Sip Coffee & Cocktails — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

HORRIBLE experience! Gentrification is bad, this place is an example of why. I attended a poorly planned, poorly executed, deceptively advertised MESS on 09/08. It was billed as a "spirits tasting event," but wasn't. There were no flights, tastes being handed out, no distributors/brand reps discussing what was being poured/tasted -- you know, things that happen at an actual tasting.

It was a late happy hour social with their regular menu, clearly geared towards giving the business more exposure. This would've been fine, great and a wise move if that's how it had been advertised, appropriate logistical provisions were made, etc.

Someone from the business will likely hop on this review and reply w/ deflection, gaslighting and general nonsense, but the shady advertising wasn't the only issue. Idc. I have literal receipts (for stuff we never got) and video footage to prove it.

Service was HORRIBLE! The males behind the bar were slow, rude and unsanitary. They didn't talk to us as we stood for over 20 minutes waiting. That's what made us go outside and try getting the attn of a "server."

The females were inattentive, unprofessional and flighty. The latter were the "servers,” in quotations marks, b/c there wasn't much "serving" going on. My party and I paid for our drinks and food and waited over an hour and a half for them. When we asked the hold up and acknowledged the crowd had picked up since we ordered, but that still didn't excuse how long we'd waited (w/out her coming back to check on us or provide an update), the "server" acted like she had no clue what we were talking about. This, even though SHE TOOK THE ORDER!

We waited another 40 minutes, but still didn't get what we ordered or see the "server" again. She went behind the bar; the other "server" started taking orders. Disgusted, we took our losses and left. The responses to the other reviews lets me know nothing but a headache would come from contacting the management and/or owners. Also, ownership and management was there, they know.

About the owners: I'm disappointed this place is advertised as "Black Owned," but there are clearly issues of anti-Blackness and/or colorism in hiring, as evidenced by the overwhelming presence of mostly white presenting/passing and "paper bag test passing" BIPOC employees.

As others have noted, the coffee and service are mid to deplorable. Friday’s event was poorly planned and executed.

As we sat and definitely as we were leaving, we learned that we weren't alone in our experience. I hope others speak up, b/c that's the only way these people will be held accountable.

All of the above sucks because it's being done under the auspices of "Black Owned" as if Black folx don't already get a bad rap in general, but especially in business. That alone made it hard to post this review, but there were six of us and we all ordered at least one drink and at least three of us ordered a pizza -- and we had a DD so we could really sip and enjoy ourselves, so we were planning to spend more -- now we'll never spend there again. I previously tried this place for coffee and supported Friday's event to further give it a fair chance. However, as others have noted, the coffee, food and service are mid to deplorable and I just spent many paragraphs sharing about the deceptive advertising of an event that offered no room to dance, subpar service and a venue for people to do in a cramped coffee shop, what we could've done more effectively and cheaper at many clubs in the city, even strip clubs offer better food, service and other provisions!

As we sat and definitely as we were leaving, we learned that we weren't alone in our experience. I hope others speak up, b/c that's the only way these people will be held accountable. It all sucks b/c it's being done under the auspices of "Black Owned" as if Black folx don't already get a bad rap in general, but especially in business. That alone made it hard to post this, but gentrification/erasure will continue if people...

I'm here every week studying or doing computer work, the staff and atmosphere are great. I've loved seeing this place grow over the course of the last year they've been open! This is one of the few establishments in Grand Rapids where I think everyone is welcome, and everyone actually feels welcome. I've seen the typical west-mi bible study group at a table next to proud progressive queer movers and shakers... black, white, young, old, abled, disabled... this place has really hit the mark for becoming a loved hub for connection in the community. The coffee is delicious and strong, comparable to Mad Cap. I like my coffee black and I'm just as pleased as my friends who like syrup drinks. I've heard the syrup flavors for lates are always really delicious and unique. The chai always smells amazing. For work - Fast wifi which has never gone out on me, even during long work sessions. The playlist overhead is pleasant on the times I've forgotten headphones, and their music is kept at a volume that can easily be drowned out by noise-cancelling AirPods when more focus is needed. Noise level in general is quiet enough that I've been able to hold zoom meetings without any audio problems throughout the day. Pet-friendly patio during the summers. Staff always give my pups some extra love. Menu could use some more vegetarian options, but the staff is happy to get creative when asked. The flatbreads are great, taco Tuesday is even better, cocktails are strong, heavy wine pours. Bathrooms are always clean. Long-time staff means you have an opportunity to make connections and become a recognized regular, it also means they must be treated well enough that they are loyal to the space. I can't say enough nice...

Found the ideal coffee shop! (And bonus: a solid cocktail bar in the PM)! Sip has surprised and impressed me over the past year.

The team and customer service at SIP is the KINDEST of any coffee shop. They are thoughtful, knowledgable, inclusive and without the pretentious attitude many coffee shops have.

Their coffees, lattes and other drink selections are REALLY good and they taste better than most coffee shops in town. SIP is a top 3 for coffees, americanos, espressos and latte drinks. They source great coffee and make their own syrups (that are unique, local and delicious - i.e. try the brown sugar sage or the rosemary!).

They surprise for how great their food/bakery items are compared to most shops. Their flatbread pizzas are on point.

Ambiance here is solid for family, friend or couple outings. Also a great place to work from a coffee shop (perfect balance of calm, relaxed with ideal music and noise levels and with the proper hustle/bustle one would hope for to motivate productivity).

You can tell the owners/partners put so much intention in this place and you can feel it in the design, the team atmosphere, the ambiance, the locally sourced food & drink...