Top 10 Best Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids for Meeting Friends & Clients

Although Grand Rapids holds the title of, ‘Beer City USA’ the city also crafts some other exceptional drinks too, such as coffee. The coffee culture is grounded (ha, like our pun?) in community, modernization, and love for both the craft and the people. Grand Rapids’ passion for craft coffee is hard to beat. Whether you’re meeting with a friend or client, take them to a coffee shop that cares just as much for their clients as you do yours!

 

Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge

Downtown

Right in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids, Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge is a great place to gather. It is basically the pinnacle of everything you could want in a coffee shop — great people, great coffee, and a great space. Lantern has a lower level that gives plenty of room, whether you’re sealing deals with clients or simply seeking solace with friends.

 

Scorpion Hearts Club

Wealthy Street District

This one may look familiar! Scorpion Hearts Club, previously known as Sparrows, rebranded in early 2023, and though the name may be different, they are still serving up some seriously delicious drinks. Their shop on Wealthy Street is the perfect place to meet up with friends—bright, inviting, and there is an array of rotating events including vinyl nights, poetry readings, and creative workshops.

 

Roots Brew Shop

Westside

Roots exudes a welcoming atmosphere that encourages collaboration and connection. Don’t worry, when you visit roots, this doesn’t mean you HAVE to chat and get to know those around you. You can have a perfect meeting or work solo too — but Roots just radiates the vibe of community with their repurposed furniture arranged in groups and the conversations heard all around. Oh, and if you are hungry, they have some of the best bagels and spreads in town. Yeah, we said it. The egg spread to accompany your bagel does not disappoint, nor do their rotating soups!

 

Outside Coffee Co.

Wealthy Street District

A true Grand Rapids favorite, Outside Coffee Co. provides a refreshing take on the traditional coffee shop experience. Nestled on Wealthy Street, it really is just what is sounds like — Outside Coffee Co. provides you the means to enjoy your coffee outside, year-round, with their garden fit with plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, and fresh air to keep up your productivity. The best part about this place? Because its outside, dogs are absolutely allowed!

If you find yourself further West, check out their second location in Douglas, where they’re less than half a mile from the lakeshore!

 

Stovetop Roasters

Fulton Street 

Stovetop seeks to build community and share “Specialty Coffee” with folks who maybe haven’t tried it before. With a bright and airy space full of whimsical illustrations, Stovetop is an excellent choice to stop by for a meeting or catching up with old friends. They’re open every day until 6pm, so you can get your caffeine fix after work too!

 

Rowster Coffee

Wealthy Street District

You may have seen a bag of Rowster Coffee in a local grocery store, but have you been to their café on Wealthy Street? It’s the perfect spot to bring a laptop, settle in at the bar, and watch the hustle & bustle of the street, whether with friends or alone. Rowsters offers a welcoming ambiance perfect for focused discussions or collaborative brainstorming sessions, which can be fueled by their very own house-roasted beans.

 

Ferris Coffee & Nut Co.

Westside

With not just one, but two prime locations, Ferris Coffee offers an ideal environment for focus, whether that be on your work or the company you brought along. Each locations offers something special: Their main café is spacious and inspiring while their space in Bridge Street market is convenient and inviting. Both are great options for a place to meet up with anyone in your contacts.

 

Madcap Coffee

Downtown & Fulton Street

Madcap Coffee is a Grand Rapids staple. They really know what they’re doing when it comes to a good brew. At both of their locations, one on Fulton Street, and one right in the heart of Downtown, you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere suited for brainstorming sessions or a catch-up latte with a friend. You really can’t go wrong here.

 

Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar

Wealthy Street District, Downtown, & Westside

Squibb Coffee Bar really has something for everyone. Their main location, on Wealthy Street, is spacious and bright. It doubles as a wine bar, which means that they stay open until 8pm Monday through Saturday. Their Westside location shares a space with Rise Bakery, making it so convenient to grab a snack while you’re in. And they even have a third spot in the Downtown Market, which gives you the entire Market Hall to grab a seat, meet with your people, and get some work done!

 

Morning Ritual

Westside

Picture this: cozy corners, friendly atmosphere, and seriously good coffee that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Welcome to the next spot on our list: Morning Ritual! Located on the Westside, their shop has a bunch of charm that acts as a great backdrop for any upcoming meetings or crew hangouts. There’s even a second floor, which is the perfect quiet spot to really focus in on your work!

 

Bonus: Everplay GR

Cascade

EverPlay Café is a place where parents can unwind and kids can let their imaginations soar. Located on Cascade, this café is a great find for families where parents can sip their favorite brews in peace while little ones explore to their heart’s content in Everplay’s full children’s play area.

 

There are so many great coffee shops in Grand Rapids that you’re bound to find the perfect one to suit your needs. It’s one of the many reasons why we think Grand Rapids is such an amazing place to live! All of these cafés do have some central things in common: they all provide quality service, they’re all locally owned and operated, and they all foster our great community.