Archival photos: Lemonjello’s Coffee (uploaded 2013), Steven Depolo · Uncommon Coffee Roasters (2016), Emily May. Both CC BY 2.0; cropped and combined.
Updated October 2026
Ask around Holland for the best coffee shop and you’ll get more than a name. You’ll get a favorite latte, a pastry order, the best table to work from, and a strong opinion about who makes the best matcha.
We asked Holland-area Facebook groups and social media where locals go for coffee, then worked through the recommendations and replies. The guide brings together the shops, drinks, food, and practical tips people shared.
The shops below are based on the full body of local feedback we received. Because the original question focused on locally owned coffee shops, we didn't include national-chain recommendations in the main list. This is an informal community guide built from what locals told us.
So…where should you start?
For matcha and creative drinks: Start with Upsidedown. Its matcha and rotating flavor combinations generated some of the most detailed recommendations we received.
For a smooth-tasting cup: Readers frequently pointed to Simpatico.
For atmosphere: Kin’s lakeshore setting got the most vivid praise. Lemonjello’s and Expresso Books & Beans are strong picks if you want to sit down and stay awhile.
For working or studying: Lemonjello’s, The 205, and Expresso Books & Beans all received specific work/study-friendly comments.
For coffee plus breakfast: Kin, Uncommon, Joe2Go, and Respite all had food recommendations strong enough to be part of the reason to visit.
For a roaster-focused stop: Try Stovetop or Uncommon, then compare them with Simpatico.
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The coffee shops locals kept recommending
Upsidedown Coffee — Holland
Upsidedown drew repeated praise for creative drinks, matcha, iced coffee, house-made syrups, and friendly owners and staff. Readers liked having something new to try.
Their suggestions included an iced matcha with almond milk and vanilla, an Americano, a rotating latte, and the cinnamon roll. One reader called the cinnamon roll the best around.
Readers also mentioned events and occasional homemade-pizza preorders. Check the shop’s current updates before planning around a special.
Location: 447 Washington Avenue, Holland, MI 49423
Kin Coffee — Holland Lakeshore
Kin’s lakeshore setting made a strong impression. Locals described the back patio as woodsy and charming, and the inside as especially cozy once the weather turns.
Reader favorites included the Nutty Dutchman, pumpkin latte, Kindred Spirit, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and cookies. The house-made syrups also got a shout-out.
Locals suggested getting there early if you want a table and mentioned the monthly art prompt. Most service comments were positive, though one reader reported a less-positive experience.
Location: 1200 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424
Simpatico Coffee — Holland
Simpatico came up consistently for the coffee itself. Readers described it as smooth and easy to drink, with a less acidic taste.
They recommended the Black & Tan blend, a brown-butter toasted-marshmallow latte, and banana bread. One reader buys fresh-ground dark roast to take home.
Readers also mentioned scratch-made baked goods and gluten-free and vegan choices. Ask the shop about current options and ingredients if you have a dietary restriction.
Locations:
714 Michigan Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.
235 N. River Avenue, Holland, MI 49424.
The north-side café moved from Butternut Drive to River Avenue in April 2026.
Stovetop Coffee Roasters — Holland
Stovetop kept coming up when locals talked about the coffee itself, including among readers who recommended several Holland shops.
The café miel drew more than one specific recommendation. One reader said it was among the best they’d had.
Readers mentioned two Holland locations, so choose your stop before heading out.
Locations:
180 E. 40th Street, Suite 400, Holland, MI 49423.
317 Central Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.
Lemonjello’s Coffee — Downtown Holland
Lemonjello’s drew praise for its staff, atmosphere, and local-minded approach. Readers especially liked having space to sit down and stay awhile.
A pistachio latte with almond milk was one reader’s specific order.
Locals mentioned the seating and tables as useful for getting work done. Another reader singled out the shop’s environmental ethics.
Location: 61 E. 9th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Simply Roasted Cafe — Borculo / Holland Area
Simply Roasted’s fans talked about friendly people, a cozy atmosphere, and the feeling that customers quickly become regulars.
Reader suggestions included an iced coffee with raspberry and white chocolate, the Iced Ribbon Cutter, and the Iced Pumpkin Crumble.
Locals described it as worth the short drive to Borculo. Seasonal drinks can change, so check what’s on the menu before making a special trip.
Location: 6441 96th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464 (Borculo)
Uncommon Coffee Roasters — Saugatuck
Uncommon’s fans described it as worth the drive to Saugatuck for the coffee and praised its community involvement.
Lattes, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches all received recommendations. Readers liked being able to make the coffee stop a meal.
Location: 127 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453
The 205 Coffee Bar — Downtown Holland
The 205 drew recommendations for its lattes, food, interior, and downtown atmosphere.
Readers suggested a hazelnut latte, Vietnamese coffee with avocado toast, or waffles.
One reader liked it as a study spot and praised the design and dishware, while noting that it can get loud.
Location: 205 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI 49423
Expresso Books & Beans — Holland
Expresso Books & Beans stood out for its book-filled atmosphere, friendly service, and drink choices, especially sugar-free options.
Readers suggested a signature latte, a sugar-free pumpkin latte, or hot chocolate, and said the staff was happy to help with custom combinations.
They also mentioned food, smoothies, frappes, slushies, teas, outdoor space, and pup cups. It was a popular suggestion for settling in with a book or meeting a friend.
Location: 3006 West Shore Drive, Holland, MI 49424
Joe2Go — Holland
Joe2Go’s fans praised smooth coffee and breakfast food on Holland’s north side.
Reader favorites included the Carmello Latte, a mocha, a breakfast sandwich, and homemade protein bites.
One reader liked the less-bitter taste of the coffee and appreciated the gluten-free snack choices.
Location: 166 E. Lakewood Boulevard, Holland, MI 49424
Respite Cappuccino Court — Douglas
Respite drew enthusiastic recommendations for both drinks and food. One reader described the Douglas café as “small but mighty.”
Their suggested pairings included a lemon bar with black coffee or a smoked-salmon bagel for breakfast.
It was a south-lakeshore suggestion for readers who want coffee with breakfast or lunch.
Location: 48 W. Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406
More local coffee stops readers told us about
These additional reader recommendations are worth knowing about, too.
City on a Hill Café: Readers pointed to espresso drinks, matcha, baked goods, and breakfast. The café operates on weekdays.
100 Pine Street, Zeeland, MI 49464.
Visit City on a Hill Café →
La Conchita N’ More: Readers mentioned café de olla, conchas, and breakfast tacos. This is the listed address; confirm current hours and menu before a special trip.
501 Butternut Drive, Suite 2, Holland, MI 49424.
Visit La Conchita N’ More →
Woosah Art + Coffee: Readers liked the cold brew and outdoor seating.
450 W. Center Street, Douglas, MI 49406.
Visit Woosah Art + Coffee →
Blue Star Barns Coffee & Bikes: Readers singled out the setting and atmosphere.
3483 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck, MI 49453.
Visitor listing →
Brew Sisters: A reader shout-out for a Fennville coffee stop.
205 W. Main Street, Fennville, MI 49408.
Visitor listing →
Root Café, Coffeehouse & Spirits: Another Fennville recommendation from readers.
120 E. Main Street, Fennville, MI 49408.
Visit Root Café, Coffeehouse & Spirits →
The 6eight: Readers also sent us to this Zeeland café.
201 W. Washington Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464.
Current menu →
Bowerman’s on 8th Bakery & Café: Readers mentioned the blueberry coffee.
2 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
Visit Bowerman’s on 8th Bakery & Café →
Corazón De Café: Another reader shout-out. The café reopened in August 2026 with a smaller menu, so check current choices.
106 W. 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
Current menu →
Piki’s Café & Torta Shop: Readers also recommended this Hopkins café.
111 W. Main Street, Hopkins, MI 49328.
Current menu →
Foxtail and other chain options also had fans in the comments, but we kept the main list focused on the local shops readers were originally asked to recommend.
Drink and food suggestions above came from readers and may include seasonal or past specials. Menus, hours, and availability change, so check the shop’s current details before a special trip.
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