11 Must-Try Coffee Shops in Traverse City, MI
Traverse City is the biggest city in Northern Michigan. It’s got fabulous views of Lake Michigan, a lively downtown, and a great coffee scene.
Looking for a chill spot to unwind, meet new people, or grab a cup of joe? This charming city has got you covered.
In this blog post, we will show you some of the best coffee shops in Traverse City. You’ll enjoy brews, snack on delicious goodies, and engage with a local vibe.
From roasters who make small-batch roasters to eclectic cafes, these cafes will make you head over heels for coffee again. Keep reading to learn about the coffee shops you can’t miss in Traverse City.
Coffee Shops in Traverse City
Espresso Bay
Nestled in the bustling heart of Downtown Traverse City, you’ll find the warm and welcoming Espresso Bay. It’s not just a coffee shop – it’s a haven.
Whether you’re looking to kick back by the fireplace, soak up some sun at the outdoor seating, or surf the web with their free Wi-Fi, there’s a spot for you.
Espresso Bay is famous for its unique offerings. They’ve got everything from specialty drinks and hand-roasted coffee to fresh-baked goodies.
But the real star of the menu is the signature Golden Espresso. It’s creamy, smooth, and rich – but never bitter or harsh. You can savor it in various flavors, like Milkyway mochas, caramel lattes, or Bay chillers.
But that’s not all! They also whip up natural fruit smoothies and serve up Italian gelato made fresh daily. Espresso Bay is your go-to spot after a coffee experience that’s out of this world.
And if you can’t make it in person? No worries! You can shop from over 75 blends online or even start a coffee subscription. At Espresso Bay, every day is a little moment of luxury.
Higher Grounds Trading Co.
Check out Higher Grounds, your go-to organic and fair-trade coffee spot. Chris Treter started this place in 2002 after working with coffee farmers in Mexico and getting inspired.
You’ll find them in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, an old hospital complex turned into a historic site.
Higher Grounds is clean inside with many plants and big windows, and you can see the equipment in the back room. Also, the outdoor patio is a great area for you and your furry friends to chill.
Don’t miss out on their Marigold Iced Latte. It’s an incredible mix of cold brew coffee, oat milk, and marigold syrup. The sweet floral taste is just what you need on a hot day.
They work with their partner nonprofit, On the Ground, to make a difference. Higher Grounds is more than just a coffee company.
Morsels Espresso + Eatables
Tucked away among the many coffee shops in Traverse City, you’ll find a gem called Morsels. They’ve been around since 2008, starting as a small bakery and espresso bar.
In 2012, they moved to a spot on the east end of Downtown with killer views of the Boardman River and the shimmering West Grand Traverse Bay.
Step inside Morsels, and you’ll feel right at home. There’s a cozy fireplace to keep you warm, and if you prefer the outdoors, there’s a patio and deck with panoramic views.
And let’s not forget about their award-winning baristas who serve up premium Intelligentsia coffee and Kilogram tea. You’ve got plenty of espresso and brew-to-order options to choose from.
But Morsels isn’t just about the drinks. Their signature baked goods are more than just snacks—they’re experiences. So, stop by Morsels for a unique caffeine treat!
Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery
Good Harbor has been the heart of the community for almost three decades. They’re all about top-notch coffee and baked items.
Good Harbor also has a changing lineup of brewed coffees from various places, all roasted by the Coffee Express Roasting Co. But that’s not all. Metropolis Coffee Co.’s Redline espresso whips up all their espresso drinks.
More of a tea person? No worries! They’ve got a bunch of organic teas from Rishi Tea on offer, including matcha.
But Good Harbor isn’t just about drinks. Every day, they’re baking up a storm in their in-house bakery.
You’ll find everything from muffins and scones to cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and pecan rolls! And they’ve got you covered if you’re gluten-free or vegan.
You can find Good Harbor in the middle of Downtown Traverse City. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday (they take a break on Mondays).
You can chill inside the shop or catch some fresh air on their petite patio with a view of Downtown. So whether you’re after a morning boost or a midday snack, Good Harbor is your go-to spot.
Cuppa Joe Cafe
Cuppa Joe is your go-to spot for a laid-back vibe and a killer menu. With three locations around Traverse City, you’re never too far from a Cuppa Joe.
Their Westside Cafe is in the historic Building 50 near Downtown. Interestingly, this building used to be a cafeteria.
On the Eastside Cafe, they have a full coffee bar. For those on the go, there’s a drive-thru on East Front Street to fix your caffeine quickly.
They’re all about supporting locals at Cuppa Joe. They brew their coffee with beans from Roaster Jack Coffee, a local roaster with a global reach.
Plus, they source fresh and organic ingredients from local farmers and producers for their menu items.
Are you feeling adventurous? Try their specialty drinks. Hazelnut iced coffee, peppermint mocha, and White chocolate mocha are all crowd favorites.
Aren’t you a coffee lover? No problem! They’ve even got Light of Day loose-leaf tea, juice, and smoothies.
Mundos Roasting & Co
Mundos is a coffee bar and micro-roastery in Traverse City. Four cool spots exist around the city: Mundos HQ, Mundos West, Mundos North, and Mundos 305.
We love their Mundos HQ, located at 1238 South Garfield Avenue! It is a spacious place filled with plants.
They’ve got all your coffee favorites, from pour-overs and nitro cold brews to espressos and lattes. You can’t stop raving about their cortado, mint lavender latte, and honey cinnamon latte.
And suppose you’re up for something different. In that case, you’ve got to try their cinnamon roll latte or matcha latte – they’re as delicious as Instagram-worthy!
But Mundos HQ isn’t just about coffee. They also whip up some breakfast and lunch dishes, like burritos, sandwiches, and pastries. Everything’s made right there in their kitchen with fresh ingredients.
So, if you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a great cup of joe, Mundos HQ is worth checking out.
Aroma’s Coffee & Tea
You’ll love the fantastic view of the Grand Traverse Bay and the friendly vibe of this local shop.
Aroma’s Coffee & Tea cares about quality and sustainability. They only use direct-trade coffee and organic tea from the best farms worldwide.
They roast coffee beans locally, and their teas won many awards at the World Tea Expo.
Order their caramel macchiato or mocha latte for a rich and creamy treat. Or go for something different, like their lavender latte, chai tea latte, or matcha green tea.
You can also grab a meal from their mouthwatering breakfast and lunch menu. Their popular choice is breakfast burrito, chicken salad croissant, and veggie wrap.
Aroma’s Coffee & Tea was voted one of the best coffee shops in Traverse City for a reason. So, come and see for yourself!
Milk And Honey
Located in Downtown Traverse City, Milk And Honey is a cute cafe and ice cream shop with a trendy vibe. The walls are decorated with fun posters that show off their style.
The menu options are diverse and appealing. You can find dark roast drip coffee and a cold brew.
The lavender latte is a delightful surprise, with just enough syrup and dried lavender to balance the rich espresso.
Some ice cream flavors include espresso ice cream, cake batter ice cream with brownies, or vegan ice cream options.
There’s also a choice of sandwiches, avocado toast, salads, and customizable yogurt bowls. It’s everything you could want in a coffee shop!
Hexenbelle
Hexenbelle is a cute coffee shop in the Warehouse District, where you can find many trendy shops and antiques.
The place has a lovely blush theme decor and big flags that show their support for Palestine and PRIDE. Everyone is welcome here, no matter who you are or what you like.
Try their incredible drinks, like the Dark Forest, a creamy oat milk latte with Hojicha, brown sugar, malted barley, and white peach. Or you can order the Not Pumpkin, which includes cinnamon, brown sugar, Allspice, and Tahini with Clove.
Hexenbelle prepared daily impressive dishes like the Palestinian Rice Bowl, the Mapo Tofu, and the Shakshuka, inspired by different cuisines and cultures.
They also have vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options for those who need them. Hexenbelle is a perfect spot for anyone who loves coffee and good vibes.
Centre Street Cafe
You can find Centre Street Cafe at 1125 Centre Street in Traverse City. It’s just a quick 8-minute drive from Downtown.
At Centre Street Cafe, you can choose hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, espresso, hot chocolate, smoothies, and sodas.
They make coffee from freshly ground beans and serve it in ceramic mugs. You can also personalize your drink with different syrups and creamers they offer.
Also, their menu presents sandwiches, soups, salads, and pasta dishes. They use fresh, local ingredients to create these dishes.
You can sit inside, enjoying the restful atmosphere with its stone facade and large window. So, why not visit Centre Street Cafe today? They’re open and ready to serve you!
Table 12 Coffee House & Christian Bookstore
Looking for a great spot to enjoy tasty coffee, check out Christian books, or savor yummy paninis? Give Table 12 a visit!
This Traverse City coffee shop sits at North Garfield Road. They serve the finest Golden espresso, mochas, lattes, and special Bay Chillers.
You’ll also find homemade treats like muffins, cookies, and scones. Table 12 stands out as the sole Christian bookstore in Traverse City, offering inspiring books, gifts, and accessories.
The friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere make it a delightful spot. You can sit outside on the spacious patio or enjoy comfy seating indoors.
So, whether you want to chat with a friend, work on your laptop, or relax with a good book, Table 12 Coffee House & Christian Bookstore is the perfect place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which coffee shops in Traverse City are the best?
Espresso Bay, Higher Grounds Coffee, Mundos, Cuppa Joe, Good Harbor, Morsels, and Good Harbor are the highest-rated coffee shops in Traverse City.
Which Traverse City coffee shops welcome pets?
Places like Higher Grounds Coffee, Mundos HQ, and Aroma’s Coffee & Tea in Traverse City are dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry companions and enjoy your coffee together.
Where can I find Starbucks in Traverse City?
Yes, you can find four Starbucks locations around the city; check Traverse City Starbucks.
What are some drive-thru coffee shops in Traverse City?
Some drive-thru coffee shops in Traverse City are Starbucks, Espresso Bay, and Cuppa Joe. These places offer fast, convenient service and hot and cold beverages.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
