8 Vegan-Friendly Coffee Shops in Grand Rapids (Rated in Order!)

I’m really sorry if you were banking on a brewery guide to Grand Rapids. It’s no secret that Grand Rapids is known for its craft beer scene. Alas, I’m not really a drinker and definitely not enough of one to give my two cents on breweries. Instead of focusing on the brewery scene, I’m going to focus on Grand Rapids’ other favorite drink: coffee. I haven’t written any coffee-specific guides, but maybe I should? Finding a good coffee shop with great vegan options can make a huge difference. So, here’s a guide to the best vegan-friendly coffee in Grand Rapids rated in order of my opinion.

While in Grand Rapids, I had a pretty good rhythm going on to fit in as much as possible. Coffee. Food. Activity. Coffee. Food. Activity. This led to a caffeine-fueled weekend and I came home pretty wired and crashed pretty hard.

Do y’all remember that time I lived in Michigan for like six months? It was right after I came back from Thailand and it was dead of winter. So, really I just tried to adjust to living in the North for the first time during winter. Anyway, I actually liked it and as much as that situation warranted a wanted move back to Tennessee, I was really excited to explore Michigan. I’ve been wanting to go back ever since and this was my first return visit since that move.

Grand Rapids is a fun and colorful city with a lot to offer and the coffee in Grand Rapids is just one good reason to visit. I’ve rated these coffee shops in Grand Rapids in order based on my opinion. They were all great but in terms of vegan-friendliness, I definitely had favorites.

Best Vegan-Friendly Coffee in Grand Rapids

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coffee in grand rapids


Coffee in Grand Rapids Map


8. Madcap

I hopefully won’t make a lot of locals angry by putting Madcap at the bottom of my list. The coffee is commonly considered as the best coffee in Grand Rapids and it is definitely good. They’ve won many awards, they roast their own coffee, and they have three shops around town. The main reason why I put them at the bottom of my vegan-friendly coffee in Grand Rapids is that they offer only one milk alternative and the worst one in my opinion: coconut milk. That said – if you don’t care about that, I’d definitely recommend Madcap because the coffee is delicious!

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Madcap

Address | several locations
Hours | depends on location
Website | madcapcoffee.com

7. Squibb Coffee + Wine Bar

Next up is Squibb Coffee & Wine Bar which offers a little bit for everyone and their favorite time of day. Squibb has an open and large spot offering a great place for someone to get some work done. My favorite aspect is the large, bright-orange squid mural on the wall. Offering both coffee in the morning and wine in the evening makes this a super unique spot. They had several nondairy milk options so that’s a win!

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Squibb Coffee

Address | 955 Wealthy Dr, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 7am-6pm Mon; 7am-9pm Tue-Sat; 9am-6pm Sun
Website | squibbgr.com

6. Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge

Lantern is a super cool spot with a cool speakeasy type feel to it. I’m not sure if that’s what they’re going for or even what others would say but I’ve now made it a thing. I really liked the industrial vibe and atmosphere. That along with their almond milk option and selling Rise Baking Co (gluten-free and vegan bakery) goodies got them a little higher on the list.

coffee in grand rapids

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Lantern Coffee

Address | 100 Commerce SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 6am-10pm Mon-Fri; 8am-10pm Sat-Sun
Website | lanterncoffee.com

5. Lyon Street Cafe

Lyon Street Cafe offers several vegan milk alternatives and also offers Rise’s baked goodies! Lyon is located in the historic and residential Hill-Midtown neighborhood. The cafe was packed so I know it must be great and I was definitely not disappointed. It would be great for meeting friends, getting some work done, or just a quick coffee before your next coffee.

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Lyon Street Cafe

Address | 617 Lyon St NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 7am-9pm daily
Website | lyonstreetcafe.com

4. Field & Fire Cafe

Field & Fire started as a bakery in the Downtown Market and has expanded to the cafe on the north side of downtown. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch using organic ingredients and coffee using Madcap’s roasts. And, guess what? They have lots of vegan options including a vegan “hot mess” breakfast bowl with amazing vegan sausage, a vegan grilled cheese, corn chowder, and more. Their nondairy milk includes soy and almond.

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Field & Fire Cafe

Address | 820 Monroe Ave. NW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 7am-3pm Mon-Fri; 8am-3pm Sat-Sun
Website | fieldandfire.com


3. Outside Coffee Co.

Outside Coffee Co. is probably the cutest little spot I went to. It’s a permanent retro trailer with a large, open “yard” equipped with fire pits. They have a selection of vegan pastries, vegan soft serve, vegan toast, and offer soy, almond, and oat milk.

 

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coffee in grand rapids

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about Outside Coffee Co. 

Address | 734 Wealthy Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 7am-7pm Tue-Sun
Website | outsidecoffeeco.com

2. The Sparrows Coffee + Tea + Newsstand

The Sparrows gained its way to the top of coffee in Grand Rapids list by being absolutely adorable, having delicious coffee, and offering Rise’s vegan baked goods. The homey and cozy atmosphere is even more welcoming with the houseplants. They offer oat, almond and soy milk alternatives. I got this mocha with vegan chocolate and it was heavenly.

coffee in grand rapids

coffee in grand rapids

Essential Information about The Sparrows

Address | 1035 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 6:30am-8pm Mon-Thu; 6:30am-7pm Fri; 8am-8pm Sat-Sun
Website | thesparrowsgr.com

1. Rise + Squibb

I’m going to be super honest here and admit that the #1 spot on my vegan-friendly coffee in Grand Rapids I didn’t even make it to. Here’s why it’s the top of the list though – it’s completely vegan. And, in my defense – I did have three of their donuts at other coffee shops throughout town and honestly, they may be some of the best vegan donuts I’ve ever had. Given the focus of this coffee guide is vegan-friendliness, they definitely needed to be at the top.

Unfortunately, they were located away from every other single place I went and I simply ran out of time.  They partnered with Squibb Coffee and the rest is history!

photo courtesy of Sarah of Endless Distances

Essential Information about Rise + Squibb 

Address | 1220 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI
Hours | 7am-6pm Mon-Fri; 8am-4pm Sat; 9am-4pm (kitchen closed)
Website | riseauthenticbaking.com

Vegan-Friendly Coffee in Grand Rapids

So, what do you think? Would you head to Grand Rapids for their coffee scene? If I missed any spots I should include, let me know so I can put them on the list for next time!


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coffee in grand rapids
coffee in grand rapids

***This trip was possible in collaboration with Experience Grand Rapids. All of my accommodation, activities, and food were covered by Experience Grand Rapids. Despite who may have footed the bill, all the opinions here are my own and I would never recommend something I didn’t fully believe in and try myself.***

Ashley Hubbard

This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. Kara

    This is a fantastic guide! I especially like the fact you ranked them.

  2. Sarah

    Yummmm to all of these <3 Basically you need to come back to GR and I will take you to Rise haha. You're right it's kind of out of the way, luckily I've got my car so I always drive here. It's a long walk from downtown!

  3. Andi

    Holy moley am I on board with you, I freaking LOVE Grand Rapids – it has amazing EVERYTHING! Food, Beer, and of course coffee. This absolutely made me want to go back immediately!

  4. Jenn and Ed Coleman

    I am all in on the Almond heavy cream. It’s so good, you hardly know it’s vegan. Soy has to be paired well, like with a particular green tea matcha, then it works. Otherwise, I’ll stick with almonds.

  5. Cat Lin

    If there are 2 drinks that I love to take on a daily basis that is beer and coffee. Well, these 2 collaborate sometimes, drink coffee after drinking beer to sober up. I see myself a walking zombie if I’m there enjoying both and to be a vegan once in a while. It’s good you ranked it though.

  6. Mikkel

    Love this post and now I need more caffeine! I’ve actually been to Field and Fire and Outside Coffee! How wonderful is enjoying coffee and a cinnamon sugar toast in their garden? Love Grand Rapids!

  7. Juliann

    I think I need to try them all! I’m in it for the coffee — black. Always vegan, I guess. LOL

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