Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

Ya'll better whip out your phones for this one, because it's one of the most Instagram-able coffee shops you will ever walk your unworthy mainstream a* into. Upon entering The Lantern, I thought it was a tasteful, well-crafted little joint, just like their Cortados. HOWever when I gazed on past the counter from which they create and distribute the crack, I mean coffee, I saw a semi-subterranean cellar with enough exposed brick walls to make my cynical hipster heart cry tears of joy. I was home. The staff were super-helpful and even let my uninitiated btch a* know that I was wasting their hckin' valuable time by asking for my change in quarters, because it was Saturday and it wasn't necessary to feed the meters which are just a plot by the government to fund their crack parties and take hard currency out of circulation so they can make our economy paperless. Whenever I finally got my Peony tea and made my way on down to the depths of that caffeine addict's wet dream, I found that it's a favorite place for local students to fertilize their brains with the knowledge compost in those chopped up trees. While my tea had a very delicate taste that I unfortunately could barely detect since I hardly have any tastebuds left from years of drinking scalding black coffee and battery acid, my friend said that the Cortado he had was one of the best, and noted that they do them RIGHT by serving them with tonic water so you can cleanse your nasty a** palate. 14/10 would get my caffeine fix and validation from instagram...

He walks down the city streets amid the bustling downtown traffic. Cautious. Alert, yet weary. As he peels himself from the shadow of an immense building, his eyes squint at the unforgiving suns rays. A drop of sweat stings his eyes making him painfully aware of his current plight. Rest is desperately needed and our unassuming hero needs a refreshing wisp of energy to carry his body through the rest of the day. What at first seemed to be a mirage, dancing and taunting him with treasures he would never possibly experience suddenly transforms into a solid and concrete entity. A true reprieve in an otherwise barren wasteland of thirst. It's Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge. The door groans as he expends his last reserve of energy to open it. The baristas appear as though they are beacons from heaven as he peruses their wares. In the not so distant future, everything is right and just in the world. The iced mocha cascades over his lips like the cool waters of northern Michigan's majestic Tahquamenon Falls. He smirks and thinks to himself "a more divine victory in the face of adversity simply could not be achieved." He opens and plugs in his laptop to the provided 120 volt power outlet. Beyond the glass panes, seemingly a world away now, the city streets breathe in the subtle afternoon breeze as the wind whispers "free wifi." 10/10 would get an iced...

Plan to pay for downtown street parking. $1-4 for 1-4 hours limit. Cool little place with a basement with 8 stuffed arm chairs with non moveable coffee table in floor. (not really laptop friendly). 4 small tables, 4 desk tables for 1 with lamps perfect for laptops.(absolutely awesome!) 3 high top tables with bar stool seating and 1 large table for groups. A few outdoor chairs, no tables outside though. (Basement is not wheel chair friendly due to stair access). A few bar window seat upstairs too. Matcha was delicious. Ranged $5-$7, ( not including tip). Chocolate muffin was amazing! However they were basically sold out of pastries or anything other than refrigerator cookies by 11am which is why I give it 4 stars. If you plan on a few drinks and staying for a bit, plan on at least $20-$30 due to parking, tip, and drinks. Staff was very friendly. Bring headphones as music is too loud. Otherwise nice cozy experience. Recommendations. Would like to see a few laptop mobile tables for stuffed armed chairs, more food or baked goods, quieter music, maybe less rap, or more elevator music type so you can talk easier or work easier? Otherwise...