12 BEST Kalamazoo Coffee Shops to Visit for an Energy Boost
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Need a quiet place to work on a few projects on your laptop, or are you looking for a fantastic little coffee shop to get great coffee with a good friend? These locally-owned Kalamazoo coffee shops offer just what you need.
While there may be some bigger chains in the area, there are some true treasures throughout the city that are well worth making your favorite place to drink coffee in Kalamazoo Michigan. If you are looking for things to do in Kalamazoo this weekend, visit one of these coffee shops.
Factory Coffee
213 E Frank St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Sit down at Factory Coffee, link to the Wi-Fi, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. You will not regret it. This location is beautiful, with a mix of rustic charm and super good food.
The shop serves only ethically roasted coffee in a fun little location. And, it hosts events from time to time.
Also, the shop has a light menu of sandwiches — including breakfast sandwiches — to fill you up the entire day. The fresh bagels are perfect, and so is sitting outdoors on a warm day.
Walnut & Park Cafe
322 W Walnut St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Walnut & Park is a fantastic place to stop for a good cup of coffee. It is committed to supporting the community and offers a few good things to enjoy with your morning coffee, like a breakfast burrito and baked scones and muffins. You can grab a panini-style sandwich or a wrap for lunch too.
With a wide range of coffee options — including a full espresso bar — you are sure to find something here for your needs. Cold brew and cafe au lait are some of the local favorites.
Something’s Brewing
120 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Noted for its fabulous pour-overs, Something’s Brewing is a local favorite that offers a nice little menu to go with it. Takeout is popular, but you’re more than welcome to stay and chat.
It offers quiche and some tasty sweets — including a cinnamon roll coffee cake that is perfect with a simple cup of hot coffee. With a versatile menu of coffee drinks that change often, you are likely to find something special to enjoy here each week.
Totally Brewed Cafe
151 S Rose St #105, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Totally Brewed Cafe is a small coffee shop. It’s a bit more than just a coffee shop, though. You’ll find fantastic soups, sandwiches, and taco salads on the menu. It even has a bit of a following for its housemade chili.
When it comes to the coffee, check out the caramel latte, dirty chai, or the Hammerhead — an espresso shot in the fresh brew. If you want something a bit sweeter, ask about the mango and peach smoothies.
Fourth Coast Cafe & Bakery
816 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Fourth Coast Cafe & Bakery is your go-to location when you’re looking for an upbeat spot with fantastic coffee. This coffeehouse is noted for its fine espressos, but you’ll find a wide range of other options on the menu.
It has baked goods and treats — including gluten-free banana bread and a line of vegan favorites. You can purchase whole loaves of freshly baked bread to take home with you too.
Plus, there’s free Wi-Fi at this eclectic, fun cafe, and if you visit on the right day, you may even catch some live music.
Table of Contents Cafe
3019 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
With a quirky name, this is a bookstore & Bookbug is fun to visit when you want coffee and a good book to read. As one of the few independent bookstores still out there, it is a fun place to find something interesting to read, but Table of Contents Cafe has much more to offer.
With a full on-site cafe, you can enjoy a range of foods while taking in the fun vibe. It is quiet enough to do some studying, and the ice lavender latte is sure to keep you awake while you do so.
Caffe Casa
128 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
As a much more laid-back coffee shop, Caffe Casa is a charming location to visit. It’s also a location that’s dedicated to supporting the community and the environment in all that it does.
Established and owned by the same couple since 1992, it is a local favorite for many reasons — including the croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and cheesecake that are made in-house.
The menu often changes, but it features a good variety of options — including white mocha and both French and Italian sodas. Additionally, you can enjoy a bagel sandwich, a club croissant, or a turkey wrap.
Five Lakes Coffee
2026 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
A small establishment with several locations around the state, Five Lakes Coffee is noted for its long history of providing exceptional quality.
If you really need a pick-me-up, get the Angry Brew — a highly caffeinated blend of coffee that will help you power through late-night studying. It has other blends as well — including light and medium roasts packed with flavor.
And, you can grab teas, smoothies, and dairy-free options. Pick up a quick bagel, blondie bar, or one of the cranberry orange muffins to take with you.
Matchhead Coffee
209 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Matchhead Coffee has good coffee but also super friendly staff members who are easy to become friends with during your daily routine. Sit down in a comfortable, overstuffed leather chair, chat with friends, and know that they are working to serve the community through their profits.
Some of the best options here include the orange cardamom latte and the pour-overs — ask what’s currently available.
Paradise Cafe
1693 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Sometimes, you need more than coffee to wake you up. When that is the case, visit Paradise Cafe — a creperie and dessert location with decadent richness to offer.
It has a few savory options — like the feta cheese and spinach crepe. Also, you can choose one of the many sweet versions that include everything from KitKat and Oreos to Nutella and cookie butter. Healthier fruit options are available too.
When it comes to coffee, you’ll find a range of traditional options along with fantastic unique options — like the Cafe Miel Latte, which has honey and cinnamon.
Poor Richards Cafe
1105 E Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
A family-friendly cafe with traditional favorites and lots of quirky extras, Poor Richards Cafe is the place to go for a good cup of coffee and to enjoy a fantastic meal.
The coffee is an outstanding local blend and good enough to take with you. You may not find too many fancy options here, but it’s always fresh and ready.
Open for breakfast and lunch, you can stop in to enjoy omelets and specials — like Alaskan French toast and the malted Belgian waffle. There’s a full lunch menu with sandwiches, soups, and salads as well.
Black Owl Cafe
414 Walbridge St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Black Owl Cafe at Kalamazoo Coffee Co. is quite the rustic coffee shop out of the way. It’s also a fantastic place for light fare, a tasty in-house-made pastry, and a fantastic organic tea. This excellent location has a beautiful, shabby chic vibe to it too.
There are always smiling faces ready to brighten your day here. It has also become so well known in the region that it sells its coffee so that you can take some home just in case you cannot make it in.
NOTE: Black Owl temporarily closed its door in 2021 with plans to reopen in 2022. As of March 2023, a reopening date has not yet been announced.
Finding the Best Kalamazoo Coffee for You
In a city that runs on coffee day in and day out, you are sure to find lots of options for enjoying something special here. Any of the best Kalamazoo restaurants will give you something wonderful to try out.
Whether you are looking for black coffee in a fun diner atmosphere, the most elegant of coffeehouses, or a place to study and listen to some music, Kalamazoo Michigan has something for you and much more to enjoy.