian Supremo. Enticed by its wide assortment of pizzas and sandwiches, you could stay here an entire day. 2604 Dunlavy, (713) 528-1993.

A Shrine of a Different Kind

The Shrine of the Black Madonna Book Store & Cultural Center is the best place in town for African and African American resources. In fact, many families rely on this store for its cultural center, art gallery, and reading room. Stop in when there's a book signing or to enjoy the gallery's extensive collection of African art. And because the art is for sale, you can take a sculpture home. 5309 Martin Luther King Blvd., (713) 645-1071.

Armoires and Java

Located in the Heights area where antiques stores flourish, Kaldi Cafe offers a wide selection of rich coffees. Browse nearby shops for an armoire or antique typewriter, then rest awhile with a warm beverage. Lofty ceilings with exposed beams lend an open feel to this place. If you don't have a book, grab a game off the shelf, and challenge a new friend. 250 West 19th Street, (713) 802-2246.

Coffee and a Study Guide

Diedrich Coffee on Westheimer is one of our favorites. Like a law library at an Ivy League college, the redbrick walls, peaceful classical music, and quiet setting welcome reading and studying. 1901 Westheimer, (713) 522-8801.

Just Like the Big Apple

Twenty-eight years ago, when Karl Kilian returned to Houston after living in New York, he was inspired by the bookstores in the Big Apple. So he opened Brazos Bookstore and modeled it after the ones he used to frequent. The atmosphere is modern, ultracool, and gallerylike. This is a good place to find art and architecture books. Plus, there's an impressive art gallery just next door. 2421 Bissonnet Street, (713) 523-0701.

An excerpt from the Great Food Almanac reads, "America lacks the decadence required for a truly great coffeehouse. But we're acquiring it, I think." Houstonians have coffee mastered. Not only that, they have fabulous bookstores too.

JENNIFER L. MCKENZIE