1. adoptive coffee company – owosso
If you’re a Michigan latte drinker, Foster is the place to be. choose from favorites like mocha mint, pumpkin and the standard variety, all made with the purest ingredients. so soft! order a pour over coffee from internally roasted beans at their original owosso location. As you walk in, note the penny tile floor and custom painted logo. Last year they opened a Flint location right in the heart of it along Saginaw Street. foster has an overarching goal of “building community through coffee.”
2. drip drop drink coffee bar – muskegon
does the highway take you to lake michigan? Head to this Muskegon store and cool off with their signature ice cream pour. explore the latte, regular pour over, and other craft coffee offerings among the shop’s laid-back, vintage personality. with each sip you can see the care and coffee knowledge they possess. You can find them in their original shared location in the Russell Block building. they are in the process of building their own larger space down the street.
Reading: Best coffee shops in michigan
3. roosroast coffee – ann arbor
when in ann arbor it’s all about the love of lobster butter, the signature coffee beans from this one of a kind shop and roaster. They don’t do pours, but you’ll recover quickly if you order a long drink. roasted roosroast at its original location on rosewood street, where you’ll find a quirky, retro-style cafe. the downtown store is more modern and offers a small breakfast menu that includes delicious breakfast burritos. coffee bean names like “portland in the 1990s” reflect the vision and life experiences of its owner john roos. are you feeling adventurous? Ask for a slice of garlic!
4. brown owl blue owl – lansing
Head over to this Lansing coffee spot in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Reo. Craft coffee cocktails (non-alcoholic) is where it’s at. I recommend closing your eyes and drinking an ol’ blue. It will be as if you were drinking an old fashioned. sit amongst a beautiful mix of families, working people, and others just experiencing coffee in this open layout. their signature cold nitro concoction fresh from a kegerator is another tasty option. if you dare, ask for one of their nitro flights! Keep an eye out as a second location is in the works in East Lansing, right across from campus.
5. Water Street Coffee Joint – Kalamazoo & portage
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With coffee shop and drive-thru options in and around Kalamazoo, Water Street Coffee Joint is a go-to for coffee lovers in this college setting. enjoy a latte made with hazelnuts or other homemade syrups. choose from their other espresso offerings, along with shakes, smoothies, teas, and a full food menu. Cozy up on a weekend morning at their original cafe along Calle del Agua with a coffee and fresh pastry. grab a bag of roasted beans on the house on the go. locations open early and close late, so there’s always a cozy spot and coffee waiting!
6. the sparrows cafe tea and newsstand – grand rapids
the name of this grand rapids coffee shop says it all. You’ll find a healthy supply of coffees, teas, magazines and newspapers along with pastries. this rich street corner store vibe is artsy, creative, and fun. do you want to drink caffeine? Look no further than the “Giant,” my favorite shot of espresso in Michigan. this delicious and decorative shot of espresso will leave you thrilled.
7. Java Joe’s Cafe – St. ignatius
head over the mackinac bridge to st. ignace and this colorful cafe. it’s as much about the experience as it is about the coffee here. it’s a store you could hang out in everyday with super friendly staff and unique decor. Murals, trinkets, teapots and an endless breakfast menu await you. Peanut butter and chocolate chip pancakes, anyone? take a drink of a delicious u.p. espresso and/or a latte made with any flavor your heart desires.
8. mug of the day – sault ste. Mary
Are you going to live an adventure in the u.p.? You’ll find your “cup of the day” coffee on Sault Ste. Maria This coffee shop is firmly rooted in the heart of downtown and has been serving for the better part of two decades. enjoy a mocha, latte, or simple cup of coffee, right down to one of their freshly made-to-order sandwiches. locally roasted beans come in every coffee served inside the friendly, family-themed shop. I would recommend an irish latte to start a day exploring the locks and the oldest city in michigan.
9. moose jackson coffee shop – iron mountain
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El Moose serves over 15 custom coffee blends, plus a full espresso bar and plenty of baked goodies to go with your drink! it also functions as one of the social centers of the city. It’s often crowded, especially at lunchtime when sandwiches, wraps, salads, and paninis fly out of the kitchen.
10. dead river cafe – marquette
dead river coffee roasts a selection of arabica coffees from various exotic locations. enjoy your cuppa at the store and enjoy the delicious aroma of roasted beans, then grab a pound for the road!
About the Author: Aaron Cruz is a longtime Mitten resident. when he’s not out on the open road, he’s probably drinking coffee somewhere. he loves exploring independent coffee shops, taking photos, and taking road trips. He is the founder of Coffee Ann Arbor, with the goal of helping showcase the thriving coffee scene in the college town areas. You can also find him on instagram, twitter and on his travel blog.
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