Rowster Coffee

Category:	Espresso Bar
Address:	632 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Phone:	+1 616-780-7777
Site:	rowstercoffee.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Doug Nowiski

The Coffee: guess Im a fan of medium roasts because I havent had a bean from them that Ive hated. Comparing an in-house coffee roaster to a coffee house isnt exactly the same. Ill take a pour over that was fresh made over coffee thats been sitting in an urn anyday. The Espresso: Ive only had one bad espresso pull from Rowsters in the year Ive been frequenting them, and they comped it for me because they even knew it wasnt good. A few other coffee shops Ive visited here in GR have given me burnt shots almost every time. And Im pretty sure Rowsters is the only place Ive ever been anywhere (including a few Seattle roasters) that gives you soda water for espresso shots. Prices: Yes, the prices of beans arent cheap. But youre paying for the craft. If you survive on 5 cups a day, this probably isnt a great choice. But if youre like me who only needs 1-2 cups of damn good straight coffee throughout your day, Rowsters is worth the price. Service: All of the employees have been nothing but nice to me. I have definitely witness them being incredibly helpful to customers who normally visit a chain coffee shop; explaining the style of their roasts and what the customer might enjoy.

A Private User

Great coffee, really beautiful atmosphere--- could use more comfy seating though. Cant go wrong with small-batch roasting, and their baristas know how to pull good espresso and serve perfect lattes. My only complaint would be slow service. Ive been there 3 times and after taking my order, the barista took his sweet time wandering about for a few minutes before getting my "espresso". Could also use a clearer register counter-- I get the impression they prefer to not give change back at all. Truly great to see fresh, small roasting in GR though. Great competition for MADCAP. Pastries are slim, over-priced, and not worth competing Wealthy St. Bakery (two buildings away). Although I hear they are hand-made by a local raw/vegan cook... which is neat.

Chelsea Kelley

I give a 3 ONLY because the workers were knowledgeable and more than willing to provide excellent customer service. But the coffee, oh the coffee. They do not carry dark roasts. In fact I was informed that their dark roast is more of a medium. When I got my dark roast beans home, it looked as if they were only roasted until 1st crack. The beans were very light brown, almost tan. Super disappointed. Especially since they charge $20 per bag. $20! Thats blue bottle cost right there... and no where near blue bottle quality. Maybe Im harsh, but another roaster is bound to open in Grand Rapids and there will be no competition in taking over their market.

Bryan Musser

I am not going to try and be gentle here at all. This is easily the most disappointing coffee experience I have ever had. I ordered a Cafe Mocha and Cinnamon Honey, both were VERY weak. Almost like watered down. The large was a 12 oz serving. The 2 Coffees and 2 Scones were 20.00 with the "forced" 20% tip. I would avoid this place like the plague, there are many good and some great coffee houses in Grand Rapids. Try Kava House or Common Ground for a good experience and The Bitter End for a great experience. Several of the reviews here I am assuming, are those that enjoy Coffee that is very lite, or inexperienced for lack of a better word.

Jodi Schmalz

i was the only customer standing at the counter while 3 workers walked by me several times, carried on conversations with eachother, went outside etc. for about the first 10mins. then, 4 people who entered after i did were served before me. even after one of them pointed out that i was there first. so weird. finally, i was awkwardly looked at which i guess means theyre ready to take your order at rowsters. what ever you do, dont ask them if they have tea, anything decaf, or soy. all of these are ludacris questions deservant of snide answers. the over all feeling of the place was sterile, pretentious and overly hipster. thumbs down.

Dan Peacock

Absolutely, hands down best coffee in the area. Excellent brew and for the most part staff is friendly. If you are not familiar with coffee lingo the staff is very willing to educate you on fine coffees. There are whole beans available for purchase as well from different single origin places. Staff will grind the beans for you if desired. The environment is extremely hipster and expect to see college kids on laptops or listening to podcasts on their expensive headphones. It is a great place if you need a quiet location to work, but I prefer getting the coffee and leaving because hipsters are annoying.

Mimi Ray

I purchased an almond milk latte this last Friday, and was not impressed. It tasted like coffee flavored water with almond milk. The staff were really friendly, and they brought my drink to me which was great. The atmosphere was nice as well. My hope is to go back soon and try something else or maybe try another latte to change my rating! Update 6/11/17: Tested out an iced latte today. I think I just dont like the almond milk. The taste is off to me. But, to each their own! Test it out, and see if you like it. The iced latte was okay, just not my cup of tea (or almond milk).

Andrew Taylor

They make their own coffee very well. I know that sounds silly, but seriously buy some coffee from a place that brews and sells and make it at home. If you know what youre doing they taste very similar. Rowsters coffee in rowsters is simply the best coffee Ive ever had. The seating/decor has definitely improved over the years. The prices are bit too high for a cup of coffee. Employees are friendly. Madcap be damned, this is my favorite coffee in the city.

stephanie olson

This is some of the best coffee Ive had in the entire world! AND the fact that they make their own Almond Milk sets them above what any GR coffee house could ever aspire to. . . . . . . Its refreshing to find a place that takes great care in ever detail of their coffee ! This happy customer will gladly pay the prices at Rowster any day over others to get the perfection of their Almond Latte.

Mark Weber

I love espresso and own my own espresso maker. I travel a lot for work and practically live out of coffee shops. I have NEVER had an espresso that rivals Rowsters. I had one over Christmas while visiting family in Grand Rapids and I still cant stop thinking about it. Im almost ashamed that an espresso of all things has such a hold on me, but its true and its a testament to the company.

blooms knit

Mr. Curtis offers exceptional customer service. While the coffee was not roasted as dark as I prefer, he not only refunded me, but sent me a pound from another vendor. Above and beyond, Mr. Curtis, above and beyond. You will go far! If you ever decided to offer a dark roast you will be my coffee fix. Best of Luck to you and your entire team.

Nate Stemm

Rowster was a quaint place we tried when stopping through GR. Preferred brew method was on a clever which was an interesting choice for a brew house. The vibe of the shop was a little pretentious and staff wasnt super friendly. We chose the siphon as well as clever brew methods. Wouldnt be my top 3 choices of coffee stops in GR.