Socotra Coffee House — Restaurant in Ann Arbor

First things first, I love this place.

The desserts: their selection is wonderful and extensive; Whoever they have making their desserts is clearly putting in a LOT of effort and it shows. They only have so much room in the dessert counter, so there’s a rotating selection. Always something new, always something good. Standout favs for me include: tiramisu, tres leche/milk cake, lotus cookie cake, pistachio milk cake.

The honeycomb, a square of nine small bread buns with a light cream/cheese filling topped with sesame seeds and honey, is one of my favorite items. such a unique combination of flavors that work SO well together while not being overpowering. (if you get only one thing from here, get the honeycomb)

The coffee/drink selection: now, I don’t drink coffee, so sometimes it’s difficult to find a warm cozy drink from a coffee shop when out with friends or whatnot. Most coffee places will have hot chocolate, but in the way that any pub or restaurant would have chicken fingers for picky kids; a bland afterthought. I am more than pleased to say the hot chocolate here is no such afterthought. Topped with steamed milk and a dusting of cocoa, and it tastes amazing too. I greatly appreciate a GOOD hot chocolate, and they have one.

Vibes: The chairs are lightly padded, and comfortable, and there is some couch seating as well. There is also outdoor seating. There’s a large mural on the wall, and some interesting facts about the island of Socotra, and a large image of the iconic Socotra dragon tree.

Accessibility: the chairs they have inside don’t have armrests, so are easy for all shapes and sizes, the couch seating too. As for wheelchairs, the coffee shop itself has a few shallow steps, but a gentle sloped walkway from either adjoining businesses will get you to the door. The door itself is just your average door, swings open outwards, one vertical handle on the outside. no automatic or assisted opening.

One thing I think they could do better: some of the tables wobble, and some of the decorative vinyl marble panels could be smoothed out on one of the wall mounted signs.

TL;DR: Amazing spot, desserts made with care and intention, honeycomb is top tier. Do yourself a...

Unpleasant Experience at Socotra Coffee House – Disrespectful and Unwelcoming Service

I had a very disappointing experience at Socotra Coffee House. The staff were not just unhelpful, but outright disrespectful. From the moment I walked in, there was no greeting or acknowledgment. When I asked about the menu, I was met with short, dismissive responses, and it felt like I was inconveniencing them simply by being there.

Instead of the warm, welcoming atmosphere you’d expect from a coffee house, it was cold and uncomfortable. I’ve never felt so unwelcome in a public space. The service was far below expectations, and I left feeling frustrated and upset.

If you're looking for a place with great customer service and better tea, I highly recommend Sanaa Coffee House. They truly know how to treat their customers and provide a much more pleasant experience. I will definitely not be returning to Socotra and cannot recommend...

my order at every single coffee shop is a double shot of espresso over ice with a little bit of oat milk. i understand there might be some variety in how a coffee shop chooses to ring this in (iced espresso, iced cortado, etc.) i don’t understand why Socotra refuses to make my order. they serve iced lattes. the first time i came they made it perfectly and the espresso was delicious. i’ve come three times since then and they tell me “espresso can’t be iced”, cortados can’t be iced, or they ring in my order as a latte and completely fill it with milk so i’m paying $8 for something i didn’t order. I keep giving them another chance because i liked the coffee the first time but i don’t understand why i could order an iced latte but i can’t order an iced espresso. the last time i ordered they made my drink hot and gave me a cup of ice on the side. why did i pay $1 premium for an iced drink if i have to assemble the...