12 Best Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids, Michigan
It’s common knowledge that Grand Rapids is Michigan’s best city for good coffee. Whether you plan your travels around coffee, or you simply want to visit a nice cafe, the Grand Rapids coffee scene won’t let you down. Over years of visiting, I’ve tested out the best coffee shops in Grand Rapids.
A few weeks ago, though, on assignment with Barista Magazine, I set myself the goal of a “coffee day trip” to Grand Rapids. The idea was simple: one day to research and taste-test all of Grand Rapids’ best coffee shops.
Now, I didn’t thoroughly think through the reaction my body might have to over a dozen cups of coffee in an eight hour time span. Learning experience. This was a ‘don’t try this at home, folks,’ type situation.
Anyway, my caffeine-jitters were a worthwhile sacrifice in order to bring you this article on the best coffee shops in Grand Rapids!
Try out a few on your own day trip, or better yet, plan a longer trip to Grand Rapids and explore all this city has to offer!
RELATED | A Winter Stay at Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids
12 Best Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy atmosphere to work on your laptop, top-notch single origin coffee, unique coffee experiences, or simply some high quality caffeine… these coffee shops in Grand Rapids won’t let you down!
1. Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar
Squibb serves up high quality coffee from Michigan-based Populace coffee roasters. In addition to coffee, Squibb also recently obtained a liquor license and are serving wine in their classy cafe atmosphere.
You can also grab a gourmet grilled cheese, bougie toast, or shared platter, along with Rise Authentic Baking’s vegan and gluten free baked goods.
955 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 9am-6pm
2. Rise + Squibb
Rise + Squibb is my personal favorite of the coffee shops in Grand Rapids. A new collaboration in 2019, this West Grand Rapids cafe is 100% gluten free and vegan, and a collaboration between Rise Authentic Baking and Squibb Coffee.
Visit Rise + Squibb for the fabulous Squibb coffee, along with a seemingly endless array of gluten free and vegan treats (think poptarts, cookies, donuts, cakes, and so much more).
1220 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Monday-Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday-Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday 9am-7pm
3. Lyon Street Cafe
Located in the historic Hill-Midtown neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Lyon Street Cafe has a perfect combination of the airy hipster atmosphere, mixed with a homey community feel.
You know the coffee is good because they use beans from local roaster (and nationwide favorite) Madcap Coffee. It’s an ideal hangout for a small bite to eat, or an afternoon of laptop work or studying.
617 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm
RELATED | A Winter Stay at Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids
4. Madcap
Many people would consider Madcap as 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 its coffee quality, and its outstanding baristas.
Madcap is well-known as a coffee roaster – the owners travel much of the year to coffee origins, cultivating relationships with farmers. The result is ethically-sourced, high quality roasts that can be purchased by individuals, or other cafes nationwide.
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.
However, one thing to note is that Madcap focuses almost solely on lighter roasts, so if this isn’t your preference I would either choose a specialty drink, or head elsewhere for your java.
Check Madcap locations and hours here.
5. Field & Fire Cafe
Field & Fire is a little cafe that was first recommended to me by the baristas at Madcap, as their own personal favorite coffee shop in Grand Rapids.
Built as an expansion to Field & Fire’s original wood-fired bakery, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch made from whole, organic ingredients, as well as really really good coffee…made from none other than Madcap’s roasted beans.
820 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Monday-Friday 7am-3pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-3pm
6. Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.
When mentioning the Grand Rapids coffee greats, it is also necessary to pay homage to Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. Since 1924, Ferris has been roasting in Grand Rapids. Yep, roasting both coffee beans and nuts!
You can purchase your own personal Ferris roasts from their headquarters or one of their Grand Rapids coffee shops. Ferris also supplies other cafes across the city and country, and even makes their own (super yummy!) cashew-almond nut milk.
My own 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 Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. locations and hours here.
7. Rowster Coffee
Rowster (pronounced roaster – who doesn’t love a good pun) is another Grand Rapids coffee shop/roaster combo.
They definitely have a young, hip vibe, but that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in roasting finesse. Rowster roasts from their Steven Street location, and has three coffee shops across town. Their most popular blend is the ‘milky way.’
Check Rowster locations and hours here.
RELATED | How to Spend a Weekend in Detroit
8. Outside Coffee Co.
Outside Coffee Co. is one of the most unique coffee shops in Grand Rapids. True to its name, it is literally an outside coffee shop.
Located in a public garden off of Woosah outdoor and lifestyle shop, Outside Coffee Co. serves coffee from a vintage camper. They use Ferris Coffee & Nut. beans, keeping the coffee love within the Grand Rapids family. The best part of this coffee shop is that it is open year-round, no matter the weather!
I have enjoyed coffee here in the height of summer, swinging from a hammock, as well as the depths of winter, from one of their heated igloos!
For the most unusual coffee experience in all of Grand Rapids, you need to visit Outside Coffee Co.
734 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Spring/Summer/Fall : 7am – 9pm everyday. Winter : 7am – 7pm everyday.
9. The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newstand
The Sparrows is yet another adorable specialty coffee shop in Grand Rapids, serving up its own roasted coffee. With its wood flooring and paneling, abundance of indoor plants, and genial baristas, it is an especially cozy pick among the many coffee shops in Grand Rapids.
It is also the perfect spot if you are traveling with tea drinkers, as they carry an extensive collection of teas, including bubble tea!
1035 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506
Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm
10. Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge
For another cozy coffee shop in Grand Rapids, head to much-loved Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge in downtown.
The old building has been refurbished with a wide-open basement that cafe-goers can descend to, to enjoy their drinks among plush couches and chairs. Like Squibb Coffee, Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge uses Michigan-based roaster Populace Coffee as a supplier.
The baristas serve up a variety of drinks, including specialty drinks, and there are also baked goods for sale, including Rise Authentic Baking gluten free and vegan options.
100 Commerce Ave SW, 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 their own beans in-house, but also takes steps to source sustainably and ethically.
Here, you can grab a quality cup of coffee, and know that each part of the coffee supply chain has been respected. The baristas are also highly skilled, having competed in the US Barista Championships in years past.
I also have to mention that I particularly love Stovetop for their quirky ‘swaddle your hound’ movement. Not only does their signature roast come with an illustration of a dog wrapped in a blanket, but they regularly run competitions on their instagram where you can swaddle your own dog, in hopes of winning some coffee-related prizes.
944 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Monday-Sunday 7am-6pm
12. The Bitter End Coffeehouse
And finally, when in West Grand Rapids I recommend checking out The Bitter End Coffeehouse, an understated cafe situated between Rowster and Rise + Squibb.
Here, you can avoid any pretentious atmosphere that some third-wave cafes seem to radiate.
If you are visiting Grand Rapids during the Art Prize festival, be sure to check out The Bitter End, which has been an art location every year of the festival. You can still see some Art Prize art, created by a former Bitter End employee, hanging in the cafe.
And carrying the title as Grand Rapids’ only coffee shop that is open 24/7, this is also the ideal stop for a midnight brew.
752 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
RELATED | A Quirky Michigan Bucket List for Every Type of Adventure
Where to Stay in Grand Rapids
I really recommend an overnight stay for first timers to Grand Rapids. There is so much to see and do in this city (yes, even beyond the coffee!).
I’ve previously stayed in the Grand Plaza Hotel which is an experience in and of itself – definitely a more upscale option but it’s worth it. See my review for full details!
Here are some other accommodation options in Grand Rapids:
- JW Marriott ($$): A reliable brand with a great downtown location in Grand Rapids.
- CityFlats Hotel ($$-$$$): An eco-friendly hotel with local Michigan-sourced products!
Your Map to the Best Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids
I’ve pinpointed all of these coffee shops on the map below. Simply open this post and find what coffee shop is most convenient for your Grand Rapids hotel, day trip, or planned activities! However, I do think all of these coffee shops are worth going out of your way for!
Did I miss a cafe? Let me know in the comments below, if so! And of course, enjoy your coffee 🙂