17 coffee shops in metro Detroit that are better than Starbucks

By Metro Times 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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