Comet Coffee

Love this spot☕️! Feels super cozy and chill, kind of hidden in a little alley. The coffee is really good, service is fast, and it’s perfect to hang out or study with friends. Definitely one of my go-to coffee places in Ann Arbor!

Absolutely fantastic coffee, pastries, and atmosphere! The location in Nickels Arcade is absolutely splendid, and it gives the place a fantastic feel. The Cafe Dulce was a great order, and they even gave me a free croissant towards closing time! I was very happy to spend some time studying here on a hot day, and I would definitely recommend it!

What a wonderful little coffee shop. The staff was friendly and very accommodating. We visited from the Boston area and stayed very close to Comet Coffee. We each had a mocha, mine decaf. It was absolutely wonderful, we went back multiple times to have more. If we’re ever back in Ann Arbor, we will definitely make it a point to stop in At Comet!

This was a gift from heaven on a cold 🥶 Friday morning in Ann Arbour. A cozy place with great coffee ☕️ and croissants 🥐. Loved the combination and also the roasted coffee smell at the cafe. Loved the fact that they served kid sized tumblers with warm milk so that they too could experience the café atmosphere with the adults. A great place to visit for a chat with friends and family if you’re in the vicinity of University of Michigan. 🤩 will be back for sure!!!

Amazing coffee, beautifully served, in a relaxed and creative setting.

Great coffee shop that has been around for a while. I'm from out of town, but have been here about 10 years ago. It's small, but great. Had a well-appointed macchiato and I live that they serve it with your choice of sparkling or still water. Just like they do in Europe. Definitely try it out.

Very nice coffee and friendly staff. Highly recommend for a pick me up in the morning 😋 ☕️

Have had fond memories with colleagues here thanks to the amazing coffee, pastries, chocolates, service, and atmosphere.

Food: savory pastry was delicious! Our drinks were amazing- latte was yummy and pretty :) Ambiance: cute, quaint place. Some People were studying and the shop is located in the middle of a cute alley. Service: service was amazing though a quick experience ordering coffee. We asked for a knife and plate to split our pastry and they were super nice about it! Some other coffee shops would've rolled their eyes but they were super sweet.

I very much enjoyed coming here on my Ann Arbor Day it is such a cute mint little coffee shop.The coffee is really nice and I met Michigan university students there too.The staff is also friendly and they make great coffee hearts on your coffee.Overall this is so ticked away in nickels arcade but it is worth the search.

Cool cafe! Fun vibe, sleek decor, excellent service and high quality coffee. Located in Nickels Arcade. Great location. Indoor and outdoor seating. I loved my mocha and my friend enjoyed her cappuccino. They are also well known for their variety of pour over coffee, which are individualized. I appreciate that there are signs on the tables to discourage laptops and encourage conversations.

Located inside Nichols arcade off State street, I stopped in for my morning cup of java. The standard cup of coffee is a pour-over. No pull from the big pot here. My cup of black coffee was excellent. I had my choice of about six different bean blends. I am not so choosy and went for the least expensive. Was it more than a standard cup at another establishment - yes ? Was it out of the ball park - no. With the price increases elsewhere, I didn't think much of it. It is not fast. You are going to wait. More than most places whip out a specialty drink. This is not a grab-n-go coffee stop. Which brings me to my 5 stars. The atmosphere is "sit and enjoy" a cup of coffee, preferably with someone else to chat. Small and intimate, and about the experience. A place to read a book. There are notes on many of the tables that laptop use is prohibited. The tables are for people to sit and chat. There is some laptop area, but it is not the focus. There are small tables inside and outside, but not lots of them. Everything was clean. The service was pleasant. I will be back to enjoy a cup of coffee shortly.

one of the best coffee shops on campus! have always had such an amazing experience at comet coffee. one of my favorite spots to study because it's just such a comfortable environment. not to mention, the food & drinks are delicious. absolutely love the hot chocolate and croissants. staff has great reccs! on top of all of that, it's just a cute cafe, always feels warm and welcoming.

Place: This place is in Nichols Arcade and it is small coffee spot that has both indoor and outdoor seatings. It does get windy atrium so bring like a sweater haha. The ambience is clean and rustic modern..? Service: The service is really good and the baristas know what there are doing. The menu lists the common types of coffee but you can definitely go off the menu. Food $: The experience was nice and both my friend and I got a flat white- I want to say it is an espresso with milk. They serve it to you and give you a little heart ( so cute ). Audience: Solo Trip [X] 21+ [ ] Family Friendly [X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tip: I would recommend to coffee lovers!

This is a cute and cozy little coffee shop with a warm atmosphere. It was a little confusing to find at first since it was located in a small alleyway. The workers are friendly and explained the menu choices to me. I got the dulce latte with oat which was slightly too sweet for my taste but the caramel was tasteful and the latte refreshing. I do wish there were more flavored lattes to choose from: they had dulce, mocha, or maple. There aren't that many seats inside so studying isn't really ideal but it's great if you're looking for a place to chat with a friend over a cup of coffee.

I think Comet Coffee is known for their pour-overs and sourcing beans from near and far local roasters. I always like looking at their pour-over selection which changes pretty frequently! They always have different tiers in terms of "cheap" to "expensive" depending on the coffee bean! Today, I felt like treating myself to a nice pour-over, so I settled for their current Level 4, Yukro Co-Op (roasted by "George Howell Coffee of Action" in Massachusetts) which has "lilac, peach, and raw sugar" notes for $7. I got it iced because it was a pretty hot day but looking back, I wish I just sucked it up and enjoyed it hot so I can enjoy the tasting notes better. Definitely really fruity sips that are great for the summer heat! Not sure if it's worth $7, but the beans must have been expensive! I also like looking at their selection of beans on sale and maybe I will buy a bag the next time I come back. Also, this coffee shop mainly specialize in light roasts.

While exploring Ann Arbor, we came upon Comet Coffee. Nestled in a cute alley location amongst other eclectic shops, Comet Coffee offers coffees, teas, and assorted baked goods. We ordered the Cafe Dulce a delicious caramel latte and a chocolate chip cookie. Then proceeded to sit in one of the quaint outdoor patio tables. The cafe is quite small and does not have much seating, but offers a modern coffee shop feel. The cookie was good and the latte was rich and indulgent. Cute cafe for coffee while enjoying all Ann Arbor has to offer.

Best cup of joe in A2 thus far. They offer pour overs and have deluxe coffee makers. Small assortment of baked goods. Indoor and outdoor seating. Not the best for study area even though it is near MSU campus. A little tricky to find. It is within a corridor of a building, the Nickel Arcade. Look for the Maynard parking garage and you are close. The fix is worth it!

I stumbled upon this place randomly and loved how small and quiet it was. However, it was hard to get a place to sit and I wasn't able to get the wifi to work. The coffee was good and I hope to go back at one point. The service was great and the workers were extremely kind and friendly.

Every time I step into this cafe I feel like I'm living life to the fullest. The staff are always super sweet and give the best suggestions about what to get. This is one of the few coffee shops on campus where I can actually taste the aromas and notes in the coffee. It's the perfect place to study or go on a coffee date with a friend. Highly recommend!

Been coming here since they opened in 2009. Great location in the historic Nickels Arcade (similar ambience to the gallerias you see in Europe). Outstanding espresso & pastry offerings. However since the store footprint is very small, seating options can sometimes be challenging during peak times.

While visiting Ann Arbor, I made an effort to try most of the local coffee shops. I would say this one was my favorite, if judging entirely on the quality of the coffee. They offered a variety of pour overs and had a single origin espresso. I tried an americano as well as a pour over. Both were fruity and well-balanced. They seem to source their beans from all over, as opposed to roasting them. It's obvious they put a lot of thought into their offerings and know what good coffee is. The location is ideal--with an indoor courtyard type of seating option as well as ample tables inside the shop. Only downside was they didn't seem like a great place to do work. They discourage laptops, though it might be possible to stop by with a book and read for a bit. I was traveling by myself and was hoping to get some work done, so this was a bummer.

Best coffee in Ann Arbor! Friendly baristas. Great cozy shop with relaxing music. Recommend it.

Totally awesome location down this alley of shops and food that is covered under a glass ceiling. Super cute inside. Workers were super busy and the youth working there were pretty cool. The older guy looked like he was bothered all the time. I got a large mocha. There's was nothing large about it. And there was wayyyyy to much chocolate. I wondered if they gave me a hot chocolate on accident.

Yup n terms of quality of the coffee - this is the best coffee shop in Arbor. I stopped ordering espresso in other places in town after I tried theirs. Drop is fantastic and they have highest quality brand of you want to buy any. As I was looking through done other reviews I was surprised to see one or two stars popping up randomly - just because a barista was allegedly rude or tue service took longer. The unfortunate part of everyone being able to comment, I guess, is that some people grade a business based on a single aspect of it - if a barista was having a bad day that doesn't downgrade a first class coffee shop to one star business. In either case, I've never had issues with any of the workers there - if anything, all of them have been professional and friendly at all times in last 7 years I've been going there. They did outstanding job during Covid, and they have been consistently raising the bar for quality! If you want greatest quality espresso - it's Comet! Drip - one of tue top 3 in the area for sure.

the cutest mugs! I felt like Emily in Paris hahaha All I needed was a beret

Baristas make or break a coffee shop (in my opinion, especially a smaller place), and the baristas here are so nice, genuine, and welcoming. They explained the menu to me to fit what I was looking for (especially when I had no idea.) There are tables meant for conversation only (aka no tablets/laptops allowed) which I loved. Great location for a quick stop during a cold afternoon. Coffee was great too :)

This is my favorite place to get a pour over in Ann Arbor. Comet Coffee is tucked into a Nickels Arcade, a somewhat hidden "outdoor" but covered connector between two streets with stores lining both sides. It feels vintage and is a popular place for taking photos. Whenever I'm out for a walk in the area, I like to stop by for a cup of coffee. They also carry some pastries and coffee making equipment for purchase. The only downside is that it is right next to campus and it can be hard to find parking nearby at times. Otherwise, I love this place and hope it's here to stay for many years to come.

Fantastic coffee shop, my favorite is their mocha! I don't normally order mochas, those if the Starbucks variety are too sweet, they don't RIGHT at comet. Tastes like legit chocolate. Also some great pastries, and they had a summer soda drink that's was scrumptious. Lovely workers too. Great place to sit and chat.

honestly. The coffee is good. And the pastries are pretty good. But that's really about it. However I've never had a nice barista here. Everyone seems super condescending, and rushing me to order. I always receive a snicker when I ask for a recommendation for what bean to get. Do y'all expect everyone to walk in as a coffee connoisseur? Can't serve the peasants out here? Anyway I can go somewhere else that has just as good coffee with amazing service. Rhymes with Coo's Coast

This place is tiny tiny tiny but it packs a real caffeinated punch! The coffee here is expertly brewed/prepared, the espresso drinks are top notch and the service is helpful and welcoming. There isn't a ton to choose from by way of bites but they do have a delightful spread of pastries to choose from that compliment the coffee nicely. Seating is very limited, although in the summer they do have a couple of tables outside in the arcade, which is nice. Lines can be long so come patient during peak times and plan to take your coffee to go if you can. Come in with those expectations set and you'll really enjoy your beverage and have a great experience.

Fantastic espresso and teas. Relaxed and friendly spot with first rate service. Always a favorite Ann Arbor destination with the best Iced lattés!

This is probably the best tasting coffee (in Ann Arbor) at least. They use dark chocolate for their mocha latte and it is just amazing. Absolutely loved it. It's a strong nice cup of coffee. It actually gives you a punch of caffeine - which is what's needed. I will be back!

Deliscious coffee at good prices in the heart of ann Arbor. If you feel like coffee being downtown this might be the best takeaway spot. Flavor was very deep and rich. Highly recommend.

So super cute. It's quiet, cozy, and quite small. This is located in the arcade, so it's only convenient if you're on central campus often. The friends and I wanted to get hot chocolate because it was snowing outside. But I actually ordered the gingerbread latte instead. The latte was... not as spicy as I wanted it to be, but the presentation was so good. Even for plain hot chocolate, the mugs made it look more fancy. I also realized the decor inside revolves around Comet the reindeer... it's not just for the holidays haha. I appreciate the sign inside that says the tables are for meetings and conversations, whereas the area near the window is for studying. I only wish they had an outlet under the study area..

Ordinarily, I would rate this place a 5. Easy breezy way to grab a good cup of Joe and be on my way. They did well with adjusting to COVID changes, and the staff had always been pleasant. Key word: HAD I was there last Saturday with my boyfriend when we ordered two drip over coffees. When he ordered his, the woman with the partially shaved head behind the register was weirdly condescending in response to how he ordered. I thought maybe I had heard the tone in her voice wrong....and when I went to order a drip coffee with a splash of mocha, she repeated my order back to me with eyebrows raised and a voice that mocked as well, as if getting syrup and cream on a pour over was a totally alien idea. Like damn, why are you looking down at me for that? I get it, sometimes we have bad days working in the food industry. I was in it for 6 years. On bad days, you take a breather, and get back in the game. When my boyfriend further went on to ask questions about a coffee maker they were selling, she was rude, kept sighing, and was very short with us until another coworker came over and took control of the situation. I felt bad for the guy having to work that shift with her. Just a very weird situation all. You'll find better tasting coffee and MUCH more helpful staff at Zingerman's. Avoid this shop like the plague.

I visited Comet Coffee between a morning discussion and afternoon lecture. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, since I had heard that it was very small and I wasn't sure if I would get a seat. Overall, however, there were plenty of spaces available, and I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. Described below is a list of what I really enjoyed and what I felt a bit iffy about. Skip to the end for a summary if you don't want to read everything in between! I enjoyed... The ACTUAL DRINKS. I got the Forest Tea, which is an herbal blend of roots and green tea. It was mellow and pleasant, a great way to relax into studies between classes. The DISH WARE. I received a bright orange tea pot with a matching cup once my tea was done steeping, which was absolutely adorable. I noticed that for mochas and similar coffee drinks, customers were given light teal and dark brown mugs with matching saucers. One man who ordered black coffee was given a plain white mug, which I also found very context-appropriate. Cutesy drink = cutesy cup. Straightforward drink = straightforward cup. The DECOR. The decorations included tea- and coffee-related accessories (including a kettle that I own and highly recommend, so I trust their authority), painted hipster deer on the window (partially what drew me in), and plants. The walls are a soothing mint green that complimented my teapot quite nicely. The lighting. It was soft enough that it didn't give me a headache, but bright enough to work comfortably. The TABLE ARRANGEMENT. Two of the actual tables in the establishment were dedicated to no-screen interaction. I saw these tables mainly being used by people getting together for a chat or for scheduled meetings. Although it made finding seating a bit more difficult, I thought the concept was very fitting of Comet's hipster chic vibe. The PEOPLE It was fascinating to watch the variety of people that frequented Comet because they weren't exclusively university students (wow, shocker)! There were art students taking photos, yes, and the girl next to me was doing some economics reading, but I also happened upon my History of Art professor, as well as a variety of men and women meeting over coffee or reading the paper. It was a breath of fresh air from the typical customer base of large chains like Espresso Royale or Starbucks. I was iffy about... The actual FURNITURE. I ended up sitting at the rightmost of the two benches lining the front windows. The seats were rather uncomfortable, as they were basically barstools with a lip on the back. They were cute, but the lip dug into my tailbone and made my experience slightly more uncomfortable. The NOISE. I know that they can't control it in such a small space, but the acoustics were not great. The steamed milk screaming seemed even louder than usual since the walls are mostly bare, so there's no way to absorb or dampen the noise. Not a big thing, but probably not the place to go if you're looking to do some quiet reading. The MUSIC. The fifties ditties they played may appeal to many audiences, but they were not my favorite. I appreciated them and their addition to the aesthetic in the first 20 minutes I was there, but they soon grew old. A quick fix, though, was to put in headphones, so I would recommend bringing some form of music if you aren't a big fan of old-timey music. The LACK OF OUTLETS. I couldn't find any! I know that's it's encouraging a tech-free environment, but the situation was a bit inconvenient. The process of MAKING MY DRINK. They steeped my tea for me, which may be convenient for most, but I have very specific preferences about how to make tea properly, and this put a bit of a wrench in my process. I'm sure, though, if you're like me and would like a bit more control over your drink that they would be happy to oblige. I just didn't ask. TL:DR Overall, I thought the vibe of Comet Coffee was very well-thought-out and cohesive. The people were friendly, the drinks were delicious, and the atmosphere was bright and energetic. Plus, it's a great location (in Nickel's Arcade). I wasn't as big a fan of the actual seating, the lack of accommodations for those working on laptops, and the acoustics. I would suggest Comet for someone who likes a more personal, hipster-y environment who might be working more on paper than online. It's definitely a niche spot. Although I enjoyed my time there, I don't think I'll be coming back, simply because I enjoy a bit more space and a more traditional, college-y atmosphere, like Common Cup or Literati (reviews coming soon!). I would, however, strongly recommend the shop to anyone who vibes with the above lists. It's a rare, cute gem in the middle of Ann Arbor.

A small little coffee shop tucked away in the arcade but they really know how to make a cappuccino it is always spot on. They also have a excellent roast but plan to grab a coffee to go as they have very limited seating.

I adore this place! It is tucked away in the Ann Arbor alley of Nickel's Arcade but it makes me feel like I am in a small town in Europe. They have delicious pastries and great coffee. It's a decently small cafe with limited seating, but still worth a visit.

Such cute shop with great coffee and service. They have a regular menu and a changing daily menu with some interesting flavors! I like what I've had so far. The pastries also look delicious! I will have to try one one of these days. The only negative is that the space is so small; if you are ordering to go there's no designated waiting area so you're just standing around a little too close to people sitting down. When you walk in it can be a little unclear who is in line and who is waiting.

One of the better coffee shops in Ann Arbor. If you're looking for a good espresso-based drink (latte, cappuccino, cortado, etc.) or coffee with robust flavor, then this is the place. The baristas at Comet know their chops and can offer feedback about what might work best with your palate. The shop is small & intimate with a limited amount of seating. It's located right off State Street & North University, footsteps away from the University of Michigan's Central Campus. I wouldn't describe the atmosphere as a place to pop open your laptop and setup shop for a few hours, but rather it's more of a European style cafe, where you enjoy your beverage while absorbing the aesthetic, preferably with a companion.

If you love specialty craft coffee, this is your cafe in Ann Arbor. Sure, there's not a lot of seating, but the atmosphere is still nice inside (good music, nice people, etc.), and if you can snag a table outside in the summer then that's a treat. They have such an interesting rotation of coffees, and their pour over menu always ranges from reasonably priced pour overs (starting at around $2.30) to really special pour overs like Geshas (at $7+), so you have a choice on quality and price point. I just love this place and hope it succeeds!

Great coffee my parents love stopping here when they visit. Wouldn't recommend if you like sugary or fancy coffee, but if you or your parents prefer simple, good coffee this is the spot!

Small cafe with delicious coffee in iconic Nickels Arcade. This was my first time coming to Comet Coffee and I'm not sure why it took me so long. It's a very small coffee shop in the enclosed galleria of Nickels Arcade in downtown Ann Arbor. I only came to get coffee but their pastries looked delicious and fresh! The space is quite small and most all tables are taken, but they have a few tables set up right outside in the main hallway of the arcade. The service was fast and polite! Prices are fair and similar to brand name chains but the quality surpasses those places! Whenever I try a new coffee shop, I order an almond milk latte, and this place has the best I've had in the city so far!

Comet Coffee is a quaint local cafe that has great baked goods and drinks. They have delicious pour overs and espresso drinks. They also have non caffeinated teas as well as their Cafe Dulce drink which is made with their house made carmel/honey sauce. My personal favorite baked goods here is their vegan chocolate cookie. So delicious! This place is more of a pickup place since it is small and does not have a lot of seating.

Love this place! A little expensive, but what isn't these days! Great quality espresso and such a cute store.

What is this place doing in Ann Arbor? I mean Ann Arbor is cool but I wasn't expecting such a craft coffee spot here. The shop is small and cool. They even sell tons of cool Japanese coffee paraphernalia. The espresso is indescribable. Very complex notes come through and it makes for a very awesome drink. Located in the very unique Nichols Arcade. Trust me and run, don't walk to Comet Coffee!

It used to be the best coffee around the downtown area until the one on Liberty popped up, with more generous portions and friendlier staff who dont shy away from doing the cha-cha slide behind the counter. The golden milk is a unique offering for days where you don't want coffee, but the smaller latte and mocha portions that sometimes taste burnt don't do it for me. The coffee is top 5 in Ann Arbor, but the ambiance is cramped, the pastries are seemingly overpriced, and a place that comes to mind when I'm not trying to caffeinate to get through the day, but want to savour the coffee on a nice day out.

I love this little hidden gem. My favorite time of year is in the fall they offer fresh hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick! But all other times of year their coffee is great! Plus sometimes they have baked goods samples. This is the perfect walk up coffee shop!

Great place to sit and do some work or have a coffee chat with people. Very cool vibe to it as well, definitely a nice place to switch it up from the usual Starbucks...

Super small shop, drove a fair distance to try a new place only to get coffee to go as all seating was occupied. Baristas seemed impatient and irritable while reviewing menu. On the plus side the latte was good.

Very cute and cozy place on campus! I had their drinking chocolate (which I've never had before), and it was delicious. I was served complimentary sparkling water with the drink. It was a lovely experience and I'd like to go back to try their other menu options!

Update 9/1/19: From someone I am guessing works there or owns the place (Jim S.): "Your review makes it sound like our clearly marked "analog only" table was the only reason you and your mother had a place to sit in the cafe in the first place. The policy exists to preserve the social aspects of the cafe. We are several years into this experiment and it seems to be working. It does drive people elsewhere, but it often means that you can pop in with your mom, find a table and have a conversation without feeling you're disrupting a library. I direct messaged this because I didn't want it to feel like an attack. The world is better that way." So obviously they support their own strict legalistic approach to seating. Again, no real need to return. They don't offer anything that you can't find elsewhere.

This is one of the best places to get coffee in Ann Arbor, especially for people into coffee itself. Its a small, quaint retro styled place. Seating is limited to 4 tables indoors and two outside. There are two shelf tables along the front as well with 6 stools. They carry a variety of good quality coffees. The service is normally friendly and helpful with coffee selection. I have had different items on the menu and it all was good or better. This is a private establishment which is great. Its worth a visit for sure.

Asked around for the best coffee in the area and that led me to Comet. It's a cool spot in a really trendy alleyway with not a lot of space but some great coffee. It seems like the place can get hectic fast but even if it does, it may still be worth waiting for a pour over. I got a Kenya one that was pricey ($5.50 a cup) but so good. Though I'm sure you can't go wrong with the other options as well.

This coffee shop came highly recommended during my trip to U Michigan. It's super close to campus and is a great warm treat on a chilly Ann Arbor Day. Loved the cappuccino -- not to mention the gorgeous latte art. Great taste, neither too bitter nor too sweet.

Great little coffee shop. The space is small so this is not one of those shops where you hang out all day but the coffee was great and the staff was friendly.

I was excited to discover that a highly ranked independent coffee shop was a few short blocks from my Ann Arbor hotel. I made two visits on the same day: For my morning visit, I ordered a pour-over made with a Guatemalan coffee -- it was the cheaper of the two Guatemalas and cost $3 (I think). I thought that the coffee was delicious; it pretty much echoed what I make for myself at home. It was served with a small glass of water (sparkling water, my choice), a tiny pitcher of milk and a big smile. I completed my breakfast with a "classic croissant," which was a bit stale. I arrived almost exactly at the opening hour (7AM) and had the cafe to myself for a few minutes. Soon, however, there was a stream of customers; by 7:30AM, the place was hopping. In mid-afternoon, I returned with a bunch of friends. Since my initial visit was so successful, I had high hopes for the sequel. I was a tiny, tiny bit disappointed: the macchiato was only of A- quality. As you may know from my recent reviews, I've had a lot of really good gibraltars and macchiatos recently -- Comet's didn't get lapped by the others, but it was not the leader of the pack. Comet's Wi-Fi is free. I measured the connection at 14.14 Mbps (download) and 1 Mbps (upload). Comet lives on a different planet from the nearby Starbucks, which I visited the next morning when Comet opened only at 8AM. More about that visit in a separate review.