17 coffee shops in metro Detroit that are better than Starbucks

By Metro Times editorial staff on Thu, Jan 26, 2017 at 8:39 pm

While there are many many (many) coffee establishments located in metro Detroit, some of the best ones are independently-owned. Coffee is not for everyone, but those who love it do so to a scary degree, and some of those people open coffee shops. Many of these businesses help each other out, too, which is a relief from the competition of massive coffee chains. What those stores lack in presentation, these ones make up ten-fold. Anyway, behold 16 of metro Detroit's superior coffee establishments and let them sate your searing passion/desperate need for caffeine.

Tags:

Scroll down to view images

Always Brewing Detroit – Located in the Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, Always Brewing deals almost strictly in local food products. The coffee house also hosts weekly yoga classes and even has a conference room that can be reserved for business meetings. Both the coffee and the establishment itself are staples to the community. Address is 19180 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223. Photo

1 of 17

Anthology Coffee – Uniquely located in the Ponyride building in Corktown, Anthology has been noted by food network personality Alton Brown for their coffee and establishes an uncomplicated atmosphere to enjoy their services. Address is 1401 Vermont St, Detroit, MI 48216. Photo

2 of 17

Astro Coffee – Astro has a charming storefront and very good coffee. They use many locally-produced goods: dairy from Calder Dairy, Bread from Zingerman's and produce from Keep Growing Detroit and Grown in Detroit, among other places. Astro is located in Corktown, right by Slow's at 2124 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48216. Photo

3 of 17

Atomic Coffee – The lattes at Atomic are powerful and their regular coffee is excellent too. Atomic has a spacious interior and when the weather's nice the front of the store is open to the outdoors. It can be found at 401 S Main St Royal Oak, MI 48067 and is frankly hard to miss with the massive coffee cup attached to the awning. Photo

4 of 17

Bean & Leaf Café – This laid-back coffee establishment in Royal Oak has plenty of sitting room and plenty of fair-trade coffee and tea options. Bean & Leaf is serenely decorated and has a small outdoor patio on Main Street. Address is 106 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Photo

5 of 17

Bella's Coffee House – Order more than just coffee at Bella's, because where else can you try authentic Mexican coffee and Mexican cuisine in one place? The building is relatively unassuming except for the expressive orange paint on the storefront. Address is 2303 Campbell St, Detroit, MI 48209. Photo

6 of 17

The Bottom Line – This coffee house begs you to plumb the depths of the Cass Corridor neighborhood and enjoy their coffee in bottom floor of the apartment building above. The Bottom Line has an intimate atmosphere to enjoy company or work quietly by yourself. They also provide a selection of records for customers to put on while there. Address is Beethoven Apartments, 4474 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. Photo

7 of 17

Chazzano Coffee Roasters – Owner Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo expresses his passion for coffee with a commitment to his business despite having moved between several states and eventually settling in Michigan. The location is small, but rich with flavorful coffee options. The name is pronounced with a “k” sound and not a “ch” sound, by the way. Address is 1737 E 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. Photo

8 of 17

City Coffeehouse – City is known in the downriver area for their open mic nights and art shows. They've been around for 20 years nestled in downtown Allen Park right by the dollar show. Play some board games, enjoy local talent and, obviously, drink coffee. Address is 6623 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101. Photo

9 of 17

Detroit Vintage Coffee Shop – Make it a point during the weekend to visit Detroit Vintage for their exceedingly good coffee, as that's the only time it is open. It is densely decorated with lots of earth-toned paintings and knick knacks, giving this cozy space a lived-in feel. Address is 10335 W 8 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48221. Photo

10 of 17

Donut Villa – Coffee isn't in the name, but Donut Villa in Mexicantown always has it fresh from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Not to mention, it is inexpensive and has excellent donuts and baked goods. Address is 5875 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209. Photo

11 of 17

Motor City Java & Tea House – This shop in Old Redford has only grown since it opened in 2010 and provides more than great coffee. Weather permitting, The Java and Tea House also has an evocative and comfortable courtyard to lounge in. Located near the Redford theater, the address is 17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219. Photo

12 of 17

The Red Hook – Bringing coffee beans in from Brooklyn weekly to give a taste of New York to Metro Detroiters, The Red Hook is open daily and has coffee unlike anywhere else in the area. The Red Hook has two locations now: the original one in Ferndale and one in Detroit's historical West Village. Addresses are 220 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220 and 8025 Agnes Street, Detroit Michigan 48214. Photo

13 of 17

Urban Bean Co. – If you're at or around Campus Martius, Urban Bean Co. is just a few blocks away amid the tightly-packed downtown area. You are not likely to miss it, though, with its windowed and orange-accented exterior. Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, find time to drop in for some quality coffee and hot chocolate. DJ's spin occasionally, too. Address is 200 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226. Photo

14 of 17

Great Lakes Coffee – A popular and delicious source of local coffee, the Detroit location is only one of three for Great Lakes Coffee. It is open until at least 11 p.m. every day besides Sunday, so whether you are an exhausted band in town playing at the Majestic across the street, a concert attendee wanting more energy to freak out or someone getting ready to bowl a perfect game at the Garden Bowl, you can energize here. Address is 3965 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201. Photo

15 of 17

New Order Coffee – As the newest neighborhood coffee shop in Brush Park, New Order's coffee is only surpassed the minimalist design of its interior and patio. New Order's seasonal specialty drinks are also made extra tasty with the help of their handcrafted marshmallows.Address is 3100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 Photo courtesy of New Order Facebook

16 of 17

Fourteen East Cafe – Fourteen East Cafe provides gourmet coffee, a quiet atmosphere, and beautiful art at this quaint coffee shop. Located in the Park Shelton building on Kirby Street, Fourteen East is a friendly neighborhood coffee shop that is tucked away from the masses of studying students and telecommuters. Address is 15 E Kirby St, Detroit, MI 48202. Photo by @annabeatricerose

17 of 17