Sips in the City
From an espresso shot to a matcha latte with coconut cold foam. Check out my list of foodie-approved coffee shops which I frequent around Metro Detroit.
One thing about Detroit is that we love a good coffee shop. I love watching how the Black-owned coffee shop in my neighborhood has fostered community and brought revitalization by transforming one corner. As a full-time entrepreneur, coffee shops can act as a third space, creating the space and opportunity to foster new creative projects, small businesses, and community efforts. When I’m not in the kitchen, my favorite habit is finding a local coffee shop to get all my thoughts on paper or catch up on emails. I’m even writing this kitchen journal to you from Detroit, Rosa- so many great outlets and views from Grand River.
I wanted to share a list of my favorite coffee shops to get to it, meaning: pulling out my laptop, Bible, recipe book, or even a meeting with a client.
Just like everything else, the price of coffee and matcha are always fluctuating. Try to always shop small and respect the prices of your favorite latte. And tip your baristas!
La Ventana
From the cutest patio, the bleacher-style seating area, to the U-shaped bar, I fell in love with La Ventana from my first visit. Located on Gratiot near Eastern Market, the coffee shop is intimate and usually quiet- except when they’re having an occasional event such as a matcha tasting or their coffee raves. The croissants from Cannelle were perfect with my matcha, of course.
Alba Coffee
This coffee shop on Michigan Avenue near Corktown offers substainable, and ethically source coffee to the community and local espresso from Anthology Coffee (another favorite, the best PSL ever). I love that on Thursday nd Friday nights, they offer a night cafe with DJ sets and local radio stations to provide a community space which doesn’t require alcohol. (8p-Midnight)
The Rose Cafe
The Rose Cafe by Bakri Coffee Roasters is the cutest coffee and floral shop located on Telegraph in Dearborn Heights. It’s the perfect cafe to visit with a homegirl for a good ki or treat yourself for a dilly dally moment. I went for my birthday and got the coffee and bouquet combo, and it was the cutest thing ever. Aside from the aesthetics, the coffee and matcha are good and I’d highly suggest trying them soon.
Detroit Brew-ti-Ful
Okay, I may be a little biased because it’s walking distance from me, but I love Detroit Brew-ti-ful! I enjoy coming in and seeing neighbors and, of course, the owner, Mrs. Beverly. Located in Detroit’s District 7, this cafe is the perfect place to host a community meeting, Zoom call, or work on small business admin duties. The chicken salad on croissant is one of my favorites, paired with either a peach strawberry smoothie or a strawberry matcha latte.
Dose. Detroit
If I could sum up Dose. in three ways, it would be: coffee, plants, and the greatest house music playlist. Located in Detroit’s Midtown community, there’s a coffee shop that has plants and the perfect amount of lighting, outlets, and cozy seating for someone looking for space to work or meet a friend or partner. They have a food menu with delicious toasts, pastries, and sandwich options and offer event space rental!
Craig’s Coffee
Probably one of my favorites! And not because Homegirl Kitchen frequents for pop-ups lol. Craig started his launch in Detroit as a substainable coffee roaster, which means he knows great coffee. Located in Midtown, Craig’s offers drip coffee, espresso drinks, teas, and seasonal offerings + breakfast burritos from Tacos Hernandez and occassionally, weekend pastry and breakfast pop ups. You must try the strawberry rhubarb matcha latte. It’s a top matcha on my list of favorite matchas this summer. lol
Mad Nice Goods
Okay, don’t judge but I’ve never actually eaten at Mad Nice. But in the back of the restaurant, there is a coffee shop which sells house-made bagels, pastries, and expensive home goods. Like $75 gold salt + pepper shakers lol. However, a large oatmilk vanilla latte is only around $6 so naturally I try to treat myself at least once a week. You know I love pink and aesthetics, so this is a place I have to bring my homegirls to meet for coffee and take a little stroll around the neighborhood.
Sepia Coffee Poject
Sepia’s mission is to provide communities with access to great and affordable coffee and it does just that. I believe it’s some of the best coffee you’ll find in Detroit. Like, inject the drip coffee into my veins. I loved that as a Black owned coffee roaster, they sought out other Black owned companies- like who knew there were Black woman-owned oat milk brands?? I truly enjoy the richness of every cup of coffee or latte and seeing people like myself behind the espresso machine and also frequently visiting.
Milwaulkee Caffe
If you haven’t visited the cutest little Italian- themed coffee nook located in the Milwaulkee Junction, you’re missing out! I absolutely love their matcha. It’s probably one of my favorites in Detroit and their coffee roastings go well with the pistachio milk offered. It’s attached to a vintage bar set in a building dating back to the 1890s called Kiesling that has an extensive cocktail menu and sometimes a taco truck.
I’m running low so I’ll probably make a part two or talk about matcha specifically next. Thanks for reading and sharing! I don’t get much time to share with you all as I’d like however, always appreciate your support!
