Motor City Java House

Motor City Java House is a huge breath of fresh air in Detroit. A coffee shop 10 years in the making, I discovered. The owner, Alicia, has been working on opening this spot and renovating it that many years with a local nonprofit called "Blightbusters" which works to revitalize neighborhoods in Detroit that need it. How can you not want to support a spot like that?

They've got great coffee--free trade and otherwise (bonus!), fantastic little snacks here and there, and they also do fruit smoothies! Hurrah! The space itself is really large and separated into two rooms--one with some tables near the counter and the other with a homier vibe to it. A great fireplace mantel, couches, and other comfy seating for more relaxed get togethers and work stuff. It's the perfect place to set up shop and work on your own, or pop in with a group of friend for a beverage or two and conversation (perhaps before a movie at the Redford Theatre a couple of doors down?).

They're affiliated with the Artist's Village next door where they host great events like open mic poetry evenings and chess competitions. The decor is funky and colorful with lots of great art and sculptures to be found both inside and out. I just love this place and I can't wait to see what else they bring to the community!

Motor City Java House is a lovely place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Owner and Barista, Alicia, makes every visitor feel at home. Not only did the gracious Alicia cheerily help us wipe up our unfortunate spill, she also spent a 1/2 hour with our group giving us the grand tour of the place and the connected Artist Village.

The copper ceilings pair perfectly with the golden and apple walls, giving the place a homey feeling. The coffee is tasty and the bakery, made right next door, is yummy!

Right down the block is the Redford Theater. We will be back soon to take in an old-timey movie and sip some java. Thanks, Alicia!

This place has character. This place has a cool factor. The owners are nice. They have live entertainment at night. Only downside is parking. I just can't park my baby anywhere.

Décor: 4 out of 5 (3 for the cafe, but all the other spots are just cool to look at)
Food: NA out of 5
Drinks: 3 out of 5
Service: 5 out of 5
Cleanliness: 3 out of 5

I came across this dope spot by coincidence. It's a cool, friendly and inspiring space all about Detroit. The best part is the back courtyard of murals that can be rented out for events. A must see and feel...oh and good tea too!

I love a good independent coffee shop, and I had been meaning to come here since last week. Now that I'm working again, I'm on this side of town on the regular. I found this place via yelp on my smart phone and thought I'd check it out.

I admit, if I didn't know it was there, it was easy to pass by. I'm not all that familiar with this part of town, but dang, this place is AWESOME! Totally cool, fun with enough drinks to keep most people happy. This place was hoppin! Detroit blight busters were meeting inside, several people were in there meeting and hanging out, but quiet enough that you could read (like I did) drink a cup of coffee and get yourself together before the day starts.

Place has plenty of seating, from long tables to two tops to 4 tops as well. Plenty of room to spread out without having to sit on top of one another, which is great. I ended up getting a mocha, which was delicious. Sadly, I deducted a star because they don't have a single thing to eat besides biscotti. Where's the bagels and light snacks? I wanted to grab some food, but sadly they didn't have anything. I asked the guy about it, but I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was talking really quietly. I'm not mad about it, but maybe sell some bagels or something!

Overall, this place is a gem. Clean bathrooms, guy behind the counter was friendly and helpful, and overall a real nice place to go hang out at. The place is well decorated..they aren't trying to hard but it's not to understated as well. Seems to be a big meeting place for this side of town, and I'm happy that places like this are around. Keep up the good work! I'm a fan!

This place was GREAT!! I had no idea that this jewel was in the city! The woman who fixed my latte (Alicia i think her name was) was SO GREAT! Very kind, hilarious and the coffee was fantastic not to mention the place is super cute and cozy. I had to run in and out but certainly in the future, it is a place i would sit and work in! Great vibe!!

I love grabbing a coffee here before heading to the Redford Theater next door. My mochas and lattes have been tasty and well made. They serve smoothies too which I haven't tried but a regular convinced me was good.

It's like starbucks meet soulfood... There's laugher going back and forth between the employee and customer; everyone is smiling.

Ok -- I'm not a coffee or tea drinker like that. (Really not at all!)

This place isn't just a coffee shop but a place where poetry can be spoken on Saturday which is BYOB (shh!) -- cover charge of course! It's also bringing life back to the communities instead going out far or even downtown. You have to spread the love everywhere.

Motor City Java House is also very active in the community -- cleaning up the streets, planting trees, and teaching the young ones chess. I enjoyed my visit which I did have a chocolate chip muffin. (YUMMY!)

This place is so great and the owner Alicia is very nice. There is plenty of room to hang friends, have meetings, or even parties. The art in this coffee place is so beautiful. When you go there, ask for a tour because this place seems small from the outside but once you go in, it's so beautiful. The coffee and tea is really good and affordable and the baked goods are worth the calories.

Great selection of artisan coffees but No Food to speak of. We left and went across street to the Sweet Potato place.