Scene In Detroit: The Great Lakes Coffee Company, Appealing To All

By Amelia Kanan
CBS Detroit Blogger

Remember my 'mourning coffee' piece? Of course you do. Well, sympathize no more, for my days of grief are over thanks to The Great Lakes Coffee Company. (Read CBS's Violet Ikonomova's article for all the legit info.)

Light wood, dark wood, exposed bricks, leather, lots of outlets, comfortable seating, free wifi, artisan coffee, long hours, fluffy pastries, quick and unpretentious service and alcoholic options have made this new Midtown business pretty hype among the urbanites. Since they've opened, I've been a regular patron and resisted writing about The GLC Co. due to the abundance of photographers and bloggers I've witnessed working diligently to spread the good word. However, as much as I hate to jump on wagons full of riders (aka bandwagons), I couldn't resist giving this local joint my own props.

The modern design mixed with traditional elements serves it's patrons well, functionally as well as aesthetically. The organic beans are roasted with pride and intelligence. If you have any idea what that means, you'll be happy to know that you won't receive any eye rolls from the staff who are ready to explain. As amazing as the coffee and service are, the seating is my favorite. Want a table with a chair? Inside or outside? Would you prefer the bar by the main counter or the one that overlooks Woodward? Have a group? Grab a table with benches. If it's just you, why not enjoy a comfy leather chair where you can read…or, since it is 2012...play on your phone. The variety seems to appeal to all different kinds of people such as artists, business folk, moms, college kids, adults, etc. Plus, it serves as an appropriate place to meet for study groups, work meetings, project collaborations or rendezvous with a friend.

If you're still not sold, I'll leave with the a quote from their blog: "Coffee, wine, beer, and cocktails all served all day long. So you can get your espresso in the morning and wine at night, or you can be the fun guy and have some burgundy for breakfast and stay awake with a late shot. We won't judge."

I have found my mecca.

If you need me, you'll now know where to find me. (I'm the girl with the over sized purse.)

Amelia Kanan is freelance writer/photographer and a returning native of Detroit. A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, she wrote for an Emmy nominated sketch comedy show and pursued her passion for documentary filmmaking in Los Angeles. An incomplete list of her loves: books, human rights, improv, the smell of new shoes, talking to strangers, libraries, France, yoga, furniture, music, sociology and pushing the limits. See a photo gallery HERE.