Water Bearer Coffee

A popular local coffee shop on US-31 serving espresso drinks, coffee, and light fare on the east side of Traverse City.

7 Brew brings drive-through coffee convenience to Grand Traverse County with a focus on speed and quality that busy locals have come to rely on. Their specialty coffee drinks go beyond basic brew, with customizable options that let you dial in exactly what you need. The takeout-focused model means you can grab your caffeine fix without leaving your car - particularly valuable during those brutal Michigan winters. Quick service doesn't mean compromised taste here, making it a solid choice when you need reliable coffee without the wait.

Cali's brings West Coast vibes to downtown Traverse City with fresh, California-inspired dishes that actually deliver on flavor. Their avocado toast goes beyond Instagram-worthy to genuinely satisfying, while grain bowls pack serious nutritional punch without sacrificing taste. The smoothie menu reads like a health food lover's dream, blending local Michigan berries with superfoods. Located right in the heart of downtown, it's perfect for grabbing a quick lunch between shopping or fueling up before hitting the trails. Clean eating doesn't have to mean boring food, and Cali's proves it daily.

Tucked into a cozy corner of Traverse City, Good Harbor Coffee & Bakery captures the essence of Northern Michigan mornings. The aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with warm pastries emerging from the oven, creating an atmosphere that locals have embraced as their daily ritual. Sunlight streams through large windows onto mismatched wooden tables where laptops share space with dog-eared novels. The patio beckons during cherry blossom season, while inside, the chalkboard menu showcases house-made vegan muffins alongside classic breakfast fare. This neighborhood gem proves that the best coffee shops grow organically from their communities.

Hill Top Soda Shoppe brings back the charm of old-fashioned soda fountains right here in Benzie County. Start your morning with hearty breakfast classics, then stick around for handcrafted sodas and sweet treats that'll transport you to simpler times. The sunny patio makes every visit feel like a mini vacation, while kids press their noses against the glass cases filled with colorful candies and house-made confections. You can grab everything to-go or settle in for a leisurely afternoon of people-watching and sugar-fueled conversations.

Tucked away on the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, Hive Coffee Co. buzzes with the kind of energy that makes locals linger and visitors feel instantly welcome. This isn't your typical coffee shop—the aroma of freshly roasted beans mingles with sizzling breakfast skillets and weekend brunch specials that draw crowds from Traverse City and beyond. The menu thoughtfully balances hearty Northern Michigan fare with creative vegetarian and vegan options that surprise even dedicated carnivores. Grab your order to-go for a lakeside picnic, or settle in with the morning paper and watch the peninsula wake up through oversized windows.