5 Can’t-Miss Coffee Shops in Traverse City, Michigan
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If there is one thing I am always going to work into a trip, it is a cute coffee stop. And honestly, the coffee shops in Traverse City were such a fun surprise! Traverse City already has the beaches, wineries, cherry everything, and adorable downtown energy, but the cafe scene gave our mornings an extra little sparkle.
We visited several spots during our trip, and each one had its own personality. Some are better for a slow morning, some are perfect for grabbing coffee while exploring downtown, and some are clutch when you need one last latte before heading out of town.
Cafe hopping quickly became one of my favorite things to do in Traverse City, especially because so many of these places also have house-made syrups, pretty interiors, and tempting baked goods.
Best Coffee Shops in Traverse City
1. Mundos Roasting & Co
Mundos Roasting & Co felt like one of the most popular coffee shops in Traverse City, and after visiting, I totally get why. They have three Traverse City locations, including Mundos 305 on Front Street, Mundos HQ on Garfield Avenue, and Mundos West on West Front Street, so it is an easy one to work into your plans.
We stopped at the Mundos 305 location, which is great if you are already wandering downtown. The space was bright, cute, and relaxed without feeling too precious. I ordered the strawberry matcha, and it was so good that I accidentally chugged it. Vacation caffeine rules, apparently.
Remi got the coconut latte, and that was delicious too. I also love that Mundos makes their syrups in-house, because you can really taste the difference. This is the spot I would recommend if you want a reliable coffee shop with multiple locations, a cute atmosphere, and drinks that feel a little more special than your standard latte.
2. Outpost
Located right on Front Street, Outpost is one of the easiest Traverse City coffee shops to add to a downtown morning. It is central, stylish, and also serves fresh breads, pastries, sandwiches, salads, wine, and snacks, so it can be more than just a quick caffeine stop.
I will be honest: the matcha was not my favorite, but I did enjoy my cappuccino. I prefer mine a little sweeter, so I asked for extra house-made vanilla, and that did the trick. If you are a pastry person, do not make our mistake and show up right after lunch. The breads and baked goods looked divine, and I immediately regretted not saving room.
3. Factory Man Roasting House
Factory Man Roasting House is the kind of coffee shop that makes you want to slow down for a minute. It has a cozy, welcoming vibe, cute decor, and even puzzles you can do while you sip, which I always think is such a charming touch.
I ordered a cold brew with cold foam and really enjoyed it. Later I saw they had offered a cherry cold foam, and I am still mildly upset I missed that because Traverse City + cherry coffee moment? Obviously yes.
This spot is a good pick if you want somewhere a little more relaxed, especially for a quiet coffee, a casual lunch, or a slower morning before heading into a busier day of exploring. It is located on Boon Street, so it is not quite as “walk past it without trying” as some downtown Front Street stops, but it is worth seeking out.
4. Water Bearer Coffee
Water Bearer Coffee is located in Warehouse MRKT, which makes it a fun stop if you want coffee plus a little browsing. The space is covered in shades of blue, and the whole vibe feels creative, calm, and a little different from the other coffee shops in Traverse City.
We got a vanilla iced latte, and it was lovely. This is another Traverse City coffee shop using house-made syrups, which always earns points from me. They also have food, smoothies, fresh juice, and other drink options, so it is a good pick if someone in your group is not in a straight-coffee mood.
5. Cuppa Joe
Cuppa Joe was exactly what we needed on our way out of town. It is not the same slow, sit-down cafe experience as some of the other spots on this list, but it is incredibly convenient, especially if you are heading toward the airport or need a reliable drive-thru coffee.
It was also one of the few coffee shops we found open on a Sunday during our trip, which made it feel like a tiny travel victory. I ordered an iced latte with an extra punch of espresso, and it absolutely did its job.
Cuppa Joe has multiple Traverse City locations, including a drive-thru and cafe locations, so it is a great option to keep in your back pocket when your itinerary is full, or your caffeine emergency is becoming everyone’s problem.
Which Traverse City coffee shop are you trying first?!
Traverse City’s coffee scene ended up being one of my favorite little parts of the trip! It is not overwhelming, but there are enough cute, creative, and convenient spots to make cafe hopping feel like its own mini adventure between the beaches, wineries, and downtown exploring.
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Northern Michigan blog posts:
Best Things to Do in Traverse City
Best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
