Something’s Brewing

Met someone here before work one morning, and I had high hopes after seeing so many great reviews. Unfortunately, I was sorely disappointed for two reasons:
1. I ordered hot chocolate that tasted like sickly sweet milk and not much else. I was surprised to see that it was actually hot chocolate colored when there was no discernible chocolate flavor whatsoever. I’ve had better cocoa from a box.
2. There were three people behind the counter when I walked in, two having a conversation, one putting out new pastries. Not one of them said anything to me when I walked in or when I stood at the counter waiting to order for several minutes. At the *very* least, I expect someone to say «hi.» As it turns out, one of the people behind the counter was a customer, as he eventually said goodbye and walked next door. But still, carrying on a conversation/​not having someone else check to see if I need help is a huge no-​no; people are written up for things like that in many customer service jobs. I initiated conversation by asking what smelled so good, and the pastry lady answered that it was the cinnamon ones and that they were fresh out of the oven, but that was it. Short of saying, «I’m ready to order,» which is pretty rude, I wasn’t sure what else to do except stand at the counter awkwardly until someone decided that they were ready to help me.

WHY THE HECK ARE YOU NOT OPEN NORMAL HOURS ON SATURDAY. I was so excited to try this coffee as I am just traveling through, but no… you have robbed me of a wonderful cup of coffee (not that I would know). I suggest you get your act together and stay open a little later than some two bit hack breakfast wannabe crapjoint.

Something’s Brewing is something special. Every time I go in there, they are so friendly, patient, and personable. They make all their customers feel so welcomed. I love that they use coffee ice cubes in their iced coffee (at no additional charge unlike some places) and their specialty lattes are delicious. I personally love the «Nut and Honey,» a combination of hazelnut flavoring and real honey. In the summer, you can even get a soft serve ice cream with a little chocolate or caramel drizzle in a waffle cone for $ 2! But I have to say the thing that keeps me coming back are the different baked goods. Each day there is a new selection of homemade treats and each one I’ve tried is beyond delicious from their lemon squares to their pumpkin whoopie pies to their carrot cake covered in chocolate ganache. Seeing what’s in the case each day and not buying something is a test of my willpower which I often fail but never regret. Something’s Brewing is a real gem.

Wonderful service. Helped guide us in our group purchase for a random act of kindness and provided a discount for the cause. Thanks!

Scratch my last «go-​to study spot,» this is it (presuming it’s before 5 pm, and it’s not Sunday). My latest discovery, and favorite thing, about this little hole in the wall is that it is DOG FRIENDLY! I get to bring my little pup here, enjoy good coffee, and study hours on end guilt-​free, without having to sit outside and endure whatever the weather has decided to dish out that particular day!
While their regular coffee is nothing amazing to me, their pastries & customer service will keep me coming back (though I admittedly have not branched out much on their very extensive menu beyond just regular coffee). And extra bonus points for making their iced coffee out of coffee ice cubes so that it doesn’t get diluted as the ice melts (why don’t other places do this, its ingenious!) That and they always have fresh, delicious, moist pastries on hand that have never failed to satisfy my sweet tooth.
My only gripe is that I wish they were open later in the day & more on weekends): I can only come here if I don’t have classes on a certain weekday, or if I’m feeling motivated on a Saturday morning (which is rare, though Something’s Brewing is definitely a good incentive!)
Oh, and they charge a small fee for credit cards if your purchase is under $ 10 I believe, but if you plan on coming back or becoming a regular, you can open a tab with them on your card which they will just deduct from each time you come back (:
Come here, check it out, save a seat for me & my pup!

My go-​to coffee house in Kalamazoo. Great personalized service and many drinks to choose from. I love their coffee ice cubes they use for iced coffee!

While we really wanted to love Something’s Brewing we just could not get that excited.
The owners were there and were incredibly kind and that is why they get the three stars — attentive customer service.
I was forced to order a plain decaf latte and Mr. MVP left empty handed because their menu is full of pre-​bottled syrups and sauces which prevented him from ordering anything.
My latte, which I will admit was properly made, at 10:00 pm when I was still physically vibrating, I was curious if maybe I had been dosed with the the first caffeine I’d had in 6 years. I avoid caffeine for medical reasons and have never had a mix up, but this time I think it was an accident because I my body was humming. It was not pleasant.
I get that pre-​made syrups are less expensive, but ingredients are key and having our coffee together is just more fun, so when we are considering a coffee house in the future we will go down the street.

They have restrooms for employees only and wouldn’t let you use it. Odd choice for a place that sells liquids!

Once you’ve experienced Something’s Brewing, you kinda think twice about rating them as well as they deserve for fear that the secret might get out. If you spend a little time in the shop, you could be forgiven for mistaking this coffee shop for your neighbor’s kitchen counter. This spot is for the regulars, or those who might like to become regulars. There is very clearly a community here, brought together ostensibly by coffee (they source from Magnum Roasters FWIW) but certainly also for genuine fellowship.
As part of a Unilocal event, I was fortunate enough to meet the owners and at least some of the staff. These ladies are passionate about maintaining a Kalamazoo institution, from their knowledgeable baristas to the homemade pastries and sweets. I’ve tasted quite a few of these treats, thanks to a Unilocal event, and let me tell you they are the real deal. I recently purchased a cinnamon roll-​ish kind of pastry and I can see why they are a crowd favorite.
As Alicia S recently mentioned, they are currently updating the interior. I look forward to seeing what they are able to put together, as the first phases look great! So go in and check them out, support a local business led by some seriously awesome ladies! Or don’t, and keep Kalamazoo’s little secret on the DL just a little bit longer.

This, my dear friends, is a small coffee gem tucked away on South Street…
The eldest coffee shop in town now has new owners (mother & daughter) that are doing great things! Baristas are super friendly and have a passion for the art of a good brew. Coffee is delicious and the atmosphere is snug. They’re currently remodeling the bar and it’s looking on point.
During the hotter months, I suggest their espresso ice cream or any drink featuring their frozen coffee cubes! Wowza.
Don’t forget the leave a book take a book in the back before you go!

Decent intimate spot with a staff that seems quite good at their barista duties. Friendly conversations with the staff are overheard while lots of Beatles style music softy flows from the front of the bar area. Decent vibes for sure, I’ll be back.

Something’s Brewing is one of my favourite Kalamazoo coffee houses! And their tuxedo mocha might have just displaced Starbucks’ White Chocolate Mocha from its top spot on my favourite mocha list.
PLUS: You’ve got to try their Latte Smoothies (Or Smoothie Lattes) — it’s two shots of espresso, lots of ice cream, any coffee flavourings your heart desires, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. DO IT.
Pros:
+ Amazing mochas! (their tuxedo mocha uses both white and dark chocolate)
+ They use coffee ice cubes in their iced coffees, so they don’t water down into an undrinkable dish water equivalent as the ice melts.
+ Super friendly service :)
Cons:
— If you’re expecting a fast, in-​and-​out, grab-​and-​go, this isn’t your place because it’ll take a good five minutes to get your drink.
Advice:
Be nice, take in the nice small coffee house feel as you wait for your coffee. Oh, and do check into their little rewards tablet because one sip of that sweet iced coffee nectar and you’ll be hooked!

This place is great. Cute little coffee shop that’s centrally located downtown and has good prices and products. I’m looking forward to trying it more often!
I loved the iced coffee I had today: they use coffee cubes, so it isn’t just diluted semi-​cold coffee. I got dark roast with a pump of hazlenut syrup and a splash of skim milk. Yum! The barista was friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere too, it wasn’t packed but there seemed to be a some people hanging out, studying or working. Large (20oz) iced coffee was $ 2.36, so it’s on the cheaper side. They also have a little tablet thing by the register that you can «check in» with your phone number and it signs you up for text alerts and a loyalty program– I immediately got a 10% off text and it said on the tablet that I had 9 more drinks until I earned a free one, which is cool if you go enough.
This place is right between my work and home, so I will be back definitely. It’s also across the street from the excellent Kalamazoo Library, so grab a book then stop by for a beverage.

Perfect little coffee place. The coffee is terrific, location is great, barista was friendly, and the new set up is cozy (see photo). After I posted a picture on FB, a few friends from the Lower Hudson Valley region of New York chimed in and said it reminded them of that area. It was a little warm in there yesterday … temps a little south of 80 degrees outside and the door was used for air conditioning. Other than that tiny bit, I don’t know why this place isn’t packed all the time.

Awesome coffee! Iced coffee cubes … YUMMY!!! Kind helpful baristas … great location in downtown Kalamazoo! Good music, wifi, outside seating, baked goods, all around fantastic vibe … Something’s Brewing definitely has it going on!

Friendly staff great prices and its’ right near a place I go to for appointments a few times a month so I get to get a drink they have some great smoothies as well as coffee and I sit and do my blogging. It’s been a great portable office it’s steady paced business I don’t know why this place isn’t packed all the time.

This is probably favorite coffeeshop in downtown Kalamazoo. It’s cozy with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The coffee is amazing (love their mochas), the wifi is fast, and their menu prices can’t be beat. The staff is friendly and gives great recommendations if you’re unsure what to get. I’d choose this place over Fourth Coast or Black Owl any day. Definitely a hidden gem.

This is probably the best coffee i have ever drank and reasonably priced for a coffee shop! I got a white Chocolate mocha with a shot or Hazel nut, frozen it was wonderful!
Also, I had the best muffin in the world there! It was crispy on the outside, moist on the inside it was lovely. I love the music and the atmosphere too, I sadly came in there and grabbed food and coffee on the go I wish I could of sat there for a bit to enjoy the place but, I had to go to work. Next time I am going to sit there, relax and enjoy my coffee. Only complaint, they aren’t open long enough but I can’t hold it against them because it seems to be how things work in downtown Kalamazoo.

You can’t beat the convenient location if you’re downtown during the day, and we stopped here a couple of times while we were staying for a couple of days at The Kalamazoo House B&B.
We see so few indie coffeehouses near our home these days, so we try to make a special effort to find them when we’re traveling. Something’s Brewing bills itself as Kazoo’s oldest coffeehouse, est. in 1984 according to their Web site.
Like a lot of nice indies, they have work from local artists at the coffeehouse, which I appreciate.
I wished it was open a bit later, though.

Good coffee, friendly staff, and right downtown.