It's Time For A SERIOUS Debate: Who's Brewing the Best Coffee in Detroit?

**nain rouge** · October-22-13, 05:56 PM

I think part of the reason that coffee shops are so popular here is simply because we otherwise lack quality public spaces. There's nothing to do here for the most part besides work, shop, eat/drink, and go home. We have few quality parks in our neighborhoods, hardly any walkable areas, and most libraries are underfunded. Coffee shops are one of the few FUN places to hang out, where you can read, listen to music, or talk in a relaxed, public environment. The historic, monumental, and urban qualities of Detroit add to the ambience, hence why the coffee scene has shifted in that direction.

**Detroitdave** · October-22-13, 07:16 PM

we can't forget Chez zara her coffee is good and strong !

**marshamusic** · October-22-13, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by nain rouge

I think part of the reason that coffee shops are so popular here is simply because we otherwise lack quality public spaces. There's nothing to do here for the most part besides work, shop, eat/drink, and go home. We have few quality parks in our neighborhoods, hardly any walkable areas, and most libraries are underfunded. Coffee shops are one of the few FUN places to hang out, where you can read, listen to music, or talk in a relaxed, public environment. The historic, monumental, and urban qualities of Detroit add to the ambience, hence why the coffee scene has shifted in that direction.

Well, that makes a lot of sense.

**stasu1213** · October-23-13, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

Hi, Pam!

I think we need to differentiate between those who roast their beans from green, those who get the best roasted beans they possibly can, and the rest.

The most passionate and out-of-this-world coffee experience for me came during a slow afternoon at Anthology. I didn't know it, but we'd dropped in just after their closing time...but that didn't stop the fellows from teaching me more about flavors and knowing the source...and they are the only place I'd ever heard about some common parasite that makes the cup into an odd foul-potato smelling brew.

One of the partners there has some qualification for taste training and sensitivity...not unlike a somalier with wines, only with all tastes [[and scents) in food and coffees and the like. I wish I'd paid attentiont to the term. He is building his ANTHOLOGY of taste experiences, and created the coffee joint as part of that trajectory.

Next up? Chazzano in Ferndale. He won't like being second, but frankly if Gazhekwe's little brother had a local shop...instead of just the one in the UP...he'd be third. But this cat knows his coffees, and is the only one I've heard who collects the retail bags after they've gone past his [[extraordinarily short) life expectancy. More than anyone, he stresses the immediacy of capturing the taste not long after roasting the beans.

Third, but only for the aforementioned distance, is The Dancing Crane in the UP. He also knows the sources of his beans, and is every bit the roaster as the other two.

Fourth is Great Lakes, but only by a smidge. James runs a great joint there, but I wish his counter talent were more focused on the clientele. He gets honorable mention as the only place with an alcohol license, at least for beer and wine. He has the best food of any of them, and since he has THE coolest and most central space...you'll find me here most often.

Fifth, but also very respectable, is Germack...the shop Honky Tonk says was in the old Rafal Spice company location. They are quite excellent. Even during a weekend crush, their counter staff is genuine and engaged. I buy some of my green beans here, the only one which retails unroasted and roasted. Since they have many of the same spices [[in basically the same location, including the coffee bins), it is overall the most comfortable. Plus, my honey is addicted to their wasabe peas...she'd buy 'em by the barrel if they'd let her.

Then we get to Astro. First one that doesn't roast their own beans, but they use the Intelligencia brand out of Chicago, which most coffee afficianados say are the best roasters in the country. I absolutely love these folks. Totally and completely. Probably the most consistently best cup of coffee, and more convenient hours other than Great Lakes for those of us who want coffee after two in the afternoon. Need. Unfortunately, I have to pass most of these other places to get to them now, if I'm in more than once a month it is a special deal. Must remember to get there more...

I haven't really gotten into Trisophenes on Gratiot yet...but, I've been in there once and am very excited to see the scene Joel and his wife are creating. Because of all the folks I know who hang out there, it will likely become the go-to place for music.

There are many I don't know...1515 Broadway jumps out...geez...and the auto-tube joint. I've heard Starbucks has gotten much better after their original owner reclaimed the helm...but I see no real reason to try 'em again. I'd much rather keep these locals in business.

Cheers!

I love Trinosophes. They have the best Hibiscus Tea. Space is airy and very laid back. I had made many suggestions of them serving drip coffee as well as pour over so they would get the going to work crowd and those who just want a cup of coffee not matter how it's done. The place is very spacious where many events are being held. Great growth potential

**Downriviera** · October-23-13, 07:15 AM

Then we get to Astro. First one that doesn't roast their own beans, but they use the Intelligencia brand out of Chicago, which most coffee afficianados say are the best roasters in the country. I absolutely love these folks. Totally and completely. Probably the most consistently best cup of coffee, and more convenient hours other than Great Lakes for those of us who want coffee after two in the afternoon. Need. Unfortunately, I have to pass most of these other places to get to them now, if I'm in more than once a month it is a special deal. Must remember to get there more...

Gannon,
I've never seen Intelligencia coffee at Astro. Maybe in the very early days there? They use west coast roasters Ritual and Sightglass.

**Gannon** · October-23-13, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Downriviera

Gannon,
I've never seen Intelligencia coffee at Astro. Maybe in the very early days there? They use west coast roasters Ritual and Sightglass.

Thanks for the update. They definitely had it earlier, remembered because it was the same source Cafe used at her joint on Library street.

I guess we need to say they use the best bean source they can find...

**Gannon** · October-23-13, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by marshamusic

My question is WHY so many coffee shops?

Not a new thing.

Coffeehouses pop up in cultures around the time of revolutions enough for some to wonder if they are more cause than symptom.

I remember cornering ol' Jim from the original Gotham City coffeehouse up on Woodward past 9 Mile the second time I was in there...it was a very special place, 'a crucible of creation'...you could feel that energy palpably when you walked into the joint. I had to ask him WHY he opened such a random place...he looked at me with a sparkle and wink, and said it was about time for a pedestal for Free Speech. Place was next door to one of the Ol' Boy's Clubs...cannot remember the name, probably the Eagles...and he caught heck for the hippies hanging out back, but prevailed. Gotham City was the place of legends...there were epic changes in my perception of the world all encouraged over cups of strong brew.

That said...most of the current coffeehouses pale in comparison, they are not the random events of public nonfeasance...they are places of caffeine commerce. Some have stages for Open Mics or a single performer/small acoustic group...but they are few and far between.

**canuck** · October-23-13, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

Not a new thing.

. Gotham City was the place of legends...there were epic changes in my perception of the world all encouraged over cups of strong brew.

I've had a few wobbly changes of perception following strong brews of a third kind myself.

**canuck** · October-23-13, 09:54 AM

As the Irish would say; "Coffee is Man's best friend".

Sean Coffee / Dermot Mahon.

Nothing else to do but use my weak brain on wordplay this A.M.

**downtownguy** · October-23-13, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

I buy some of my green beans here, the only one which retails unroasted and roasted.

J, when did you start roasting your own? It's been probably almost 2 years since we had that long talk about the superiority of fresh roasted coffee beans. Did you ever check out the Sweet Maria's website for beans and information? I just got a new shipment of two Gualtemalans and a Brazilian from there today.

**Spartan** · October-23-13, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by nain rouge

I think part of the reason that coffee shops are so popular here is simply because we otherwise lack quality public spaces. There's nothing to do here for the most part besides work, shop, eat/drink, and go home. We have few quality parks in our neighborhoods, hardly any walkable areas, and most libraries are underfunded. Coffee shops are one of the few FUN places to hang out, where you can read, listen to music, or talk in a relaxed, public environment. The historic, monumental, and urban qualities of Detroit add to the ambience, hence why the coffee scene has shifted in that direction.

Not sure I totally agree with this. Look at places like Paris and Vienna. They have coffee shops all over the place, despite having plenty of quality public areas. I think people just love coffee and love hanging out, leading to a lot of coffee shops. I suppose more other options [[tea places, smoothie shops, etc) might stem the coffee outbreak a bit, but there will still be plenty of coffee places.

**Cliffy** · October-23-13, 05:47 PM

My roaster is number 1. I have some very high quality coffee beans that none of the coffee shops have. For retail, I have to go with Chazzano in Ferndale. He is a true coffee shop and isn't one of those fake starbucks like shops that fill the cups with syrups and whip cream etc... He is pure coffee.

**rb336** · October-23-13, 07:10 PM

who is your roaster Cliffy?

**Cliffy** · October-23-13, 09:40 PM

I have a gene cafe. Its a home roaster

I buy my beans from roastmasters.com or sweetmarias and also part of an online coffee club.

**downtownguy** · October-25-13, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Cliffy

My roaster is number 1.

Tell 'em Cliffy.

Originally Posted by Cliffy

I have a gene cafe. Its a home roaster

I buy my beans from roastmasters.com or sweetmarias and also part of an online coffee club.

I'm impressed. Have you had other roasters? How does the Gene Cafe compare to them? I started with a Nesco, replaced that with a Fresh Roast and currently use an i-Roast 2.

**pgn421** · October-25-13, 03:01 PM

For the coffee lovers on the east side is Coffee Break Cafe . Its on 10 milerd between i94 and Kelly. They roast all different kinds of coffee. There is a fireplace and very cozy.

**French777** · October-25-13, 04:29 PM

All of the coffee places in the 7.2 are pretty good. I'm a bigger fan of lighter roast, so I am a big fan of Urban Bean Downtown, and Avalon in Midtown.

But if you want Good coffee for a cheap price.... go to MELT Gelato in Midtown that just opened up on Willis/Cass, $1.70 will get you a great cup of coffee.

**Cliffy** · October-25-13, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by downtownguy

Tell 'em Cliffy.

I'm impressed. Have you had other roasters? How does the Gene Cafe compare to them? I started with a Nesco, replaced that with a Fresh Roast and currently use an i-Roast 2.

I started off with a popcorn popper in my garage that I bought off of ebay. I still have it as a backup. The gene cafe is easier because I don't have to stand there with a wooden spoon and chaff flying all around. There are ways to customize the roasting and people get really detailed at at greencoffeebuyingclub but I'm still doing the basic since I haven't owned it for that long. As a matter of fact, I'm drinking a Costa Rican coffee that I just roasted which I purchased from toastmasters. People don't understand that roasting your own beans is a completely different world than buying maxwell house or starbucks at Meijers.

**downtownguy** · October-26-13, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Cliffy

People don't understand that roasting your own beans is a completely different world than buying maxwell house or starbucks at Meijers.

I used to tell people I roasted my own coffee, and many would reply that they ground their own beans, as if to say that was an equivalent. I always liked coffee but never knew how good it could taste until I started roasting. Nor did I ever think there could be so many subtle nuances between coffee regions, or even between growers within the same country.

**Parkguy** · October-26-13, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by downtownguy

I used to tell people I roasted my own coffee, and many would reply that they ground their own beans, as if to say that was an equivalent. I always liked coffee but never knew how good it could taste until I started roasting. Nor did I ever think there could be so many subtle nuances between coffee regions, or even between growers within the same country.

Cliffy and downtownguy-
It is nice to learn that you both are home roasters. I roast with a Nesco, started with a popper, and I buy my beans from Sweetmaria's. If I am short of green beans between orders, I will pick up a pound at either Germack's or at Espresso Elevado in Plymouth. She is a great small-batch roaster, and the espresso bar is excellent.

It is also great that we finally have a few places around the city to enjoy a good cup of coffee, but not like the number you'll find in other cities. Always Brewing Detroit just opened this year in my neighborhood, and I love having a place I can walk to for a cup. The place is pretty busy, especially in the morning, with a lot of neighbors who seem to feel the same way I do. They specialize in pour-overs and also do espresso drinks. I try to get to all of the new espresso bars, but there are enough new ones that I have a backlog.

I agree about Anthology. Very knowledgeable roasters, and they produce a great roast. The first time I had their coffee was in Traverse City, and I was impressed.

**Gannon** · October-27-13, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by downtownguy

J, when did you start roasting your own? It's been probably almost 2 years since we had that long talk about the superiority of fresh roasted coffee beans. Did you ever check out the Sweet Maria's website for beans and information? I just got a new shipment of two Gualtemalans and a Brazilian from there today.

I've read their site...which is excellent. Haven't bought any beans from them, we've done The Coffee Project on-line and Germacks. I haven't gotten too heavily into it yet...but we bought a decent inexpensive roaster, and I've partitioned space in the garage. After our conversation, and that experience with my client in Orange County, CA with the kitchen wall full of blue storage bins arranged by continent, country, and region...I've kept aware of the sources of green beans. Plus, I keep warning the darlin' that I'm going to buy a few HUNDRED pounds to store for the future...yanno, for the apocalypse!

My early experiment was in an iron skillet, which required serious stirrage and attention...and my poor darling thought the house was on fire. I've never seen her move so quickly...even though I'd opened all the windows in the kitchen and closed off the doors to the rest of the house, apparently the smell carried to her extraordinarily sensitive nose. She almost kicked me out of the house...

...so I've been a bit gunshy to continue. Got three flavors sitting out there waiting for me...perhaps today's the day.

I've got to clean up the garage anyways...

**Gannon** · October-27-13, 10:21 AM

[[plus, it has been well over three years since we had that conversation, we're well overdue!)

**canuck** · October-27-13, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Gannon

My early experiment was in an iron skillet, which required serious stirrage and attention...and my poor darling thought the house was on fire. I've never seen her move so quickly...even though I'd opened all the windows in the kitchen and closed off the doors to the rest of the house, apparently the smell carried to her extraordinarily sensitive nose. She almost kicked me out of the house...

...so I've been a bit gunshy to continue. Got three flavors sitting out there waiting for me...perhaps today's the day.

I've got to clean up the garage anyways...

Be mindful your lover doesnt riposte by banging on pots and pans to exacerbate your sensitive auricular sensitivity Gannon!

Cheers all on this sunday A.M.

**royce** · November-02-13, 01:31 AM

Some of the best coffee I have ever had comes from a machine in the MGM Grand Casino. Maybe it tastes so good because it's free.

**rb336** · November-02-13, 06:57 AM

for the roast-at-home folks -

I know the least expensive roasters are air-roasted. are there flavor advantages to drum roasting or is it just a volume thing? do the ones that allegedly filter the smoke really work?

At Westborns in RO they have an air roaster in the middle of the store and they used to let me run it for myself -- I would just watch until it reached the roast I wanted and hit the stop button