Zü coffee is the best coffee ever. I come almost every day. The coffee shop girl who works in the afternoon always makes the best drinks and always takes the time to ask how my day is. The shop is pleasant and even at 530 in the morning I am always greeted with a smiling face and a sunny disposition. The best place in Annapolis for coffee. I wish they had more locations. Yes they have a drive thru but I feel like you loose the joy of the coffee shop experience. Tell your friends this place rocks.
(5)
Zzzzz Z.
Overall great decor it's a good place to go and study or read a book like others have said. I had a Iced coffee and a bagel - both were ok but the coffee wasn't amazing so it would take a lot for me to want to go back for that. However I'd go back to get some work done just for the decor.
(3)
Tina H.
The shop was cute, clean and cozy. I ordered a latte with almond milk and the barista used soy instead...not a big deal, coffee still tasted great!
(3)
Gary H.
Great local coffee house in Bay Ridge. They have a really nice comfy seating area and a drive-through! It is located far from any other coffee shop, Starbucks, etc... They are friendly and helpful with free WIFI. There are lots of people hanging out in there working on their laptops as well. There are two tables on the front sidewalk - although not the most enchanting view, it's still outside. Only downside is there seems to be always someone smoking there. Ewwww (Sorry smokers)! It's certainly a gem in our little neighborhood though. We love it.
(4)
Erin G.
This is hands down my favorite coffee joint in Annapolis. Love the atmosphere and people - not to mention the amazing coffee and breakfast sandwiches. It's also a great spot if you want to avoid the chaos of downtown. My go-to drink is a sugar free vanilla latte with almond milk. They also have a great selection of bagels, muffins, pastries, and fruit!
(5)
Rebecca B.
Zu Coffee is unique and quaint. I love the logo and durable paper cups. They have a good variety of beverages and homemade pastries. They even have a loyalty program that earns faster than Starbucks! My only wish is that they carried flavored creamers.
(4)
Rosanna M.
Zu is wonderful! Love the coffee and the staff! Just wish those people ordering complicated coffee drinks would go inside instead of the car lane. LOL
(4)
Meredith L.
*Hit or miss, depending on who is making your drink* I absolutely loved Zu Coffee the first few times I came but sadly the quality has declined steeply. Regular coffee if fine but not the deep, toasty flavor from a really quality coffee. It isn't rave worthy but fine. I like lattes, cappuccino, etc, often hazlenut or almond. This is where I have faced disappointment. Even though I like a lot of milk or flavor, I still want a strong coffee taste. The perfect latte has a deep roasted taste with the creamy texture. Zu Coffee's drinks are not very deep or toasted, & if you ask for flavor you end up with something so watery it doesn't taste anything like coffee....it often tastes like just watery milk. I've had to ask for an extra shot to be able to taste the coffee in my coffee. And something that I never knew would be a factor at a coffee place....the hot coffee isn't actually hot enough! Possibly they aren't steaming the milk--I have had to say something before when I ordered a latte & got espresso the woman just dumped milk in. That I can do at home for a lot less. The quality varies WILDLY depending on who is working. I wish I knew the name of the guy who made my drink the last time....SO MUCH BETTER!!! *One thing I DO have to RAVE about...the Cappuccino Zu Orange. It has orange zest over it, making it smell strongly of orange with every sip & a light orange flavor. GREAT IDEA. The only problem is that the servers get annoyed when you order it...not fun to feel like you're putting someone out by asking for something on their menu. * I don't order the baked goods after being given wrong descriptions twice. Asked if something was a chocolate croissant., told yes...it was a raisin thing that was dry & awful. Another time ordered a "pumpkin muffin" that was not...it was something raisin AGAIN. The store is casual, basic, & usually already full of people who don't seem to have any intention of leaving when they're coffee is gone-you know, aspiring writers with laptops & ladies in loud conversations. It's not somewhere so comfortable that I really want to hang out there, though so I don't need a seat. If I want coffee NOW & don't want to wait, I'll go to Zu. But with such an array of choices in Annapolis, I can do much better for "gourmet" coffee.
(3)
Allan C.
The coffee is outstanding and i guess tat's what you go there for. But the service is slow and the food items breakfast sandwiches etc are not great. I will be stopping by for the coffee and skip the breakfast
(3)
Jen L.
This is the only non-Starbucks and non-Dunkin Donut coffee shop with a drive through in the area. Super convenient for those of us that are in a hurry going to work. They have a great variety of lattes, coffee (iced and hot) and smoothies and they are all good! My personal favorite is the White Chocolate Mochas..iced AND hot. Zu is also very frugal friendly. I feel like every time I pick up The Capital Newspaper, Zu is always offering a free cup of coffee or latte through the "Deal of the Day" Nothing says awesome like a free cup of coffee! They are also convenient to picking up a cup of coffee before you shop at Giant and use the shopping the carts with the cup holders.
(5)
Morgan C.
Love this place. Super friendly, great coffee roasted on site, and very comfortable seating (tables, chairs, bar seats, couches). Even a fire place for a warm winter spot!
(4)
Camden W.
Zu Coffee is a well-located, efficient coffee shop. A comfortable place to hang out in their small seating area or to swing by for your morning pick-me-up. As someone who likes to keep it simple I tend to get a regular coffee which easily rivals most of the large chain coffee shops. Zu has snacks and a range of baked goods for those who are looking for more substance to their breakfast. There IS a drive-through for those on the go!
(4)
Jamie W.
I freaking love this cafe. I worked next door at the Giant food when it first opened, and it was my first real exposure to coffee. They offered all Giant employees 10% discounts, which was really cool of them. This place is responsible for my coffee addiction, specifically due to their frapps! (I think they call them zappuccinos). The decor is really cool and the chairs comfy leather. They sell their coffee, as well as other paraphernalia such as shirts and funky vases/art. There are tables outside and the staff is always friendly. They now have a drive-thru which is pretty sweet. Zu also has a membership card with a free drink every 10 purchases. I wish Zu was as widespread as Starbucks; there would be no competition for me!! (and I'm a Starbucks regular)
(5)
Alyssa M.
Zu coffees is one of a kind! Great environment, good coffee and food a very friendly staff! Even better they have a drive thru that moves quickly!
(5)
Colleen C.
Zu is my favorite cafe in Annapolis, the staff is so friendly and cute. Plus they have a drive thru!!
(5)
Christine C.
This place rocks! This one is part of the Giant shopping center across from the Mexican cafe and the newly built Annapolis Neck Fire Dept. It's open pretty early (530 a.m.) and they serve the individual that comes through the door as a person. The barista is awesome and has made so many beverages for me (I am pregnant - no caffeine) that Star bucks refused to when I was there last time (I know strange right?). Well anyways, they are super friendly, have a wonderful variety of beverages hot and cold and serve up some breakfast items as well. The couches there are very comfortable, and the atmosphere is perfect for enjoying your coffee a few minutes. The other big bonus here... the coffee is good, and they have a DRIVE THRU! Ok enough, if you are in the area, go check this place out.
Very casual, cozy atmosphere. The staff was very friendly. They had some child-friendly musical entertainment put on by two ladies. I believe these ladies travel around eateries in the local and nearby communities. My daughter and I both enjoyed the drinks, food, and entertainment. We would probably come to Zu Coffee more often, but since we're in the Bowie area, it's a little out of the way for a frequent coffee stop.
(4)
Alicia S.
Zu is one of the best independent coffee places in the Annapolis area. The staff is friendly, the coffee is great and they have some nice comfy chairs to sit it. I always see a lot of people working on their laptops so I know they have free wifi. I tend to come here with one of my mom's groups and they are great with having the little kids come around. Very accommodating to us always. We've even had a barista save us a spot right in front of the fireplace! And the best part is they have a drive through on those days when you can't go in (otherwise known as kids sleeping in the car!)
(4)
Emily S.
This place is right down the street from where I live, so I've been there a few times now. The staff is very friendly and efficient. The coffee is great, and so is the honey apricot iced tea. Big fan of the shortbread treats as well...still have some menu items to try, at least food wise. It's hard not to get a cup of coffee each time I stop in, even with the hopes of trying something different to drink. But eventually! All in all: cool, friendly place; yummy coffee.
(4)
Kimber G.
Hands down the best coffee in Annapolis. I wish there were more locations in the area! The baristas are all so nice and talented. They are so accommodating to my group of friends AND our little ones. The comfy chairs in front of the fireplace is the perfect place for our kids to play while we enjoy some nice conversation. Did I mention the drive through? Just love Zu!
(5)
Janet K.
I need to start with a disclaimer--I know someone who works here, so I am a bit prejudiced. I will try to be as objective as possible in my review. First, Doug the owner is a saint. He has taken a goofy kid with learning problems and patiently taught him over the years to be a good employee. For this alone I would give about a hundred stars. But that is not what this site is for, so I will focus on the quality of the product(s) The coffee is superb. period. I don't know why they don't do more of an advertising blitz about how they roast their own beans there. This makes a world of difference and as far as I can tell, very few places around the area have their own roaster machine. It is apparently quite a tricky skill to get the beans just right,, and Doug knows his beans! Wonderful... I can't tell you about any of the other drinks, cuz whenever I go there, I can't get away from the coffee... I have had a number of bagels (which I understand are from the best bagel maker in the area) and a few pastries. Unlike the other reviewer, I have always found them fresh and tasty. My friend ordered a sandwich when she was in recently and pronounced it delicious. From what I know, Doug makes them himself fresh for the day--often more than once... The shop itself is meticulously clean with comfy cushioned arm chairs, a fireplace and assorted tables and chairs. They have regular events from chess clubs to live music. What more can you want??? I think they are the best. And a place that gives a special needs kid a chance---what can I say???
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No
Emilia G.
Zü coffee is the best coffee ever. I come almost every day. The coffee shop girl who works in the afternoon always makes the best drinks and always takes the time to ask how my day is. The shop is pleasant and even at 530 in the morning I am always greeted with a smiling face and a sunny disposition. The best place in Annapolis for coffee. I wish they had more locations. Yes they have a drive thru but I feel like you loose the joy of the coffee shop experience. Tell your friends this place rocks.
(5)Zzzzz Z.
Overall great decor it's a good place to go and study or read a book like others have said. I had a Iced coffee and a bagel - both were ok but the coffee wasn't amazing so it would take a lot for me to want to go back for that. However I'd go back to get some work done just for the decor.
(3)Tina H.
The shop was cute, clean and cozy. I ordered a latte with almond milk and the barista used soy instead...not a big deal, coffee still tasted great!
(3)Gary H.
Great local coffee house in Bay Ridge. They have a really nice comfy seating area and a drive-through! It is located far from any other coffee shop, Starbucks, etc... They are friendly and helpful with free WIFI. There are lots of people hanging out in there working on their laptops as well. There are two tables on the front sidewalk - although not the most enchanting view, it's still outside. Only downside is there seems to be always someone smoking there. Ewwww (Sorry smokers)! It's certainly a gem in our little neighborhood though. We love it.
(4)Erin G.
This is hands down my favorite coffee joint in Annapolis. Love the atmosphere and people - not to mention the amazing coffee and breakfast sandwiches. It's also a great spot if you want to avoid the chaos of downtown. My go-to drink is a sugar free vanilla latte with almond milk. They also have a great selection of bagels, muffins, pastries, and fruit!
(5)Rebecca B.
Zu Coffee is unique and quaint. I love the logo and durable paper cups. They have a good variety of beverages and homemade pastries. They even have a loyalty program that earns faster than Starbucks! My only wish is that they carried flavored creamers.
(4)Rosanna M.
Zu is wonderful! Love the coffee and the staff! Just wish those people ordering complicated coffee drinks would go inside instead of the car lane. LOL
(4)Meredith L.
*Hit or miss, depending on who is making your drink* I absolutely loved Zu Coffee the first few times I came but sadly the quality has declined steeply. Regular coffee if fine but not the deep, toasty flavor from a really quality coffee. It isn't rave worthy but fine. I like lattes, cappuccino, etc, often hazlenut or almond. This is where I have faced disappointment. Even though I like a lot of milk or flavor, I still want a strong coffee taste. The perfect latte has a deep roasted taste with the creamy texture. Zu Coffee's drinks are not very deep or toasted, & if you ask for flavor you end up with something so watery it doesn't taste anything like coffee....it often tastes like just watery milk. I've had to ask for an extra shot to be able to taste the coffee in my coffee. And something that I never knew would be a factor at a coffee place....the hot coffee isn't actually hot enough! Possibly they aren't steaming the milk--I have had to say something before when I ordered a latte & got espresso the woman just dumped milk in. That I can do at home for a lot less. The quality varies WILDLY depending on who is working. I wish I knew the name of the guy who made my drink the last time....SO MUCH BETTER!!! *One thing I DO have to RAVE about...the Cappuccino Zu Orange. It has orange zest over it, making it smell strongly of orange with every sip & a light orange flavor. GREAT IDEA. The only problem is that the servers get annoyed when you order it...not fun to feel like you're putting someone out by asking for something on their menu. * I don't order the baked goods after being given wrong descriptions twice. Asked if something was a chocolate croissant., told yes...it was a raisin thing that was dry & awful. Another time ordered a "pumpkin muffin" that was not...it was something raisin AGAIN. The store is casual, basic, & usually already full of people who don't seem to have any intention of leaving when they're coffee is gone-you know, aspiring writers with laptops & ladies in loud conversations. It's not somewhere so comfortable that I really want to hang out there, though so I don't need a seat. If I want coffee NOW & don't want to wait, I'll go to Zu. But with such an array of choices in Annapolis, I can do much better for "gourmet" coffee.
(3)Allan C.
The coffee is outstanding and i guess tat's what you go there for. But the service is slow and the food items breakfast sandwiches etc are not great. I will be stopping by for the coffee and skip the breakfast
(3)Jen L.
This is the only non-Starbucks and non-Dunkin Donut coffee shop with a drive through in the area. Super convenient for those of us that are in a hurry going to work. They have a great variety of lattes, coffee (iced and hot) and smoothies and they are all good! My personal favorite is the White Chocolate Mochas..iced AND hot. Zu is also very frugal friendly. I feel like every time I pick up The Capital Newspaper, Zu is always offering a free cup of coffee or latte through the "Deal of the Day" Nothing says awesome like a free cup of coffee! They are also convenient to picking up a cup of coffee before you shop at Giant and use the shopping the carts with the cup holders.
(5)Morgan C.
Love this place. Super friendly, great coffee roasted on site, and very comfortable seating (tables, chairs, bar seats, couches). Even a fire place for a warm winter spot!
(4)Camden W.
Zu Coffee is a well-located, efficient coffee shop. A comfortable place to hang out in their small seating area or to swing by for your morning pick-me-up. As someone who likes to keep it simple I tend to get a regular coffee which easily rivals most of the large chain coffee shops. Zu has snacks and a range of baked goods for those who are looking for more substance to their breakfast. There IS a drive-through for those on the go!
(4)Jamie W.
I freaking love this cafe. I worked next door at the Giant food when it first opened, and it was my first real exposure to coffee. They offered all Giant employees 10% discounts, which was really cool of them. This place is responsible for my coffee addiction, specifically due to their frapps! (I think they call them zappuccinos). The decor is really cool and the chairs comfy leather. They sell their coffee, as well as other paraphernalia such as shirts and funky vases/art. There are tables outside and the staff is always friendly. They now have a drive-thru which is pretty sweet. Zu also has a membership card with a free drink every 10 purchases. I wish Zu was as widespread as Starbucks; there would be no competition for me!! (and I'm a Starbucks regular)
(5)Alyssa M.
Zu coffees is one of a kind! Great environment, good coffee and food a very friendly staff! Even better they have a drive thru that moves quickly!
(5)Colleen C.
Zu is my favorite cafe in Annapolis, the staff is so friendly and cute. Plus they have a drive thru!!
(5)Christine C.
This place rocks! This one is part of the Giant shopping center across from the Mexican cafe and the newly built Annapolis Neck Fire Dept. It's open pretty early (530 a.m.) and they serve the individual that comes through the door as a person. The barista is awesome and has made so many beverages for me (I am pregnant - no caffeine) that Star bucks refused to when I was there last time (I know strange right?). Well anyways, they are super friendly, have a wonderful variety of beverages hot and cold and serve up some breakfast items as well. The couches there are very comfortable, and the atmosphere is perfect for enjoying your coffee a few minutes. The other big bonus here... the coffee is good, and they have a DRIVE THRU! Ok enough, if you are in the area, go check this place out.
(5)Kristin F.
Not great - my cappuccino was watery, and my fiancé's latte was pretty grim (had a really funny taste - and it was iced, which should have covered up some of the badness). Service was very friendly and fast, which was definitely a plus, but next time we're in town, we'll be looking for a different coffee establishment. Disclaimer: I've lived in Seattle for the past 3 years, and yes - we are pretty snobby about coffee. Sorry.
(2)Michelle J.
Very casual, cozy atmosphere. The staff was very friendly. They had some child-friendly musical entertainment put on by two ladies. I believe these ladies travel around eateries in the local and nearby communities. My daughter and I both enjoyed the drinks, food, and entertainment. We would probably come to Zu Coffee more often, but since we're in the Bowie area, it's a little out of the way for a frequent coffee stop.
(4)Alicia S.
Zu is one of the best independent coffee places in the Annapolis area. The staff is friendly, the coffee is great and they have some nice comfy chairs to sit it. I always see a lot of people working on their laptops so I know they have free wifi. I tend to come here with one of my mom's groups and they are great with having the little kids come around. Very accommodating to us always. We've even had a barista save us a spot right in front of the fireplace! And the best part is they have a drive through on those days when you can't go in (otherwise known as kids sleeping in the car!)
(4)Emily S.
This place is right down the street from where I live, so I've been there a few times now. The staff is very friendly and efficient. The coffee is great, and so is the honey apricot iced tea. Big fan of the shortbread treats as well...still have some menu items to try, at least food wise. It's hard not to get a cup of coffee each time I stop in, even with the hopes of trying something different to drink. But eventually! All in all: cool, friendly place; yummy coffee.
(4)Kimber G.
Hands down the best coffee in Annapolis. I wish there were more locations in the area! The baristas are all so nice and talented. They are so accommodating to my group of friends AND our little ones. The comfy chairs in front of the fireplace is the perfect place for our kids to play while we enjoy some nice conversation. Did I mention the drive through? Just love Zu!
(5)Janet K.
I need to start with a disclaimer--I know someone who works here, so I am a bit prejudiced. I will try to be as objective as possible in my review. First, Doug the owner is a saint. He has taken a goofy kid with learning problems and patiently taught him over the years to be a good employee. For this alone I would give about a hundred stars. But that is not what this site is for, so I will focus on the quality of the product(s) The coffee is superb. period. I don't know why they don't do more of an advertising blitz about how they roast their own beans there. This makes a world of difference and as far as I can tell, very few places around the area have their own roaster machine. It is apparently quite a tricky skill to get the beans just right,, and Doug knows his beans! Wonderful... I can't tell you about any of the other drinks, cuz whenever I go there, I can't get away from the coffee... I have had a number of bagels (which I understand are from the best bagel maker in the area) and a few pastries. Unlike the other reviewer, I have always found them fresh and tasty. My friend ordered a sandwich when she was in recently and pronounced it delicious. From what I know, Doug makes them himself fresh for the day--often more than once... The shop itself is meticulously clean with comfy cushioned arm chairs, a fireplace and assorted tables and chairs. They have regular events from chess clubs to live music. What more can you want??? I think they are the best. And a place that gives a special needs kid a chance---what can I say???
(5)