I just dropped through for a quick drink. I am SO glad that I got the Thai iced tea and they were willing to make it with soy milk instead of half and half. It was about $3 and worth every dime. Delicious!
(5)
Samantha S.
Redeeming qualities - I love the airy quality of the space, much preferred to the dark atmosphere of nearby cafes. I also like the toast bar, such a great idea. I appreciate that you can refill your tea pot w as much hot water as you like. I will probably keep coming back for these reasons. But I did want to express my displeasure with a couple things - I hate a burned and too hot latte... and the fact that the girl ringing me up was texting on her phone while doing so. I'm standing there with my card in my hand to give her and she is on her phone. I say something to get her attention "ok" or "here" and she rings it up and goes back to her phone immediately, stopping only to hand me the receipt to sign. She doesn't say anything to me meanwhile. Pretty embarrassing for Sweetwaters and I'm sorry they can't get better help during the summer.
(3)
Phoebe B.
Delicious coffee! My BFF and I stopped in for a spot of coffee this morning before heading across the street to see some regional films at the Ann Arbor Film Fest. Bigby and Starbucks are housed on the same block, but my friend insisted that we go local. Good call, friend! I highly recommend the French Vietnamese Au Lait. The drink was so delicious, in fact, that I returned for a second cup in the afternoon before heading back to T-Town. The seating was a little cramped, but that fact didn't seem to deter their regular clientele, who were feverishly enjoying the free wi-fi.
(3)
Kelly J.
Any cafe that treats tea with the same enthusiasm and care as coffee garners my interest. Any place that charges the same amount for tea as coffee loses it. $4.50 for a teapot with one teabag is horrifying. The emerald matcha tea was nice, (the blend of matcha, green tea, and roasted rice was savory and delicate,) but I bet you can buy a box of it for the same price. The worst thing? If you have the cajones to charge those sorts of prices for tea, know how to treat it. Delicate green teas are NEVER supposed to be served with boiling hot water, it completely burns the tea which anyone with the faintest knowledge of tea knows, but this place disregarded that entirely. Thank you for the $4.50 tea bag, ($5.50 with tip.) Service was prompt, knowledgeable, but less than friendly and a little unhygienic, as the barista stirred my friend's drink with a spoon, set it on the bare counter, and then stirred it again with the same spoon. Eh. The baristas were more into chatting with each other than engaging with us, and it felt a little cold. On a brighter note, the space is beautiful and free WiFi would make it a great study spot. The quiet ambiance would be a nice atmosphere for a post-dinner date coffee. It's also open late, 'til midnight, which is nice when so many coffee shops close up shop in the early evening.
(2)
Marre P.
Cute cafe. Decent hot tea selection. I liked the ginger and lemon tea. Would go back!
(4)
Dug S.
Campus Sweetwaters franchise within blocks of store #1 downtown and store #2 in Kerrytown. Sweetwaters specializes in their signature drinks - Ginger Lemon tea, sweet Ice Dragons, various coffee drinks (including their "dreamy" vanilla and "dirty" chocolate iced coffee), etc. and their selection of teas (although not as fanatical as Teahaus). Unique to this one in Ann Arbor, although borrowed in concept from their store #4 across from EMU, is a big communal high-top table - appropriate to this store in dark polished cement (vs. the gorgeous reclaimed wood in Ypsi). Lots of windows, and some outdoor seating facing the Michigan Theater across the street. If you're a pourover purist, there's Comet Coffee down the block (or select roasts at Babo a street over), or if you're looking for other creative Blue Bottle-style coffee drinks, there's Lab across the street (and Songbird on the north side) - but Sweetwaters is the hometown staple of cafes in Ann Arbor. Forget Starbucks on the corner, unless you're actually looking for a big airport lounge, or McCafe-style caramel whipped whatever. Oh, there's "coffee" at the 7-11 around the block too, if brown gas station water is your thing. Good god, I've become a coffee nerd. Thanks a lot, Ann Arbor.
This is the latest Sweetwaters to open in Ann Arbor. The usual offerings of the others in the area. While the space is updated and contemporary which I like, the long narrowness of the cafe isn't my favorite setup. I prefer the Washington St and Kerrytown locations ambiance a little better. Part of my reason for giving this 3 stars (ideally 3.5 stars) is that they have been out of the midnight blend several times when I stop by in the morning. Often times when they don't seem to be very busy in the morning. Maybe the baristas fault or store policy to not brew another pot til it is empty? Not sure. If it is that popular, maybe have more on hand for those morning coffee cravings? Still a good place to get my morning coffee fix. :)
(3)
Jeremy L.
The service here is just fine and the drinks are no different than the other Sweetwaters locations. My favorite drink to get is the iced French Vietnamese au lait. It's sweet and strong and I actually like it better than the coffee at most Vietnamese restaurants. The interior of this location is a nice update compared to the other locations which are starting to feel outdated. It might not be the best place to study or get work done as it is pretty loud in there because the walls, floor, and ceiling amplify the noise.
(4)
Ronaldo T.
My favorite place to do work in Ann Arbor, very spacious and clean. Coffee is great and there is a large selection of food. Their coldbrew is one of my favorites.
(5)
Marisol B.
I'm so glad sweetwaters opened a new location on Liberty Street! Closer to the UM central campus. I like their wide selection of tea, the free wifi, and late night hours. For grad students, it's a great place to study. Food options are limited here. I pay for the quite and relaxing atmosphere to write dissertation-- plus a cup of decaf.
(3)
Sara B.
I love this place They have a delicious coffee And they have the best chocolate cake I have ever tasted in Ann Arbor
(5)
Beck E.
Seems fine, the wireless was working when I visited yesterday. The baristas were friendly, and there was nothing off about my espresso. If you get tea to drink on-site, it comes in a teapot, which is cute.
(3)
Vincent S.
Okay. I try to support local coffee shops vs. Starbucks and I'm often disappointed. You go to the smaller places for a local friendly vibe and this one was so blan. Not unpleasant, like picking up a cup of Joe at McDonalds. My hot coffee was filled to the brim, with no lid where I burned my fingers all the way to my table as it spilled over the top. No cup sleeve either. Yes, I wish I thought of asking prior but it's your product and I was trying to move it along so others could get their coffee... And burn their fingers too.
(2)
Leah C.
Really cute, modern place! They stay open until midnight which is great. I got the white chocolate mocha with a shot of hazelnut. The foam on top was latte art so i think that is why they don't give you a lid. It tasted really good (similar to starbucks but with better foam). I would come here again. Prices also on par with starbucks. They did run out of seating. I think they could upgrade to a larger building soon!
(5)
Jeremy K.
Overall the two things that Sweetwater's has going for it is somewhat reliable wifi and long hours. Beyond that it is just an unremarkable local chain. For the beverages: The coffee at Sweetwater is okay, although the baristas will have no problem giving you the very last lukewarm cup from a thermos that has been sitting out for a long time.The tea is a bit better but nothing to write home about. The food: Might as well bring your own food the only food they have here is several day old bland baked goods and soggy wraps that sit for up to 3 days in the display. Good thing chipotle is right down the street.
(2)
Robin L.
As a coffee drinker, I felt an obligation to check out Sweetwater's Liberty Street location. I'm excited about their expansion and It's got a cool ambiance. Plus, it was full of people the day we visited, so looking in, it looks pretty awesome. And yet, I would say that our true experience was quite average. Two things about our experience that stick out for me. First, and not necessarily most important, the experience with the person who took our order was pretty flat. This probably sticks out for me because my experience with the folks at the Washington street location has always been so awesome for me. Secondly, (and sadly) the coffee was not good. We ordered an espresso and a latte. The latte was for me, which we took to go... And, I dumped it into a waste can. The espresso was for my husband and regrettably, he drank it. Bummed that this was my experience. If I have another experience that is better, I will update the review.
(2)
Faith H.
I really like the new store but we were frustrated and disappointed that their wireless internet was not working the first day of operation, July 7. I know they are working hard to fix the problem but I would have thought this would be ready for the opening.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No Good for Working : Yes
Aisha R.
I just dropped through for a quick drink. I am SO glad that I got the Thai iced tea and they were willing to make it with soy milk instead of half and half. It was about $3 and worth every dime. Delicious!
(5)Samantha S.
Redeeming qualities - I love the airy quality of the space, much preferred to the dark atmosphere of nearby cafes. I also like the toast bar, such a great idea. I appreciate that you can refill your tea pot w as much hot water as you like. I will probably keep coming back for these reasons. But I did want to express my displeasure with a couple things - I hate a burned and too hot latte... and the fact that the girl ringing me up was texting on her phone while doing so. I'm standing there with my card in my hand to give her and she is on her phone. I say something to get her attention "ok" or "here" and she rings it up and goes back to her phone immediately, stopping only to hand me the receipt to sign. She doesn't say anything to me meanwhile. Pretty embarrassing for Sweetwaters and I'm sorry they can't get better help during the summer.
(3)Phoebe B.
Delicious coffee! My BFF and I stopped in for a spot of coffee this morning before heading across the street to see some regional films at the Ann Arbor Film Fest. Bigby and Starbucks are housed on the same block, but my friend insisted that we go local. Good call, friend! I highly recommend the French Vietnamese Au Lait. The drink was so delicious, in fact, that I returned for a second cup in the afternoon before heading back to T-Town. The seating was a little cramped, but that fact didn't seem to deter their regular clientele, who were feverishly enjoying the free wi-fi.
(3)Kelly J.
Any cafe that treats tea with the same enthusiasm and care as coffee garners my interest. Any place that charges the same amount for tea as coffee loses it. $4.50 for a teapot with one teabag is horrifying. The emerald matcha tea was nice, (the blend of matcha, green tea, and roasted rice was savory and delicate,) but I bet you can buy a box of it for the same price. The worst thing? If you have the cajones to charge those sorts of prices for tea, know how to treat it. Delicate green teas are NEVER supposed to be served with boiling hot water, it completely burns the tea which anyone with the faintest knowledge of tea knows, but this place disregarded that entirely. Thank you for the $4.50 tea bag, ($5.50 with tip.) Service was prompt, knowledgeable, but less than friendly and a little unhygienic, as the barista stirred my friend's drink with a spoon, set it on the bare counter, and then stirred it again with the same spoon. Eh. The baristas were more into chatting with each other than engaging with us, and it felt a little cold. On a brighter note, the space is beautiful and free WiFi would make it a great study spot. The quiet ambiance would be a nice atmosphere for a post-dinner date coffee. It's also open late, 'til midnight, which is nice when so many coffee shops close up shop in the early evening.
(2)Marre P.
Cute cafe. Decent hot tea selection. I liked the ginger and lemon tea. Would go back!
(4)Dug S.
Campus Sweetwaters franchise within blocks of store #1 downtown and store #2 in Kerrytown. Sweetwaters specializes in their signature drinks - Ginger Lemon tea, sweet Ice Dragons, various coffee drinks (including their "dreamy" vanilla and "dirty" chocolate iced coffee), etc. and their selection of teas (although not as fanatical as Teahaus). Unique to this one in Ann Arbor, although borrowed in concept from their store #4 across from EMU, is a big communal high-top table - appropriate to this store in dark polished cement (vs. the gorgeous reclaimed wood in Ypsi). Lots of windows, and some outdoor seating facing the Michigan Theater across the street. If you're a pourover purist, there's Comet Coffee down the block (or select roasts at Babo a street over), or if you're looking for other creative Blue Bottle-style coffee drinks, there's Lab across the street (and Songbird on the north side) - but Sweetwaters is the hometown staple of cafes in Ann Arbor. Forget Starbucks on the corner, unless you're actually looking for a big airport lounge, or McCafe-style caramel whipped whatever. Oh, there's "coffee" at the 7-11 around the block too, if brown gas station water is your thing. Good god, I've become a coffee nerd. Thanks a lot, Ann Arbor.
(4)Naz M.
It's hard to break the mold when you're just another site of a franchise bent on taking over the city of Ann Arbor. Their newest installation is updated and dare I say contemporary, with a double door so you can evade the cold and awesome music choices. Like other reviewers here and as you can see in the pictures, that narrow passageway and lack of outlets all over the café (would you call it a café) leaves much to be desired. Like, if I'm going to pay $3.20 for a refill of TEA, and plan on doing it often, can I at least keep my poor computer/phone alive? The one tea I got, their Ginger Lemon Tea, is a subtler version of Espresso Royale's Ginger Dragon, which was much appreciated. Delicious tasting and just enough sugar, not too much. I think I will return, hopefully at a better time during the day, and cop a plug and a prime people-watching seat. It's what I do.
(3)Sean G.
This is the latest Sweetwaters to open in Ann Arbor. The usual offerings of the others in the area. While the space is updated and contemporary which I like, the long narrowness of the cafe isn't my favorite setup. I prefer the Washington St and Kerrytown locations ambiance a little better. Part of my reason for giving this 3 stars (ideally 3.5 stars) is that they have been out of the midnight blend several times when I stop by in the morning. Often times when they don't seem to be very busy in the morning. Maybe the baristas fault or store policy to not brew another pot til it is empty? Not sure. If it is that popular, maybe have more on hand for those morning coffee cravings? Still a good place to get my morning coffee fix. :)
(3)Jeremy L.
The service here is just fine and the drinks are no different than the other Sweetwaters locations. My favorite drink to get is the iced French Vietnamese au lait. It's sweet and strong and I actually like it better than the coffee at most Vietnamese restaurants. The interior of this location is a nice update compared to the other locations which are starting to feel outdated. It might not be the best place to study or get work done as it is pretty loud in there because the walls, floor, and ceiling amplify the noise.
(4)Ronaldo T.
My favorite place to do work in Ann Arbor, very spacious and clean. Coffee is great and there is a large selection of food. Their coldbrew is one of my favorites.
(5)Marisol B.
I'm so glad sweetwaters opened a new location on Liberty Street! Closer to the UM central campus. I like their wide selection of tea, the free wifi, and late night hours. For grad students, it's a great place to study. Food options are limited here. I pay for the quite and relaxing atmosphere to write dissertation-- plus a cup of decaf.
(3)Sara B.
I love this place They have a delicious coffee And they have the best chocolate cake I have ever tasted in Ann Arbor
(5)Beck E.
Seems fine, the wireless was working when I visited yesterday. The baristas were friendly, and there was nothing off about my espresso. If you get tea to drink on-site, it comes in a teapot, which is cute.
(3)Vincent S.
Okay. I try to support local coffee shops vs. Starbucks and I'm often disappointed. You go to the smaller places for a local friendly vibe and this one was so blan. Not unpleasant, like picking up a cup of Joe at McDonalds. My hot coffee was filled to the brim, with no lid where I burned my fingers all the way to my table as it spilled over the top. No cup sleeve either. Yes, I wish I thought of asking prior but it's your product and I was trying to move it along so others could get their coffee... And burn their fingers too.
(2)Leah C.
Really cute, modern place! They stay open until midnight which is great. I got the white chocolate mocha with a shot of hazelnut. The foam on top was latte art so i think that is why they don't give you a lid. It tasted really good (similar to starbucks but with better foam). I would come here again. Prices also on par with starbucks. They did run out of seating. I think they could upgrade to a larger building soon!
(5)Jeremy K.
Overall the two things that Sweetwater's has going for it is somewhat reliable wifi and long hours. Beyond that it is just an unremarkable local chain. For the beverages: The coffee at Sweetwater is okay, although the baristas will have no problem giving you the very last lukewarm cup from a thermos that has been sitting out for a long time.The tea is a bit better but nothing to write home about. The food: Might as well bring your own food the only food they have here is several day old bland baked goods and soggy wraps that sit for up to 3 days in the display. Good thing chipotle is right down the street.
(2)Robin L.
As a coffee drinker, I felt an obligation to check out Sweetwater's Liberty Street location. I'm excited about their expansion and It's got a cool ambiance. Plus, it was full of people the day we visited, so looking in, it looks pretty awesome. And yet, I would say that our true experience was quite average. Two things about our experience that stick out for me. First, and not necessarily most important, the experience with the person who took our order was pretty flat. This probably sticks out for me because my experience with the folks at the Washington street location has always been so awesome for me. Secondly, (and sadly) the coffee was not good. We ordered an espresso and a latte. The latte was for me, which we took to go... And, I dumped it into a waste can. The espresso was for my husband and regrettably, he drank it. Bummed that this was my experience. If I have another experience that is better, I will update the review.
(2)Faith H.
I really like the new store but we were frustrated and disappointed that their wireless internet was not working the first day of operation, July 7. I know they are working hard to fix the problem but I would have thought this would be ready for the opening.
(3)