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Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
123 W Washington StAnn Arbor, MI 48104
Neighborhood: Downtown Ann Arbor
(734) 769-2331
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 12 am
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
57 reviews for Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Review Highlights
"Check out the Fairy Door."
(in 4 reviews)
"If you're there, try the Ginger Lemon Tea iced or hot."
(in 7 reviews)
"Good little cafe if you can get a seat."
(in 4 reviews)
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57 reviews in English
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Review from Deborah J.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/23/2012
I've spent a ton of time here over the past four years (yep, grad student), reading, quite literally, thousands of pages, and spending, quite literally...ok, let's not think about how much money. It's never been my favorite cafe for food or drink, but it is far and away one of my most productive work spaces, so three stars for that. And I've met some great people here, so there's another star.
Things I like:
-- good selection of non-coffee items for those of us who can't have or don't like coffee. great teas at a variety of price-points, and they come in cute little refillable pots. like everyone else, i really love the ginger-lemon tea, even if it is a little pricey. (less ice in the iced version would make the tea a better value.)
-- no to-go cups unless you ask for one, or it's super crowded and they've run out of dishes. water cups are also washable and reusable. thanks for being environmentally friendly!
-- the caramel-covered marshmallows, which are pretty much the best impulse purchase ever. (also pricey, but under $1 so you don't notice so much)
-- the tall tables by the windows. i find them really comfortable for working, and the light is excellent. really, i think this is the best-lit coffee shop in ann arbor, which is super important when you're sacrificing your eyesight for a PhD.
-- super nice baristas, though there's been some unfortunate turnover lately.
-- a friend of mine complained about the cookies (peanut better and molasses are sometimes acceptable; chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin are not), and the owner actually had the baker devise a new recipe! so now the new chocolate chip cookie is quite good, and i think it's really awesome how responsive the management was.
Room for improvement:
-- i get the hot chocolate sometimes because i need to avoid coffee, but i really don't find it very good. just made a cup at home with ghiradelli cocoa powder and sugar that was far superior. i realize that the milk steamer probably works better with syrup, but syrup is still kind of yucky. i will say that for a bit there, someone was steaming the hell out of the milk and it was all frothy and delicious. keep doing that; it makes the syrup less evident.
-- the oatmeal raisin cookie, and the baked goods in general. then again, if the baked goods were as good as the Coop's, my pants wouldn't fit anymore.
-- have something healthy that isn't a $1.75 granola bar from the box. yikes.
-- please fix the fan in the back! it gets really cold there, and then i can't sit at my favorite tables with the good light because i'm shivering too much to hold a pen! -
Review from brent b.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is my go-to coffee shop in Ann Arbor.
Really great baristas.
Great drinks.
Not too expensive.
And local!
Good for studying also.
Lots of outlets,
and a large seating area. -
Review from Jennifer V.
Ann Arbor, MI
9/3/2011
My entire review is based on one thing, and one thing only - their hot chocolate.
Now, I'm a coffee drinker, but I'm not a coffee LOVER. I enjoy a good cup o' joe, LOVE a great cup of coffee, and have been known to drool over a fantastic cup of exotic perk, but I wouldn't call myself an expert or a connoisseur or anything. And, generally, I only drink coffee on weekdays to give my battery that jumpstart it needs to get going in the morning.
Okay anyway, ramblings aside... When I go to a coffee shop on the weekends, I don't normally order coffee. So, when I hit Sweetwaters, I order their hot chocolate. And let me tell you, this ain't no juvenile, feed-it-to-your-3-year-old-as-a-bland-substitute-c ocoa. It is GREAT. It's full of chocolatey goodness, and really hits the spot when I'm feenin' for a cocoa fix.
And, oddly, it tastes good cold. -
Review from Beth H.
So glad to see the improvements made with new furniture and tasty treats again! After a nice dinner at Logan's, my husband and I like to share a dessert and pot of tea. I am so happy to have that experience back at Sweetwaters. For as busy as they are, it's never too noisy. Glad it's once again a favored place to visit.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/12/2011
I usually love this place but it's going downhill. I ordered a chocolate croissant and an iced tea.… Read more »
Comment from Lisa B. of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea 7/12/2011
Beth, we are very sorry for your experience! This is… More » -
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Review from Jessie S.
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sweetwaters is Ann Arbor's equivalent of Alterra (Milwaukee) and Peet's (San Francisco). There are several locations around town and the coffee is good and consistent.
The only meat-free items in their deli case are the pastries, which is a huge bummer. This fact often has me seeking out other coffee shops even though this Sweetwaters is the closest to home.
Overall, Ann Arbor has a lot of great coffee and I'm glad Sweetwaters is around to be a part of it. -
Review from Peter A.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/18/2011
I am not fond of Sweetwaters. I find their muffins and scones to be inferior to those at other coffee shops and their coffee isn't much better than what can be found at the local Speedway. I've also had interesting conversations with former employees who have told me some disturbing things. Apparently, Sweetwater has no problem lying to its customers. Their "fresh squeezed" orange juice is actually Tropicana. Their "fair trade" coffee is just regular coffee that they label as fair trade because they know a certain segment of their customers will pay extra if they think that's what they are getting. The "fresh" desserts in the display case are purchased from a vendor and may be frozen for up to a month before being thawed and placed in the case for sale. I cannot in good conscience give my money to a business that has so many deceptive business practices.
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Review from Jessica W.
Ann Arbor, MI
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
When you need to a good studying cafe, but don't want to be swarmed by undergrads, Sweetwaters by Main is the perfect place. Great coffee, plenty of tables, free WiFi, outlets, and fairly tasty food. Grab a seat by the window and get some people watching in as you procrastinate on the assignment due tomorrow.
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Review from Mihae C.
Rockville, MD
8/12/2011 5 photos
THAI TEA! So good and refreshing on a hot day!
One strange thing I noticed (or maybe it's just me) was that their menu is not behind the counter like most cafes/restaurants/shops, but rather, their menu is on the wall facing where the cashier stands, not facing where the customers order. I hope this makes sense as I've written it, because it didn't make much sense to me as it was done in the store. Anyway, this threw me for a bit of a curveball, since I spent a good couple minutes trying to figure out where the coffee menu was (good thing there was a line and I had time to figure it out). No one else seemed to have a problem figuring this out though, so either they were all locals, or I'm just an idiot. Either way, I thought it might be an interesting thing to point out for those that might visit this place for coffee or tea from out of town.
Inside Sweetwaters, they also have a bunch of tables that I saw a lot of individuals studying on. Outlets looked abundant for those that might want to stop and relax here for awhile on their laptops.
For those who decide to look for fairy doors, they have a very cute fairy door in this cafe. Inside the windows, you can see little coffee cups.
On a summer's day though, I definitely, definitely recommend the THAI ICED TEA! Best thai iced tea ever. I ordered this because the 3-4 guys ahead of me ordered this, and I figured it wouldn't be a bad way to go. Definitely was a good choice. I highly recommend! -
Review from Aaron M.
10/14/2011
Sweetwaters always has good ambience and good coffee. I made the mistake of trying the hot chocolate here - maybe it was a new barista or something was off with their newest "batch" of cocoa, but I've had better instant hot chocolate at home. Note to self: When going to a bonafide coffee house, don't deviate from purchasing coffee.
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Review from Joseph W.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
11/15/2011
I was excited to discover the variety and quality of Sweetwater's tea. Unfortunately, that's probably the highlight of the experience. Just as their other locations, W. Washington is run too fast with next to no one who understands how tea should be prepared. I've tried about five of their teas, all of which have failed to impress in terms of quality and cost. If I happen to be in the area I might buy it, but then again I might not.
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Review from Craig Z.
9/12/2011
I thought the espresso was very good, and the staff helpful.
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Review from Amy B.
The coffee is excellent--strong but not bitter. Tea is pretty dang good, too. If the tea of the day is cinnamon or jasmine, you're in for a treat (I don't like the "fresh" tea as well--you become responsible for steeping it correctly, which is too much for me).
I used to come study here in grad school. They'd let me stay all day without bothering me. In exchange, I'd make a purchase every 2-3 hours. This is how I learned that the Big Apple pie is excellent (stick it in their microwave near the sugar for about 45 seconds to get it hot and gooey) and their chocolate pudding cake is to DIE for. I also highly, highly recommend the donuts from Washtenaw Dairy. At less than $1 each, this is an affordable and relatively small treat for your afternoon slump.
I usually get Sweetwater's to go these days. They keep the line moving in the morning, and the great baristas like Mike will remember what you like to order if you're a regular.
By the way, if you have a Go Pass, you get a 10% discount on your Sweetwater's purchase. You can also save by throwing $25 on a gift card; then you get one free drink, and can use the card for all your follow-up visits once you're addicted to the delicious coffee. -
Review from Kennedy B.
Ann Arbor, MI
7/26/2011
I ordered an iced coffee here today and on my walk discovered the entire bottom was coffee grounds! How dissappointing!
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Review from Erin M.
Detroit, MI
3/24/2011
Although I've had an account for almost a year now, I only started Yelping yesterday, with the goal of writing reviews about all of my favorite places around the country.
Being a bit of a coffee shop elitist, I couldn't leave out my favorite Sweetwaters location - the Washington Street cafe in downtown Ann Arbor.
Having spent my high school years in desolate and alienated Downriver, where going out for good coffee meant going to either Panera Bread, the diner off the freeway, or the indie place that kind of manages to pull it off, with a lot of sugar and artificial flavors.
This spot introduced me to the concept of actual "good" coffee when I was eighteen years old. It will hold a special place in my heart forever. Now that I'm a little older, and have traveled a little, I've naturally had some better coffee in some other parts of the country - but Sweetwaters is not bad; not bad at all.
The staff is consistently great. The atmosphere is nice - especially for studying - and they're even the home of a Fairy Door (some adorable little Ann Arbor quirk). It's a good spot, with even better hours (they're open super late!). If you're around Ann Arbor, I'd definitely recommend this place. Because of the awesome late hours, it's the perfect spot to stop in for a cappuccino and some good conversation after a late dinner date downtown, or when it's crunch time before an exam and being at home studying just isn't cutting it. -
Review from Dan N.
Warren, MI
1/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Oh dear god Sweetwaters, where have you been all my life?
As a non-native of Ann Arbor, I began my Sweetwaters journey when a good friend showed me the place while walking downtown. Little did I know that a quick stop for a ginger fizz and a piece of Mocha Dream Torte would develop into a crippling psychological addiction to the place.
The space: Sweetwaters is definitely a "homey" place. It's dominated less by thousands of chairs and tiny tables like you would get at other coffeehouses, but rather by cozy high-tops, a bar surface and quite a few cushy armchairs. The result is a place less institutionalized-looking than something like a Caribou or Starbucks, while retaining ample seating. Believe me when I say they need it too. You are expected to bus your own tables, but it's quite easy to do so by putting your plates and non-trash in the bins provided in either room. The art on the walls can leave a bit to be desired, but it's evidently local, and available for purchase.
The service: I'd rank Sweetwater's as one of the nicest coffeehouses around, provided that you're competent. That is, don't be a jerk. With that, the baristas are helpful, informative, and delightfully offbeat.
The product: Oh dear god, the product. I have by no means tried the entire menu at Sweetwaters, but those products that I have tried typically send me into fits of ecstasy upon first bite/sip... Not a pretty sight to behold, but certainly a testament to the downright tastiness of their product. Take their ginger fizz for example. It's a simple product--Ice, ginger concentrate and Perrier, but it all comes together to create this sweet, spicy, bubbly concoction with notes of honey and lemon that is both refreshing and delicious. Or the Mocha Dream torte--spongecake with dense mocha mousse, topped with a creamy mascarpone-like whip on top. Jesus Christ, I need a moment to catch myself here.
It would be an unfortunate mistake to think the coffee anything short of delicious either. After trying the Scandinavian blend some months ago, I'm utterly infatuated with it's smooth, yet dark and delightfully chocolatey flavor. I still find myself waking up in cold sweats at night, shouting random bits of Finnish and Swedish at the top of my lungs. Not a treat for my psychologist, but top marks for Sweetwaters. Since my encounter with Scandinavia, I've also tried the New York roast; it's quite tasty, but doesn't hold the same place in my heart that Scandinavia does. In short: THEIR STUFF IS GOOD GUYS, GO BUY SOME OF IT.
This place is the alpha and omega of coffee shops within the Metro Detroit area for me. There are others that come close, but this one really nails it. -
Review from Robert C.
8/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
It seems that Sweetwaters is Ann Arbor's unofficial first date spot. It's easy to see why. People can either walk to the downtown Washington Street location or park at the nearby lot with ease.
If the conversation is going well, you can easily stroll to another establish for a drink, a meal, or dessert. If it's not going well, you can take your beverage in a to-go cup and say "Sayonara!"
Or, you can simply use Sweetwaters as a great place to catch up with friends, read a book, listen to great music, and people watch.
If you're there, try the Ginger Lemon Tea iced or hot. It's certainly one of my favorites no matter what the weather is like. -
Review from S R.
Oakland, CA
7/6/2010
Sweetwater's, and this location in particular, are what I picture when I envision the ideal college-town cafe.
I love the location - downtown, cute building, some street life nearby but not too crazy. It's comfy on the inside. Not a chain but also not grungy and divey. And the coffee's pretty good, for those of you who care about that.
I can't visit Ann Arbor without hanging out here for an hour. Or more if I'm lucky! -
Review from Matt S.
Ann Arbor, MI
12/19/2010
In general, I am a fan of Sweetwaters. I love being able to read and enjoy a great beverage and perhaps a pastry. The late hours of operation are a huge plus and the employees there are great.
Again, the drinks are great and the food is pretty good also. If I could get one thing to change at this location, it would be the cleanliness of it. I realize it is highly used location and that keeping things 100% clean are impossible at all times. This is the only turnoff of this location; otherwise it is a great place. -
Review from Jonathan S.
Ann Arbor, MI
Updated - 3/18/2010
A month and a half ago, I wrote a three-star review of Sweetwaters, and in it I complained (maybe a little too much) about the quality of the drip coffee.
Within days of writing the review, Wei Bee invited me into the shop for a coffee tasting. We just had the tasting today, and I've got to move my review up one star. Wei's kindness, and his passion for his business are without a doubt as good as it gets. One of the roasts I tasted today is very good.
Wei explained that there was in fact a problem with their brewing machines, and that problem has since been fixed. When I tasted the coffees, the skunky aftertaste I had noticed before was gone.
Of the five coffees I tasted, the Ethiopian Sidamo--a new offering for Sweetwaters--was the best, at least to me, but Ethiapian coffees (both wet- and dry-processed beans) are among my favorites. There are plum, caramel, and even some peach notes in the cup. It's sweet enough on its own that people who like sugar in their coffee may not need it.
Their new almond croissant gets five stars. It's awesome.
I was really impressed with the kindness and passion of the folks at Sweetwaters. The fact that they took such a long look through all of their machines after reading one review says a lot about the kind of business they run.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2010
I've been going to this cafe for years, and I'll happily keep going. The location is great and I… Read more »
Comment from Lisa B. of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea 2/15/2010
Jonathan, Thank you for your concerns regarding our drip… More » -
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Review from mariah c.
Ann Arbor, MI
Updated - 1/28/2010 9 Check-ins Here
My months-long addiction to Sweetwater's Ginger Fizzes give me no choice but to up it a star. I am a lover of all things ginger, and their super-strong, icy and fizzy fresh ginger ale is like my cure-all tonic.
If you haven't tried it, try it now. But I'm warning you, you may end up discovering that you're hooked, coming here at least 2x a week, and frantically looking up recipes for home-made ginger beer online. It could happen...you know...hypothetically.
The fact that they display work by local artists gets a plus too.Listed in: Offices Away from Home, Oh, hai, Chai!, Izze's It!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2009
As I've said, I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so my love of a cafe is based more in space, the… Read more »
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Review from Gina V.
Brooklyn, NY
9/8/2009
Repeat after me: "I'd like that to go"
If you don't speak up, rest assured you will be handed a giant bowl of coffee. The surface area is huge, which means your coffee will be cold before you finish half of it. Also, I'm not sure I trust the dish washing process at a place that rarely stocks hand soap in the bathroom. Last time I was there they were using an old ketchup bottle labeled 'detergent' that was filled with what appeared to be watered down dish soap. (You can't make this stuff up)
Sure using a paper cup with a lid is not environmentally responsible (and may very well get you a few glares from the tree-hugging regulars), but trust me on this one.
Coffee and tea taste pretty much the same everywhere to me, so I couldn't tell you how it stacks up against competitors. Plan on fighting for a decent seat and make sure your laptop battery is fully charged - outlets are a precious commodity.
You may also want to bring headphones if you're planning on working or studying during the daytime. On several occasions I have had to dart disapproving stares in the direction of parents toting unruly kids and crying infants. Not sure why anyone would bring a child to a coffee shop, but they do and it's obnoxious.
Despite all of the things I hate about this place, you'll still find me there on the weekends catching up on work and blogging. Why? Because there is something uniquely Ann Arbor about this place and it just feels like home. Call me earthy crunchy, but supporting local business is important to me, even if that means carrying my own hand sanitizer.Listed in: You can find me here...
Comment from Lisa B. of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea 9/10/2009
I have investigated the situation & found that there was a… More » -
Review from Nick H.
Ann Arbor, MI
7/15/2009
Although a caffeine and coffee addict, I'm not big on coffee shops. I feel like all they do is disappoint. Too expensive. Too loud or crowded. Too tasting like burnt armpit (read: Starbucks). Too OMG you screwed up my [insert unintelligible 5 minute long spiel on something that could be a drink but is not, in any dimension, actual coffee]. You get the picture.
While Sweetwaters is busy, this is my favorite coffee shop in Ann Arbor. They know how to make simple coffee and good cup of joe or iced mocha/latte. The space is simple but diverse. High tables, regular tables. Fluffy seats/sofas, bar and stools. Floor to ceiling window area, back corner with no windows. No coffee shop can have enough electrical outlets, but they do well, all things considered.
PS - Don't thank me, you were tipped from 3 to 4. I gave you an extra star simply because you're not Starbucks. Thank them and their armpit coffee. -
Review from Andrea B.
Ann Arbor, MI
4/7/2009
*** The #1 REASON TO GO
Chocolate Mountain Cake, nuff said.
That cake can have my 5-star rating, everything else gets a 2.
erm...well maybe the occasional carrot cake yummi-ness too.
WHY THE 2?
Well, it lacks the atmosphere that I wish it had. It has potential atmosphere and I go in there wishing and hoping and wanting it to happen, but it's like a bad kiss and I just cannot continue dating a bad kisser, sorry!
Seats are comfy, but there's something missing here. It's just not cozy enough and it's always soooo busy that you're lucky you can even get a seat.
I say, get your Chocolate Mountain cake to go and skip the coffees, teas, etc. The best coffee in town is at the People's Food Co-op Cafe anyway. go figure! Gimme a decaf rice latte any day from there.
Sorry Sweetwaters, I "heart" your choco cake, but your place needs more space and atmosphere, less chainy crapness. :( -
Review from Clarence C.
San Lorenzo, CA
5/17/2008 1 photo
I've walked past this place more times than I can remember, and never gave a second thought. It looks way too small from outside on Ashley Street, and I expected the drinks to be as bland as the name.
Happened in here, because I was on that side of town this week, and it was the closest place to get a cup. The Midnight blend is my new coffee of choice.
It's difficult to get a dark roast that is dark enough and not bitter. By comparison, the other two coffee shops I've been going to taste a little too bitter and a little too watery by comparison. The Midnight is definitely the darkest blend in town, but it doesn't suffer from bitterness at all.
Sweetwater isn't as crowded as it looks through the windows. There's another room on the other side of the bar.
The decor is a bit to corporate and buttoned-down--it's like they wanted to imitate Starbucks--but you can always get your coffee to go, like I did. -
Review from Julie J.
Ann Arbor, MI
12/15/2009
I've never specifically set out to visit Sweetwaters but it's a good place to kill time if needed. The two locations I've visited (Kerrytown and Downtown) are cozy places to sit and spend an hour or two, especially on a cold winter's evening.
I usually order tea and I can't remember being unhappy with any of the varieties I've ordered. On a recent trip I ordered the ginger lemon tea and really enjoyed it. Their coffee, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. Both times I ordered it, I found it to be bitter and unpleasant. (Which is ironic considering the name of the business...)
They sell great leak-proof mugs and they'll offer you a discount on your drink if you bring it with you. It's nice; you win, the environment wins, and Greenzo has a place to dance. -
Review from Aaron B.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/15/2007
I spend a lot of time in cafes working, studying, chatting with friends, etc. This is among the best in Ann Arbor (which admittedly isn't saying much). The coffee is good; good enough to order a red-eye, drink it black, and not get nauseous. They have wireless, but not enough power outlets to have dependable access to one. The music is usually ignorable and certainly less annoying than other cafes. It's bright with plenty of windows for natural light. There are several comfy chairs (which desperately need cleaning) for reading and a decent capacity of normal seats (although it still manages to fill up on weekend afternoons).
Admittedly it is generic -- completely void of any character. The furniture, the menu, everything is just like most other coffee slinging spots. That isn't a problem for me since I go there to work and study, but I wouldn't go there looking for a hip hang out place. The best things about it for my interests are that it is located downtown and open until midnight.
Update: I've down-graded Sweetwaters to 4 stars on recognition of their occasional REALLY annoying music (we're talking house music) that is totally inappropriate for a cafe and for the general realization that I've been to cafes in other towns that blow Sweetwaters away. So even if it is the best in Ann Arbor (which it might be, or second to Crazy Wisdom) it it still not that good in the grand scheme of things.
Update: I just downgraded them to three stars because they play holiday music. Who can study to holiday music? Not to mention that I am personally offended by it, but several people (including employees) have complained without the owner making the necessary changes to their XM radio programming. It is the lack of response to customer and worker preferences that have revealed Sweetwaters' truly mediocre status. My group of regulars is moving to Ambrosia until at least January. -
Review from Rob P.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/10/2009
This was somewhat of a tough call. If there were 2.5 stars, I'd probably give Sweetwaters that. The atmosphere is relatively calming since it's not Starbucks and not near campus so there aren't students holding group meetings here.
It is a nice place to study or get some work done, but it's not great for coffee or tea or food for that matter. There isn't a great selection of tea and the food is very expensive for coffeehouse fare. The orange juice is good and so are the bear claws, but you could literally buy a gallon of OJ for the price they charge.
Also, you shouldn't expect good service unless you're a regular. Many times I've been rushed through the line just so the baristas could carefully attend to their regulars. There are far better (and cheaper) places to get an average cafe experience in Ann Arbor -
Review from Sylvonna R.
Ann Arbor, MI
4/10/2010
Ann Arbor is abounding with Espresso Royale, but I think Sweetwaters hits the spot!
This cafe is just what every non-Starbucks cafe should be. Plenty of seating, wonderful beverages, and even a wide selection of eats and snacks!
The location is a bit off of the main drag, and it definitely doesn't get as much attention as the other coffee shops around, but I think it is definitely worth a visit, or two...or three. -
Review from Julie C.
Ann Arbor, MI
5/29/2011
Sweetwaters is a great place to sit and work. It's clean and well lit, with lots of window tables. However, I think the coffee is a bit overpriced; a house blend coffee is about $1.50, and a dragon eye (or house coffee with condensed milk) is $2.50. This just seems strange to me. Also, any cold specialty drink will cost you a little less than $5. Still it's a nice workplace, especially if you need a break from Starbucks!
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Review from Marc M.
Philadelphia, PA
1/16/2008
I'll preface this review by stating that I no longer live in Ann Arbor and much of this is based on nostalgic reminiscence. With that in mind...,
I used to spend countless hours at Sweetwater's. I'd go down and read Qur'an, practice my Japanese and even tie flies for fly fishing. The owner, Wei, and his wife Lisa, always tolerated my eccentricities with a smile. I have found memories of this place. Not a big coffee drinker, the stand out to me was the Hot Ginger Lemon Tea. Now living in Philadelphia, I long for this tea. It was great to have some on a recent trip back this winter.
My best to Lisa and Wei... -
Review from Judith K.
New Orleans, LA
5/4/2011
My friend and I came here to look for the fairy door and got a jasmine tea latte, which was perfect for the cold, rainy day. The workers were nice enough to point out where the fairy door was (it's inside!). I wish I lived in Ann Arbor to try out more of the large variety of teas they have - a lot of people were there studying - I prefer larger tables in coffee shops to spread my stuff, but it looked like a bustling place good both for studying and for chatting with friends/fam.
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Review from Ellen C.
2/16/2009
I write this review from inside sweetwaters! I'm incredibly thankful for the free wifi, and I think the chai tea is great (and my friend's French Vietnamese Latte was great too). The mugs you can get when you're staying here are a really nice touch.
The work environment is fabulous, the tables are a bit small, but as such are pretty conducive to just getting your laptop or work out, and not getting distracted with too much clutter. The background music is actually really soothing, and I could definitely sit here for awhile.
Plus it's open until midnight. What's not to like? -
Review from Ruth C.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
9/19/2011
I think I liked this place better when I first started going there. The coffee was pretty good, and I like the ginger lemon tea, even if it is on the sweet side. Pastries are good, especially the big peach muffins. But it seems to have gone a bit downhill lately. The past few times I've ordered an espresso-based drink, it has tasted bitter and burnt! Hope they do turn it around, because I do like the atmosphere. Maybe I should stick with tea? Oh, and the other negative is that they do not have enough outlets!
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Review from Sarah W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/25/2008
I really like this cafe, I come to this location often to get some work done or meet friends. They have the best vanilla milkshake in Ann Arbor. I highly suggest it. I also love the chocolate cookie and regular house coffee. Lemonade is not so great, don't get it.
It's a bit nicer than the other cafes in general and you can feel that it's not a chain. They have free wi-fi. Plenty of seating and some sofa chairs for more comfort. It can get really crowded sometimes but you can pretty much always get a seat if your willing to wait.
If you have a go-pass you can get a ten percent discount. -
Review from Lisa W.
Flint, MI
7/12/2008
If you're going to get an espresso drink here, go ahead and splurge on the Abianno special roast espresso. It has dark chocolate undertones and is worth it.
I would skip out on their sandwiches and salads -- at $7 a pop for a small thang like that, you might as well get two slices of cake because you'll sure as hell enjoy them more.
In the summer, they have amazing shakes that can have espresso or hazelnut added to them. A definite must have.
They are also home to a cute little fairy book at the end of the counter where you can write a note to your favorite fairy. No joke. -
Review from Rebecca W.
Ypsilanti, MI
10/16/2009
At 8 a.m. on a Friday, Sweetwaters seems to be a haven for the old guys who aren't quite as old (or quite as cheap) as the Washtenaw Dairy crowd.
These guys are in their 70s (instead of their 80s), wear collared shirts (instead of sweatshirts), order cappuccinos (instead of sludge and a donut) and don't show up until 7:30 (instead of at 5).
Nevertheless, wherever the old dudes go for coffee is good enough for me.
Though I know it gets crowded at night and on the weekends, right now, it's much quieter and more spacious than, say, the South U. ERC. The music is less jarring, too--something soothing and backgroundy (yesterday ERC was blasting brassy swing at 7:30).
Plus literally every time I have come in this place, I run into my friend SV--it's fair to say she's crossed over from being a regular to being a squatter.
So while Sweetwaters isn't my usual spot (except for today, it's out of the way of everywhere I need to go), if I'm nearby, I've got no reason not to go in. -
Review from Mae S.
Ann Arbor, MI
10/10/2006
Check out the Fairy Door.
The coffee is good, the selection of sweets better than most coffee places, and there's enough daylight. Pleasant. Good place to sit with friends. -
Review from Andy W.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2008
Name one place that would perfectly describe the good ole days!
For me, it would be sitting in Sweetwaters Cafe, temperature in the 20s outside, sipping a cup of ginger-lemon-honey tea, and having an intellectual conversation.
This place is cozy as it's always been, and perfect reminiscence of the good old days. -
Review from Colin T.
Brighton, MI
9/29/2009
Best coffee in Ann Arbor, sorry Zingerman's. I recommend the Crème Caramel, a delicious caramel coated vanilla latte topped with whipped cream.
Also, the Napali Brew is a must try. Vanilla ice cream blended with espresso and hazelnut syrup and topped with whipped cream. My suggestion is to ask for half chocolate, half hazelnut.
Regular lattes are good, too. -
Review from Elizabeth J.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2011
Mehh. I don't like this place, as much as I try to. The teas and frozen drinks are overpriced. There are very few vegetarian and vegan options and I dont find them to be particularly allergy friendly either. I realize they can't accomodate everyone, but it does mean that several of my friends are completely unable to order food. There were flies in the pastry case, and the drip coffee is pretty weakly flavored. I also found that the food I ordered was stale. There are several other cafes in Ann Arbor that I prefer and are of more consistent quality.
