clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A cafe with a robin’s egg blue bar.
Ypsilanti’s Cream & Crumb.
John Reyes

An Essential Guide to Ann Arbor Coffee Bars

Vital spots for a caffeine fix around Tree City

View as Map
Ypsilanti’s Cream & Crumb.
| John Reyes

There’s a reason why coffee shops are often referred to as “third spaces.” They do much more than deliver a rich, earthy flavored jolt. A good cafe hits many notes from serving as a gathering spot to lounge with friends to get some work done outside the office or even listen to live music.

Ann Arbor, being a college town, has many great independent coffee houses that not only dispense the caffeine students crave, but also provide a great atmosphere for customers. A few shops are even roasting their own beans. So, for coffee fiends looking to kickstart to a new day or fuel a late-night study session, here’s where to drink coffee in Tree Town (and a few in Ypsi, too) right now.

Did we miss your favorite coffee shop? Let us know in the comments or at the tipline. Map points are arranged west to east, never ranked.

Next Read: Where to Dine and Drink in Ann Arbor

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

19 Drips Coffee & Tea

Copy Link

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.

Shinola

Copy Link

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 Cafe and Kitchen Ann Arbor

Copy Link

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.  

The bar at Avalon features an orange espresso machine and chalk menu boards. Avalon International Breads [Courtesy photo]

Literati Coffee

Copy Link

Coffee pairs just as well with books as it does with pastries and Literati Coffee has both. As part of the very popular namesake bookstore, this brightly lit space also hosts book signings, poetry readings, and other scholarly events.  

A narrow cafe with plants, wooden bookshelves, and a small espresso bar with a bright white espresso machine. Literati Coffee [Official photo]

Lab Cafe

Copy Link

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.

Comet Coffee

Copy Link

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. 

Vertex Coffee Roasters

Copy Link

This sun splashed coffee spot is located in the busy South U area — a convenient address for both university students and townies alike. Coffee flights are available as are canned flash-chilled coffee to take on the go.

A latte in an espresso-style glass tumbler sits on a table in front of a gray wall with a sign for Vertex. John Reyes

The Songbird Cafe

Copy Link

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.

RoosRoast Coffee

Copy Link

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. 

Barista’s stand behind a wooden bar surrounded by plywood walls and brown paper menu boards as customers place orders. John Reyes

Zingerman's Coffee Company

Copy Link

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.

Cross Street Coffee

Copy Link

With its historic building, vintage roaster, and DIY aesthetic, Cross Street brings a lot of character and charm to downtown Ypsilanti. The Cafe Diablo is a delicious mocha with espresso, chocolate, and a healthy hint of cayenne pepper heat. 

Cream & Crumb

Copy Link

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.

A chocolate macaron with chocolate drizzle and a pink macaron sit on a white patterned plate next to a fork. John Reyes

Cultivate Coffee and Tap House

Copy Link

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. 

Customers stand at the bar below blown glass pendant lights and drink beer while working on computers at communal tables inside Cultivate Coffee and Tap House. John Reyes

Hyperion Coffee Co

Copy Link

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. 

A white coffee mug with a Hyperion logo sits on a wood bar. John Reyes

19 Drips Coffee & Tea

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.

Shinola

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 Cafe and Kitchen Ann Arbor

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.  

The bar at Avalon features an orange espresso machine and chalk menu boards. Avalon International Breads [Courtesy photo]

Literati Coffee

Coffee pairs just as well with books as it does with pastries and Literati Coffee has both. As part of the very popular namesake bookstore, this brightly lit space also hosts book signings, poetry readings, and other scholarly events.  

A narrow cafe with plants, wooden bookshelves, and a small espresso bar with a bright white espresso machine. Literati Coffee [Official photo]

Lab Cafe

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.

Comet Coffee

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. 

Vertex Coffee Roasters

This sun splashed coffee spot is located in the busy South U area — a convenient address for both university students and townies alike. Coffee flights are available as are canned flash-chilled coffee to take on the go.

A latte in an espresso-style glass tumbler sits on a table in front of a gray wall with a sign for Vertex. John Reyes

The Songbird Cafe

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.

RoosRoast Coffee

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. 

Barista’s stand behind a wooden bar surrounded by plywood walls and brown paper menu boards as customers place orders. John Reyes

Zingerman's Coffee Company

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.

Cross Street Coffee

With its historic building, vintage roaster, and DIY aesthetic, Cross Street brings a lot of character and charm to downtown Ypsilanti. The Cafe Diablo is a delicious mocha with espresso, chocolate, and a healthy hint of cayenne pepper heat. 

Cream & Crumb

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.

A chocolate macaron with chocolate drizzle and a pink macaron sit on a white patterned plate next to a fork. John Reyes

Cultivate Coffee and Tap House

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. 

Customers stand at the bar below blown glass pendant lights and drink beer while working on computers at communal tables inside Cultivate Coffee and Tap House. John Reyes

Hyperion Coffee Co

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. 

A white coffee mug with a Hyperion logo sits on a wood bar. John Reyes

Related Maps