Perhaps it’s the distinct aroma of fresh coffee brewing or the selection of tasty baked goods. It may be the cozy atmosphere or the day’s newspaper at the ready when you take your seat at a favorite table. Whatever it is that draws you to your favorite local coffee shop, it can provide an ideal escape from the day’s hustle and bustle.

Farmington and Farmington Hills coffee shops abound

Students frequenting the Wayne State University Oakland Center have likely found Delilah’s Café to be an escape from the stressors of coursework. Located inside the center, Delilah’s offers coffee and snacks aplenty for students looking for some brain food before or after class.

Off the Beaten Path Books and Café in Farmington offers a unique escape for coffee drinkers or those simply looking to be surrounded by Victorian Steampunk décor. Shop handmade jewelry while you take in a cup of coffee or tea, or attend one of the café’s many events like Tuesday’s regular game night or Thursday’s Stitch 'n' Bitch.

You'll find two popular coffee shops in the Downtown Farmington Business Center; Starbucks, on the west side, and Big Apple Bagels on the south side. Big Apple recently added a cozy conversation corner with comfy armchairs and a couch. Farmington Hills also has a smaller Starbucks, at Orchard Lake and 12 Mile Roads. 

When you're on the east side of town, check out Biggby Coffee, located on Northwestern Highway. Biggby has a great social media presence, check their website for links to Twitter and Facebook pages.

West Bloomfield coffee shops offer unique fare

Pistachio’s in West Bloomfield is a cozy café serving up unique coffee beverages like lavazza, Italian coffee as well as an array of French, Italian and Middle Eastern pastries. Live music is a Saturday night attraction.

Jen’s Gifts of Love, formerly Ginger’s Coffee Connection, boasts a full coffee menu but also homemade chocolates and baked goods, including low-fat cinnamon scones and specialty pies and cakes.

The Double Apple Café offers your standard coffee house fare plus unique offerings like a variety of tobaccos and hookahs. Leather couches beckon those looking for a place to relax for lunch, dinner or simply a cup of coffee with friends.

Birmingham offers variety of options

Birmingham has no shortage of coffee shops serving up a cup of joe and other goodies. Biggby Coffee is a Michigan-originated coffee franchise with a location in the heart of downtown Birmingham. The brother and sister team of Rose and Joe Glendinning own the Birmingham Biggby Coffee where you can regularly find them behind the counter serving up Biggby favorites like the caramel marvel.

Zuma Coffee House is open 24 hours a day, a particular appeal to those cramming for exams or those looking to indulge in a warm beverage following the last showing at the Birmingham 8 or Palladium12 theaters.

Starbucks enthusiasts can find their fix in Birmingham. The coffee shop’s downtown location is a popular one especially in warm weather months, when tables and chairs are set up outside on the sidewalk. Be sure to sound the gong when you’ve had especially good service!

Birmingham’s Commonwealth Café is a mere hop, skip and a jump from the Palladium 12 Theatre making it easy to take in a show followed by a warm cup of coffee. The café’s coffee menu features such exotic offerings as Fazenda Machado Piata, Brazil and Kayanza Kiryama, Burundi.