Coffee & Pastries: Check Out These Local Cafes

By: Carolyn Hall | March 12, 2025
the baking room café pastries - croissant, cookies, and more

Photo courtesy of The Baking Room

Metro Detroit is home to an impressive variety of cafés that offer more than just coffee. Whether you want a quiet retreat, a place to meet friends, or a creative menu with baked goods and unique drinks, Metro Detroit has you covered. Below are some cozy spots where you’ll find carefully crafted beverages, sweet treats, and welcoming atmospheres worth experiencing…

THE BAKING ROOM

40526 Hayes Road, Clinton Township

The Baking Room merges a bakery and café concept, offering pastries like homemade macarons, cookies, and more. Their espresso menu includes popular choices such as Affogato, Tiramisu Lattes, and more flavored iced coffee options (Pistachio and Strawberry, for example). The homemade Stuff’d Tarts are favorites, along with the Ice Cream Cake Cups, with varieties like Banana Pudding, Dubai Chocolate Pistachio, and Strawberry Shortcake. The Signature Cake Bowls are a standout item, layering cheesecake or cake with mousse, sauces, and toppings. Savory options like wraps and grilled sandwiches add variety for those craving more than sweets. With its stylish decor and extensive pastry case, The Baking Room appeals to both dessert enthusiasts and coffee aficionados.

the baking room café stuff'd tarts pastries
Photo courtesy of The Baking Room

ROSE CAFÉ

620 North Telegraph Road, Suite A, Dearborn

trailblazer field

From soccer practice to grocery runs, the Chevy Trailblazer is designed to make your everyday outings a breeze.

Housed within a floral shop, Rose Café brings together fresh blooms and flavorful coffee beverages under one roof. The café’s bright, pink-themed interior sets a cheerful tone, complemented by seasonally inspired decor. Favorite drinks include the Brown Sugar Shaken Espressos and Strawberry Matchas, while classic options like the Iced Caramel Macchiatos and Toasted Marshmallow Hot Cocoas remain staples. Customers can also indulge in cake pops, Ferrero Cheesecake, and other sweet bites. Warm service and flowers paired with every beverage make it a perfect place to catch up with friends or unwind solo.

JP Makes & Bakes

6529 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

JP Makes & Bakes focuses on Filipino-inspired baked goods and comforting homemade specialties. The “Core 6” items include Ube Cookies, Ube Brownies, Bibingka cake, and Pan de Sal-based rolls filled with sweet or savory ingredients, like coconut with brown sugar or cream cheese and everything seasoning. Selections like Pan de Coco and Pan de Everything highlight the shop’s knack for blending tradition with creativity. The bakery also offers Ginitaang, a coconut-based pudding, Polvoron shortbread cookies, and Calamansi Olive Oil Cake, which is made with a citrus flavor profile. Hot menu specials like soups or lunch bowls are also available on specified days. Espresso drinks and housemade beverages, such as Calamansiade, give visitors more reasons to stop in and explore this evolving menu.

The Congregation

9321 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Detroit

More than just a café and bar, The Congregation is “a gathering place that fosters community, creativity, and connection,” shares Co-owner & Managing Partner Betsy Murdoch. Located inside a thoughtfully restored historic church, the space invites neighbors, artists, and entrepreneurs to meet. The menu features specialty coffee, a bar program, and a calendar packed with open mic nights and more. Visitors can sip on signature drinks and seasonal specials like the Carrot Cake Chai, Raspberry French Soda, Green Tea Citrus Palmer, or Orange Spice Espresso Tonic while soaking in the welcoming ambiance. Paired with options like bagel sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and more, The Congregation aims to create “a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels at home.” 

carrot cake chai from The Congregation cafe
Photo courtesy of The Congregation

Malu Cat Cafe

29552 Ford Road, Garden City

Malu Cat Cafe provides a one-of-a-kind experience that blends a cozy coffee shop setting with the playful charm of feline companions. Patrons can relax with a latte or matcha while enjoying the company of adoptable cats in a dedicated lounge area. This cafe accommodates small groups per hour, encouraging reservations with a waiver, with costs for your spot covering the care of the feline residents. The café’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a pleasant retreat for cat lovers, families, and anyone seeking a different spin on their usual coffee break. A rotating menu of beverages rounds out the experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re in the mood for a floral-inspired latte or a taste of Filipino baking traditions, these Metro Detroit cafés promise unique experiences. Each venue merges a personal touch with coffee and pastries, reinforcing why Metro Detroit’s café culture remains a beloved part of the local communities.

This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 22, 2024.

RELATED STORIES