Lyon Street Cafe — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

The lattes are fine but not taking people's names when it's so busy the place is basically standing room only resulted in more than a few mixed up drinks. The huts are cute but the little heaters, bless their hearts, don't do much. Plus I underestimated how noisy it is in that little section of Lyon Street. Glad I tried it for the novelty but I doubt I'll do the hut again. I'll have to give this place another shot when it's less busy and see if it's a better experience.

Edit after review reply - I think the problem is less people not remembering what they ordered but more that in the span of ten minutes that Saturday morning, four chai lattes came up. Who ordered in what order? Many of us decided to be tragically basic that morning.

Today, my husband and I went again during a slower time to see if it went better and we watched a latte sit on the counter for five minutes unclaimed. The barista started asking people about it but no one thought it was theirs. I still think names would help. The flavor of the coffee is slightly better at Stovetop Roasters however they always seem to have grounds in the bottom which is not a problem we've had either time at this location. So, props for consistency. Gave a star back since honestly, it's unfair to ding this place for the huts - it's not super relevant to the actual experience of the coffee. Plus I'm sure many others...

Lyon Street Cafe used to be a haven for furiously studying students, picking heads up to glance at one another across the sturdy wooden booths and warm Edison style lighting. It was cozy and crowded, frequented by neighborhood regulars as well as an ever changing cast of professionals and bourgeoisie of every ilk.

In the post-post-9/11 covid “worst timeline” present they’ve had to drastically change their tact. The temperature is dropping and they, in a refreshingly patron-safety-centric approach, seem to have no plan to open their doors to the almost certain flood of mask-dismissing, germ-disseminating yuppies (I’m looking at you Mary Wheeler). Instead they are creating conditions for a happy outdoor cup of joe all year round, much like Outdoor Coffee has pioneered.

I’m sitting now in the first of what is rumored to be 7 greenhouses, equipped with an electric wood stove (not real wood obvi) and ventable ceiling panel. It smells clean and new and best of all private in here, I am occasionally looking up to see the blurred shapes of passerby but am blissfully protected from errant sneezes.

If you haven’t checked out Lyon Street's cold weather setup, DON’T! I want it all to myself. But if you do check it out, be sure to say hi. I’ll be the one who’s all moved in to...

Lyon is a great neighborhood haunt. And they take advantage of the other great local businesses by selling baked goods from Nantucket and sandwiches and fruit cups from Martha's.

Staff is always friendly. Drinks may take a while when they are busy, I really don't see this as a downside. They craft their coffee drinks, not just throw them together. I DO wish they had caramel or hazelnut flavors. I understand that their menu is very classic coffee drinks, even having a miel and cortado, but sometimes a girl wants an iced americano with a splash of hazelnut or caramel, am I right?

Seating can be iffy. A lot of people like to take up tables meant for groups, but, I guess, coffee shops tend to cater more to singles who are there to concentrate or relax alone. And you can always politely ask to join another solo at their table.

There's seating in the front and back which is nice when the weather isn't crummy.

Atmosphere is perfect: not too sterile and modern, not too dark and mopey. I recommend this place to groups who are doing projects, people catching up, or even a first date, just be courteous to others around you and keep the volume polite, as most of their clientele seems to be...