Coffee in Metro Detroit (Part II – the Inner Suburbs)
In Part I of my multiple part series, I covered coffeehouses in Detroit proper. Today, I’d like to run over a few of my favorite coffeehouses in the “inner ring” suburbs of Detroit. Read after the jump for the short reviews
Grab a Java Jefferson east of Alter Rd in Grosse Pointe Park
This place makes damn good iced mochas. Seriously. The best iced mochas in the universe. Also, the staff here is pretty nice, they have free and fairly fast wifi and the coffee ain’t bad. This is usually where I go when I am at home since it’s within walking distance of anyone who lives in the cabbage patch in Grosse Pointe.
Java Hut 9 Mile West of Woodward in Ferndale
I’ve spent the last few nights working from here. The coffee isn’t bad and the place is usually pretty busy. The only problem is that the free wifi sucks. There is this kid that sits in the front of the coffeehouse and downloads movies and stuff, effectively sucking all of the available bandwidth. The staff doesn’t seem to do anything about him and the Internet is rendered mostly useless.. It’s nice when they open the doors and there is a breeze through the place.
The Looney Baker Farmington Road and I-96 in Livonia
It’s not really a coffeehouse (more like a diner/deli) but they have the most efficient coffee drive-through in all of Metro Detroit and the coffee tastes like donuts sometimes. Also, they have delicious donuts. I doubt they have free wifi.
Caribou Coffee Main St. in Royal Oak and Kercheval St in Grosse Pointe
Caribou is a chain coffee place but it’s way nicer than Starbucks and all of the locations have free wifi that is usually fairly fast even though the place is busy. Plus, I know the staff at the Grosse Pointe location and the manager at the Royal Oak location.
I like the Caribou Coffee in Royal Oak alot, admittedly yes for the free wifi, but also to just people watch. I was sitting there not too long ago when these two guys were out on a date, and I’d overhear their conversation, trying to get to know each other, it was awfully cute. In that same night I was there, three girls were at a table speaking another language, which was incredibly hot, when a crazy old guy saw them from the outside, came in, and tried to talk to them and make conversation. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen someone thrown out of a coffee house!
I was just at the Caribou coffee in Grosse Pointe and the atmosphere, staff, and convenient parking choices are all welcome in addition to the fare and free wi-fi.
Tom, thank you for reporting on one of my favourite social establishments.