EB Coffee & Pub

Monday morning, 10AM, need coffee… I’ve known of this place for some time and have visited before in its early days before they started with the beer thing. Back then it was named «Essential Bean». Since I was not about to sling back a beer at 10AM (not that there’s anything wrong with that) this review is only based only on the coffee experience.
The interior is spacious and inviting. I was pleased to see so many different people inside, from the elder to young student types. People where studying, working silently or just visiting with friends. Easily I could see myself sitting here to do whatever by myself or with friends.
Speaking with the barista, I inquired how they roll out and offer their coffee as well as where they get their beans from. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they get their flavored beans and espresso beans from Schuil Coffee. The non-​flavored beans I was told come from Michigan based, Paramount Coffee. They offer a light, medium and dark roast as well as a featured flavor brew of the day.
Personally speaking, you can’t make coffee dark enough so I quickly ordered a small dark roast and a triple shot espresso on the side. I noticed they offer a double shot for $ 2.10 and a triple for $ 2.65. I love it when coffee bars offer a better deal with the more shots you get and with a triple shot, you get just the right happy amount. All together, the bill totaled $ 4.50 before tip.
The barista was quick and efficient, working the coffee bar herself yet acknowledging everyone coming in at the same time. The dark coffee roast was great. Really hit the spot, no bitter tones what-​so-​ever, just good dark gourmet coffee flavor. The triple espresso was a hit outside of the park! I know Schuil has a terrific espresso roast but you still have to pull together the end product and this was well done. Perfect crema to top.
Good overall coffee house that obviously takes pride if their coffee product, four stars for that. I will have to come back and try the brews but from what I am hearing, they can be a hit or miss experience. Today however, the coffee was a hit.

Bam! Nailed it! The EB is where it is at on a Friday! Live music in a great setting. Grab a cold Goldsmith and a specialty Dirty Dancer (Goldsmith & Espresso) and the night is complete.

Beer tastes bitter or burnt each time I try it. Friends have said the same. I have tried to be supportive of this local business, but until they get a true brewmaster, I would rather travel to get good beer to Grand Rapids or Muskegon.

The place looks nice, the coffee looks delicious (although I didn’t try it) and it was well set up. I came in to check out the beer since I’m really into coffee stouts lately. I purchased «No X in Espresso». It was a huge disappointment and waste of money; the beer tasted awful. The supposed coffee stout was amber in color, had a fruity aftertaste to it, and was just generally bad. I would not recommend coming here for the beer, as they need to work on it. I would recommend exploring this place for anything else though.

I’ve been here a few times they have a good variety drinks and smoothies I enjoy. I also got baked oatmeal one time for breakfast it was really good. My husband and I spent a little time there one Friday evening and listened to live music. I enjoyed a smoothie and he had a flight of beers.

I went there today and had a a beer. At least that’s what they said it was. They named it Silver Fox. They need to add a third name, urine. An hour later I still have the terrible after taste.

I love beer and I also love the Michigans growing craft beer scene. With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to find something that really stands out and carves it’s own niche. Essential Bean has done precisely that.
Will you be able to pick up woman, take designer drugs and dance all night here? Absolutely not and that is exactly what they are going for. A very mellow place where you can enjoy a great beer or latte with a friend. And the beer is great! The IPA alone is worth the trip. Really something special. Everything was really good. Service, staff, cleanliness, and the list goes on and on. Even met the owners and they are really nice. Did I mention the beer?
Essential Bean is a definite must. Truly surprised by this place and man is the beer good!

Caledonia’s coffee & pub is truly one of a kind.
Today is their soft opening for their beers. We tasted the Indian Pale and Rye ales, both were delicious and we’re excited to return to try their Coffee and Goldsmith ales!
This is the perfect location with their coffee & pub atmosphere. For those in Grand Rapids, it is worth the trip solely for their delicious beer.

A gibraltar, in Caledonia?