Love the Java Jive: Enjoy Local Coffee Shops in Downtown Royal Oak, Michigan

People will always have their favorite coffee houses, often traveling out of the way to get their plain coffee, specialty coffee, iced coffee or whatever hip coffee creation happens to be of the moment. I think that Royal Oak, Michigan offers some of the most convenient local coffee shops around. Why travel out of the way when you can walk to one right down the street? There are three fine local coffee shops in the downtown area: Caribou Coffee, Starbucks Coffee, and Bean & Leaf Cafe. All of these local coffee shops are located on main street in downtown Royal Oak, and all are easily reached from any of the local parking lots.

Starbucks Coffee is located at 300 South Main Street (map). This local coffee shop provides the consistency of a Starbucks that customers have come to trust. The downtown Royal Oak store in particular, I think, has a bit more seating than others in in the chain in the area due to their ability to expand onto the sidewalk in front of the shop during the good weather hours. An excellent location for the morning ritual caffeine infusion, this local coffee shop can't offer a drive-thru like many others in the chain, but it makes up for it with rock-steady in-store wireless computer access and oven-warmed food items should you need a little more than just a jolt. I recommend the iced lemon loaf bread because it reminds me of my Grandma's Dutch Butter Cake.

Caribou Coffee is located at 401 South Main Street (map). This local coffee shop also provides the trusted consistency of a national chain that customers have come to trust. Their selection of organic and rainforest friendly coffee is outstanding, but what really makes this location shine is the effervescent customer service. There hasn't been a single time in the 10 years I've been going to this local coffee shop that I haven't been greeted with a genuine smile for a good friend. The seating is outstanding, but the place is constantly packed. The variety of seating is excellent, with chairs and tables sitting comfortably side by side with cozy couches and plush lounging chairs. The in store wireless provides excellent internet access. I recommend the Lemon Poppyseed Bread for a tasty, rich treat. And don't forget to try to answer the daily trivia question posted on the display boards for a small discount.

Bean & Leaf Cafe is located at 106 South Main Street (map). This local coffee shop was voted one of the best independent coffee shops in the Best of Hour Detroit for 2008. Their seasonal coffees never fail to impress me with their variety, but I think what really stands out are the employees willing to discuss the coffee with you. Don't understand what low acidity and good body mean in a cup of coffee? Ask and they'll teach you what you need to know. While other local coffee shops offer a small selection of teas, this local coffee shop is a treasure trove of specialty teas you'll be hard pressed to find served elsewhere in the area. If java isn't your jive, check out their tea selection and top it off with one of their goodie selections. The coffee and tea make them an excellent choice for your caffeine break, but their regular photographic art displays from Exposure.Detroit launch the very mellow atmosphere of this local coffee shop from cozy to elegantly trendy. It's the perfect little shop to relax in. And if you're worried about staying green and doing good for the environment, this local coffee shop is one of the only ones in the area to offer Eco-Cups, a biodegradable coffee cup for your guilt-free local coffee pleasure.