When on-campus study spaces start feeling repetitive, a new coffee shop can be a refreshing alternative. For a population of just over 120,000 residents, Ann Arbor is home to more than 400 restaurants and cafes. With different cafe options seeming to appear at every corner, the Ann Arbor food and coffee scene can be hard to navigate — this guide is here to help. Every good coffee shop should have three main qualities: a comfortable study space, an inviting atmosphere and — of course — good coffee.
The Basics
These first four destinations are located near the University’s Central Campus and serve as convenient spots for meeting new people, coffee chats with student organizations or a quick change of study scenery.
#1 Sweetwaters
The Michigan Union Sweetwaters’ buzzing cold brew and new energy drink line contribute to the Union’s hustle and bustle. While the Union itself closes at 2 a.m., Sweetwaters — located on the first floor — is open until midnight during the school year and 10 p.m. during the summer, serving as a popular spot for late-night study sessions. Directly connected to the West Quad Residence Hall; neighboring South Quad Residence Hall; an eight-minute walk from East and North Quad Residence Halls; and fewer than 15 minutes from the Hill Neighborhood, a sip at Sweetwaters is well within reach.
#2 Ondo
With its State Street location, wide variety of sweet and savory pastries and warm atmosphere, Ondo has become a regular spot for those frequenting the downtown area near Central Campus. Just an eight-minute walk from South and West Quad, 11 minutes from East Quad, three minutes from North Quad and fewer than 15 minutes from the Hill, Ondo is always close by for a sweet treat.
With a bright red sign identifying it as a coffee shop on South University Avenue, M-36’s extensive lunch and brunch menu provides more than just coffee. Inside, the multi-level layout provides multiple study spaces for students to explore as they grab a bite to eat. M-36 is just an 11-minute walk from South and West Quad, 12 minutes from The Hill and North Quad and four minutes from East Quad.
#4 Bun Chai Yemeni Coffee & Tea
It is no secret that Yemeni coffee shops are growing in both popularity and frequency. Having opened in September 2025, Bun Chai has joined the State Street coffee lineup. Try something new with their Adeni Chai or popular Pistachio Latte— only a nine-minute walk from South and West Quad, two minutes from North Quad and fewer than 15 minutes from East Quad and the Hill.
Unique locations
The next four coffee shops each have differing aesthetics and are located slightly outside the immediate Central Campus area.
On the edge of South University’s stretch of apartment complexes and restaurants lies Vertex. Inside, tall windows lined with potted plants face an outdoor seating area, providing a sunny spot for when the Michigan weather cooperates. With house-made syrups and a spiced-up chai, this shop is only 12 minutes from South and West Quad, 10 minutes from East Quad and The Hill and fewer than 15 minutes from North Quad.
Just off of South University, Misfit provides their own locally roasted coffee, cold brew on tap and a bustling interior. Enjoy their unique coffee flavor combinations like the Powder Puff, PBJ and Sugar Daddy while studying around the bar. A nine-minute walk from South and West Quad, three minutes from East Quad, 11 minutes from North Quad and fewer than 15 minutes from the Hill, “your local caffeine plug” is there when you need it. Misfit also has a second location in the Verve, five minutes from East Quad and 10 minutes from the Hill.
RoosRoast’s lobster-filled shop has an environmental mission to their brew and a variety of individualistic coffee roasts. Less than 15 minutes from South and West Quad, nine minutes from North Quad and 20 minutes from East Quad and The Hill, RoosRoast is as dependable as they get.
Gaining virality on Instagram, sml wrld cafe is located in the basement of the Shinola store on Main Street. What began as a pop-up cafe has quickly found its footing in the city. The cafe is notably known for its matcha menu and rotating monthly flavors, while also serving coffee and espresso drinks. A 15-minute walk from South and West Quad, 10 minutes from North Quad and 20 minutes from East Quad and The Hill, this location is just a small distance away.
Worth the Walk:
The last few coffee shops are picks that are slightly farther from Central Campus, all 30 minutes or fewer, but still a part of the Ann Arbor coffee ecosystem.
#1 Argus Farm Stop – Packard Cafe
It’s in the name — this half coffee shop, half tavern brings a farmstyle atmosphere to Packard Street. After studying in the cafe with a drink from their coffee menu, customers can buy fresh produce and flowers at their farm stop.
While Hazel may be the furthest away from Central Campus, an iced drink can make the walk easier. Despite the distance, this lively cafe offers to make up for the trek with their drink offerings.
Black Diesel brings the atmosphere, equipped with outdoor and indoor study spaces. In addition to their specialty-grade coffee and seasonal drinks, they serve unique refreshers, Kombucha and even waffles on the weekends.
If you’re on the way to a home game, Drip House — located next to the Michigan Stadium — serves hand-crafted matcha and smoothies to fuel customers waiting for kickoff.
Summer News Editor Aliana Ritter can be reached at alianar@umich.edu.
