everyone knows that grand rapids is the best city in michigan for good coffee. Whether you plan your trips around coffee, or just want to visit a good coffee shop, the Grand Rapids coffee scene won’t disappoint. over years of visiting i have tried the best coffee shops in grand rapids.
a few weeks ago, however, on assignment with barista magazine, i set myself the goal of a “coffee day trip” to grand rapids. the idea was simple: one day research and try all the best coffee shops in grand rapids. Now, I didn’t give a good thought to the reaction my body might have to a dozen cups of coffee in an eight hour period of time. learning experience. this was a ‘don’t try this at home folks’ situation. Regardless, my caffeine jitters were a worthwhile sacrifice to bring you this article on the best coffee shops in grand rapids. sample some on your own day trip, or better yet, plan a longer trip to grand rapids and explore all this city has to offer.
Reading: Best coffee grand rapids
related: a winter stay at the grand plaza hotel in grand rapids
*thanks to experience grand rapids who covered my expenses on this day trip. I have also tried many of these coffees on my own, over the years. as always, all opinions are my own.
See also: 5 Best Espresso Beans For Breville Machine
12 best coffee shops in grand rapids
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy environment to work on your laptop, world-class single origin coffee, unique coffee experiences, or just some high-quality caffeine… these coffee shops in grand rapids they won’t let you down. !
1. squibb coffee & wine bar
Squibb serves high-quality coffee from popular Michigan-based coffee roasters. In addition to coffee, Squibb also recently obtained a liquor license and serves wine in its elegant cafeteria setting. you can also grab a gourmet grilled cheese, bougie toast, or share plate, along with rise authentic baking’s gluten-free and vegan baked goods.
955 richly st se, grand rapids, mi, 49506
Monday 7am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 7am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 9am-6pm
2. up + squibb
rise + squibb is my favorite coffee shop in grand rapids. A new collaboration in 2019, this West Grand Rapids coffee is 100% gluten-free and vegan, and a collaboration between Rise Authentic Baking and Squibb Coffee. visit rise + squibb for fabulous squibb coffee, along with an endless array of vegan and gluten-free delights (think poptarts, cookies, donuts, cakes, and more).
1220 fulton street west, grand rapids, michigan, 49504
Monday – Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, closed Sunday
3. lyon street cafe
located in the historic hill-midtown neighborhood of grand rapids, lyon street cafe has a perfect mix of airy hipster vibe, mixed with a homey community feel. you know the coffee is good because they use local roaster madcap coffee beans (and nationwide favorite). it is an ideal meeting place for a bite to eat, or for an afternoon of work or study with the laptop.
617 lyon st ne, grand rapids, michigan, 49503
Monday-Sunday 7am-9pm
related: a winter stay at the grand plaza hotel in grand rapids
4. crazy
Many people would consider madcap the “crown jewel” of the grand rapids coffee shop scene. And this de facto local title is definitely earned, as Madcap has won numerous national and international awards for both the quality of its coffee and its outstanding baristas. Madcap is known as a coffee roaster: the owners travel much of the year to the origins of the coffee, cultivating relationships with the farmers. The result is high-quality, ethically sourced roasts that can be purchased by individuals or other coffee shops across the country. Madcap also has three coffee shops in grand rapids, each serving unique seasonal concoctions, as well as options like coffee flights, traditional espressos or cappuccinos, and more. One thing to note though, is that madcap focuses almost exclusively on lighter roasts, so if this isn’t your preference, I’d choose a specialty drink or go elsewhere for your coffee.
See also: The Vitacup Review – Is It Scam or Legit?
check locations and hours here.
5. field & fire coffee
field & fire is a small coffee shop that was first recommended to me by madcap baristas, as their own favorite coffee shop in grand rapids. built as an expansion of field & Housed in Fire’s original wood-fired bakery, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch made with whole organic ingredients, as well as some really, really good coffee… made from none other than madcap’s roasted beans.
820 monroe ave. new suite 100, grand rapids, mi, 49503
Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
6. ferris cafe & walnut co.
when mentioning the grand rapids coffee greats, it is also necessary to pay homage to ferris coffee & walnut co. since 1924, ferries have been roasting in great rapids. yes, roasting coffee beans and nuts! You can buy your own personal grilled ferries at their headquarters or at one of their cafes in Grand Rapids. Ferris also supplies other cafes in the city and country, and even makes its own (super delicious!) cashew and almond milk. my favorite thing about ferris is their coffee lab – offering a variety of coffee related experiences, from home brewing to barista training, this is the perfect opportunity for travelers and day trippers alike.
check out cafe ferris & walnut co. locations and hours here.
7. rowster coffee
rowster (pronounced roaster, who doesn’t like puns) is another cafeteria/roastery combo from grand rapids. They definitely have a young and hip vibe, but that doesn’t mean they lack toasty finesse. Rowster’s grills from its Steven Street location and has three coffee shops throughout the city. their most popular blend is the “milky way”.
check out paddler locations and times here.
Related: Grand Rapids Art Awards Guide: How To Make The Most Of The Art Award
8. outdoor cafe co.
out of coffee co. It is one of the most unique coffee shops in Grand Rapids. true to its name, it is literally an outdoor cafeteria. located in a public garden off woosah outdoor and lifestyle shop, outside coffee co. serves coffee from a vintage trailer home. they use cafe ferris & nut. beans, keeping the love of coffee within the grand rapids family. the best part of this coffee shop is that it is open all year long, no matter the weather! I have enjoyed coffee here in the height of summer, swinging in a hammock, as well as in the depths of winter, from one of their heated igloos! For the most unusual coffee experience in all of Grand Rapids, you must visit the Outside Coffee Co.
734 richly st se, grand rapids, mi 49503
Spring/Summer/Fall: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. m. to 9:00 p.m. m. every day. winter : 7am – 7pm every day.
9. the sparrows coffee & tea & kiosk
the sparrows is another lovely specialty coffee shop in grand rapids, serving its own roasted coffee. With its wood floors and paneling, abundance of houseplants, and friendly baristas, it’s an especially welcoming choice among grand rapids’ many coffee shops. It’s also the perfect place if you’re traveling with tea drinkers, as they have a wide collection of teas, including bubble tea!
1035 rich street se, grand rapids, mi, 49506
Monday to Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
10. lantern coffee bar and lounge
See also: The 4 Best Coffee Creamers for High Blood Sugar
If you’re looking for another cozy coffee shop in grand rapids, head to the lantern coffee bar and lounge in the city center. the old building has been renovated with an open cellar where cafe-goers can descend to enjoy their drinks between plush sofas and chairs. Like Squibb Coffee, Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, uses Michigan-based Roaster Populace Coffee as its supplier. baristas serve a variety of drinks, including specialty drinks, and baked goods are also for sale, including authentic gluten-free and vegan baking options.
100 Commerce Ave Southwest, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Monday-Friday 6am-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-10pm
11. stovetop coffee roasters
Stovetop Coffee Roasters is another Grand Rapids coffee shop that not only roasts its own beans in-house, but also takes steps to source sustainably and ethically. Here, you can have a quality cup of coffee and know that every part of the coffee supply chain has been respected. The baristas are also highly skilled, having competed in the United States Barista Championships in previous years. I also have to mention that I love stoves for their quirky “wrap your hound” move. His signature roast not only comes with an illustration of a dog wrapped up in a blanket, but he runs regular contests on his Instagram where you can wrap up your own dog, hoping to win some coffee-related prizes.
944 fulton st e, grand rapids, mi, 49503
Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm
12. the cafeteria with the bitter end
and lastly, when you’re in west grand rapids, i recommend you visit the bitter end cafeteria, a low-key cafe located between rowster and rise + squibb. here, you can avoid any pretentious atmosphere that some third-wave cafes seem to exude. If you’re visiting Grand Rapids during the Art Awards Festival, be sure to check out the Bitter End, which has been an art venue every year of the festival. Award-winning artwork, created by an embittered former final employee, can still be seen hanging in the cafe. And with the title of being the only coffee shop in Grand Rapids that’s open 24/7, this is also the ideal stop for a midnight beer.
752 fulton st w, grand rapids, mi, 49504
open 24 hours a day, every day.
Related: A Quirky Michigan Bucket List for Every Kind of Adventure
where to stay in grand rapids
I really recommend staying overnight for first time visitors to grand rapids. there is a lot to see and do in this city (yes, even beyond coffee!). I have previously stayed at the grand plaza hotel which is an experience in itself, definitely a more upscale option, but well worth it. here are other lodging options in grand rapids:
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- jw marriott ($$): a trusted brand with a great location in downtown grand rapids.
- cityflats hotel ($$-$$$): an eco-friendly hotel with local Michigan produce.
- airbnb ($-$$$): lots of options around the big rapids. Use my code to get $30 off your first stay!
your map of the best coffee shops in grand rapids…
I have identified all these coffee shops on the map below. Just open this post and find which coffee shop is the most convenient for your Grand Rapids hotel, day trip or planned activities! however, I think all these coffee shops are worth the effort!
did I miss a coffee? let me know in the comments below if so! and of course, enjoy your coffee 🙂
set it for later…
*thanks to experience grand rapids who covered my expenses on this day trip. I have also tried many of these coffees on my own, over the years. as always, all opinions are my own.
See also: 5 Best Espresso Beans For Breville Machine
