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I haven't been coming here, primarily because when I get anywhere near Ypsi I'm drawn like a magnet to Beezy's Cafe.
Right now I'm sitting at Ugly Mug hoping Beezy doesn't pass by and notice me! :-o
Well, I have to say that Ugly Mug is the most hip and comfortable cafe I've been to this side of Austin, TX.
I'm enjoying the coffee, (I'm a rather unpleasant coffee snob, this is a big deal) as well as the music and the overall ambiance. So come in for a coffee and then get over to Beezy's to eat! :)
Ugly Mug probably was my primary coffee shop until Beezy's opened and while it still definitely up there, location makes it less convenient for me to stop there as often as before. Until I start attending EMU that is, I have taken a break from UM and had a chance to reflect on my experience there for a review.
I mostly heard great review for this place by locals and students that would stop by there. Apparently it was trendy as well. At one point you could smoke in there, which was the reason why for about a year I didn't stop in. Once they made smoking indoors a no-no however, while I was waiting for my fiancé to get out of class I stopped in for a drink and to get a feel for the place.
Initially... dark. Black is the color of choice here with muted colors as highlights, tables and chairs that just sort of blend in with the scenery and a low couch dominating one corner. Lots of books that probably were rejected from library donation due to being so old and unpopular line the walls, from classics to some of the trash that you see at your local pharmacies. Their pastry selection is small and their teas inconspicuously squeezed in between the register and aforementioned display case.
The music here is different than your normal coffee shop. Sometimes I like the selections, sometimes I don't, but I can usually put on my headphones or go outside if the weather is nice. The only real issue is the smoking directly outside their front door. I don't like getting a whiff of someone's menthol lights before I walk into the place. Sort of ruins that initial great coffee smell.
Apparently, baristas that told there are told they are the What in what's what. Once you get over the 'tude and get a cup of decent espresso - usually you're more than willing to be forgiving. My first cup, the espresso was much too bitter and I was turned off by it. For a while, I avoided it, but one day, passing by, I was jonsing for some caffeine. That time, it was great. And for the most part, generally the drinks are very good there. I have my favorite barista's and depending on who's greeting me at the register will alter my order - but everyone there seems to know what's what when it comes to espresso and drinks. In fact, I was a semi-regular there for a good 6 to 8 months and occasionally I still crave a nice drink from them. Their brewed coffee is always top notch and when I get my own coffee machine and grinder I will be buying some of their beans for sure.
Ok lets be fair here. I love this place (well loved when I lived in Ypsi). The lattes are to die for.
But with that said -- A funny thing happened on the way to the espresso bar -- it was horrible. I got a double shot and it was bitter, the crema had a poor taste, and it went down like a ton of bricks. I am hoping that after two years away from Ypsi this was a fluke.... (I think it was, I actually pray it was).
But the beans I bought there saved they day. I mean woza they are amazing (Mexican blend). Like knock your socks off, cuddle up with your coffee mug and look at it lovingly type of good.
Since the remodel it feels a little more commercial in the place, but the no smoking atmosphere is a much welcome change.
All in all, great coffee, usually great espresso, best coffee I have had in the States outside of the West Coast.
I have a love-hate relationship with the Ugly Mug.
On the one hand, they have tasty coffees and teas, yummy snacks, good (free) wireless network, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. I love the books in the shelf on the wall -- you'll find a copy of a catechism next to a book about athiesm , a book of '80s hairstyles for women and an old Nancy Drew novel.
On the other hand, when they run out of something (like a type of tea) they can stay out for a while. I find the outside seats uncomfortable. The inside areas can get noisy between overly loud music, louder college students and screaming children. The parking lot is way too tiny (yes, I know: it actually HAS a lot) and can be scary to negotiate your way out. And the too short "summer" hours -- hopefully ending soon -- mean it's hard to stop and relax after work.
I won't stop going there but it's no longer my number one coffeeshop.
I've lived within walking distance of the Ugly Mug for years, and It just keeps getting better. The facade, furniture, and clientele have all gotten gentrified, but the core of the store, the wonderful coffee and the good people who serve it to you, are unchanged.
Outdoor seating is covered and heated for smokers; the interior is comfortable and offers wifi, books, and generally friendly patrons. I've literally sat in there until half and hour past closing before I was (politely!) informed that the staff would like to go home. That would have never happened two years ago.
It's also worth mentioning that former barista Jim Saborio now runs Comet Coffee in Ann Arbor's Nickels Arcade, so whether you're on EMU's campus or U-M's, you're a short walk from fabulous coffee.
Take out for great coffee and some tasty bagels (the killer bagel has some holding power). Eat in for a bit of Seattle before it got cocky. Bonus for longtime Patrons: Some of the staff will make a certain unnamed item that's no longer on the menu if you ask nicely.
The coffee is usually spot on, but the pastries are mediocre and the service leaves a lot to be desired. Examples: once, when a union organizer was treating me to coffee, he asked the barista for a receipt. She acted like he was asking for a 10-page essay on coffee bean futures. Another time, a barista said he had a salt bagel for me in the back and proceeded to place a poppy seed bagel into a bag for me. I didn't realize this until after I had gotten home. I feel like I might get better service if I were one of the staff's hipster friends...
This is one of the best cafes in Washtenaw County. Their baristas really know their way around espresso drinks...if you've never had milk-foam art, prepare to live! Also, if you get a coffee, order for "here" so you can experience the namesake ugly mugs.
The atmosphere is everything I expected a coffee shop to be when I entered college. Comfy couches, people on laptops, board games on hand, extremely random art... Seriously, if you want a vacation from the yuppie coffee shops in Ann Arbor, come to the Ugly Mug.
This place is great. In fact, I like this place more than I like Ritual Roasters in San Francisco. I used to stop by here inbetween appts and get coffee or sit and chat to a few people. The clientele is interesting and the staff is hot and great.
The food is not that good, but it is so worth the trip if you are in the area. When I went they had all these creepy dolls hanging everywhere, but it was done very tastefully and just added to the character. The art is great, and the atmosphere is great. I think they have coffee too.
Wow. Holy 1998! I mean this in a really good, comforting way. Walking into the Ugly Mug last week, I was greeted by an hour+ soundtrack of the Make-Up's singles collection, I Want Some.
Hearing that record took me back to happy memories of hanging out at Vinyl Joe's (RIP) ten-ish years ago, picking up Make-Up and Mummies 7"s, just down the street from where the Ugly Mug sits today.
The bearded fellow at the counter was super-sweet, helping my frazzled, chilly self by fixin' me up a soy chai with a perfect little dash of cinnamon on top. Later on, he suggested a vegan peanut butter cookie -- surprisingly tasty.
It was nice and quiet in the back -- everyone was either working or studying, so I was able to zoom through a bunch of work with ease, while soaking up the drinkable + listenable comfort-food.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I haven't dropped in here since it went non-smoking. It was still OK to smoke here when I was going to EMU just a couple years back, which is probably part of why this didn't become a regular study spot.
Now that it's smoke-free, I'm pretty positive this is going to become my new mini-office. Just keep the chai, vegan cookies, and great music, and I'm there.
I used to live almost across the street, and although I had a comfy couch and WI-FI of my own, I did 90% of my studying there. Plus, I was a smoker, so I was pumped that I had a cafe/study environment where I could light up. I think a lot of people went there for that reason-- where else can you smoke and drink coffee these days?
Alas, they went non-smoking and cleaned up their act. Shiny new tables and chairs, lighting, etc. It's sad, because that was their appeal, and now it's almost like they are trying to be a different place.
Still the same perfect cup of coffee and pretentious staff. Plus, I love that they have Zingerman's pastries. The muffins and bagels are so good!
The prices are a tad bit steep, but they have punch cards, so if you frequent them enough then you will end up getting your moneys worth. And it's locally owned, so that is always a bonus.
I really love the coffee here. I think it is probably the best joe in the area - their espresso is very smooth and rich and they know how to brew it. The place is very tiny and cozy and there are comfortable places to hole up and study. It has nice ambiance reminiscent with cozy run-down furniture (apparently that's changed now?) and had that familiar feeling that kept me looking around to see if I would run into anybody I knew there.
Unfortunately parking is impossible. Also, I was originally gonna dock them a star for being a smoking establishment but I hear they recently went non-smoking, so they get it back (yeah, I'm one of those).
Ugly Mug has the best cappuccino around, no kidding. It's taste is unique and satisfying and I wish it were closer so I could enjoy it more often.
They have been working on the interior, but remnants of hipsters sitting around smoking, drinking black coffee, and talking about life still remain.
Seriously though, even if you've never owned a pair of converse, check it out! You surely won't be disappointed!
Tip - Don't bring a credit card unless you are going to spend over 5 bucks.
Stopped in today for a soy cap. First time after the big renovation. I think the place looks great and is also now non-smoking! Im happy to upgrade this review and plan to frequent the Ugly Mug more often.
The Ugly Mug is one of the few independent coffee houses in the area. Over several years living in… Read more »
If it means anything to anyone, it takes me 40 minutes for me to drive to the Ugly Mug, but drive I will because they have the best coffee on this side of the Mississippi, hands down.
I love the atmosphere - the old lecture hall chairs and books and things. However, I am not a smoker, so it's not very often than I hang out there. Something about lung cancer makes it hard for me to enjoy my latte. I was there once, though, and I'm pretty sure that they have free wi-fi. That may not be a selling point, since Washtenaw at large is adopting the service, but it was nice when I had homework to do.
I would recommend this place to anyone - coffee is really smooth, not bitter at all (like Starbucks/ERC), and it's usually pretty easy to park.
Best damn coffee in the area.
They went nonsmoking and now you don't stink after enjoying your caffeine treat.
Um, it's a coffee shop. The favored one of Ypsi hipsters. Since they've gone smoke-free, people with less hipster cred have started walking in. Who cares?
Everything except the first line is kind of irrelevant, because that's all that really matters.
And you thought YOU were scene.
Once a Greyhound station, then a few different coffee shops, now The Ugly Mug. Just a flat out cool place to be. I suppose one could call it pretentious, but that's just in the eye of the beholder really. There are a couple of complex brews always waiting, and a long list to choose from. As a new customer, it's difficult to recall all of them.
I actually went on impulse, remembering a very delicious hot chocolate from the newspaper selling days of me boyhood. To this day, this building still pumps out some excellent hot chocolate. My grown up palate recognized the full bodied roasts and fresh bagels, muffins, cakes. The delectables are too delicious to pass over. There is also something called the Monster Bagel which I haven't asked about as of yet.
This little nook gets packed easily, but the clientle isn't obnoxious or loud. There are board games and books, some funky decor, and plenty of reasons to stop by.
Cute Joint!
I've been going here since high school... but not a regular by any means. A lot has changed since high school but they still have great coffee. Am not a huge coffee drinker, so to walk into a place that makes me crave coffee is a good sign! I love the couch's and random seating selection they have, the art work on the walls, and best of all the seating area they have outside in the summer time. I guess you could call it the "coffee garden" . They also serve all their drinks in random coffee cups and mugs, no matching scheme going on there, it really gives a feeling of homeyness.
I visited this place today and was surprised to see how extremely non-smoking it is. Even their "heated" patio is non-smoking. I walked in and felt a pang of longing because they no longer had the random pieces of second-hand furniture adorning each table. Instead there are uniform black tables with black chairs. It seemed there were less books on the shelves, and looked a little cleaned up. They also no longer serve crepes.
However, their espresso drinks are still amazing, and I don't smoke anymore. I had a grand time with my boyfriend playing Pass the Pigs on the last of the old furniture -- a crooked table by the bathroom with wooden chairs. His coffee was sporting a green mug covered in flowers, with "Starbucks Coffee" stamped on the bottom. Very funny.
Four stars simply for their espresso. No complaints.
The Ugly Mug is conveniently located on my twice-weekly walk from EMU's main campus to the business campus on Michigan Ave, so I like to stop in and get a warm caffeinated pick-me-up on the way. The whole vibe is just just trendy enough to be hip without being overbearing. The coffee is well done and inevitably served by a barista with an attitude (would you rather have it any other way?), and the muffins always make for a tasty mid-day snack. I dig it.
I have only been there like 4 times in the course of the past 5 years and i love it! I make it a point to stop there if im in the area. You only get one chance to make a good impression and they do it every time. I only thing i would change is to maybe get newer couch's. And get a Ugly Mug T-shirt Check it out!
I don't drink coffee, and I don't smoke. However, The Ugly Mug was one of my absolute favorite spots in Michigan. A good collection of random used books line the room, old bus station seats, and good looking hipsters. A decent selection of tea, and they take the same care with their hot chocolate as with their coffee. Those in the know say the coffee is to die for, roasted on site, a different mug every time.
The bad news. They renovated. Now it looks like every other hip coffee shop, with modern furniture and chrome siding on the walls. It's also non-smoking now, which makes my happily pink lungs that much happier. However, it has cut down significantly on the good looking hipster crowd.
One of the coolest little coffee shops I have ever been too. It's little, you walk in and it is so laid back, lots of vintage furniture and decorations.
You order your coffee and it's served in all kinds of different mugs. Some of them like your Granny had or like a bad Christmas gift. But its so fun to see what your going to get. The coffee is good too, I had the cappuccino. And they have good homemade desserts and pastries. Delicious.
You can sit in all kinds of random seating choices. They have wi-fi. And they have smoking, which is great for all you smokers who are getting banned at other cafes.
I love this little place, if it wasn't so far from me I would frequent it all the time.
When exiled to the dark hole that is southeastern Michigan this summer, there was one bright spot: the Ugly Mug.
I am a smoker. I appreciated the fact that there was somewhere I could have my cigarettes and coffee in peace without somebody insisting I was giving them cancer.
Yes, the baristas are arrogant. Really, that's the sign of a good cafe. The pretentiousness of a cafe usually indicates its patrons. Cafes in small college towns with no other claims to fame (save for maybe that bizarre tower) should have a snooty cafe where the would-be intellectuals and other social rejects can hang out. It's not only acceptable, but expected. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Yes, their coffee is decent. The best in bloody Michigan, really.
And, the nice thing was to find something with a little personality in an otherwise boring and uninspiring Midwestern town.
Now that it's non-smoking, Ugly Mug is a great place to go! The coffee is brewed to perfection, the staff knows what the heck they're doing and there's a generally laid back vibe to the place. The hipster contingent can be a little overwhelming on your first visit, but don't be intimidated :)
This place is as good if not better then Rituals in San Francisco, Murky's in Washington DC, Intelligentsia in Chicago. Baristas are knowledgeable and truly care about coffee quality. Excellent coffee like this is close to impossible to come across, unless you roast and pull your own. If you are in Ann Arbor or general area not stopping by this place would be a crime.
I love the ugly mug. Excellent coffee, roasted on site. Friendly service, good atmosphere/music. They allow smoking. Pretty much perfect in my opinion.
Pretty much how you would picture an independent cofffee shop in a college town. The shelves are covered in old books, old movie theater seats serve as chairs, the "for here" mugs are a mismatched assortment, and the bulletin board is packed with posters and flyers for local music, art, etc. The espresso drinks are excellent in quality and very pretty. The shop has both smoking and non smoking sections, which could be a pro or con depending on who you are. The biggest complaint I have with the place is that it doesn't seem very clean. Otherwise a good place to chill and drink good coffee.
Ypsilanti, MI
Category: Coffee & Tea
Ypsilanti, MI
Category: Coffee & Tea
Ann Arbor, MI
Category: Coffee & Tea
Ypsilanti, MI
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Ypsilanti, MI
Category: Coffee & Tea
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