Arts & Entertainment

Brasil, chill vibe for the coffee lover

By Michelle Lehmann
The Daily Cougar

Coffee shops have become popular in Houston within the past few years. People flock to them to study, grab a quick wake-up drink or just hang out for a plane old good time. Brasil offers all types of drinks so that those that wish for a good buzz or those that just want to feel a good draft run through their veins and chill out can both have a good experience.

"Even though I work there, I love to go to Brasil on my off days and have pizza and a beer before turning in for the evening." post baccalaureate Russel Moore said. "I even go there first thing on many mornings to for a cup of coffee before class," said post baccalaureate Russel Moore.

The kitchen serves up all types of delectables including multiple breakfast platters, sandwiches, dips and pizzas. A favorite of many is the desserts. Brasil offers many types of homemade cakes, pies and pastries such as carrot cake, German chocolate cake and Tirimisu.

Although Brasil is not a full service bar, they have 20 different types of beers, over two dozen draft beers and countless wines of all types, but no beer specials. On top of it all, they serve coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, real espresso drinks.

They even have a frozen mocha drink that is great in the heat of the summer. Non alcohol and coffee drinkers like their Italian sodas served San Pellegrino sparkling waters and a choice of syrups.

"I like to go to Brasil because I can have a Shiner on draft while my other friends can enjoy whatever they like and maybe even get something to eat," junior broadcast journalism major Mario Gudmundsson said. "I love the calming atmosphere on the patio."

The Brasil patio is a coveted location at the shop. People flock there so that they can enjoy the fresh air of lower Westhiemer. Smokers also find it more refreshing than indoors. The landscaping of the outside is full of green lush plants and plenty of tiny tables big enough to set a beer or coffee on. Itis also quieter for those who come there to enjoy the silence away from the bands that play indoors.

On Mondays, Brasil plays host to DJ Sun, and his techno creations. Tuesdays through Saturdays they host varieties of bands ranging from rock to folk, stirring all types of crowds on any given night.

"We aim to have music six nights a week," said Moore.

The inside has painted white walls adorned with different artistsi work. Most of the artwork is for sell and definitely for Brasil loversi enjoyment. Just

when a regular gets used to one showing another pops up that gives goers something new to look at.

"The art is almost always interesting. They give people something to talk about," Gudmundsson said.

The dim lights and spacious windows make the lighting of the inside enjoyable at all times of the day. The entrance room is always covered with flowers in all types of interesting vases. Behind those vases are smiling faces always ready to serve. Most of the night people remember their regular customers instantly. "I remember all of my regs. I always know what they want as soon as the set foot in the door," Moore said. "Some of us have even become good friends with our regulars."

Brasil is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sundays, and has been a choice coffee shop for Houstonians for over 10 years. Itis especially great for college students since it is quiet during the day for studying, eating and relaxing and fun, cheery and comforting in the night. 

Brasil

2604 Dunlave

The verdict: Needs drink specials but has the best nighttime atmosphere in Houston.

 Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu