Coffee bars, including dozens of Starbucks, have popped up all over town in the past decade. How does a new cafe stand out from the crowd of specialty caffeinated drink purveyors? New Order Coffee Roasters in Detroit has found a few creative ways to draw in thirsty customers with the ultimate goal of making small batch artisan coffee accessible.
New Order Coffee in Midtown Detroit ©R. Christensen
Disclosure: Thanks to Visit Detroit CVB and New Order Coffee for the tour and excellent iced coffee.
New Order starts with the basics of great coffee: careful selection of quality beans and in house roasting. Roasting isn’t just a process at New Order, they make it a science. Using an in-house roaster allows experimentation to create the best flavor combinations for their specialty drinks and straight up coffee. New Order employs multiple brewing methods, including a machine that will grind and brew each cup to order. Not many cafes can boast that claim. Speaking of flavors, New Order is also known locally for their breakfast cereal steeped milk used in creating some delicious coffee drinks!
New Order Coffee in Midtown Detroit ©R. Christensen
A small roaster behind the bar allows them to make small batches with different degrees of roasting and blends. Looking for something specific? New Order will work with customers to create exactly what they need and even teach the basics of coffee bean roasting. We sat in for a demonstration and sampling during our tour. Afterward, the knowledgeable staff mixed up an iced coffee to suit my tastes.
New Order Coffee in Midtown Detroit ©R. Christensen
Located on Woodward Avenue in Midtown, New Order serves the Wayne State University students, local community, and visitors. The bright colors and huge windows let the light flood in for a refreshing alternative to the typical dimly lit earth tones of most cafes. Seating is plentiful and the Q-line stops nearby for those picking up a cup of Joe on the way to other downtown destinations.
New Order Coffee in Midtown Detroit ©R. Christensen
Visit the New Order Coffee Roasters website for hours and to buy beans online. Plans are currently in the works to open a second cafe to serve the Royal Oak/Ferndale area.
Q-line trolley in Midtown Detroit ©R. Christensen
