Dreamlike gem: Bandera Coffee Co. in Harlingen

HARLINGEN — I am not fanatical about coffee, but I’ve discovered that as I have grown older, I have grown more interested in the alchemy that goes into brewing a good cup of coffee.

I wouldn’t say that I am addicted to coffee, but I find myself yelling at a lot less people after I’ve had my two pots of coffee in the morning.

I didn’t always love coffee. I can remember my dad making Folgers instant coffee every morning, black. That was my first taste of coffee, and I was not impressed. Over time, I learned to love coffee.

It was not just about drinking coffee, it was the experience of starting my day with a fresh cup of coffee and reading the newspaper with my dad or my grandfather.

My love for coffee was enhanced when a Starbucks opened in Harlingen when I was in high school. My friends and I used to spend a lot of time there. We especially enjoyed giving the baristas names of infamous dictators when ordering our drinks. It was just fun hearing the barista call out, “I have a venti Mocha Frappuccino ready for… Gaddafi?”

I know that there are those who will read the name Starbucks and roll their eyes, but it gave me a new appreciation for coffee and made me a more adventurous coffee drinker. I eventually got my own coffee maker, which led to me getting a French press, and then a pour over coffee maker. I am by no means an expert when it comes to brewing coffee, but I am infatuated with the process of brewing the perfect cup.

That being said, there is true joy in discovering a locally owned coffee shop. For me, that joy was realized when I first tried Bandera Coffee Co. in 2018.

This is less a coffee review, and more of an acknowledgment of the quality product you are guaranteed when you step into Bandera Coffee’s beautiful building. This is also not an advertisement, but it is an endorsement. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Bandera Coffee Co. is nestled on 415 West Van Buren Avenue, just a stone’s throw from Harlingen’s historic Jackson Avenue. The building is painted gray with tan trim.

Inside the building, there is some merch next to a painting of the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley on one side. The other side has some shirts from 9INE5IVE6EIS next to a wall with the phrase “filter coffee not people” painted in large gold font.

The ambiance is cozy and dreamlike with the dim lighting from the bar area cascading over the shop’s pink and green colored floor tiles. Before reaching the bar area to place an order, we were enveloped in the sweet and chocolatey smell of coffee that permeated the entire shop.

The barista was extremely friendly and helpful, taking time to explain each of the drinks to my girlfriend and I. She informed us that Bandera uses two brands of coffee beans for their coffee, Superthing Coffee for their espresso-based drinks, and Zanate Coffee, which is based in Weslaco, for their cold brew.

My girlfriend, who is not a coffee drinker, ordered a peach flavored white tea called a Peach Blossom. It was brewed to order and served over ice and sweetened with simple syrup. It was herbal and fruity with a hint of sweetness, but extremely refreshing.

I asked the barista for her recommendation. She referred me to their seasonal menu which features four specially concocted drinks just for Fall — Mais Con Yelo, Mango Sticky Rice, Miso Bananas, and Peach Basil Shandy.

I chose the Miso Bananas, which is a shot of espresso served over ice with miso, piloncillo caramel, milk and banana foam on top. The drink was complex and layered with each sip presenting a new and delicious flavor with a creamy banana twist that grew more prominent.

I wasn’t done though. I also decided to order the Goth Latte, which is a shot of espresso with mocha syrup, steamed milk, and charcoal. The drink was served hot in a black ceramic mug with beautiful latte art. The drink was sweet and creamy, and well balanced with the foamy steamed milk and the roasty flavor from espresso.

After we finished our beverages, we went out to the back patio which was empty due to the rain. There were tables and chairs set up under a canopy with lights strung around the perimeter and plants scattered throughout.

Going to Bandera Coffee Co. is a unique experience that should be shared. It’s difficult to not appreciate how much effort goes into every inch of what they have to offer. Try their specialty drinks, or their cocktails after noon, take a seat and enjoy the fruits of their creativity.

Bandera Coffee Co. is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.