Roots Brew Shop — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

I spend a lot of time at various coffee shops around Grand Rapids, meeting with people, and I've never had a favorite before. A few months ago, someone I was going to be meeting suggested Roots Brew Shop, which I'd never heard of before then. Since then, I've come here a number of times, and I definitely have a favorite now!

The people that work here, from the owner to the employees, are kind, open, friendly, and warm, with an eye towards building community. The drinks and the coffee are delicious. I drink a lot of coffee (I need the caffeine!) but I still don't quite like the taste, and so I usually take milk in my coffee. The coffee here, however, is rich and smooth where I enjoy the taste without anything added.

Both in terms of environment and the menu, this is an excellent coffee shop to meet a friend, get work done, and build connections with...

Bagels should be notable, but the preparation was disappointing. I ordered a sandwich, but was told the sandwich maker had not been plugged in, so I couldn't get a sandwich. When I did get my bagel sandwich it was dry and unremarkable. Much left to be desired. Owners should order a bagel sandwich and really look at it and taste it: you can't tell me this is the best you can do.

The woman helping me at the POS was humorless: seemed like I was bothering her by contemplating my order in light of the snafu with the kitchen equipment. Also, when I asked what items they had, she dryly pointed at the menu, as if to say "Can't you read the menu?"

Some people aren't meant to work with the public. Bad impression made by that employee. This place seems like it should be friendly:...

I have been visiting Grand Rapids for a week. I have been to at least a handful of coffee shops, working during the day. Roots Brew Shop is definitely my favorite place to be, and I am sad that I found it on my last day here. The atmosphere is absolutely perfect for a quaint conversation with a friend or to work. The music is at the right level. There is comfortable seating. The temperature and light are perfect. But most of all the staff is fantastic. I'm not a coffee drinker, so sometimes coffee shops feel stuffy to me. But the staff not only let me just look, they also helped me pick drinks that were fantastic! And the staff has been overwhelmingly kind, too. Roots Brew is amazing! And I highly...