As the only independently owned coffee shop on Ann Arbor’s west side, 19 Drips is quickly becoming a favorite for those in the area looking for a place to relax with a cup of joe or get some work done.  The beans here are roasted in the lighter style typical to the owners’ Yemeni roots.

The Ann Arbor outpost of Detroit’s now-famous purveyors of leather goods, bikes, and stationery has a gorgeous basement cafe. The dimly lit room may not be the best conditions to read a book, but it’s a great place for some cozy solitude or an intimate conversation.

Avalon has all the ingredients for a great cafe — good coffee, a wide selection of breads and pastries, and plenty of comfortable chairs. Live acoustic music also rounds out the classic coffee house experience.  

This Liberty Street cafe is sleek and stylish, with bright white walls and artfully displayed cakes, pastries, and macarons. At night it’s a convenient place to have a beer while waiting for a table at the adjoining Tomukun Noodle Bar. Don’t sleep on Lab’s honey lavender latte.

In addition to basic espresso-based drinks, Comet specializes in pour-over coffees. Space in the shop itself is limited, but its location in the historic, glass-roofed Nickels Arcade gives it plenty of ambiance. 

Songbird’s cozy interior with vintage touches is a relaxing place to enjoy a cup coffee or tea along with a bounty of housemade scones, muffins, cookies, and other pastries. The fig, vanilla, and black pepper latte is an especially intriguing combination of fruit and spice.

John Roos is a legendary local roaster whose approach mirrors the ethos of Ann Arbor itself — organic, homegrown, and often whimsical. From the eclectic decor to the oddball names for the beans, the owner’s personality comes through in all areas of the coffee shop. Stop by on the first Friday of every month for the breakfast burritos. 

Zingerman’s Coffee Bar is tucked away in southside industrial park, next to the Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Creamery. A large “Brew Board” helps coffee drinkers navigate through over a dozen different roasts and seven brewing techniques. Those wishing for a more immersive experience can participate in one of the shop’s monthly “cuppings,” the coffee equivalent of a wine tasting.

This Depot Town dessert place is loaded with charm and is a beautiful place to enjoy a cup of coffee with one of the cafe’s mini cheesecakes or other bakery creations. A wide variety of Michigan-made ice cream is available as well as beer and a line of booze-filled milkshakes.

Communal tables and friendly staff make this airy Depot Town locale a good place to play board games or study. Those who stay long enough can make the switch to one of the cafe’s 30 beers on tap. All tips and profits are donated to various charities committed to fighting hunger. 

Hyperion is an Ypsilanti-based roaster that sources beans directly from independent farmers around the world. Housed in a historic brick building tucked away from the street, this tasting room is great place for aficionados to sample and learn about the freshly-roasted coffees.