Ground Floor Cafe

When The Espresso Bar moved out, I was torn about alliances and so came here taking along the largest grain of salt you’ve ever seen. But my saltiness was sweetened and I can now happily report that this place is still great.
Quite frankly the espresso pulls just aren’t as good now as they were when Sandy and the Espresso Bar were in this space. A lot of the EB regulars also, I’m assuming out of loyalty, have jumped ship to the new location. Even with those two changes, I am totally thrilled to come back to this space.
Friendly baristas, PHENOMENAL MUSIC (esp. if Kevin is working), and quirky clientele. You can sit down and work for hours without being disturbed, or you can chime into whatever interesting conversation is happening at a surrounding table should you feel more gregarious. I like that.
They also have a small cooler with beverages (beers, mostly) that you can sip on should The Bar upstairs not be open yet and you’re craving an adult libation.
Neighborhood vibe and pleasantly bereft of undergrads and other fall-in-line’ers — just a bunch of curious creatures drinking good hot beverages.

One of the best espressos in Ann Arbor. Also a great brunch on Saturday. Chicken and waffles were great. Perfectly done waffle with expertly fried boneless thighs.
Has a very inviting local vibe. They also have one of the best patios in the city.

Cute and unpretentious, the new café downstairs from The Bar is a nice addition to Braun Court. The coffee is so delicious I didn’t even need to doctor it up with cream and sugar. Though you may have to wait longer for your drink than at high volume/​low quality chains, you can tell they’re really committed to providing quality coffee. Oh, and the pop-​up brunch was delicious. They even serve cocktails!

Cute, quiet replacement for the Espresso Bar below the esteemed Bar at 327 Braun Ct. It’s a little less makeshift with a little more personality than its predecessor (an organized chalkboard menu, and a disco ball), with the only Rowster (Grand Rapids) beans in town. Owned by the same good folks upstairs at the Bar, I’m looking forward to seeing this evolve into a similarly beloved townie spot.
I haven’t tried their weekend brunch, but their simple menu looks solid, and is hopefully to the standards they’ve set for other popups they’ve hosted at the Bar with San Street (Korean), Café Memmi (Tunisian), Central Provisions (locavore), etc. (schedule posted just inside the entrance).
Check out the Ground Floor Café for basic, high-​quality coffee, and a nice outdoor patio. Maybe more later!