Michigan’s Best Vacation Coffee? More Than 1,300 Travelers Weighed In
Our friends over at Pure Michigan recently asked a simple question:
The response was incredible.
More than 1,300 comments poured in from travelers across the state, creating a treasure trove of recommendations ranging from iconic coffee shops and hidden gems to campfire percolators overlooking Lake Michigan.
As summer road trip season gets underway, I thought it would be helpful to summarize some of the most frequently mentioned spots. Whether you’re heading Up North, visiting the Upper Peninsula, exploring the lakeshore, or spending a weekend on Mackinac Island, consider this your unofficial Michigan Vacation Coffee Guide.
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Northern Michigan Favorites
Roast & Toast — Petoskey
Perhaps the most frequently mentioned coffee shop in the entire discussion. Travelers repeatedly cited Roast & Toast as a can’t-miss stop when visiting Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay.
Leelanau Coffee Roasting Company — Glen Arbor
A favorite among visitors exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Lake, and the M-22 corridor. Many commenters mentioned making it a tradition every time they visit the area.
North Perk — Petoskey
Another Petoskey favorite that received numerous mentions from locals and vacationers alike.
Port City Brew — Manistee
Praised for both the coffee and the friendly atmosphere, Port City Brew earned several enthusiastic endorsements from Lake Michigan travelers.
Lake & Latte — Onekama
A popular stop for visitors exploring the scenic shoreline between Manistee and Frankfort.
Mackinac Island & Straits Area
Lucky Bean Coffeehouse — Mackinac Island
One of the most frequently recommended coffee shops in the state. Many visitors make Lucky Bean a mandatory stop every time they visit the island.
Watercolor Cafe — Mackinac Island
Known for coffee drinks, breakfast options, and homemade pastries, Watercolor also received multiple recommendations.
Java Joe’s — St. Ignace
If there was a consensus favorite near the Mackinac Bridge, Java Joe’s may have been it. The shop was mentioned over and over by travelers heading to and from the Upper Peninsula.
Upper Peninsula Favorites
Dream Bean — Grand Marais
One of the breakout stars of the discussion. Travelers raved about the coffee, cinnamon rolls, and the perfect start to a Lake Superior morning.
Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore — Munising
Coffee, books, and a great location near Pictured Rocks make this a perennial favorite.
Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters — Cedarville
A beloved stop in the eastern U.P. that generated a surprising number of recommendations.
Keweenaw Coffee Works — Calumet
One of the most frequently mentioned destinations in the western U.P. coffee scene.
Dancing Crane Coffee House — Brimley
Repeatedly praised by visitors exploring the Soo, Bay Mills, and the eastern Upper Peninsula.
Southwest Michigan Standouts
Uncommon Coffee Roasters — Saugatuck
One of the clear favorites from Michigan’s lakeshore communities. Commenters highlighted both the coffee and the garden atmosphere.
Lemonjello’s — Holland
Another highly recommended stop that appeared repeatedly throughout the discussion.
Infusco Coffee Roasters — Sawyer
A favorite among travelers exploring Harbor Country and Southwest Michigan’s beaches and wineries.
Traverse City Area Favorites
The Traverse City region may have generated more recommendations than anywhere else in the state.
Frequently mentioned spots included:
Mundos Coffee
Espresso Bay
Higher Grounds
Good Harbor Coffee
Third Coast Bakery
Bay Breeze Coffee
Cuppa Joe
Honorable Mentions Around the State
A few additional shops that received multiple endorsements:
Herman’s Boy — Rockford
White Pine Coffee Roasters — Oxford
Lexington Coffee Company — Lexington
Aldea Coffee — Grand Haven & Muskegon
Water Street Coffee — Kalamazoo
Roos Roast — Ann Arbor
Michigan Coffee Company — Cadillac
Cabin Creek Coffee — Alpena
Cooks Coffee Nook — Rogers City
The Real Winner? Camp Coffee.
As I worked through the comments, one answer appeared almost as often as any coffee shop:
Coffee brewed at a campsite.
Whether it was a percolator over a campfire, a mug enjoyed on a cottage deck, or a cup shared while watching the sunrise over Lake Michigan, many travelers argued that Michigan’s best coffee experience has less to do with the beans and more to do with where you’re drinking it.
So before you hit the road this summer, save this list. With more than 1,300 recommendations from Michigan travelers, there’s a good chance your next favorite coffee shop is somewhere on it.
Did your favorite make the list? If not, drop it in the comments and let’s continue building Michigan’s ultimate vacation coffee guide. ☕🚗🌊🏕️
