5 Coffee Shops When You Need a Sweet Escape
Visit these 5 cozy coffee shops in Ann Arbor
By Olivia Meyers, Nicole Denha, and Melanie Ermler
What better way to escape from the stuffiness of the classrooms or the dreariness of the libraries than by enjoying a freshly brewed coffee, a yummy pastry, and a cozy ambience? Whether you need a fresh cup of coffee to help you get through the day, a change in environment to carry out your studies, or a place to decompress from the stresses of university life, these coffee shops in Ann Arbor are definitely the place to visit. The coffee shops we’ve mapped out below will satisfy all caffeine cravings. Additionally, each possess unique environments: whether you need a quiet, hidden spot to work or escape from stress, or a more open environment to work with friends, these shops have you covered!
1. Teaspressa (414 S Main St.): For a boost of creativity and positivity
Stepping into Teaspressa, it is easy to be captivated by the cleanliness, positive energy, and naturalistic environment. Originally on Shark Tank, the cafe has grown to represent the owner’s dream and passion for a healthy lifestyle. Teaspressa’s menu, however, pushes the boundaries of your typical cafe. Teaspressa offers a wide selection of coffees, teas and tea sets, retail, pastries, sugars, flavor enhancing drops, and creative latte art. Combined with a rich display of plant life, Teaspressa creates an empowering oasis vibe. Teaspressa’s modern and sleek branding on its own separates itself from most cafes. Additionally, weekly yoga classes (done at the cafe) and special events such as “cookie decorating,” “sip and shop,” and “paint and party” support Teaspressa’s uniqueness, earning its place as a must-go destination in the downtown Ann Arbor area.
2. Lab Cafe (505 E Liberty): For self-care with good aesthetics and healthful alternatives
Lab Cafe’s smaller space creates the perfect intimate setting for those trying to work, listen to the cafe’s relaxing and soulful playlists, sip drinks with friends, and enjoy delicious breakfast options. Lab Cafe differentiates itself from most cafes in the surrounding area by staying committed to accommodating all taste buds. In particular, the cafe offers a wide variety of non-dairy milks and gluten free pastries and desserts, such as macaroons and frozen yogurt, generating a welcoming place to all customers. Be sure to keep an eye out for the lattes of the week, as one will most likely be unable to find such uniquely formulated and prepared drinks so rich in flavor at any other cafe in the area. If coffees, lattes, and teas are not preferred, Lab has also supported its reputability on its selection of wines and beers.
3. Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea (604 E Liberty St. | 123 W Washington St. | 407 N Fifth Avenue): A spot for a sweet escape
Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea was founded in Ann Arbor by University of Michigan alum. There are three Ann Arbor locations, but the brand has expanded all across the nation. Sweetwaters has all of the necessities: espresso drinks, different coffee mixes, large selection of both hot and iced teas, and a food menu including pastries, desserts, and savory items. Though a huge success, it still has not lost its small-town integrity. The inside is decorated with that typical Ann Arbor look: red brick walls and warm, drop down lighting. Even the outdoor looks like a charming little shop one finds in those small beach towns on the Western side of Michigan. It is perfect for those who enjoy the busyness and the anonymity of the typical coffee shop mold, but want a more homey and wholesome environment.
4. Literati Coffee (204 S Fourth Avenue): To make studying as cozy as cuddling up with a good book
Literati Coffee is in the upstairs space of Literati Bookstore in downtown Ann Arbor. Literati is a charming bookstore with a contemporary twist, with trendy decor and marketing that appeals to college students. To get to the coffee shop, you have to walk through shelves and shelves of overstocked books to a staircase in the back of the store. Upstairs opens up to a small space with a full coffee bar and tables and chairs overlooking Washington Street and 4th Avenue. The space is small, quiet, and intimate, and truly feels like a secret hideaway. Literati Coffee is perfect for a getaway from the busyness on campus and for a relaxed vibe.
5. Mighty Good Coffee (217 N Main St. | 1335 S University | 3010 Washtenaw Ave): For social stimulation
Mighty Good Coffee has three locations around the Ann Arbor area, with the downtown location serving as a prime location for students due to its proximity to campus and abundance of study spots. Not only is there a full brew bar that brews beans from select farms, mills, and co-ops that are visited to ensure they are grown ethically, but Mighty Good Coffee also serves pastries and nutritional snacks. At its large seating area, meetups between friends or study sessions are typically taking place. This larger environment paired with the pretty brick walls, bright lighting, light chatter, and chill music is the perfect spot for those students that need to break free from the gloominess of their dorms, classrooms, or libraries.
Most students know the feeling of writer’s block, boredom, or when you just canNOT spend one more second on campus. Coffee shops in general pose the perfect balance: out in the community (where there are windows!), flat surfaces to lay out all of your work, and refreshments on command. Furthermore, these five specific coffee nooks are close to campus and are perfectly suited for any mood. Go ahead and give these places a try!
Photo credits: Teapresssa, courtesy Teaspressa; Lab Cafe courtesy Lab Cafe; Sweetwaters and Literati by Melanie Ermier; Mighty Good by Nicole Denha.