Brew
108 E Front St, Traverse City, MI, 49684
Brew Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Traverse City for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
108 E Front St
Traverse City, MI, 49684 - Phone (231) 946-2739
- Website https://brewtc.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 12:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Ashleigh A.
Fast, friendly staff. Great place to see people, work in groups or study. Fabulous music and coffee in an awesome, chill environment. Traverse needed this SOOO bad!!
(5)Eric W.
Don't order anything iced unless you want a cup of milk (iced latte) or a cup of water (iced americano). Needs more espresso on both.
(1)Britany L.
Absolutely loves this place!! Awesome vibe, delish food and super tasty coffee drinks. Great staff and free wifi to plug in and work. Plus it's a bar!!! I might have found my Sunday hang out spot
(5)Kara S.
Stopped in for coffee. Tried the ice coffee which was refreshing and simple. Very helpful and friendly staff. Great vibe and nice decor. Will be back. They use Higher Grounds which is locally roasted and flavorful!
(5)Rusty C.
Powdered chai and matcha. Skipped the chai latte obviously. Matcha latte tasted like simple sugar water with a hint of powdered milk. Blech! #teasnob
(1)Norberto S.
Love the coffee. They have the best spice chai tea latte I had in the grand traverse area. (Sorry higher grounds) plus they have beer and wine plus food
(5)Ze W.
I've just had it with this place- I'd truly like to like it, but really I'm not a fan: -service is excruciatingly slow, even when there is NO ONE in line -drip coffee always tastes "old"- perhaps they need to clean out their machine? -some service is friendly; some just plain rude. I only come in here every now and again, but after my last experience I'll definitely not be back. Really disappointing, but there are plenty of other less frustrating options in the area.
(1)Tyce R.
Great service, great drinks & atmosphere. If you're looking for a social relaxed atmosphere this is the place.
(5)Lulu L.
Perfect place to enjoy a healthy meal! The food had so much flavor and I felt so fulfilled after I finished. I ordered the hipster salad and it was rockin good! I also tried the Cobb salad which was equally as good. For dessert I got a spiced chai latte- amazing, best I've ever had. Just to add, the decor is wonderful. I felt so at home and welcomed by the modern coffee shop vibe.
(5)Leslie S.
I have to admit that we were directed towards Brew for their nice changing table, and it was! However we wouldn't just change our baby and leave so we ordered coffee. Will definitely be back! I had a peppermint Mocha that was very yummy! Perfect blend of all ingredients! The staff was great and loved the ambiance of the place. So glad to have found this gem!
(5)Chelsea H.
Coffee and beer together under one roof! I dropped in one evening for a coffee pick-me-up and a light dinner. The lox & bagel really hit the spot, and was reasonably priced to boot. It was hard to resist the delicious-looking sweet treats in the bakery case, but I opted for a boozy coffee drink for dessert instead, which I was very pleasantly surprised that they were able to make dairy-free, with your choice of soy OR almond milk! Service was prompt even though they were busy and the staff were attentive and pleasant. The interior is spacious and nicely decorated; I know reclaimed wood is a "thing", but it looks lovely all the same. It is wonderful that Brew is open late; us weirdoes need our night-coffee. I'll definitely return.
(5)Tracy B.
This was my first time at brew, I like the ambience and the menu selections. I was a little taken aback that my bagel with lox and I half calf latte cost almost $13 but other than that I thought it was pretty good. One small thing my tomato was mushy, but what can you expect it's the dead of winter. I will definitely give this place another chance and maybe even try their evening venue.
(3)Cat M.
Fantastic spot: 1/2-off Wine Bottles on Tuesdays Great Music Comfy/Trendy Decor Solid Food Fast wifi Coffee smelled top-notch, though I didn't order any. Yelp check-ins get 10% off specialty coffee drinks! I'm an out-of-towner, but if I lived here, I'd certainly make myself a regular.
(5)Sandy B.
A great espresso, cozy atmosphere, and great upbeat music selection. On top of that, brewed coffee is just $1.
(5)Melissa L.
I was in town from Chicago in April and found Brew on accident. The food was amazing. My only suggestion is to open an additional location in Chicago. Next time I am in TC I will be back!!!
(5)Daniel C.
Great coffee, vibe and decor! Had a robust shot of espresso, a cup of their drip (self-service, with free refills), and admired the art the old building itself and the great layout of the place. I could have sat here all day and soaked it in, but there's also a lot to see in this area!
(5)Joe L.
Excellent coffee. Had the cappuccino and it was perfect. Smooth and creamy. I've been to many coffee shops and this tops my list. If you want real coffee come here. Don't go to the tourist trap down the road on the corner. Also had the bagel sandwich for breakfast and it was great too.
(5)Chels N.
Good coffee? Great fresh food? Ample seating? Epic people watching? And booze? Nailed it. Sunday night live entertainment, daily specials, and rumor has it, endless mimosa and waffle Sundays? Haaaay. Brew has brought something to downtown TC that is untouchable. This unpretentious coffee bar truly represents morning, noon, and night. And with such reasonable prices, you have no reason not to go. Now. And then again later. Plus tomorrow. Gah. It's perfect.
(5)Linda D.
The Brew is AWESOME! The atmosphere, food and service are great. Smoothies are delicious and the vibe relaxing! Free Wi-fi completes the perfect morning, afternoon, or evening repast! Bravo, BREW!!
(5)Dean K.
Nice place. I like the drip coffee and sandwiches. But, with the wait staff, it's not like there is any animosity or anything. But they are quite attentive with their friends and dismissive of others. They make it very clear, either you are a somebody or you are a nobody. Unfortunately, I am a nobody. So sad.
(3)Monica S.
This is the most amazing coffee shop I've ever been to in my life. The atmosphere is chill and looks like an ol' pub with wood floors and brick walls. It's clean and cool. They offer your standard specialty coffees but also alcoholic drinks and beers on tap. My fiancée ordered a delicious Spiced Chai Tea Latte and I ordered a crisp, sparkling mimosa. We also ordered a hardy oatmeal with real oats and cherries. I definitely recommend this place to stop, sit back, chill, and enjoy a caffeinated or invigorating brew : ). They yummy sounding sandwiches and salads as well.
(5)Missie T.
Love the vibe of this place. Good beer good coffee good smoothies. I always love live music too. Nice place to go late night or early.
(4)Bobbi L.
I absolutely love this place. Very surprised that some would say that people are rude that work here as I have never had a bad experience with staff..they are always so very kind. I love the feel of the place and it is a nice place to go for a drink or a coffee. It isn't the huff and puff of a bar and the speed is chill...its a coffee shop for crying out loud people. Ofcourse its a little slower of a pace. I just love it. Every few weeks I have to go get a panini..I tell everyone they are the best sandwiches in town! Love! Cant beat the food, staff, or experience. If you want life to calm down for a moment and some good food, an amazing spiced chai or glass of wine, and nice place to actually spend time with other people without shouting at each other this is your place.
(5)Devin P.
This place has awesome coffee- I'm used to the variety in Chicago, but as far as I'm concerned, this is the only coffee shop you need in TC- I'm really glad this is the first one me and my boo tried! I had a vanilla latte and the wifey had a cappuccino; the first thing we noted about the vanilla latte was how thick the foam was- it has SUCH an amazing mouth feel that made you want to keep drinking it. It also wasn't too vanilla-ey, really balanced- pretty fantastic stuff. The cappuccino was also great, had a huge head of microfoam that just didn't go away, which made for great mustaches :) that head looked like a snow covered hill, and was equally enjoyable. The place itself is so cool- much much deeper than it seemed from the outside, and plenty of neat little seating arrangements as well as a tall, padded bench seat that runs the length of the café. The decor is neat- plenty of wood and those sweet old bulbs that look like they came from Edison's workshop. I can dig it. This place is top notch.
(5)Scott C.
This is my first time to the "Brew" and what a cool coffee house. I love several things, first they are open to midnight which is rare to find with most coffee houses and means I can work late. Second decor and ambiance of the Brew is awesome. A lot of individual tables for people to work, and one wall is a basically a massive coach with 10 individual tales for people to work. I think the lighting is cool and even the music they play was great. I guess I've fallen pretty quick for this place. The coffee was good and the service attentive, and they offer a full menu of food that is served all the way until midnight, including their breakfast options. Anyway, its my first time, but I'm impressed and I go to a lot of coffee houses throughout the state of Michigan. This is at the top of my favorite list, and I will return.
(5)J W.
Great style and place to hang and use the interweb . The food is basic but they do have GREAT drinks.
(3)Becky O.
Only thing I wish, was that you opened earlier,,,, just one hour,,,, pleeeeeease ......
(4)Wendy H.
One of my go to cafe!!! I enjoy it alone or to meet friends!! Great coffee, tea, specialty drinks ... Good muffin at counter ...
(5)Lisa H.
Was looking for a place to get some food and atmosphere on a Sunday night and happened to find myself in Brew. Wow, what a happy accident. I was welcomed in by friendly staff, enjoyed live music, a glass of wine and an awesome panini (try the Harvest panini. Life changer.) No matter what you're looking for: coffee, beer, wine, food, this place has you covered. It was a lively, yet relaxed atmosphere and I can't wait to come back again.
(5)Jordan H.
About as good of a latte as you will find. I come here regularly when I am downtown to get a carmel latte and have never been disappointed. The prices are reasonable, the service is quick and friendly, and I love the atmosphere.
(5)Robert H.
Stopped in here for a spot of tea while escaping in TC. The place has a cozy setup -- leather and worn wood with comfortable music. Looks like it was decorated by Restoration Hardware. It was late afternoon on a Sunday and there was a decent crowd. They get bonus points for having a carafe of green tea ready to go. Fulfilling all angles of their name, they have both beer and coffee. They also have a nice cafe menu and a pastry case. I wonder whether they have a room for rent upstairs. Continued.... I've been here for a couple hours and have witnessed a morph from cafe to pub. A band is setting up and the place has some bussle. Interesting beers on tap. Not bad for a Sunday.
(4)Alex S.
Here's the deal folks: Michigan was in the throes of a heatwave and Brew saved me. That's not being too dramatic, right? I might owe Brew my life. Brew was perfectly air conditioned (not too hot, not too cold; like the Goldilocks of cafes!) when I walked in on a hot afternoon. Unsweetened icetea to accompany my laptop work and we were in business. The location is really spacious, and includes more traditional cafe seating (overstuffed arm chairs) as well as tables and booths. On a weekday afternoon most people were quietly tapping away on computers alongside me, though there were a few gathered for a social lunch (notable because the food looked so good I wanted to - zoinks! - grab a bite off their plate). The music featured some throwbacks from the late 90s (appreciated), and the staff was very friendly. Brew is a much-welcomed addition to the Front Street options. Yelp note: not just a cafe, Brew is a true overachiever: it's a bar, too! From latte to lager? Brew has you covered.
(4)William F.
Really great place! Went there for breakfast one day while visiting, and came back another for a coffee. The breakfast was really good a bagel and lox sandwich and a bloody mary. All around very happy with the meal. The second visit I came for a coffee. I ordered the pour over, which I drank black. It was really good coffee and thats coming from a bit of a coffee snob. It was nice and strong and had very nice flavor.
(5)Scott H.
Best coffee joint in Traverse City, period. Great atmosphere and staff. Try a mocha, it treads the razors edge between sweet and bitter. Lots of comfortable seating even though it can be very busy at times.
(5)Jennifer B.
I am here visiting for a week and have been there twice already. Love the fact you can get speciality coffee drinks, wine and beer in a relaxed environment. It's so inviting and the staff is helpful, friendly and informative
(4)Ashly S.
Definitely one of my favorite spots in TC -- great place to have some coffee, get some work done and people watch. The Harvest Panini is awesome (its new and hopefully, it's here to stay), the coffee drinks are delicious AND you get the option to switch to alcohol if the mood strikes you. Love it!
(4)Anne-Michelle E.
Love the atmosphere and the concept. I've only been here once and the food was delicious! I had the Tree Hugger as a wrap and had them grill it in the panini press. It was so good! I didn't want to eat both halves but I HAD to! Too bad I live all the way in California or I'd be here all the time. Looks like a great local place to just grab some coffee and hang out.
(4)Colleen C.
The note I wrote myself to pen this review a few nights ago was "need to get it together a bit, but very high potential." Normally I wouldn't know when a new TC coffee shop had opened as I am not around enough...but I attended a wedding at the Opera House in August and for sure this spot was not jammin', so it's opened sometime in the fall. They are new. It shows a little bit. The reviews are evidence to that. Not to be deterred I popped in after spending a bit of time at Diversions a few stores down. The interior and vibe are outstanding. They've really done a bang-up job with the place. It's a long, somewhat rectangular space ambling towards the back with tables and chairs lining the walls. Truly, it could be Brooklyn or Chicago, it's pretty darn cool looking with wood floors, interesting fixtures. I didn't make it to the back, but it appears there is more seating... This is not just a coffee shop, as the name would lead you to believe. It's a full-fledged cafe AND bar. And therein may lie the problem. Biting off a bit more than Brew can chew. While excellent in theory, trying to do too many things at once means you aren't doing anything truly well. That was what I found it to be, and after reading other reviews...the problems are consistent. Slow food, spotty service, things are a bit confusing.... I just came in with a simple order. Large Americano ($3). It took 15 minutes, and 4 staffers asked me what I was waiting for and/or tried to take my order while I was waiting. Am Americano is espresso and water. It should be pretty easy and quick. When I mentioned that the service was spotty, by NO MEANS do I mean that they are rude. Au contrair, they are very polite and want to help, but they all just seem so disconbobulated tripping over one another in the small service area. There's a beer bar lined up next to an espresso machine and food orders coming out of a kitchen into the same area. I was confused looking at it. The micromanager/past barrista in me wanted to hop over the counter like in the movies and start delegating jobs, making lists and restoring order at Brew. Of course, I didn't do that. I just waited for my coffee. Which was GREAT. When I got it. So, yes. They need to get it together. The good news is, this is not the worst thing in the world. The coffee is good. The alcohol is good. The vibe is great. The space is awesome. They are open late (DT desperately needs this...everything else open late is a bar/bar), would be a phenomenal coffee date place or place to catch up with friends. So my advice, Brew? *Focus. Cut down the menu, figure out the systems. Keep people happy. *Organize. Who does what? Figure it out and stick to it. *Keep your chins up, you've got lots of time til the summer rush hits. Maybe that was the plan? Good one. I'll definitely be back over the summer, I'm hoping against hope they work out the kinks and this place becomes a mainstay, it really is a great addition to the area and a cool spot to hang out.
(3)Brad B.
Love this place, coffee & beer (& wine). What a great hangout spot. If I owned a place this would be it. Kudos and a must stop place when in Traverse City.
(5)Sarah S.
Such a neat place! The atmosphere and decor are awesome. We only stopped in for drinks but the food menu sounded delicious. I wish we could've ate too. The only negative comment I have is the server that took our order was not friendly at all. She did not smile or really acknowledge us. Next time I'm in the area I will be visiting again!
(4)Paul P.
Super nice people and great coffee. Perfect for a person who wants a cup and needs the Internet.
(5)Ken J.
What a cool freakin' place! Every town needs a little coffee spot like this, i.e., one that's open past midnight and serves beer and wine. Fantastic! Stopped in to get my caffeine fix, post big lunch with beer at different venue, and was ueber stoked. Real baristas pulling real shots of espresso from actual Italian espresso machines, not just pushing some button to get some generic (and generically crappy) coffee-flavored beverage. Very cool vibe and atmosphere with a long bar, exposed brick and beam structures, plenty of seating, including the comfy kind of chair, and free internet. I swear, every hipster wanna be in the greater TC metro area was in this place with their Mac, hoovering up the free wi-fi, beavering away on their next performance art project (or so I suspect). Seriously, it was cool. The espresso was perfect: Hot, beautiful thick crema, and served in a nice little demi-tasse. I wish I could have stayed longer and tried their various and sundry microbrews on tap and in bottles and their numerous local wines by the glass. 'Twas not be, however, and I had to run. But I will be back.
(5)Troy A.
Best coffee shop in TC. Coffee, tea, beer, wine, soup, appetizers, and lighter fare.
(5)T D.
I'm giving 5 stars for the single fact that they have healthier food options until late night 12. The tree hugger is one of my favorites. Its an awesome veggie wrap. Its a great place to meet up with friends to sit and chat, have a beer or coffee. They also have some wine and liquor selection. The staff are all pretty friendly. Devin being a home brewer knows his beer selection which is nice. Lydia is a rockstar in the kitchen and has a huge heart for the world around her. Chantelle is way rad in the kitchen too. Everyone is pretty attentive most the time. This will be an establishment with staying power.
(5)Mark R.
Update: Well, back in Traverse....and I came here again. I had some time to kill and needed to work on my laptop. Same great coffee, same friendly service! And, when you need to rest your brain, the people watching is very good! Original review: I only stopped in for a coffee, to warm up, and relax for a little bit. Didn't try anything on the menu but, if I do, will be sure to update. I had an Americano...it was quite hot, and decent. The staff were polite and friendly, prices reasonable, and a very relaxed, if bit loud, atmosphere. The wireless kept barfing out on me, that was a bit frustrating. But, all in all, a nice place. I will come back.
(4)Kristin F.
Brew has a great downtown feel- eye catching decor, friendly staff, a warm atmosphere, ample seating, and spots by the window to people watch. I finally made it to Brew for lunch and ordered a Mr. Cobb to go. Their online menu was a little concerning- brewtc.com/menu.htm . However, I saw past the alvacado and chedder and ordered a Mr. Cobb. They gave me a card (x-ray fish) to hold on to while I waited at the coffee bar for my lunch to arrive. Cute touch. I took it upon myself to snap a few pictures and look around while I anticipated my salad. I spotted some ladies lunching in the back, people sipping lattes at the front window while they typed on their Macs, and a guy playing guitar on the couch with a black coffee. Nice ambiance, very downtown TC. I really like Brew. I'll also be joining fellow techies and tweeters at the 2nd Traverse City TweetUp on December 15th! Thanks for hosting this, Brew!
(4)Christine T.
5 stars for the local beer selection and draft beer selection. 4 stars for the service and atmosphere. 3 stars for the food. My husband and I stopped in on a lazy Sunday afternoon and we had our pick of tables. The place has a nice modern vibe and lots of open space. I completely enjoyed the Expresso Love Breakfast Stout by Arbor Brewing. It was on draft. I'm not a coffee drinker, but I don't believe that this beer tastes like coffee. The beer is described as having a nice coffee finish. My hubby liked the Cheboygan Lighthouse Amber, it was solid and good. It was great to see a nice selection of both local draft and bottled beers. My hubby liked his So Cal sandwich, especially the horseradish seasoning! He'd give it a 4 star. My Mr. Cobb salad was decent and the tomatoes tasted fresh. I liked both the blue cheese and ranch dressing. It was just the right size for my appetite. They also serve coffee, baked goods, and local cupcakes (from Simply Cupcakes). We look forward to seeing this place grow and Brew is a nice addition to downtown TC.
(4)Jessica S.
Love the decor of this place, great atmosphere. I like the pour your own coffee setup so you don't have to wait in line. I liked my coffee, a blend of some sort. Will definitely return
(4)Caesar R.
This one star is solely for not liking the espresso drink (Iced Latte). They used cold espresso which would have been fine if not for the funky taste to it in the drink. At first, I thought maybe the milk was bad, but it was a brand new container. Sorry, but not getting coffee here again. But otherwise, the place looks cool to have a drink or get a fresh hot espresso. And it's probably my fault also for not going back immediately to remedy the situation as well. I just didn't want to deal with the hassle. So this may be a completely biased one star. So don't let it deter you from going to try this place.
(1)sara k.
I'm really tempted to shave a star because I never get out the door in under about 10 minutes for just a drink, but the ambiance and friendly nature saved them. The dollar coffee bar is a reason I will return regularly. (Genius! Why aren't more owners doing this for a quick cup for busy business professionals?) The bar is the second. Cider and local microbrews on tap, paired with a sweet martini menu make a girl happy. Third? Lovely decor, most of it historic and restored. It's a relaxed vibe in a contemporary setting. Makes for a nice backdrop when waxing poetic or sharing work stories. Also? Get the fiery feta dip.
(4)North Girl M.
Fantastic coffee, great ambiance and super friendly folks. Get the oatmeal in the am, wraps in the afternoon. Free wifi, charming location and guilt free escape from your Inlaws. Bring your laptop for "work".
(4)Harold P.
It's a nice place that is clean and comfortable. Good place to get a afternoon coffee but not the best place for drinking (beer). It has way to much good competition that is solely dedicated to adult beverages. Those places are right around the corner so it's location doesn't make up for anything. Once again it does have great coffee.
(3)Ahlennah B.
We ordered 3 sandwiches that took about 25-30 minutes to come out. They were very small, and while they seemed made from fresh ingredients, they weren't all that great. I got the SoCal Wrap. I comes withavocado, sprouts, lettuce, onions, pesto mayo and tomato. I couldn't taste the pesto mayo at all, or even really see it. The "sprouts" were actually bean sprouts (like they have at thai restaurants) which is great, 'cause I love those, but I was expecting alfalfa or something of that nature because...well, 99% of the time, that's what "sprouts" on a sandwich means. The lettuce was one solitary leaf of romaine wound thru the wrap. The whole wrap was about an inch and a half around and only very loosely packed. Hardly justifies the price and it wouldn't have taken much to make it better...more lettuce, more "sprouts"...something. I had asked at the counter if they could add tuna to the sandwich (they make a tuna melt) and the woman at the register said something about that being a different sandwich that is already pre-assembled... maybe that means they just grill them inhouse and don't make the tuna melts themselves? Weird. And even less of an excuse for how long it seems to take to get a food order here if that's all they're doing. They offer a gluten free wrap option that is not made out of corn, which was highly appreciated. The cashier was kind enough to bring me the package so I could check out the ingredients before ordering. The staff was all very nice, helpful and knowlegable. When we came in, it was the first day of Cherry Fest and the place was pretty busy. Still, our drinks came out quickly. Ice blended mocha tasted like ice blended coffee - not chocolatey at all. Wasn't even asked if I wanted whipped cream, they just put it on there. That's probably my bad, as I am used to being asked and forgot to tell them when I wasn't. As a former barista, I appreciate the graphical representations on the menu for the hot espresso drinks, so that people know what they are ordering and don't have to ask what the less common items are. It's rad that they offer beer as well, altho we did not partake in that. Their wireless is fast and easy and they have lots of comfortable seating. It's fantastic that they're open late and that the space is so welcoming. This is a cool place to hang out, but the drinks and food were a miss for me.. since that is the part of their business that brings in the bucks, two stars...i'd love to support a coffee shop that I'm hanging out in, but this is just way overpriced for mediocre to poor quality food offerings.
(2)Eric S.
This place is a really fun place to hang out. They have the winning formula and they are always busy as a result. They serve great microbrews and other beers. The place is very comfortable and people are studying and chilling and drinking coffee and beer. I had a fantastic bagel here. I only nicked them out of one star because I thought that the food was a little on the pricey side, but the beers were reasonably priced. I will definitely be back every time I am in TC.
(4)Ron H.
Love Brew! Very comfortable and great brew! Always a nice location for coffee and snacks.
(5)Mark T.
This is your great local coffeeshop, home of the heavily tatted and the stroller mom alike. I just wanted an espresso and a chance to get away from window shopping with the wife. The espresso was nutty and smooth; the atmosphere was hip but welcoming and relaxed. I didn't try the food, but it looked good. Pros: nice atmosphere, good service, beer and wine offerings, very good coffee Cons: limited outdoor seating, limited coffee bean options Not my favorite coffeeshop ever, but easily the best in downtown Traverse. I'm an instant fan!
(4)Karol C.
Positive: Atmosphere was cozy and nice. Negatives: Coffee is overpriced ... $9 for two lattes in a reg size coffee mug. Poor service... Order took a while to make and was made wrong. We got nothing more then an apology. They didn't remake the drink!
(2)Renee D.
The ingredients in this coffee are good quality but the Barista who made our drinks wasn't very good. My mocha was very strong, which I don't mind I love straight espresso but the bottom was too sweet to drink. Basically if he would have taken the time to mix my drink it would have been fine. My fiance had his iced and it was way to creamy. You could hardly taste the chocolate of coffee. I wouldn't go back.
(3)Leyla A.
Since Crema closed, I was looking for a decent cup of coffee on Front St. Was on my way to Good Harbor when I noticed Brew. It was packed. I popped in, dropped a $1 in the jar,and walked out with a fabulous cup of HIGHER GROUNDS coffee. Nice.
(3)Gustavo F.
Very nice spot, good service and good price, laid back and fun, definitely a must for travelers!!
(4)Pam R.
Hubby & I had lunch there this week. Sat in the window seat. Great viewing watching the crowds stroll Front St. We split a sandwich and a cup of soup, with 2 cokes. The bill was over $14 before the tip. Nice place, fairly good food, just a little pricey. Also, don't go if you're in a hurry. But if you want a great place to sit back and people watch...this is it!
(4)Erin S.
Get the Chai tea with vanilla, best I've had in a long time. And you can't go wrong with the $1 coffee.
(5)Teri S.
Very cool space. Love the art and seating. Drinks were very good. Staff was effecient. Great concept for any time of day dining or drinking.
(4)Matt N.
A much needed addition to Traverse City! I love that I can stop in the morning for a pour-over coffee (with an almond croissant!), then later in the day for a drink, and some great food anytime in between. I'm excited about their commitment to featuring local beer on tap and a changing menu of soups. The atmosphere is especially cozy and very unique. I found some great info on the design here moss-design.com/2012/01/… , which used to be part of the opera house. Cool!
(5)Rene H.
Great place to hang! Very good coffee drinks! Looks rather small when you first walk in, but keep going, they have a couch and a few comfy chairs in the back. It is a rather busy place, but overall good service and very nice staff. Never had a problem with the Wifi.
(5)Jessica N.
Brew was excellent! After a long day of kayaking and climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes, my friends and I were a little too sleepy for the bar scene by 10:30. Brew was the perfect place to go to finish off the night. Atmosphere: Comfy couches and chairs made this a relaxing alternative to a traditional bar. It was quiet enough for us to have a good conversation. Service: The bartender was super nice and brought our drinks to our table, even though she didn't have to. Drinks: We had delicious alcoholic coffee drinks that were perfect for a low-key night. My friends both had Millionaires, which they really liked. I had a delicious Peppermint Patty (some combination of coffee, kahlua, bailey's, and peppermint schnapps). My boyfriend had the Spanish Coffee, and he didn't like it very much because it wasn't as creamy as he had expected. Price: The drinks were a bit overpriced. We paid almost $9 for each of our drinks. We kind of expected it, and the drinks were great, but I think $6 or $7 would have been more reasonable.
(5)Ed S.
Was meandering around downtown and decided to stop by for a quick sandwich. I was pleasantly surprised to find the huge beer selection, featuring many MI brewed beers. The food was delicious (C Town Club) and the staff was hospitable. Great job so far... will be back!
(5)Stephanie M.
Great staff. Delicious espresso and a nice beer selection. I ordered a shot of espresso which took awhile to arrive so I can't imagine if I lived in the area that I would come in for my morning coffee but since I was in no hurry, I didn't mind. The muffins I bought were a bit dense but they were still satisfying.
(5)Sarah R.
Very unique place, with quality menu offerings, great seating options, lovely amenities, and super friendly staff. I come here and get self-serve coffee in the mornings for business meetings, in the afternoons to sip an iced americano and to chat with a friend, after work for a glass of wine, and on weekends for the pita & dip and a local brew cider. A must visit on Front street!
(4)Natalie M.
I only make it to Traverse City once a year, and this past summer I got to experience Brew. It was great. As a barista in Boston, I was in love with the decor, and the food and service is great. I cannot wait to go back.
(5)Matt R.
Relax and hang out at Brew Stopped in for tea (her) and coffee (me) on a Saturday morning in mid January. Relaxed place, good drinks, friendly staff. As we sat surfing on our iPads (you have to like the place on Facebook to get connected to their wifi, which was kind of weird) a variety of different customer groups came through: young, old, with young kids, teens, etc. Everyone just fit right in. An enjoyable 90 minutes of sipping and sharing. When we are next in T.C., we will definitely be back.
(4)Marcus C.
Here's the problem, great ambience, good service but the sitting was amazingly uncomfortable and the food/drink quality lacked... maybe it'll get better?
(3)Michelle C.
I love everything about this place from the atmosphere, to the crowd, to the drinks and the live music! Just what the doctor ordered for Traverse City! Thanks for opening such an amazing lounge : )
(5)Jonathan S.
great design & coffee
(4)Liz K.
Still four stars but wanted to update because I had a cup (or three) of their STELLAR brewed coffee. Wonderful flavor, good and hot.
(4)Meghan M.
This is a coffee shop with benefits. They serve lots of different snacks and a few sandwiches along with several different types of coffee beverages.......but.....they also have a full bar. This was a great spot for our last stop of the night. Very cool ambience and no TVs, which makes it a great spot to stop and read your book/magazine during the day or a great place for a first date because you can actually hear each other talk. Brew had just opened a few weeks before we stopped in and it seemed like they had things figured out which is a good sign. They also give you cool cards with animal names for your tab so they can keep track of them easily. We were viper. Just watch you don't get hippo :)
(4)Kris W.
I want to love this place, I really do. The atmosphere seems cool, but they really have to get their crap together a bit. I ordered a latte to go. They typed my name in the ticket so they could call my name when it was ready. I stood (what felt like I was in the way) for over 15 minutes when the girl who rang up the order finally asked, "you haven't gotten your coffee yet? what was it, the vanilla chai?" umm. "no the vanilla latte" she turned and started to make it, but then the guys making them came back and started it, finally. 15-20 minutes for a to go latte is a bit insane. I'll cut them some slack, they are clearly hopping busy and just getting organized. Maybe I'll stop back in again, maybe not. I hope they are able to organize their service a bit more, it seems like it could be an awesome place.
(2)Chris B.
Great for all age groups. I can do my work here all day in a comfortable environment having great coffee at very reasonable prices. Then, after I finish my work at about 6 I can have a beer with my friends! I can't say I've been to many places with such a great atmosphere.
(5)Nick E.
Good atmosphere and coffee and beer!!!!
(5)John S.
Great breakfast sandwiches. Excellent coffees teas and atmosphere. Great place to spend the afternoon. JFS
(4)Todd D.
Superb lattes. Great staff and a really great atmosphere.
(5)Maria R.
Was looking for breakfast on front street and found a great cheese panini and a mocha here. They ran out of bagels before noon but it was still good!
(5)Elizabeth J.
Nice place, but for coffee anything more than their dollar coffee is way over priced. The food is good and reasonably priced. They have good beers, but they're expensive.
(4)D V.
Wanted to grab a coffee and something small to eat before shops opened on a Sunday morning. A group of 4 of us thought this would be a fine place to check out. Upon walking in the decor is super and has a nice warehouse deco look to it. It was a little busy at the counter but there were a lot of open tables. 2 of us ordered breakfast sandwiches and specialty coffees. The other two ordered baked goods and coffees. They were out of bagels which was what the sandwich was suppose to be made with, though no big deal they had a different bread to substitute. It became apparent that everyone around us were wondering where there food was. We waited over 40 minutes for 2 breakfast sandwiches that were no more than okay. Our only apology was 'sorry it's just a small kitchen'. Perhaps if the kitchen is too small they need to reconsider their menu. I'm not sure how long this place has been open but I'm hoping they are still working out kinks because without improvement I don't envision myself going back.
(1)danielle c.
Higher Grounds coffee, beers on tap, yummy tuna melt and other great sandwiches, soups and salads. The decor is amazing, great ambience with local art for sale. Will be back ASAP!
(5)Philip S.
Ordered the double espresso con panna. Well made, rich whipped cream! Lounge decor, comfortable seating with a homey feel. Would definitely come again!
(5)Anna K.
This place may be great for a coffee or a beer, but I really wouldn't recommend the food. I ordered the "Hipster Salad" today thinking I was in for a delicious and creative lunch. Man, was I increasingly disappointed. I was served wilted iceberg lettuce with some crushed store bought tortilla chips on top. Shocking that this can pass as a $9 lunch item. Cute place, but definitely won't be getting food here again.
(2)Andrew Z.
employees here are awful i've stepped in puddles deeper than them all cranky and rude
(2)Ian B.
My daughter and I are accompanying my wife who's here in TC for a conference. Well, breakfast is a must and good coffee is an essential part of my vitamin "C" intake. This place was within walking distance (15 mins or so) of our hotel (the Holiday Inn Resort across the busy street - but we found a cool pathway under the bridge and along the river). I had a latte which was good (could've used a shot of fruity syrup like I like it; what can I say? I'm a 'fru-fru' coffee drinker). My daughter had a hot chocolate which was consumed in its entirety. Very cool they had her almond milk to make it - good form! She had the "lox of love," and I had the "breakfast brew-rrito." Both were tasty (well, I don't know for sure if my daughter's fish was good because she inhaled it - which is a good sign, she's a tough judge of smoked/cured fish). The meal was hearty enough to get us through until dinner. Well done.
(3)Shannon L.
Coffee, tea, beer, wine, cider and snacks all in one place downtown! It's great! Love the option of real glassware, casual atmosphere, and friendly staff. The chai is the best in town- delicious! Only complaint is the music and noise can be a tad loud.
(5)Laurence K.
Very cool coffee place in Traverse City that does a great espresso along with food which looks good and a full bar with an excellent beer menu I will update once income back for beer lol
(5)Fiona M.
Was recommended to grab coffee and a sandwich from here...and pleased we did. Good selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, I ordered a latte and the TBT (turkey Bacon Tomato) plus I added avocado. After ordering we were told there was no avocado and given money back for that. However we still were given avocado and told it's not quite ripe but we could add it to our sandwich if we liked! It was good enough for me, the sandwich was delicious and the blue corn chips with the sandwich were tasty too. I like good coffee and this place made good coffee!
(4)Randy B.
A coffee, beer, and wine place that do all of them well! The atmosphere is inviting and relaxing. The food is excellent as well. For serious coffee people, this place is great... Way beyond the flavor of Starbucks.
(4)Neal E.
After landing in Traverse City at Cherry Capital Airport, I needed caffeine, and thus ended up at Brew. When you walk in - you find yourself in a rather spacious, long, rectangular business - with lots of tables and places to sit. At 4:30 pm in the afternoon - there was a long line of people waiting to order. I ordered a double shot Machiatto with Half n' Half and a bowl of Chili. The Chili was pretty good - but the Machiatto was outstanding. Smoky and delicious! There was all kinds of folks in here - families with kids, businessmen, local mountain men, teenagers, and more. The menu includes soups, sandwiches, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and more. They offer beer, wine, as well. Service was very good, everyone was very friendly. Very cool place - if I lived in Traverse City, I'd be in here in all the time!
(5)Andrew J.
Excellent spot to enjoy a cup of coffee (for 1$ no less). Atmosphere is perfect and prices are low. Coffee is local and well done!!
(5)Zackery F.
This place is great! Black coffee for only a $1 and a great atmosphere! The only real complaint that kills the 5th star is there's a limit selection of brews to pick from. Otherwise perfect!
(4)George B.
Decided to come here for breakfast and did not regret it at all. Latte was delicious and drip coffee is only $1! Your best bet for a yummy, quick breakfast would have to be the bagel sandwich, but my dad says the oatmeal is delicious as well. The environment is casual and staff are very helpful and kind. Would come again.
(5)Alex A.
By far best coffee shop in Traverse City. Great staff, good food and drinks, never long wait for anything. Good place to hang out or get some work done.
(5)Daniel H.
This place is great for a bite to eat and some coffee before exploring Traverse City. Very spacious but the interior still gave off a warm and inviting vibe. Try the Lox of Love, toasted bagel, fresh ingredients and a scrumptious toasted bagel. Got a nice big cup of pourover coffee from Mexico, so smooth and easy to drink.
(4)Mike T.
The coffee gets 5 stars...it is brewed just right and breaks out of the traditional over-roasted coffee house coffee that seems to have become the norm. The overall ambiance in the shop is spot on. Free wifi, comfortable and roomy seating and artistic decor is a great setting to relax and have a cup or two. My daughter also enjoys their smoothies. The downside of the shop is the help and the set-up. The menu is hard to read and when asked for explanation we get incredulous looks like we are asking the sum of 2 + 2. This really is THE best coffee I have had in the area. We will continue to be patrons of this flavorful, rich and not over roasted pour-over based coffee. Just wished the menu was clearer and the help was more friendly.
(4)Valerie M.
My daughter loved the grilled ham and cheese and the Harvest panini was excellent. love the cozy atmosphere and music. The staff was helpful and easy going. Wish I could have stayed longer and enjoyed an adult beverage.
(4)Marin C.
Well, the last review I wrote for these folks was in 2012 and they are still open, so that's a good sign. I had a croissant that I bought elsewhere, it contained chocolate. Therefore, while at Brew I had a smoothie (it was too hot for hot beverages, I don't know how people do that). My smoothie was the wildberry flavor and I added spinach for 75c. Some of you are thinking awesome, others are thinking ick. I usually fall somewhere in between, but I felt a need, a need for greens. Honestly, when it's blended up in a darker colored smoothie you don't have a visually unappealing thing going on and you hardly taste it. Embrace your inner popeye.
(4)R T.
Sorry. Good coffee but I didn't get a chance to rate the food because it never came. I'll spare you the details but the "kitchen" was ill prepared for the demand this morning. I will give management credit for quickly refunding my money though. Here's hoping they get it figured out soon!
(3)Kevin O.
Amazing atmosphere here. They had cool art throughout, good set-ups with various furniture and tables. It was a little difficult to find seating for our group of 6, but we made it work. Everyone seemed to enjoy their coffee for the most part. There were many different options for brewing, which was cool. I got tea, and their tea leaves smelled delicious. I was very happy with the almond oolong that I tried.
(5)Doug G.
I stopped in this place later in the evening and was looking for a beer and not so much a coffee. That was probably my first mistake. I bellied up to the little bar and ordered a local specialty beer. I was looking for a little bite to eat, but there was nothing that tickled my fancy on the small sandwich based menu. I was there long enough to have one beer and then went back to wondering the streets of downtown in search of a hearty meal. I definitely liked the feel of the place, it had a good local artsy vibe that carried over to the crowd that occupied the place. The only detractor, and reason for my rating, was the service received. It was less than stellar and overall was on the "eh" side of things. Stopping back in here is really a crap shoot for me. It's not a no, but I am in no rush to get back.
(3)Harleen K.
Just happened to just walk in looking for an afternoon pick-me-up. I had a latte which was really smooth and well done. Had a slice of chocolate cake which was good but nothing to rave about. its a big venue with a lot of seating, there were quite a few people lounging and reading. Cool place overall.
(3)Faith R.
If you want a spike in your coffee, a chill place to surf your lap top, or a relaxing blind date, should pry choose Brew. Young vibe & chill atmosphere. I went solo!
(4)Suzy B.
Nice ambience for hanging out with friends or studying. Good food, just wish they had more variety of eats.
(4)Gary B.
An excellent coffee shop in a great neighborhood, with very good product. Would have given another star if there were more options of coffee drink sizes, and if the staff were a bit more energetic and friendly.
(4)Rich R.
Stopped in for a beer. Nice atmosphere and relaxing. Service is very slow. This is not set up well. You order at the counter, food or beer and then you step over and wait. I had to wait in line for over 10 minutes for one beer. So people go and ask questions about the food then order while you wait for one beer.
(3)Mimi T.
Great place to people watch and do some work on the computer. I plopped myself down here basically all day and no one seemed to mind. Lots of turnover so you didn't have to wait long for a table. They do seem to blast the AC a little loud. The food was just ehhh but the coffee was excellent. The foam was so thick it was a meal within itself. If I was in the area, I'd stop back.. def got my caffeine buzz going on.
(4)Mukund K.
I always have yearned for coffee shops that serve alcohol. These guys hit the nail on the head. Great coffee cocktails and cool atmosphere. A must visit for anyone visiting or living at Traverse City. They play great music too!
(4)Dave K.
No complaints really.It's a coffee shop that also has beer and wine. I had a bowl of chili, tasty, quite spicy actually I loved it. Service is a bit un-focused (I think)
(3)Ben B.
We've eaten here twice. The first time, I forget exactly what we had, but I remember we said that we would eat here again, and we did. A week or so ago we stopped in for coffee and a small snack, we split a breakfast bagel. We wished we had ordered two. The reason there isn't 5 stars. It might have just been a rush that we got caught in the middle of, but my wife asked about decaf coffee, and we were pointed over to the self-serve area. She went and tried the dispenser, only to find it devoid of coffee. Upon telling the desk person, we were told they had some in the back and that someone would change it. It seemed more like 20 minutes before they actually switched it out, further more, I had to inform someone about the decaf being out, this someone was in the midst of refilling the sugar and had just replaced the cream in the self-serve area, so clearly a disconnected between the front-desk and the coffee minions. So had someone offered to get my wife her Decaf before the refill of the dispenser or had the dispenser been filled up earlier, totally 5 stars. I understand rushes happen and sometimes without warning so management shouldn't necessarily be blamed for the sudden lack of coffee, but from a customer service perspective getting my wife some decaf sooner, rather than later would have been the proper response. But this experience won't stop us from visiting again and we will likely order two bagel sandwiches next time.
(4)Ron G.
I loved the atmosphere. It was certainly the type of coffee shop you could hang out in for a few hours with a good book or some friends. The coffee was decent but not something I would write home about considering it is a dedicated coffee shop. Try it out for the feel.
(3)Sonya P.
What a great place! There are always people in here no matter what time or day it is, and for good reason! Their Lox of Love bagel sandwich is seriously delicious and I usually get one every time!
(4)Mary K.
Brew lives up to its name, serving coffee and beer. My husband is happy with the Michigan beer on tap. I'm happy with a perfect Americano. Well done, Brew. Well done.
(5)Nazilya G.
Amazing, cozy place! Drank coffee there twice with my friends while visiting the city! Loved it. It has a nice charm to the place.
(5)Micah S.
Absolutely love this place. The mochas are always on point and the 3 Cheese Panini and SoCal wrap are on point. Love the staff and the vibe here. Watch out if your in the bathroom - lady clientele can get a little bitchy. Sweet posters and local event postings, sweet live music sometimes, and the best chocolate chip cookie I've had in a HOT minute. Also a great place to drink if you love local brews and ciders. Awesome mixed drinks as well. Try adding avocado and bacon to the 3 Chz Panini. Tip the staff, they are fantastic. Great mugs and local gear as well. A fun place to relax and enjoy any beverage, hot, cold, adult, or benign, while you game or read, write or socialize. Not a fan of the breakfast and some of the other sandwiches but it hasn't stopped me from coming here. Love the place!!
(5)William W.
Come for the drinks not the food. The drinks were amazing both times I was here. The food took 12 minutes from receipt to delivery and I had asked for no tomato and it had been rung in but my sandwich still had tomato. The amount of chips between the people I ate with were very different also for each plate some more some less.
(4)Alli S.
Brew is great. If you're the type of person that works out of the office, drinks, doesn't drink, likes sandwiches, salads, cocktails, couches, tea... i mean come on. What is better than a rad coffee shop that serves great coffee, cocktails, beer, and wine? AND food? You can literally hang out with just about anyone there. Conduct work, meet clients, meet friends, family, bring kids, don't bring kids. I only knocked the star because their smoothies are garbage. I love you brew, but you have got to stop using that pre-made syrupy sugar crap. Anyways. It's great for working, there are tons of outlets. Different areas to sit. I would say hands down the best coffee in TC right now.
(4)Nigel L.
As a Seattle native, this coffee house reminded me of home. Had the small-time hipstery vibe of a place in the Northwest. Really really good food, especially the So Cal Wrap. It was a fully loaded veggie wrap that came with this creamy delicious spicy mayo and that is saying something given how much I hate mayo! The company I was with raved about the BLT. Hot drinks were tasty as well. The only downside to this place was the wait: we were there for 15-20 minutes waiting on sandwiches. I give them all the benfit of the doubt, we had a pretty large order after all. Pop in for a delicious pastry/sandwich!
(5)Dan H.
I have been a regular here for a long time, popping in almost daily for a cup of vanilla chai with skim milk (they all knew my order). I've loved being a regular, in fact for a while I was mayor of the place on Foursquare. This place never makes mistakes --- they do everything right. From the hip decor (wood floors, brick walls, an industrial feel but comfy) to the smiling personalized service. The owners are a part of the community and they have done a fantastic job in creating a place downtown that has become a central part of the city. I especially would like to point out a few people who provide AWESOME service: Deven, Danielle, Rachel, Kelsai, Sara, Missy, Sean, Alain, and Tatiana. But no matter who helps you, you'll be satisfied. The food is above average, though not their strength, if there's anything I might improve is a more diverse choice of sandwiches. But that's really just nitpicking, because their soups are out of this world (Mom of one of the owners makes them fresh!) Also try the sweets and the salads, they give you a lot to eat. On any given night you may see live music, a local artist, a local group (running groups, craft groups, reading groups all meet here regularly), or run into your friends at this warm and inviting downtown destination. By the way, the coffee is the best in town, bar none, all handcrafted by well-trained baristas. They also serve alcohol (beers and liquor), though I never took part in that. But everyone is always happy when they find time to be in Brew.
(5)Christa P.
We stopped to get a quick cup of coffee and breakfast while on our way to the Traverse City wineries. They had a good variety of coffees and offered a lot of items that were vegan friendly. We ordered caramel lattes to go along with some french danishes which were nice. The vibe is very hipster and is a cute scene- fun if you lived in the city and wanted to meet some friends for coffee.
(4)Bob R.
So, this is kind of minor but I just stopped in on a warm Saturday afternoon looking for an iced black tea (you know, basic, standard issue iced tea). My choice was either $9 (!) for a small mason jar of organic tea or fountain tea (the kind squirted out from a bar service nozzle, courtesy of the Coca Cola company.) I know it's a coffee shop, not a tea shop, but that's the best they can do? Fail.
(3)RJ F.
The worst thing about Brew is the price of the food. I wish I could spend all of my time there, but I can't, for that reason. However, the food is actually quite good (especially the sandwiches) and the drinks besides for coffee are good as well (if you're into it, apparently they make a killer chai latte) and the smoothies, while expensive, are delicious Of course, the coffee is the most important part. And it is excellent. My personal favorite is the Mocha, which isn't to sweet nor too bitter. Unfortunately the rotating staff still hasn't ordered the "usual" mocha for me yet
(5)