slowpoking into memorial
Bold and burgeoning Houston coffee shop brews up new Memorial location
Slowpokes is now open on Memorial Drive.
A growing Houston coffee shop and cafe has arrived in the Memorial area. Slowpokes will celebrate the grand opening of its fifth location this Thursday, January 18.
Located at 13210 Memorial Dr., the new Slowpokes bring’s the cafe’s winning formula to a new neighborhood. It serves coffee, beer, and wine that are paired with a diverse food menu built around sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and breakfast items. Those three beverages are represented by three mascots: a turtle named Mash (beer), a snail named Tasker Alexander (wine), and a sloth named Patches (coffee).
First opened in Garden Oaks in 2016 by owner Mazen Baltagi — a Houstonian hospitality veteran who’s a partner in establishments such as Christian’s Tailgate and the Warwick — the all-day concept has grown to locations at Levy Park in Upper Kirby, Spring Branch, and West University Place.
“We are a neighborhood spot — so when we think about opening another location, we think of what areas would really benefit the most from a place with great coffee and a comfortable place to gather,” owner Mazen Baltagi said in a statement.
Memorial-area residents will be able to gather in a 2,000-square-foot space that offers both indoor and outdoor seating. A walk-up window, a first for Slowpokes, expedites to-go orders.
The new location features the same menu as its siblings. Favorites include the chicken pesto panino, salmon bagel, breakfast tacos, and a brie and pear flatbread known as the Let it Brie. A rotating selection of pastries and baked goods come from a number of local purveyors, including Michael’s Cookie Jar, Sinfull Bakery, and Angela’s Oven.
On the beverage side, looks for a full coffee program that features seasonal specials. Beers come from local breweries such as 8th Wonder, Karbach, and Saint Arnold. Slowpokes’ wine selection rotates regularly.
During happy hour, look for specials such as a hummus plate ($6), pretzels from Slow Dough ($3), draft beers ($4.50-5.50), and discounts on wines by-the-glass. The popular Board + Bottle special pairs select bottles of red or white wine with a charcuterie board for $25.
Slowpokes continues to grow across the Houston area. Last year, it announced plans to open at On The Trails, a 24-acre mixed-use development from McNair Interests. In order to serve residents of the apartment building, it will add a market component that sells items such as toiletries and retail wines.
Buck & Rider will occupy a jewel box space across from The Annie Cafe.Rendering by BOLDRVIZ