Hot Brews in the City: 12 Grand Rapids Coffee Shops for Caffeine Lovers

Feature image courtesy of Mudpenny and their welcoming spirit.

Starbucks, You’ve Got Nothing on these Grand Rapids Coffee Shops

Grand Rapids may be Beer City, USA, but in my book, it’s Coffee City, USA. In this town, you don’t have to go far to find a solid brew, which is excellent news for anyone searching for the perfect latte, cortado, or pour-over.

Whether you need a caffeine fix en route to the office, want to rock a co-working sesh, get some face time with a friend, or take the whole fam (Yeah, you heard me! Coffee shops are fun with kids.) — we’ve jotted some notes about our fav spots to help you find your next delicious sip.

The Best Grand Rapids Coffee Near You

Madcap Coffee Coffee Shop:

Downtown Market Location

Ask a local for a coffee shop rec and Madcap Coffee will likely be the answer. Around since 2008, Madcap has three West Michigan locations, including one in the Downtown Market. In the dead of winter, nothing beats the warmth of a Cafe Miel while you sit in the Market Greenhouse. It’s the next best thing to a tropical vacation…trust me.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? On-site parking lot. First 30 minutes free.

Pro Tip: Take a peek behind the scenes with their Monthly Roastery Tours. $25 gets you a brewed coffee, Madcap glass, 12oz bag of coffee, tour, roasting demo, and hands-on tasting experience.

Madcap is found at 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503

Outside Coffee Co. Coffee Shop

Ever since Outside Coffee Co. started slinging coffee out of a vintage camper (and now a food truck), Instagram has never been the same. A coffee shop that embraces the outdoors, all their seating is in their picture-perfect garden. Come in warm-weather months to hang in a hammock, but don’t let cold weather stop you from visiting. Their geodomes and cozy firepits in the wintertime make my heart skip a beat.

Good for getting work done? No

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Metered Street Parking

Pro Tip: Kids (And us big kids, too.) think the Brother Bear Hot Cocoa with Mokaya Chocolate is the bomb dot com.

Outside Coffee Co is found at 734 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503

Coffee Shop at Mudpenny

Located down the street from Founders Brewing Co., Mudpenny has got it going on. Their renovated space in a building that’s been around for over a century offers two dining spaces, a full coffee bar, and a kitchen that serves up great eats. Sticking to a Keto, vegan, or gluten-free diet? Mudpenny is where it’s at for food (and coffee) for any special dietary needs.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking lot, free

Pro Tip: Double the pleasure, double the fun. A second Mudpenny location is opening in Ada Village in early 2020.

MudPenny is found at 570 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503

Coffee Shop: Wildroast Coffee

Wildroast Coffee is a triple-threat. A sweet coffee shop vibe, out-of-this-world lattes, and friendly baristas make it the perfect place to settle in and bang out that to-do list. Dying for some adult convo? Wildroast is a kid-friendly spot. Invite some mom friends, bring the kids, grab a Field & Fire Bakery treat, and settle in with something caffeinated (You know you need it!).

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking lot, free

Pro Tip: They offer a private meeting space at no charge. Call them up to book it.

Wildroast Coffee is found at 4035 Chicago Dr SW. Grandville MI 49418

Coffee Shop: The 205 Coffee Bar

Nail the perfect selfie in front of The 205 Coffee Bar’s mural and then pop inside to check out their menu — Cappuccino? Cocktail? Spirited Steamer? Yup, you read that right. After 11 AM, you can #treatyoself to an adult bevvie like “The Voice of Reason” (Amaretto, Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, vanilla, steamed milk, and cinnamon whip cream). Close to the Hope College campus, The 205 Coffee Bar is the place to be, so if you’re in a hurry, place your order online and have your caffeine fix ready and waiting.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking lot and street parking, free.

Pro Tip: Two words. Brazen. Latte. The secret ingredient that makes it so good? Cayenne pepper. Don’t be a chicken…just give it a try.

The 205 Coffee Bar is found at 205 Columbia Ave, Holland MI 49423

Coffee Shop: Sparrows Coffee

Bright red coffee cups, plants hanging in macrame holders and wood floors that creak a little. Sparrows Coffee is where I’ve lost track of time catching up with a friend more than a time or two. They’re also a solid post-dinner spot if you’re looking to linger over a steamy cup of bliss with that special someone.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Metered Street Parking

Pro Tip: The Major Major is the latte you didn’t know you needed. Made with sweetened condensed milk & caramel, your tastebuds are gonna high-five you for this choice.

Sparrows Coffee is found at 1035 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506

Coffee Shop: Rise Authentic Baking Co. + Squibb Coffee

What do you get when you pair an allergy conscious bakery (Rise Authentic Baking Co.) with one of Grand Rapids’ favorite coffee shops (Squibb Coffee)? Perfection. If you’re thinking “allergy conscious” equals bland, you’d be dead wrong. From donuts to yum tarts (my personal go-to) and Americanos to Tea Lattes, Rise + Squibb are a match made in heaven.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking behind building and street parking, free

Pro Tip: This cozy space means nabbing a table can be tricky. Don’t mind stretching your legs? Head to the hallway where there’s a counter you can stand at. Nice weather? Head out back to their patio space and mural (a great Instagramable background for your latte art shot).

Rise Authentic Baking Co is found at 1220 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids MI 49504

Coffee Shop: Side Bar Artisan Coffee

A Grand Haven gem, Side Bar Artisan Coffee has won me (and my kids!) over. Their space is warm and welcoming, but also big enough to spread out with your brew and a board game. Side Bar Artisan Coffee serves Madcap coffee and has a handful of signature lattes, but the real show-stoppers are their Artisan Hot Chocolates: Lucky Mellow, S’mores, and a rotating Seasonal creation. Get here...you won’t regret it.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking behind building and street parking, free

Pro Tip: Side Bar Artisan Coffee occasionally hosts Children + Coffee Tuesday events. Bring the kids for an activity while you enjoy a coffee. Follow them on Instagram to find out when the next one will be.

Side Bar Artisan Coffee is found at 41 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven MI 49417

Coffee Shop at Le Bon Macaron

Adventure to Paris (no passport required) when you visit Le Bon Macaron. This v charming spot is ideal for an outing with your gal pals. Nibble a Marie Antoinette Cake Batter Macaron, sip a Lavender Latte, and let time slip away. This is the best form of self-care, friends.

Good for getting work done? No

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Metered street parking

Pro Tip: For the ultimate indulgence, order a Macaron + Ice Cream Sundae.

Le Bon Macaron is found at 951 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids MI 49506

Coffee Shop at New Hotel Mertens Bakery

I have a thing for tile floors. And pastries. And a smooth cup of batch brew. If you’re thinking “Same, girl same,” then New Hotel Mertens Bakery is a must. French breads and pastries are made in-house and their own “The Mertens Blend” by Sparrows Coffee is a delight. And don’t let the early-19th century building confuse you...they have modern amenities like seating with power outlets and wifi.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Metered street parking

Pro Tip: Need something more substantial than a pastry? New Hotel Mertens Bakery has a breakfast & lunch menu and serves dinner & dessert in the cafe from 2PM - close.

New Hotel Mertens Bakery is found at 35 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503

Coffee Shop: Lyon St. Cafe

A popular neighborhood spot, Lyon St. Cafe, is next door to Nantucket Baking Company and a hop, skip and a jump from Martha’s Vineyard. Their vanilla lattes are the talk of the town. Want to switch things up? They have craft beer and wine flights, too.

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? No

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Onsite parking lot and street parking, free

Pro Tip: Snagging a seat may be a challenge in the mornings and on weekends. Come in the evening (They’re open til 9 PM) and usually you’ll have your pick of a place to sit.

Lyon St. Cafe is found at 617 Lyon St. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503

Coffee Shop: Jam N’ Bean

Ada Location

“The next generation of Craft coffee houses,” Jam N’ Bean has three locations (Ada, Cascade, and Downtown Grand Rapids). Feeling extra? Give their S’mores Latte a try. Or mix things up with an organic loose leaf tea (They have 36 to choose from!).

Good for getting work done? Yes

Good place for a meeting? Yes

Kid-friendly? Yes

Parking? Street parking, free

Pro Tip: Put your feet up by the fireplace or watch their roaster when it’s in action. Plus they have a loyalty program.