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The Complete Guide to Kalamazoo Coffee Shops

We recently moved to Kalamazoo, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the great local coffeeshops around! Some have more photos than others – I’ll have to rectify that situation.

Here are 5 of my favorites:

Coexist Café - now closed, alas

New on the scene since summer 2016, Coexist cafe is my favorite coffeeshop in town. Maybe it's the super friendly baristas, or the locally sourced, freshly roasted coffee. Or maybe it's the couch (think Friends!). Or maybe it's the vibe that all are welcome here, as evidenced by the design on the window. Truly, this global coffeeshop is friendly, warm, and welcoming. While it is full of students, being located near K College and WMU, I love seeing people of all ages enjoy this space. Note the penny floor in front of the counter!

2901 Howard St. (behind the CVS), Kalamazoo, MI 49006
facebook.com/Coexistkalamazoo/

Black Owl Café - temporarily closed

Located just on the eastern edge of downtown Kalamazoo, Black Owl is a hipster’s hangout. The décor is fun, the bathroom is a work of art, and the coffee, well, that’s a work of art, too. Lee, the barista that I’ve seen, is a master craftsman. Delicious! The coffee is freshly roasted in small batches. Free wifi and friendly Lee = a home office with beans. LOVE.

No coffee pollution, thank you

Yep. The bathroom

414 Walbridge St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
kalamazoocoffeecompany.com

Water Street Coffee Joint

Ok – there are many reasons to go here, but hands down, my favorite coffee drink in Kalamazoo is the Sleeping Bear Mocha (get the biggest size. You’ll thank me). Swoon. Several locations around town ensure you don’t miss a drop of java, wherever you’re headed. The original location is downtown – opened in 1993. I'd have gotten more photos, but you get talking with your friend, and then laughter ensues, and then it's dark out. Sigh.

315 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
http://waterstreetcoffeeroaster.com/

Something’s Brewing

Moved to Vicksburg!

My latest discovery! Something’s Brewing is located just down the block from the Library downtown. YAHOO! Cozy store, excellent coffee, and fun signs. It’s very comfortable here – the only downside is that I’d prefer my coffee in real cups, if possible. I can (and have) spent hours here, happily.

120 W South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

facebook.com/SBCoffeeKzoo

Chocolatea

Way down in Portage, this is worth a drive. There are oodles of jars of tea blends on the walls, a fun shop with teapots galore, homemade chocolates and desserts, boba tea, and, of course, coffee. I skipped the coffee on my first visit and tried the chocolatea – it was delicious! However, the lure of the bean is strong, and I’ve loved all of the coffee drinks I’ve ordered since: pours, mochas, or lattes. In nice weather, sit outside on the deck - there's a small stream going by and it's very peaceful.

7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
http://chocola-tea.com/

What are your favorite coffeeshops in the Kalamazoo area?

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators