The Lansing area has numerous coffee spots known for their menus and atmosphere, so picking the best isn’t easy.
There are, of course, national chains such as Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Dunkin’ and even homegrown Biggby, and while all have their followers, smaller, local coffee houses often build the most loyal followings.
The Lansing State Journal is asking readers to decide which local shops are their favorites through this week’s online poll. You can vote for one of 10 popular locations, including Blue Owl Coffee Co.; Strange Matter Coffee Co.; Chateau Coffee Co.; The 517 Coffee Co.; Foxtail Coffee Co. and others.
Voting is open through midnight on Thursday, July 16. We’ll announce the winner after polls close.
Voters also have the option choose a coffee spot not included through the “other” voting spot in the poll if their personal favorite cafe is not included.
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Here are 10 popular coffee shops in the Greater Lansing area:
Blue Owl Coffee Co.
Blue Owl Coffee Co., 1149 S. Washington Ave., is a popular off-campus spot for Michigan State University students in need of a study space, and for those stopping in headed downtown Lansing. The menu is various in its coffee syrup flavors from lavender, miel (honey), orange, clove or ginger.
Strange Matter Coffee Co.
Strange Matter Coffee is well established in Greater Lansing with three locations: 331 S. Washington Square; on MSU campus, 49 Abbot Road, Suite 113; and Eastside, 2010 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 103.
The cafe, recognizable by its initials, “Sm,” offers a cozy space for work meetings or coffee dates and a reliable menu of lattes.
Chateau Coffee Co.
Chateau Coffee also has three locations in the Lansing area: downtown East Lansing, 223 MAC Ave.; 2359 W Grand River Ave.; and 1701 S. Waverly Road.
Chateau Coffee is a Mediterranean and French inspired specialty coffee shop with traditional Arabic coffees, Lebanese baklava and French croissants.
The 517 Coffee Co.
The 517 Coffee Co., is a family-owned cafe in south Lansing, 6030 S. MLK Jr Blvd., serving seasonal drinks like the S’mores mocha latte, raspberry cola latte, summer solstice cold brew, and the “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…Latte,” inspired by superman ice cream.
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Foxtail Coffee Co., is a relatively new coffee spot in East Lansing, opening this spring at 431 E. Grand Rapids Ave., though it has gained quick popularity among MSU students — perhaps for the designated study areas. The cafe is a Florida-based company and is known to reflect the community it’s in.
The Hob Nob
In downtown Lansing, 120 W. Ottawa St., the Hob Nob was formerly a Biggby Coffee, and is a go-to spot for a quick coffee break and easy location for work meetings. Its menu includes specialty lattes, brewed espresso and teas, along with a selection of breakfast and snack items.
Brewitt Cafe & Bakery
Brewitt Cafe & Bakery, 1615 E. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing’s Allen Neighborhood Center, is a woman-owned business that began as a food truck in Okemos. The menu features cold brews served with sweet foam, or as a frozen brew or with ice cream. There are also various rotating waffle breakfast sandwiches.
Haraz Coffee House
Haraz Coffee Co., in downtown East Lansing, 501 E. Grand Rapids Ave., is another popular spot for MSU students. The cafe’s atmosphere and menu is built on Yemeni coffee culture and heritage serving traditional ingredients.
The Brew Cafe
The Brew Cafe, 610 N. Cretys Road in Delta Township, is a unique space as the first floor is a cafe and the second floor is a tattoo parlor under the same owner, first opened in 2018. Specialty drinks include the Red Beard latte, bantha milk latte and the Lawgiver.
Moka & Co.
Moka & Co., is another specialty Yemeni cafe in the Lansing area, with three locations: 4738 Central Park Drive in Okemos; 16820 Chandler Road in East Lansing; and 565 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing.
Cast your vote now
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What’s your go-to coffee spot in the Lansing area? Vote in LSJ poll
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
