Dead River Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Marquette

This is my homebase, period.

We live in a town with loads of options, but DRC predates them all. In fact, when Starbucks came to town a couple decades ago the owner at the time was contracted to train their baristas.

We're on to a new owner (as of a few years ago) and though there have been some shifts, it's still the place to go for old school coffee lovers. It's true you're only going to regularly find chocolate and homemade vanilla for flavors (there are others seasonally or as the amazing staff experiments, but there's only 2 constants), but the focus at Dead River COFFEE is exactly that, the coffee.

One of the goals at the ownership switch was to consistently provide the best espresso shot in town. Now, there is definitely going to be some subjectivity on the taste, but technique-wise they've got it down. Right to weighing out the dry grounds to ensure consistency, and though it does slightly vary from barista to barista (as all drinks do) its consistently solid (yes, I drink them straight).

My, near, daily order is a black cup of the roast of the day and a shot of espresso on the side. That black cup of coffee most days is a low acidity, mid to lower altitude medium to dark roast. However, some days it's their very fruity Ethopian Sidamo (higher altitude higher acidity).

On the menu tradition is the game. Some of the drinks you know at corporate coffee places may have the same name as a traditional drink but ARE NOT said drink (see: Machiatto). If I'm not getting my order, I tend to like to see how the baristas are at their Mocha Latte's. I know it's always going to be good, but this shop has produced award winning baristas in the past and when someone is on that level there is definitely a difference.

In the end, DRC is a coffeeshop for anyone that may not appeal to everyone. However, to those that it hits for will fall in love and find themselves at the same coffee shop daily in a small town with a coffee shop per capita that makes Seattle look decaffeinated (Yes, they have that too, even if according to Futurama it makes one...

I really enjoyed our visit here! This place is so special, definitely the coolest coffee shop I've ever been to! Loved the vibe! Happened upon a really fun cribbage game which only added to the ambiance. The smell of fresh roasted coffee beans, music playing lightly in the background and lots of things to look at. I love the sound the coffee roaster makes, would be a great noise to sleep to 😊 . As far as the coffee, delicious! I also tried the 906 summer blend tea and loved that as well! This place will always be on my list of places to visit when I go back to Marquette. It will always have a special place in my memory. Thanks for bringing the passion for coffee (and life) to Marquette! True artisans in their craft. Stop in and take a step back in time and taste life!

Follow me for more places to visit in Michigan. Instagram: withlovefrommiche I did post a short video of the roaster...

Omg!!! The people here are so nice!!! The barista was super nice and the older gentlemen was funny and hopefully after the nice lady and I told the barista about Muriel’s Wedding she’ll watch it!!! I got some beautiful roasted dark coffee beans from Nicaragua. And the guy really knows his coffee!!! He also gave me a dead river mask which I love and also get those dark chocolate expresso beans😛. They also made me trip unforgettable by telling me to go see the black rocks which are 1.7 billion years old. It was my first walk outside since being severely sick for two months with covid. I had an incredible time and I really can’t thank you guys enough. After all the things that happen last year to start this year off with so many beauty moments I’m just really full of gratitude. Thanks so much guys and hope to see you...