Lab Cafe

The Vibe: Minimalist, Bright, Serene 

Our emoji to describe it: 🪴

About Lab:

After speaking with the baristas, I found out that Lab’s coffee wasn’t even the best thing about the cafe. They were super kind and let me know that the owner of Lab and the neighboring Tomukun Noodle Bar are married, hence the doorway that connects the cafe and the restaurant! The baristas said that they feel like Lab is a true community, one that has provided them with friendships and opportunities they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. As a small business run by a University of Michigan alum, it’s obvious that Lab puts employees first, something I definitely stand behind. 

Thank you to the mentioned baristas Skye Bawol, Matt Popp, Ayden Williams and Kenzie Newby!

What we think of the coffee:

Lab has some of the most consistent coffee in downtown Ann Arbor. My go-to order is the brown sugar and sea salt latte: It’s the perfect balance of sweetness to saltiness, which few coffee shops seem to get right. Lab baristas obviously know what they’re doing, as their milk is always foamed to perfection. The espresso boasts just the right boldness not to overpower the multitude of latte flavors they offer. The menu is extensive, ranging from espresso drinks to loose-leaf teas to canned cocktails. One of my favorite things about Lab is that the upcharge for their most expensive alternative milk is only $0.75, well below the typical $1- $1.50 that has become industry standard. They are guaranteed to have something for everyone regardless of dietary restrictions, stocked with vegan and gluten free pastries galore!

What we think of the space:

Lab is an exceptionally vibrant, airy cafe. They have plants everywhere, adding to the organic feel of the shop, along with accents of wood that make the cafe feel warm and welcoming. With both high top and low top tables, no matter your preference, everyone will be satisfied. The cafe is an ideal place to study, catch up or just enjoy a sweet treat in peace. The music they play is always amazing — I’ve heard Big Thief and Cottonwood Firing Squad while there, just to name a couple great artists. It is fairly difficult to find a seat, especially during exam season, but I’ve found a lot of the students there are more than willing to share a table. Lab is comfortable and calming, perfect for the never-ending school stress we all endure as students.

Daily Arts Writer Sarah Patterson can be reached at sarahpat@umich.edu.

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