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Before moving to Ann Arbor, I worried about what my coffee options would look like. Growing up in a family that loved coffee, located in a city that loved coffee, I was quite spoiled. Luckily, when I got here I discovered there were ample places to choose from, so I made it my mission to try as many as I could. How am I qualified to talk about coffee? I could say that I worked one summer as a barista, but really I’m no expert, I’m just passionate. Here are some of my favorite coffee spots on or around campus.

RoosRoast Coffee

Located on East Liberty and also a second location on Rosewood Street, Roos is an Ann Arbor favorite. Their beans make for amazing gifts and are used at many of the other coffee shops in town. For fall, they have this incredible special, the Autumn Harvest Latte, which is a perfect blend of coffee with chai spices that keeps me coming back for more. I also love their breakfast food and baked goods. I am a big fan of their cold brew – especially the hot chocolate cold brew. 

UMMA Cafe

Just inside the University of Michigan Museum of Art (free admission for all!), the UMMA Cafe offers a great place to study and drink your coffee. Enjoy your beverage after looking at art, or stop in just for the drink. I recommend the baked goods and the lavender latte. Even better: Dining Dollars, which are included in all meal plans, are accepted here.

Cahoots Cafe

I found Cahoots by accident while on a walk down East Huron. After trying it, I immediately had to show all of my friends. The people working here are so kind, and the coffee is just as wonderful. The inside is modern and also used as a shared study space. I love their lavender latte and their cafe miel, and they also have some great fall drinks right now!

South Quad

Located on East Madison, South Quad is a great option for those looking for a more affordable place to get coffee. This was always my favorite place to stop for a drink when I had a dining plan. The dining hall offers ample different seating options, great people watching, and lots of varieties of food to choose from.

Lab Cafe

Off of East Liberty, Lab boasts wonderful outdoor and indoor seating (for vaccinated guests). They sell amazing coffees and teas, as well as wine and cute trinkets. My favorite item on the menu is the lavender honey latte (which uses just the right amount of syrup), and I also love their peanut butter oatmeal bar.

Comet Coffee

Located inside of Nickels Arcade, Comet Coffee is a must-visit. It may be small on the inside, and the menu is not extensive, but they make up for it in taste. The drip coffee selection offers flavor options for everyone, and the mochas perfectly balance chocolate and coffee. They also offer delicious baked goods. 

Vertex Coffee Roasters

On the corner of South University and Washtenaw, this spot is great for studying or pretending to study, but really just people watching. They sell their own roasted beans and also offer amazing mochas. Check out their website for their events, which are now virtual due to COVID.

Drip House Coffee Co.

Right on Main Street, directly across from the Big House, is Drip House Coffee. While it might be a bit out of the way for me to get to, it is always worth the trek. They have delicious pastries, crepes, and sandwiches – I highly recommend the Caprese Panini. As far as drinks go, I love the Hi Honey Latte (honey vanilla latte) or the Minty Smooth Drip (mint mocha).

Argus Farm Stop

With locations on Packard and also on West Liberty, Argus is very different from the other previously mentioned cafes. They consider themselves a “year-round everyday farmers market” with food, drinks, t-shirts, and fun little items that you can purchase. Order a drink after shopping, and you will not be disappointed. I am a big fan of their chai!

Hyperion Coffee

A new shop located off of West Liberty with surprisingly affordable prices for barista-spun coffee and drinks. A seasonal favorite has to be the pumpkin spice latte (I recommend substituting oat milk!), but I cannot wait to try the cortado. Heads up for students who hope to study: The space is usually packed and standing room only.

These are just some of the fantastic coffee options located in our town. As a student, I love that Ann Arbor offers so many locations to get my caffeine fix. The cafes listed above are wonderful sites for studying, meeting up with friends, reading on your own, getting a warm drink on a cold day, or enjoying delicious baked goods. While Starbucks and Sweetwaters are great too, it’s nice to support local businesses, so I hope you stop by one of these shops and try a new drink!