Brownsville’s Warbler Coffee Co. taking flight with creative coffee concoctions

The Dulce Sueños had a deep smoky flavor from the espresso, but the piloncillo, or Mexican molasses, added the sweet, familiar depth from Easter capirotadas. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

BROWNSVILLE — After spending most of the day running errands, and with the Sunday scaries fully set-in, we decided to drive from McAllen to Brownsville to try a coffee shop near the Mitte Cultural District and end the weekend on a positive note.

Warbler Coffee Co. is located in a historic brick building at 540 East Monroe Street near the Old City Cemetery. One of the baristas said that the building is believed to be at least 100 years old.

Needless to say, the owners and staff of Warbler Coffee Co. have taken the old building that at one point was home to Layton Grocery Store and Market (according to an old newspaper ad from the 1940s that I found online) and transformed it into the charming, homey coffee shop it is today.

Visiting Warbler Coffee Co. can be a risky move for someone like me, whose registration sticker remains very expired, given the shop’s short proximity to the Brownsville Police Department.

Warbler Coffee Co. is located in a historic brick building at 540 E. Monroe St. near the Brownsville Police Department and the Old City Cemetery. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

Look, I’ve made some real strides with my car since my last near run-in with law enforcement. My brakes have been replaced (I think… they still make a piercing squeaking sound when I try to slow down), and I was told that my tires probably won’t have a blowout if I get them replaced soon.

Not too bad, I’d say. Also, I finally passed the inspection. The first guy I took my car to refused, but the second guy I took it to right afterwards gave it the all clear. Soon I’ll have that pesky registration sticker, and Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’” will hopefully start to sound less biographical.

We arrived just before sundown on what was actually a breezy, not so warm Sunday evening. One of the baristas immediately greeted us and promptly answered our questions about the menu.

I have to take a moment to commend the baristas working that evening. They were extremely helpful and patient with us as we asked about the drinks and the shop itself.

My girlfriend ordered the Classic Lemonade, which appeared to be freshly made.

I asked the barista for her recommendation, and she referred me to the portion of the menu with the seasonal drinks. Under “Fall Specialties”, the coffee shop offered three drinks including one called “The Sweet Tree(t)”, “Dulce Sueños”, and “Pumpkin Butternut Spice.”

It was a difficult decision, but ultimately I decided to try the Dulce Sueños, which is a latte served with lavender, piloncillo, cloves, anise, vanilla and cinnamon. The drink can be served hot or over ice. I chose hot, like my girlfriend.

The seating was limited and filled to capacity inside the shop, but thankfully they also offer outdoor seating with a good number of picnic tables. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

Not wanting to waste the opportunity to try more of their creative caffeinated concoctions, I ordered the very appropriately named “The Bee’s Knees”, which is a cold brew mixed with their classic lemonade and some honey.

The seating was limited and filled to capacity inside the shop, but thankfully they also offer outdoor seating. We were able to sit comfortably at one of the picnic tables while we listened to the relaxing sounds of a seemingly intoxicated man singing “El Rey” over a loudspeaker a few blocks away.

We began to play Bananagrams as we sipped our beverages and enjoyed what was a very lovely evening (until my girlfriend beat me… again).

The Dulce Sueños had a deep smoky flavor from the espresso, but the piloncillo, or Mexican molasses, added the sweet, familiar depth from Easter capirotadas. The lavender flavor got a bit lost in the mix, but it was a happy casualty. All the flavors blended nicely. It tasted like a crisp, 85-degree Rio Grande Valley Fall breeze.

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Warbler Coffee Co.’s Classic Lemonade was ridiculously refreshing, not overwhelmingly sweet and not too bitter, and the Bee’s Knees’ cold brew provided a caramel base that was elevated by the citrus flavor of the lemonade and the earthy flavor from the honey. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

The owners and staff of Warbler Coffee Co. have taken the old building that at one point was home to Layton Grocery Store and Market and transformed it into the charming, homey coffee shop it is today. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

The Dulce Sueños had a deep smoky flavor from the espresso, but the piloncillo, or Mexican molasses, added the sweet, familiar depth from Easter capirotadas. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

Warbler Coffee Co. is located in a historic brick building at 540 E. Monroe St. near the Brownsville Police Department and the Old City Cemetery. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

The seating was limited and filled to capacity inside the shop, but thankfully they also offer outdoor seating with a good number of picnic tables. (Francisco E. Jimenez | The Monitor)

The Classic Lemonade was ridiculously refreshing, not overwhelmingly sweet and not too bitter. My girlfriend described it as a “good tart.”

I couldn’t help but laugh after trying the Bee’s Knees. This might be the best coffee I’ve ever tried. The cold brew provided a caramel base that was elevated by the citrus flavor of the lemonade and the earthy flavor from the honey. I would make the hour drive every day, risking all registration sticker citations, just to have the Bee’s Knees.

Hell, the entire experience was absolutely wonderful. Anyone who enjoys delicious coffee in a very comfortable setting needs to fly by Warbler Coffee Co. and appreciate the skill and craftsmanship that those friendly folks are putting into their drinks.

Warbler Coffee Co. is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

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