In Ann Arbor, cafes represent more than just a place to grab a coffee. Between the relaxing music playlist, the standout interior décor, the peaceful environments, and delicious foods, cafes can become study halls, date spots or simply a place to hang out to pass the time. And with being located right be the university, study spots are certainly in high demand. This article will highlight cafes around town that are great for you to relax, vibe out and enjoy a soothing beverage while doing some work.
Whether the shop is in Ann Arbor’s cityscape like Lab Café or in the lo-fi haven near The Big House like The Drip House, Ann Arbor always has a tasty drink waiting for you and snacks with your name on it.
Shinola Ann Arbor Store
The Shinola café lounges in the basement of the Ann Arbor Shinola store. This coffee shop is dimly lit with an atmosphere that’s more of a speakeasy than a cafe set to serve a delicious latte, highlighted by playing vinyl records. Stop here to enjoy the wide range of music, high-end furniture and a peaceful setting.
301 S Main St, Ann Arbor. 734-389-7013.
Misfit Society Coffee Club
Misfit Society features its own locally roasted brand of coffee called the “Misfit Society Coffee,” for those looking to get their work done, the cafe’s interior atmosphere is modern, stylish and colorful. This café will captivate you and help you relax while you finish your work.
615 E. University Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-263-2228
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters, while being a chain, is a place designed for you to hang out. Enjoy their toasty coffee options and one of their many pastry treats. Their spacious interior and downtown location are perfect for enjoying the crisp Michigan fall while you work on your latest project.
123 W. Washington St, Ann Arbor. 734-769-2331.
The Drip House
The Drip House, across from the U-M Big House, is a stunning café with a constant stream of relaxing and amazing music oozing from the speakers. In addition to the smooth and sleek interior, this café has an extensive menu, from filling foods like its bagel sandwiches to its traditional drink menu, which features a host of lattes and iced coffees.
1336 S Main St, Ann Arbor. 734-800-4135.
Vertex Coffee Roasters
Vertex Coffee prioritizes the U-M community experience. Being located just off the corner of S. University, this coffee shop features scenic outdoor seating that’s visually pleasing to match the warm and cozy atmosphere you will experience while trying their plethora of coffees and teas.
1335 S. University Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-780-7060.
Lab Café
Lab Café is a relaxation destination. Featuring a charming café setting while smooth music radiates across the room, this café encourages you to take a step away from the often-busy Ann Arbor streets to enjoy freshly made pastries or their wide selection of breakfast sandwiches.
505 E. Liberty St. #300, Ann Arbor. 734-827-2233.
Ann Arbor Coffee Roasting Company
Directly from U-M’s main campus, Ann Arbor Coffee is one of the easiest places to reach from the University. This coffee shop provides a modern interior, with a quaint menu designed to enjoy a traditional café food experience featuring a line of coffee drinks like their black cat Nitro coffee.
324 S. State St, Ann Arbor.
Hyperion Coffee Co – Ann Arbor
Hyperion is a coffee shop with a picturesque interior that blends the small-town aesthetic of a quiet, neat café while being placed in the heart of Ann Arbor’s main street. While its menu consists of traditional café items, its atmosphere is worth checking out for the pleasant music and easy-going atmosphere.
111 W. Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-510-0398.
Poindexter Coffee
The Graduate Ann Arbor Hotel, one of the city’s premiere lodges, hosts Poindexter Coffee. This café offers the comfort of a hotel lobby with the pleasantries of your favorite café. From baked goods to heart-warming teas, this shop helps you ease into your work or catch up with friends over coffee. Its Ann Arbor-inspired surroundings are designed for your comfort.
615 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor. 734-510-0398.
Black Diesel Coffee
Black Diesel Coffee is spacious, delicious and the right environment for those who enjoy the modern café atmosphere. From its interior decoration, which boasts inviting wooden tables and well-lit comforting brick walls, to its versatile menu, which ranges from food items like breakfast burritos to draft kombucha, Black Diesel can become your new favorite café.
1423 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor. 734-436-8355.
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Antonio Cooper is a freelance journalist from Detroit, Michigan. His coverage of music festivals and interviews with local celebrities appeared in The E-Current Magazine, The Detroit Metro Times, XXL Magazine, RichMagDigital, The Ann Arbor Observer, and Pop Magazine.
