Cafe Sous Terre
Coffee shop · Midtown
445 W Forest Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Highlights
French cafe with specialty cocktails, coffee, French cuisine
French cafe with specialty cocktails, coffee, French cuisine
"Opened in 2023 on the garden level of a 19th-century mansion, this jewelbox-sized bistro was created by converting a basement into an intimate dining room; the project required outside funding and was given a charming midcentury look by the owner’s designer spouse. The operation is smaller in scope and lacked a full kitchen, which is one reason the ownership pursued a second, larger daytime-focused cafe." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This cafe and bar is situated in the basement of a historic brick mansion, turned Airbnb and pays homage to the French cafes of the early 20th century. Decorated with natural tones and pops of green from subway tile and long banquette seating, it’s a casual spot for a house-made coffee soda, cocktail, or a sandwich — whether studying during daylight hours or having a wine down with friends after work. Expect classic espresso drinks, along with a variety of black or green teas, along with food that looks like it came out of a French bistro. Items include quiche, croque monsieur, and a decadent creme brulee. After dark, Cafe Sous Terre is a great place to catch some music, such as its weekly Vinyl Wednesdays event series, and enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or select from the spot’s curated, seasonally-inspired cocktail menu. Specialties have included the Witch, with blanco tequila, vermouth, bay leaf, lemon, and toasted black peppercorn." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This cafe and bar is situated in the basement of a historic brick mansion, turned Airbnb and pays homage to the French cafes of the early 20th century. Decorated with natural tones and pops of green from subway tile and long banquette seating, it’s a casual spot for a house-made coffee soda, cocktail, or a sandwich — whether studying during daylight hours or having a wine down with friends after work. Expect classic espresso drinks, along with a variety of black or green teas, along with food that looks like it came out of a French bistro. Items include quiche, croque monsieur, and a decadent creme brulee. After dark, Cafe Sous Terre is a great place to catch some music, such as its weekly Vinyl Wednesdays event series." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Inspired by French and Francophone Caribbean culture in Midtown, I appreciated a drink menu that blends flavors from both regions — the Round Midnight uses St. James Rhum Agricole, a sugarcane rum from Martinique — while mornings offer hot or cold coffee and baked goods. A cortado pairs nicely with the decadent crème brûlée, and for a savory bite the gougères (cheesy puff pastries) are a solid choice." - Will Reaume
"This cafe and bar is situated in the basement of a historic brick mansion, turned Airbnb, and provides a subtle homage to the French cafes of the early 20th century. Decorated in natural tones with pops of green from subway tile and long booth seating, it’s a casual spot for a coffee soda, cocktail, or a sandwich — whether studying during daylight hours or having a wind down with friends after work." - Serena Maria Daniels
