Outdoor seating
Yes
The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand in Grand Rapids
Categories
Location on the map
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, US
Service options
Kerbside pickup
Yes
Takeaway
Yes
Dine-in
Yes
Delivery
No
Highlights
Fast service
Yes
Great coffee
Yes
Great tea selection
Yes
Popular for
Solo dining
Yes
Good for working on laptop
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Yes
Offerings
Coffee
Yes
Organic dishes
Yes
Quick bite
Yes
Dining options
Dessert
Yes
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Yes
Good for kids
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Atmosphere
Casual
Yes
Cosy
Yes
Crowd
Groups
Yes
Tourists
Yes
University students
Yes
Payments
NFC mobile payments
Yes
Phone: +1 616-608-3375
Site: http://www.brewsparrows.com/
Site: http://www.brewsparrows.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:7AM–6PM
- Tuesday:7AM–6PM
- Wednesday:7AM–6PM
- Thursday:7AM–6PM
- Friday:7AM–6PM
- Saturday:7AM–6PM
- Sunday:7AM–6PM
Comments (199)
I just had a quick coffee late in the day with a friend here and the outside seating was very pleasant. I had a small drink called the Behemoth that was quite good and gave me the caffeine I needed. The interior was nicely decorated and the staff was friendly.
I love this coffee shop. I frequently meet friends here or stop in quick to grab something on my way elsewhere. The staff is always friendly and gives me great ideas when I’m not sure what to order.
It has changed a bit since I was in there last (pre-covid). The newsstand was pretty diminished, but they opened up the back room to include seating space, which I believe was a good move. As always, the coffee is good and the environment is cohesive. There is also outside seating whenever the weather permits.
Excellent Dirty Chai . This coffee shop is a wonderful space to meeting up with friends, the staff are so welcoming and friendly.
I live within walking distance of like, 12 GR coffee shops, but I end up coming to Sparrows the most often. Its the most chill atmosphere, with lots of varied seating options (and I never have trouble finding a table) plus creative drinks, kind baristas, and lots of local art to support (plus bins of vinyl to browse!)
Quaint little coffee shop in the positively expanding Wealthy Street Neighborhood. Interior fashioned as a simply dimly lit reading room, with periodicals for sale. Small alley of a seating area adjacent to the shop, likely quite nice in the Summer. LGBT Friendly.
Sparrows coffee is a terrific example of what I believe a coffee shop should be. Kudos to management for hiring exceptionally kind people that reflect their ultimate goal: building community and helping others.This is a coffee shop that I have come to love in the past three months that I have lived in Grand Rapids. A large majority of my paycheck goes to this business because I believe in the quality of the product and what this company does with its profits.TLDR: Spend money here
One of the cutest little coffee shops! They have some of the best and unique alternative options, like oat milk! Their loose tea selections look diverse and legit and they have a great magazine select to chose for purchase!
My very favorite coffee spot I’ve found in GR so far. I love the little alleyway with seating next to the coffee shop. There is a free little library with lots of children’s book in the alleyway so I bet this would be a nice stop for parents with young children to grab a book and read for a little while waiting on an order.The treats they sell from next to the register are always so tasty, I especially loved an orange-poppyseed scone I had a few weeks ago. The coffee is tasty, every coffee I’ve ordered. The iced teas they offer are just as delicious and delightful.I have to avert my eyes from all the books and other curios that are for sale, they’re all so cute that I want to buy them all!I’ve been here, will come back here, and highly recommend you visit too.
This is my go-to spot for getting some work done. Leans more towards the tea drinkers than coffee, but still some good coffee options. Great atmosphere with nice seating options, whether youre a dark corner person or someone who likes right next to the window. Some outdoor seating during the warmer months and a tasty selection of baked goods, many times gluten free. I went with a seasonal drink this time (golden chai) and was very happy with my choice. Highly recommend you visit at least once.
Im not going to lie, when I saw the photos online I didnt know if this place had the atmosphere Im looking for when I go to coffee shops, but it doesnt disappoint! The front of the coffee shop is really bright with a lot of natural light, and there are two little arm chairs by the window that have become one of my favorite spots in GR. The coffee tastes great even though its not the best in GR (I personally think Madcap has the best) even though I think the prices are a little high. This place is always very busy, but thats because its such a great spot!
My FAVORITE coffee shop of all time. Their lavender latte is the best, and their batch brew coffee is always yummy (my favorite so far is the uptown blend). They have a selection of baked goods for sale, including gluten free options from Rise Bakery.Come here to study, write a paper, read a book, catch up with a friend, or just to grab some great coffee. Also, be sure to bring your own to-go cup for a discount! Otherwise they offer industrially compostable to-go cups and ceramic or glass for here cups, saucers, straws, plates, and silverware. If you get on of their to-go cups, be sure to return it to them when you get the chance, and they will compost it for you!! (one of my favorite aspects of this place is their commitment to being as sustainable as possible).
Sparrows is the perfect little nook of happiness. The community of patrons they have built over the years are so kind and lovely to coexist with during the coffee shop work days. In addition, the baristas and other staff at Sparrows are some of the best people on earth. Theyre all extremely kind, patient, knowledgeable, and cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion and warmth. I love being able to take some beans with me while I travel, but nothing beats going to Sparrows and enjoying a cup.
Warm and cozy coffee spot on the east side. Love sitting in the window front or communal table and getting work done here.
Great coffee place! Had a pleasant atmosphere and the drink I got Aunt Boo Boos Cookies was both something Ive never seen before and delicious!!
The barista was super friendly and helpful. The building has history to it. The only thing that was disappointing is that the books that they sell are only sold at certain times. My toddler really wanted a book and I couldnt buy it because the barista was not able to make the purchase for me. The coffee is excellent though.
Very cute coffee shop in grand rapids! Both indoor and outdoor seating and a number of books for purchase as well as locally made objects and jewelry. They have vegan and gluten free pastries and multiple alternative milk options
Nice atmosphere and good coffee. Its great to have a chat or get some work done.
I am new to the area and have been hitting up all the local coffee shops in the area. I really love the vibe in this adorable coffee shop. I also love all the fun latte drinks they have concocted. Really friendly atmosphere that made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I loved my maple spice latte. I think I found my new coffee shop to hit up on my walks.
Calm and relaxed place to grab a tea or coffee. Nice selection of pastries, wide variety of tea. They have a patio and seating out front.
Cool little coffee shop, plenty of tables for groups or studying/chilling alone. Both my drink and the shortbread were delicious. Great music, too. This is my new favorite place to catch up with friends.
I stopped by and had a Cortado and Scone for breakfast. The coffee was great and the atmosphere was cozy. They have a wide assortment of books on the shelves for kids to read.The baristas were nice and informative when I asked questions about their coffee. I bought a bag of their Newsstand coffee blend and its tasty. I brewed it in an espresso machine and automatic drip and it tastes great for both.
Amazing food, incredible atmosphere and the best place for coffee.
Possibly the best cappuccino I had in all of Grand Rapids. We stopped in here to snack and play a board game.
Staff was the best,very helpful and knowledgeable. We drank outside,very pleasant
I love the atmosphere of this coffee shop. Great place to commune with friends or get some work done. Very encouraging of local talent and, of course, literature. The staff are always helpful and friendly - assisting in finding you your best choice for beverages and food. I appreciate the charming sound of old hardwood creaking as you walk across the shop to the outdoor patio or restrooms (located in the back).
Ive never been to the actual cafe, but thanks to Trade Ive tried Colombia Cauca and their All Seasons Blend. Both are delicious—a bold but sweet way to start the day. Ill definitely be ordering more of their lovely bags.
Sparrows on its own was already my favorite coffee place in town, but now they have two more local businesses in the same space and its just the absolute best. Everyone that works there is super friendly too.
WiFi password for Sparrows Public: hamburger8Cute coffee and tea shop! Great place to study and work. Kinda pricey drinks though.
Visited today and everything was great! It was super busy and Mary Ann was by herself behind the counter killin it.
Great lighting, friendly staff. Not exactly sure what I think of their redesign -- it might feel a little kitschy? -- but I sure do love their green tea lemonade.
Great little neighborhood coffee shop. Crowd is slightly more hipster in flavor, but the shop feels homie and nobody is rude.Folks behind the counter are super friendly, the drinks are well made. A regular coffee will run you about $2 and the specialty stuff is around $5 which feels appropriate. Can get busy, but rarely have I not been able to find a spot to sit.They also have some artier zines and journals available. Do have poetry periodicals. Overall great spot.
Great coffee drinks. Relaxed atmosphere in coffeeshop/ bookstore. Located in up and coming neighborhood of Grand Rapids; East town
Service is personal and thoughtful. Drinks and food are fan freakin tastic. LGBT friendly thru and thru. Great place to work remotely, especially if youre a writer. If I could live within walking distance, Id be here every day.
I love the Sparrows, from the wooden floors, the cozy atmosphere, and amazing coffee. The staff here are also very friendly, and help make the Sparrows the welcoming, quiet environment that it is.Their Lady Lazarus is hands down my favorite latte, but everything there is great.I have amazing memories here, and I hope that others enjoy the Sparrows as much as I do.
The Sparrows is a cozy coffee/tea shop in Eastown with plants hanging all around and is a beacon of warmth in the cold weather. While parking is a little difficult to find, its worth it, especially for how easy it is to spend an hour or two here chatting with a friend, crafting, or getting some work done. They have samples of all their tea options to see which youd like to try, and their rotating lattes are delightful. This visit was he first time I had one of their baked goods, but the brownie I got was absolutely delicious.The cozy atmosphere doesnt compromise seating, and there was a low hum of conversation that provided a pleasant atmosphere while I and my friend were there. Indie magazines and books/periodicals are available for purchase, and theres always posters in the back area, near the bathroom, advertising for various theater productions or concerts around the area.All in all, The Sparrows is a great place to hang out, and its atmosphere is both relaxing and pleasant. I thoroughly enjoy each visit, and will certainly come back again.
The products are good. The staff is nice. The atmosphere is good too.And those things are of course the most important.But its crowded, outlets arent going to happen, and there arent any cheap options.They also close way too early and seem to have enough days closed to where you may want to check ahead if youre making a trip or planning a meeting.If you like walking into a poetry night or another group activity, then cool. If you dont, well, they seem to have a lot of them.
This coffee shop is a treasure! The atmosphere is very inviting. The barista was amazing! I cant say enough about this place. Love it!
Very tasty specialty cups. Also a very nice atmosphere. Just a little bit pricey.
Great spot for a quiet cup of coffee and quick bite for breakfast. One of the few places where you can find gluten free baked goods as well. We had two kinds of gluten free donuts and one gluten free pop tart. All were amazing. The girl behind the counter was very nice and helpful in our decision making process. I had plain coffee and my girlfriend had lavender honey coffee and they were both very tasty.
Quaint locally owned coffee shop, plenty of plants to help bring a pop of color and tranquility to the space. Adequate safety barriers between ordering and prep areas and card payment only are steps that were taken to help promote customer and worker safety. If looking for a local owned shop to try this is the one!
Always a good experience at Sparrows. Great staff and great coffee.
Wonderful staff, delicious drinks with house made syrups. Wonderful tea options. Additionally, a great selection of childrens gifts and books.
The coffee is great and they have tons of loose leaf tea options. There is no shortage of drink options. The space is comfortable and a good place for reading. In addition there are great options for pastries! Friendly staff! Youre gonna love it!
The Sparrows is located on Wealthy Street, albeit far from the foodie enclave many blocks away.An inviting exterior façade and a homey, cluttered interior give off that neighborhood coffeeshop vibe. Books, novelties, and kid things are for sale.This morning I tried the Colombian blend drip coffee. Blend? Disappointed. The brew is, hmmm, lets say bright - although acidic might be a better term. How one gets Bostic from Colombian is beyond me.For a coffeeshop, attention seems to be lavished on everything but the coffee. Knick-knacks; nice to have. Books and posters of the plants and fish of Michigan; ditto. Outstanding coffee; not optional.
Sparrows is a cozy environment where you can not only get work done, but catch up with old friends. They also happen to have some of the best coffee beverages in town, you have to try their Lavender Latte (Lady Lazarus). Staff is fantastic, and I always feel welcome.
Best place in GR to go if you want to chat with friends or sit by yourself reading a book. This shop and Lantern on Commerce really set themselves above and beyond the many great coffee shops GR offers.The selection of coffee is always excellent, and the excellent lattes made here are among the few that Ive had that I actually enjoy. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, quickly developing a rapport with the patrons. (And they have excellent taste in music)I highly recommend this place if you are looking for somewhere to hang out for a few hours. Be warned: You might end up buying 2 or 3 cups of coffee while sitting there.
Very welcoming atmosphere that encourages great conversation, fairly quiet. The staff is very friendly and suggested some great options for my out of town guests. The coffee here has a pleasant roasted undertone, & I really enjoy the selection of teas they have.
Great atmosphere and vibe. A coffee shop in the true spirit of a comfortable atmosphere where you want to linger.
Was looking for a good coffee spot so I found this one, ignored the few bad reviews and am glad I did! Quick and friendly service. Great coffee, had the Lady Lazarus, came with latte art and an everything bagel with cream cheese! Everything was very fresh and delicious. Atmosphere is great with people happy and talking while others quietly working! Would highly recommend!! Great job baristas❤
Very nice little place. Clean and cozy sitting areas. The coffee was excellent, but the pastries we got were to die for. Plenty of quality publications can be bought off the shelves, good mix of local and national stuff.
Very warm and welcoming cafe! They have a wonderful loose leaf tea selection (they also sell in bulk), tons of coffee options, and possibly the most flavorful everything bagel I have ever had. The baristas are very knowledgeable (especially about the teas, which is a nice change of pace) and friendly. This space really shines during the Christmas season!
Small, quiet coffee spot with friendly customer service and real chill music vibes. Had a mocha a few times there, and it was absolutely fantastic. I try and go here when I have a spare 15-20 minutes in the area.
Ive only been once but it was a very cosy atmosphere. Really laid back & chill. Relaxed music, rustic decor & friendly staff. Im fairly new to coffee & they helped a lot. I tried the Major Major & with four sugars, it was amazing. Its a bit costly if youre used to gas station coffee like me but ultimately not too expensive. My only real criticism is that the tables & chairs are kinda small. But overall, I like this place & will be coming back.
Great study spot, almost always has good music playing. Baristas are friendly and I’ve only had good drinks here. Internet works well and the food is tasty too!
Cute little coffee shop. Has 5 tables for outdoor seating. Great date spot to chill. Very friendly staff. Will go again.
Had the Aries special iced coffee of the month of March ~ DELISH !!!
This is a nice place but most definitely not somewhere Id go to regularly. Imagine if coffee shops only had almond or oat milk and charged extra for the less healthy, non environmentally friendly, lactose filled option!! No. They charge .75 cents extra for anything thats not cows milk. 75 cents really? 6.00 for a small latte. Its a very calm environment and the drinks taste good but I dont think they are worth that price.
Love the coffee. I recommend to mokaya mocha. Really tasty. It can get really packed if you want to sit but you normally can find a seat and if not they do have a patio. All around the vibe is pretty chilled out and west grand rapids is a super fun place
I love this place! Its so calming and the environment is pretty quiet. The staff is very nice. The baked goods are always fresh and the drink variety is great. Eco-friendly too!
It is a cute home renovated into a coffee and tea shop. It has the cracks and creeks from the wood floors, and wall panels. Very calm and chill setting, but also can be a lively fun place. The patio outside is really pretty and I love sitting out there. The tea selection is vast and always recycling itself. I always find something new and exciting every time I visit. As of a year ago, they completely switched to MadCap Coffee, which was the best move they ever made!
Great atmosphere, great coffee and tea! Lots of milk alternatives to choose from. I love the newsstand aspect, as theres always an interesting zine to choose from. Service is always friendly and quick. This place is carefully curated and a local treasure.
I love this spot. Having grown up in Europe around a rather storied and serious coffee culture, its nice to see people here who appreciate good coffee, including the craft of its brewing. Also, as far as a work environment is concerned, things here remain pretty quiet for most of the day.
Quick cheerful service, good coffee. The building has a somewhat rustic feel inside, and provides a cozy atmosphere for anything you might be doing. Storefront is slightly unassuming and easy to miss - another good reason to walk Eastown instead of driving.
Service here is always quick and friendly. I don’t know much about coffee, so I am always asking questions. The entire staff is very helpful and informative. I feel very welcomed and at ease when I visit The Sparrows. They have nice little outdoor seating areas out front as well as in the small alley on the side. Great place to hang out, do homework, study, read, or meet friends.
If you like tea, this is the spot! They have many varieties and really cool infusers. Great place for a first date or a quick coffee or latte. They have snacks as well. Not great vegan options (on the snacks, but plenty of vegan teas and lattes) but some. Quaint atmosphere with plenty of decor items to prompt conversations (such as a wall with books and magazines).
I really love going here to work, but it can get kinda loud and theres limited access to power outlets. However, they have a great selection of coffee and different beverages. The people are super friendly and I love the quaint and cozy feel of the place.
If you love a little neighborhood coffee shop with personality this is your place. Forget Starbucks and come here! Its divine and the coffee and tea specialties are much more inventive. My personal favorite is the dirty Harry - Earl gray tea, soy milk and honey. You will love it. If not, there are dozens of other creative drinks to try!
Great little comfy spot along Wealthy Street. Cozy, fun, coffee is locally brewed and owner is very friendly. I take clients and family here. Small gem within the city that has been there forever.
This is my favorite local coffee shop in Grand Rapids. They have a great variety of drinks and a handful of unique options that I highly recommend trying! Great spot to meet a friend or hang out and relax. Very casual environment.
Sparrows is the place where I go when I want to get a good cup and read a great book. The cozy atmosphere feels like someone has opened up their house for you to relax in and happened to install a great coffee bar. Next time you want the specialty coffee experience but dont want minimalist themed bustle, Sparrows is the perfect place to go!
Very nice place. Hipster, yes. Hipster only, definitely not. Calm and relaxed atmosphere complete with functioning turntable and vinyl playing! Seating is a bit scarce, which I can imagine makes things difficult when busier, but not unmanagable. When I was here it was moderately busy with a steady flow of customers, but the noise level was always well within reason if not less than expected.The baristas comletely fit the bill and are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, as well as fully capable of making your drink of choice ... even if it is something that is off-menu.I have only been here once, but I am looking forward to many more positive experiences when I return. I gladly reccomend this establishment.
Cozy atmosphere with fabulous espresso.
Very friendly staff, unique and delicious specialty drinks, a great environment to work, socialize, and even pick up books for kids.
The Sparrows has a great coffee shop vibe. Employees are courteous and helpful. There are a lot of choices for a beverage or something to eat that goes well with coffee. The look and feel of the place is great, and you get an authentic city atmosphere at the Sparrows. One caveat: the clientele is by in large margin younger people, but the upside is that they bring a nice upbeat atmosphere.
One of the BEST coffee and Tea shop in town. Excellent coffee and tea selection and even BETTER service. All the baristas are helpful, kind and very professional. There are a lot of coffee shops where as soon as you walk in you feel uncomfortable or that you are not up to their standard, not in this place...I would highly recommended to anyone.
The baristas there were very friendly, and helped me navigate their choices by asking me about what I liked. The space was very comfortable and the wifi worked. My latte was fantastic, made with care. Highly recommend!
If youre looking for a cozy, hole in the wall cafe with good drinks (maybe a bit over priced, but arent they all?), a friendly and competent staff, WiFi, and some aesthetic character, look no further. Its small, so if its busy, finding a table can be tricky, but Ive spent many hours there. Great place for a quiet conversation with a friend.
The latte was excellent! The barista at the counter seemed very knowledgeable about all sorts of coffee and tea. The wifi was fast and reliable, and the calm atmosphere makes a a nice place to get and hour or so of work done. One downside is that all of the electrical outlets were few and they were all in the back of the shop, and it gets crowded very quickly back there.
I love hanging out at this place. The drinks and music is always good. It has a much better vibe and is much CLEANER than the local competitors a few blocks down. I love their tea selection. They pay attention to quality and variety!
Delicious coffee options. I recommend the one with cardamom!
Loved the jasmine pearl green tea and gluten free maple pecan donut! Yum! Shop is really cute, server was very nice and so was the atmosphere. Well definitely be back!
Love stopping in at The Sparrows! I would recommend everything on their drink menu as I have tried most of it. My recommendation: Lady Lazarus.The atmosphere is calm. Sit on the patio on the side of the building if you can.They also sell Rise Grand Rapids vegan and gluten free pastries which is a must!
Love this place. 🥺 barista was so nice. Seems nice for studying/ reading (it’s also a book store) it’s very quiet.
The green tea I ordered had been rolled into pearls. Watching them unfurl as they met the water was so fun. It was also the best green tea Ive ever had. The setup made conversation easy. It was midmorning, and not too busy, and all the customers were comfortably spread out. My friend and I wound up there, wrapped up in the moment, for much longer than we expected to be. Warm and cozy and clean. Ill definitly be back soon!
Fantastic !!Staff was absolutely amazing ! They were so sweet and kind
This is by far my favourite coffee shop in the Grand Rapids area. I came here because of their Lady Lazarus latte. I am OBSESSED with the taste of lavender so it’s a given for me. I have yet to check out the other location, but I’m sure it’s just as charming as the OG Sparrows.
I love how cozy this location is. I wish it had more outlets, thoughOne time the barista corrected how I said caramel (carmel), by repeating car-uh-mel back to me with a kinda rude chuckle. It kinda bummed me out, was pretty embarrassing.Everyone else other than him has always been very nice. They seem to deal with a lot of regulars here, which goes to show they must be treating people well.Yummy coffee, classic coffee bar list, nothing frappe, whipped creamed, or unicorned here. Go for Starbucks for that.A lot of ingredients they make in house and do a stellar job. So overall a nice place to meet a friend for a chat or study.
They never post or update their closing time or day on any of sites such as google, yelp, or their own web. The opening time is so different with google. Whenever google or yelp says that they are open, they closed without any notification for customers.
Awesome coffee, amazing customer service and a relaxing atmosphere - love this place.
Great selection of teas. Friendly, attentive staff. Nice atmosphere, although the fans were on (in March) and it was cold in there, so you couldnt take your coat off.
I love Sparrows but the last 2 times I went there they were closed even though Google said they were open. It would be helpful if they updated their open times more often.
Sparrows has amazing drinks and snacks at great prices. Love the staff and the selection! The environment is relaxed and chill, a great place to read, do work, or just hang out! I really enjoy The Janitor Bubble Tea with tapioca bubble in it.
I love this place. Awesome staff and good atmosphere. This is my favorite coffee shop in Grand Rapids. Today when I went they closed for a staff meeting at noon. I guess you cant count on them being open. I will never plan to meet anyone there ever again.
Liked this neighborhood place in an older building. People chatting, working on computers, reading. Clientele are locals, mostly. Coffee was okay, as were the lemon muffins. Parking is on street and no hassle.
There is NO Bubble Tea here. You have to be able to stand the smell inside. It’s a wonderful smell to some and not so much to others. It would be nice if they didn’t come up in searches for bubble tea so often.
This is definitely a place for experienced coffee drinkers. They offer Ts in different temperature Waters. Coffee pour over Styles. Such as a French press. Coldbrews. An awesome baked goods from a local Baker.
I like the old-school, funky atmosphere, but it doesnt have enough outlets. The coffee is always great. The staff are quirky, friendly, and fun.
They have different flavors of boba (bubble tea) and the last time I was there I had a iced mocha with tapioca boba. It was not only delicious but worth going all the way to Wealthy St. Also, the espresso was really smooth, it tasted great going down and was an excellent treat.
Nice atmosphere. I was able to order from a polite barista and find a plug for my laptop easily. The windows are a bit drafty and everything is a bit pricey but Ill definitely come back again.
My brother snagged one of the tables while my sister and I ordered coffee and donuts for all of us. I was most excited to try the pretzel-topped chocolate cake donut. All three of our coffee orders were ready within a few minutes, and we sat down with our donuts and caffeine to catch up for a few minutes before my brother and I headed back to the Windy City.
Very relaxing coffee shop and great atmosphere. However, got a drip coffee which cost 3.75 with no free refills. That is a bit steep. So i will go back. But going back will happen very infrequently.
I work at a coffee shop, I have been to all the shops in GR, and I try to keep up on the scene. This is my favorite shop, particularly for sitting and doing something creative: reading, writing, etc. Cozy, best aesthetic, welcoming people, good music, hands-down best literature in GR. Outside seating par to none.
I was about the only one in the coffee shop and they kicked me out because I didnt buy a drink. The policy is not welcoming to people of all economic groups. I believe it is rude and I will not support them. I think this policy is going to hurt them more than help them. I think they should be more welcoming to people who cant buy a drink every day.... also expensive.
The tea lattes and homemade lemonade were absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is welcoming, accepting, and casual. Perfect place for chilling with friends, or working on your laptop.
Hipster cafe without the pretension. The baristas were genuinely friendly and made my Lady Lazarus with care and flourish. Great latte art is a hard to find. As soon as you approach the door, you know The Sparrows is going to have bohemian chic decor--theres a ladder serving as shelving for succulents and other houseplants. Theres outside seating and also magazines for purchase.The Lady Lazarus with soy milk, honey, and lavender was on the sweet side. Next time, Ill get a regular latte.
I have lived in the neigborhood since the 90s and would have been a regular at Sparrows if it wasnt for the rude tall hipster barista. One day I asked him what coffees they had on tap that day and he snidely replied Thats what the signs are for as he pointed to some small index cards 6 feet from the counter written in a barely legible 6 point comic sans font. That was my last time in there. Dont go here if you are a regular person trying to get a coffee while on your way to work they will treat you very rudely for not conforming to their employees hipster idealism. Also you could get the same quality of coffee at Speedway only it might be hot. Wont be back jerks!
Cappuccino was great and my wife ordered a dirty harry latte which was also very good. Nice rustic atmosphere and quite. Good place to chat or study.
Great place to stop for a minute and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea. Loved their promagranate white tea.....steeped to perfection. They really know the true science of tea brewing.
I love the new and improved Sparrows.They offer great coffee, pastries and a variety of knick knacks.
Ive been coming to the sparrows frequently over the past year. The employees are superb, the coffee and teas are both great, and it has that perfect hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. Make the Sparrows your next coffee stop!
Great little coffee shop. I love the combination of coffee and newstand, and I love all the great teas and choices of coffee. Great place to socialize, but tends to be crowded in my experiences.
Nice sitting, coffee is good but not the best in town. Great sitting and store
Super cozy, amazing service, incredible coffee. This is my new favorite spot!
The staff is friendly and polite. Soft vibes and very cozy with the cute little pants. My only qualm is that I wish there were more options for non-animal milk.
I love the location and setting of this place. The service is always good and the coffee, and selection of tea, is wonderful. Definitely a more hipster vibe.
Favorite coffee shop in GR because if their great seasonal drinks and energetic, poised atmosphere. Plant love!! :)
Nice little coffe and tea shop in Grand Rapids. I went here with a friend to get coffee/tea before our game night with some other friends. The atomsphere here is great and the tea that I had was delicious!
Cute little place. Visited with my friend a while ago. I’ve been wanting to come back for some time now. I’ll have to choose another beberage choice as I wasnt flattered with the americano. Depends on evertones taste. I think it’s a fun and cool place to hang out with friends, or even solo 😀
I love this cozy coffee shop. They know about the coffee and tea and the service is quick. The newsstand is a unique quality as well. They also play good music.
Lady Lazarus is where it is at! With homemade Lavender simple syrup that they make in the shop. It is my absolute favorite no other lavender & honey Latte can compare! As have friendly customer service too!
Great selection of Coffee, Lattes, and Seasonal Cider, complimented by the most delectable sweets! Enjoyed the outdoor patio with a friend.
One of the best parts of Eastown, The Sparrows is a cozy place to sip a handmade warm drink and catch up with an old friend. It does fill up quickly but you can always manage to find a seat.
My favorite GR coffee shop. Great place either to meet friends or work. Both the atmosphere and drinks are great.
A favorite place for tea, coffee, catching up with friends, and studying. They have some pastries for sale, but no real food menu. Their biggest draw is the assortment of teas.
The best Coffee joint in Grand Rapids. If you want to chit chat with a friend or just warm up to a cup of coffee this is the place.
Absolutely loved the coffee! The shop has a rustic - contemporary look and feel. Im in love with this place.
Very smoothe coffee, high quality stuff. Easy going environment. Will go again. Barista was a cool dude -My Girlfriend
The wonderful atmosphere created by this store is reason enough to go there, but luckily their food is also wonderful.
This is my favorite coffee shop in GR. Great coffee and a great place to read, write, or just hang out. I love the variety of newspapers and journals for sale too.
Quite little coffee shop. One of my favorites. Specialty Chai and cappuccino are my favs. They also offer gluten free and dairy free pastries.
So nice and quick, love the earthy atmosphere. almond milk latte was everythinggggggg
Great coffee and great specialty coffee drinks. Very relaxed atmosphere perfect for working or reading. I love to read at the tables outside
Beautiful location and awesome choices. If youre looking for a place to sit and enjoy a pastry with your coffee in East Town, this is your place!
Loved the barista and her recommendation of the lavender cappachino! Pleasantly surprised by the homemade syrup and quaint atmosphere! Cant wait to go back!:)
Nice loose leaf tea selection, and clear brewing pots so you can watch! Friendly staff, nice space with plenty of cozy places to chill.
If you are looking for a sophisticated coffee/tea menu with a homey old neighborhood feel this is THE spot. The food menu is limited but everything they carry is delivered fresh every morning.
Love this place! Great community coffee shop, cozy and friendly. They have a cute outdoor seating area too.
The staff is lovely. The lady Lazarus is the best latte Ive had anywhere ever!
Friendly staff, very helpful if youre not a coffee expert. The environment is nice, warm, and this is really just a nice place to be.
A friend took me here a while ago. It was really good. Good prices for good lattes. pretty clam and quiet there on Sunday mornings.
Very cozy shop, staff is friendly, and the drinks are great!
Their chai tea lattes are very excellent! I have only ever had good experiences at Sparrows! Great coffee places.
Great atmosphere and building. Very nice and friendly baristas. Coffee was a bit burnt and had a metallic taste.
Nice little coffee shop - outdoor area to enjoy some sunshine. Great place to go stare at your digital screen and ignore all the other people there...while they stare at their digital screens
Amazing coffee 😋
This coffee shop is one of my favorites in Grand Rapids (if not my favorite). Good coffee, adorable atmosphere.
The coffee doesnt stand out and neither does the atmosphere in a city full of unique cafes.
One of the best coffee shops in the East Hills/Eastown area. Great tea selection that cant be beat.
Beautiful coffee and news shop. Nice atmosphere and great coffee. Nice to just sit in the window on a rainy day.
SO CUTE and quaint, and I’ve never had a drink I didn’t like from here. Worth checking out if you aren’t local, and worth making yourself a regular at if you are ;)
Great local coffee shop. Stopped by on a Sunday morning. They offer oat milk - not goat milk, oat milk. Had a chai with the oat milk and it was delicious.
Amazing local coffee shop and news stand. Great place for homework and meetings when its not a pandemic out!
My go-to coffee shop in the area. Always friendly service and great coffee.
I dont know anything about coffee or lattes, but the friendly staff does a great job of explaining differences between certain drinks and dont make you feel stupid for not knowing..and everything from the boba tea to the lattes to the scones I have tried has been delicious.
I hated my iced coffee and they 2 barristas working definitely were not friendly. I felt like my bf and I were not good enough to be served here.
Really Like this place. its chill, baristas are always good, and really like the coffee. great place to have a fika.
Love the vibe, love the coffee, love the scones. This is my new fav coffee shop.
Good coffee for moning or weekend
I used the contact form on the website to ask a question about the size of the space to see if it would work for a group event Im planning. After several days, I still hadnt heard back. (Please dont have a contact form on your website if you dont plan to respond to messages sent through it!)I eventually just called and the employee who answered seemed to be in a very big hurry to get me off the phone, even though it was a short call. Before I could even finish my question, he interrupted me.I havent been to the place yet, so maybe Ill eventually try it out and update my rating, if appropriate. But if they cant be bothered to answer simple questions, I somehow doubt I would enjoy this place...
Quaint shop with friendly/ inviting baristas. Reasonable prices for coffee beverages- topped with artistic style! Hipster joint.
Friendly staff and good coffee options. Service is a little slow but not a big deal if you have time to wait.
The coffee is fantastic, I had the newsstand blend. Lots of choices for tea and the staff is friendly !!
Sparrows is a great place to grab a coffee and read a book! Its inviting, chill, and the coffee is good.
I absolutely love this coffee shop. They are LGBT-friendly & the atmosphere is warm & welcoming.
Inside was very neat and good atmosphere. Ordered an iced chai tea latte that tasted like water though.
Coffee was delicious and the atmosphere is great. Also a good place to pick up some long form journalism.
Amazing beverages and tons of options for those with dietary restrictions (specifically vegan)! Great atmosphere and staff
Cozy warm place with excellent coffee! Atmosphere is awesome, quiet, good for working or meetings.
Me and my friends went here at 9:48pm trying to get some coffee and the lady working their said they couldnt make us any coffee because they are closing soon. There were people still there drinking coffee and we new they were discriminating against us.
Excellent expertly prepared beverages. Cozy place to sit, drink and eat.
Great atmosphere and coffee! A nice place to go and chill with a good book or a friend.
I love that they are roasting their own beans now. Another cafe with great, unique coffee flavors!
Great coffee, and great accent from the barista, only thing is they dont have a large cup size
My new favorite coffee shop in town. Good vibes. Good bean juice.
Great coffee (with even better late art). Great atmosphere. All at a great price.
Very rude staff. They were dismissive and not open to fixing my order. I would not recommend at all.
Pleasant experience with very friendly staff
Super atmosphere and great baristas. It will definitely be a place I stop whenever Im in town.
Walked 10 minutes to go there. They were closed until further notice but hadnt updated their hours on Google. 2 employees inside working but still not closed.
Very lovely place to hangout with a friend. The atmosphere is idyllic.
For a small coffee shop it has really great coffee. So if you like coffee shops check this one out
Always super friendly and super yummy! Cozy and relaxing too 😌
Ive had their vegan mocha with oat milk twice, and it is sssooo good!
Sadly way over priced for what you get. I am disappointed I paid $3.50 for a tea here. I would probably no return to be honest
Top notch atmosphere only matched by the quality of the beverages. You wont find a lot of options, but what you do find is worth it.
Great atmosphere and drinks. Great old building to sit and work on homework, grade assignments, or to just sit and chill for a while with Friends.
Super cute and cozy coffee shop. Coffee is good and staff are friendly
Adorable place. Quaint. Full of character. Our barrista was wonderful. Coffee was great.
Total reviews rating 4.6
199 Reviews for The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand 2023:
Review №1
2021-10-20Unique little place• espresso : strong bodied, rich espresso with a cedary tang accompanied with warm brown sugar in the finish (locally roasted by @thesparrowsgr )• homemade syrups :)• fun drink selection• @lamarzocco espresso machine• interior : an eclectic space filled with various large plants, delecate pink accents, and a large wall of local merchandise. This shop has a warm and cozy feel, with more dim lighting and filled space you feel wrapped in your surroundings like a warm blanket.• plenty of available seating with multiple types of options from an inviting couch, standard cafe tables, and bar seating, to antique lounge chairs• very cool outdoor seating area nestled in the ajacent alley, adorned with beautiful leafy vines and set off with adorable pink outdoor chairs• numerous local artisan vendors featured :):)• A w E s O m E plants
Review №2
2021-12-28The Sparrows Coffee shop is so adorable and unique. You walk in and instantly feel welcomed. They have a very polite and positive staff who are knowledgeable when it comes to their menu. I highly recommend visiting this shop if you’re in the area. It doubles as a little book store too!
Review №3
2022-01-26Great staff, nice place to relax with a good cup of coffee! My favorite…their Americano.Today I had their Cordato, very good.
Review №4
2022-07-12My favorite coffee shop!! Such a great atmosphere. Cozy and inviting.Ive been loving the featuring of small businesses and being able to peruse fun products while I wait for my drink.Im never disappointed here. My go to drink is the cardamom latte with oat milk. Such a good spot. Absolutely worth a visit.
Review №5
2022-02-16Very nice little coffee shop with a great atmosphere. The coffee was okay but even though it was supposed to have honey and lavender in it, I couldnt really taste it.I also didnt really care for the fact that the girl working was insistent on mask wearing even though you just grab your coffee and take it off after sitting down 4 feet away. Whats the point of forcing people to wear a mask if youre just going to let them take it off when they drink their coffee?
Review №6
2022-02-07I must have come at a bad time haha, they were out of most the loose leaf teas (only one decaf option for me) and had a small selection to begin with, empty merchandise and magazine shelves, and a very small unappetizing non labeled desert section. Beautiful monstera and pothos plants though. Fine if you live here but not worth a drive.
Review №7
2022-03-19I came in from out of town to visit family and decided to stop here on a whim. This is by far one of the cutest coffee shops Ive ever visited! They sell cute stickers, buttons, and even earrings, the space is wonderfully-decorated, the baristas are incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere is just great overall! And none of this is to mention how great the coffee and food are! I will definitely be coming back next time Im in town.
Review №8
2022-07-12Best coffee spot in GR. Even my out of town friends keep wanting to return here because there is no other place like it. Every drink is made with skill, and the welcoming atmosphere cant be beat. You can get work done here, read, meet with coworkers or friends or maybe write the next great novel. Whoever you are, you are welcome here for an excellent cup of coffee.
Review №9
2021-09-28My husband and I are HUGE coffee fans and this little neighborhood coffee spot is everything to us. They have a lovely selection of books, gifts and local artwork inside. Lots of seating not just tables, but couches and comfy chairs. Lots of natural lighting. One of my favorite details is their free little library for kids outside on the patio
Review №10
2022-06-02Cute atmosphere, sat and sipped for about 30 min while we people watched.