We were in Kiingsville, a small town in south Texas, and decided to get a cup of coffee. We had made a pot in the morning, as always, but did not make one to fill our travel mugs. We were in the downtown and CJH wanted to see the Saddle Shop of the King Ranch. (It was very cool) and I asked where to get coffee. She first suggested the drug store and then said there was a new shop connected with a jewelry shop two blocks up the street. We set off primarily because she said there was a good bakery next door. I was not impressed with the adding of a bit of coffee at a jewelry store and first walking in did not help that impression. A single counter near the back encompassed the coffee shop with four or six tables in front of it.

But Bruce emerged from the back and when we said we wanted a cup of coffee he pointed to a menu. Four pages! Not just fancy names or drinks that had a passing resemblance to coffee, you could get Thai coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Japanese coffee, Cuban coffee, cowboy coffee, all the forms of espresso drinks you could imagine plus a few you could not think of and they were all different. Bruce made me a pour over coffee, adjusted to a medium strong brew with a bit of sugar. PERFECT. Cindy ordered a cowboy coffee and it was delicious. I asked about the kinds and he said as he traveled all over the world he sought out the best coffee shops and learned how to make coffee dozens of ways. When I asked what took him around the world, he said he was the sound technician for Stryper (sp), U2 and Rush on what seemed like endless tours. We chatted for an hour and he regaled us with several stories. What a morning. We also noted some brilliant small portraits and it turns out while his wife fills the store with creative jewelry he paints in a 15th century fashion gorgeous portraits - some of them can be found in palaces. Simply stunning.

Talking to Bruce was a treat, drinking the special coffee he made likewise and the whole experience made a remarkable stop. But there is more. I started to settle my bill, the prices on the menu wee “suggestions,” and Bruce said it was by donation. He said there were college students in town who could not afford the coffee so he just made it what you want to pay. I paid for ours and a couple more.

So if you are in Texas stop in a the Kingsville Coffee Cup. I know, Texas is a big place but that is no excuse to pass up the best coffee in the best coffee shop you will ever find. And you might find some nice earrings too.

Check out the Kingsville Coffee Cup on Facebook.