Cougar Grounds

According to one of the employers, «soy milk has an EQUIVALENT amount of lactose as whole milk.» Not sure if this statement is entirely true, but not formally addressing this concern is worrisome.

This is my favorite coffee shop at the University of Houston!
First of all, their coffee is amazing — not quite bitter and just right. Their other drinks, such as their iced coffee, frozen/​blended drinks, and tea lattes are also delicious. Their caffeinated drinks has a good amount of caffeine in them, and I must admit that the coffee tastes better than Starbucks’. I am always satisfied with my beverage during every visit. Whenever I go there, I usually get their green tea latte (hot) or their iced coffee. They also do nice foam art on their tea lattes, which brings a smile to my face whenever my drink is ready.
Additionally, I like their food selection, which consists of kolaches, bagels, sandwiches, chips, and various other snacks. I absolutely love their kolaches and it’s usually what I get whenever I visit. Their food are reasonably priced (unlike the food at Starbucks) and are quite tasty.
Not only is Cougar Grounds’ coffee and food great, but I love the ambience of the shop. Whenever I come here, I always find ample comfortable seating and the noise level is not too loud, especially in comparison to the other coffee shops on campus. The environment of this shop can be described as «cozy» and «spacious», and it’s a great place to study, read, chat with friends, or just overall unwind from a long day of work and classes. Their couches are comfortable, and each table-​and-​chair pair gives enough tabletop space to do work (e.g.; laptop), enough room to write. It’s conveniently located inside the Hilton, which is great for HRMA majors. (Even though I spend most of my days at PGH, it takes just a nice, *worthwhile*, walk halfway across campus to get to Cougar Grounds.) Due to the big windows in the coffee shop, customers also can enjoy the view of the grass and the trees outside, which is just another plus!

I love coming here ever since I discovered the place. Coffee is way better quality than Starbucks and also the price. Staff is always friendly, even when they are busy. Sizes are decent and it has an outdoor patio to study in or just enjoy the weather. I love getting the Iced Chai Latte and the Mango-​Strawberry smoothie. If you come here make sure to try their Mayan coffee and their smoothies! It’s a must stop if your visiting campus.

The coffee is stronger and more flavorful than Starbucks, but for a lower price. A medium coffee here is about 30 cents cheaper than a grande at Starbucks. I’ve never been disappointed; this is my go-​to coffee shop when I need my coffee fix in between classes. Don’t waste your money on chain coffee shops. Come to Cougar Grounds to get your money’s worth.

Cougar Grounds is an excellent coffee shop. Pretty unique and calm ambience; perfect to do homework. Funny experience though, I asked if they served fair-​trade coffee and the baristas had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. Oh well.
I recommend the Mayan Chocolate.

Cougar grounds is a cute spot, with happy baristas and cozy atmosphere. Unfortunately, as an iced coffee drinker, I don’t agree that it is better than Starbucks. I was quite disappointed with my iced charger, which I was told is stronger sibling to regular iced coffee. It tasted rather watery and was easily overpowered by the toffee syrup (my ratio is usually 3 oz of syrup for a 20oz coffee). Price wise, a flavored medium iced charger also costs about a dollar more than its Starbucks equivalent.
I think if I was looking for just caffeine, I’d take Starbucks as I can customize syrup/​diary/​ice to my heart’s desire without judgement. (Green/​gold rewards members also get free refills)
However, Cougar Grounds does offer a nicer atmosphere and I wouldn’t mind chilling outside next time with a blended frappé or smoothie.

Cougar Grounds is definitely the best place to grab coffee on campus. Their coffees are stronger compared to Starbucks! The workers are happy and cheerful when obtaining your drink orders, unlike other food places on campus. They have plenty of tables/​couches to study or hang with friends. If you’re on campus I’ll definitely recommend you try this place!

Good study spot, great music, their matcha green latte (iced) is amazing! Also they have yummy chocolates they also have great iced teas – try the blueberry acai one!

A little slow at first but get the high-​end expensive special coffees they have. Might have been the strongest best cup I’ve ever had. Guy used like a blow tourch or something. Takes longer but if your into coffee go for it

Forget Starbucks. Cougar Grounds definitely makes my morning with their freshly brewed coffee. I’ll usually grab a cup of coffee when I’m on campus really early and just need to wake up, and they never fail. Not to mention that service is great! It’s also a bit cheaper than Starbucks.
They sell some pastries, granola bars, drinks like coconut water, bottled water, and a few other things that you might be craving.
I’ve been here a few times just to study with a friend and I always forget that it’s such a nice study spot other than the library itself. There’s comfy couches, bar tables, outside seating, and what do ya know, a coffee shop all in the same place.

Solid coffee shop. The menu isn’t quite as expansive as Starbucks, but it seems like everyone agrees that the drinks are stronger. More coffee (caffeine)? Yes, please! I’ve gotten the white mocha, caramel macchiato, and toffee crunch so far and it’s all been good. They also offer pastries and granola bars and whatnot.
The baristas are super friendly and quick.
I like the space in general. There is a room on the side with outlets, seating, and a microwave. You don’t even have to buy the coffee to sit in there, but it’s coffee — why wouldn’t you?
Accepts cash, credit cards, but no cougar cash. Support your fellow Coogs! Good place to stop by if you’re too lazy to walk to the Nook or go off campus and if you’re tired of Starbucks.

Nice on campus coffee shop. The location is good. It is clean and the staff is always friendly.
Skip Starbucks for sure and try this place if you’re on this side of campus.

Nice café lounge for a coffee fix on campus; which is located towards the rear side of Hilton. They offer spacious seating inside and outside.
I ordered a small and medium chai latte. The small was relatively similar to Starbucks Tall but the medium drink looked like a large. The medium drink was definitely bigger than Starbucks grande. Thanks to my friend, I got to experience Cougar grounds Chai latte and it was delicious!
From my understanding, Cougar grounds are run by Hilton students; which was tipped to me by a friend. I would recommend others to come over to CG for a coffee fix instead of your mediocre Starbucks on campus.
As for service alone, I didn’t have a bad or great service. Just your average coffee shop service. Overall, my latte was delicious and I would return.

Their coffee is always so good! It’s always my go-​to place for good coffee and a nice atmosphere to study or read. Right inside the Hilton so the restrooms are always nearby and very nice and clean.
The staff can be a little rude sometimes. I feel like customer service can improve a little. I know that mostly students work there but holding off from taking my order because you want to finish your conversation is kinda pushing it in my opinion.
The toffee crunch latte is literally heaven in a little cup. I swear they put something in it that makes me come back each time. Blueberry bagel is always my chosen study snack.

Great place for a coffee before class. Amazing friendly staff who also go to class at the UH Hilton College. I recommend this place to all students looking for a morning pick-​me-​up. I love their blended cold coffees but everything is amazing.

I am SO GLAD that there’s an independent coffee place at UH. On those days when I’m just tired of the same ol’ same ol’ office coffee, I drop by Cougar Grounds. It’s hidden in the back of the UH Hilton. There is no flashy sign or banner outside the place… you just gotta find it somehow. BUT once you do, you’ll be glad you did. There are tons of tables, chairs, and couches to study or to lounge. They have a variety of options for your coffee. The toffee coffee drink is my go-​to on most days, but I sometimes get the iced coffee.
It is run by UH students. They’re usually friendly and aren’t reluctant to take your requests. The décor is pretty nice and the place is well-​lit. If you’re on campus, make sure to stop by and grab some coffeee!

Best coffee on campus. They do a good job, but I can’t give them anything more than 3 stars. They just don’t have the beans to compete with others in Houston, and thats ok, its a campus coffee shop. Not worth an out of the way experience.

Our Tier 1 University FINALLY has a Tier 1 coffee shop! We routinely walk over from the Chemistry Dept – past 2 or 3 other coffee shops, mind you – for morning and afternoon coffee at the CG.

If you are ever on the U of H campus. .. ditch the Starbucks and the disgusting coffee from the University Center, and head straight into the Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management behind the hotel.
Their coffee is the best on campus. Their atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. They have good pastries and snacks. Their pigs in a blanket are a guilty pleasure of mine. They have good muffins and bagels, and I believe after four, all their pastries are half off and their americanos are $ 1.
Steer away from the breakfast tacos, and you should be fine.
It’s really the best place to study on campus or just drink some good coffee.

Located in the Hilton on the UH campus, the Cougar Grounds is my absolute favorite place on campus.
What makes this place different from any other place on campus is the atmosphere. The staff is always very nice; I always walk off with a smile on my face. There is lots of lighting if you need to study, if you’re looking for a place to relax there are plenty of couches. The music being played is also quite good as well. I’ve enjoyed every song played since I stepped in to get my coffee and as I type this review now. It’s always relatively quiet too; I actually get more studying here done than the library.
The good atmosphere is enough to keep my coming back but I’ll admit the drinks are pretty good too. Just like your typical coffee place there are a variety of drinks for any mood you’re in. I’m a fan of the vanilla latte at Starbucks and the white mocha here is quite close if not better. I rarely get breakfast here but the times I have it has just been a bagel. The bagels are just your regular bagels but I guess cream cheese will make anything taste good.
The Cougar Grounds has been a great place for me to escape the sometimes nasty Houston weather. On cold days like this there is nowhere else I would rather be on campus. If you’re looking for a place to study, meet up people, good drinks or just want to meet some nice people then the Cougar Grounds is your place.
If only there are more places like this on campus instead of all the chain restaurants.
BTW I’m pretty sure they even use Fair Trade Coffee!