Love this cafe! I haven't tried them in years since moving away, but had to stop in during a recent visit home. They have since changed owners since I last visited, and had the opportunity to meet the new owners daughter who was working on bar that day. She is so friendly and makes a great macchiato! I used to be a barista for a few years and have since become an at home espresso enthusiast. This cafe produces delicious, quality espresso made with care. Quiet, clean, and cozy. Great study spot or catch up with friends. Can't wait to return next time I'm in town! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Small iced traditional macchiato - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

Do not get beans here. Do not let them grind them. I like to support local shops when I am traveling and I have my own espresso maker. I asked for espresso grind. When I opened the bag I could tell right away it was too fine. I attempted to pull a shot, but got nothing. It was most definitely Turkish grind. Since I could do nothing with the bag, I went back to explain this was ground too fine. The same individual was there and reacted with condensation, saying this is indeed espresso grind, which is basically Turkish, and he doesn't know what kind of maker I have so he cannot dial it in. I said I have never had this problem in the years I have done this at other shops. He acted like he could do nothing for me, so when I pressed that I can do nothing with these beans I spent money on, he got on the phone. At one point I heard him say, "Yes, I tried to explain that to her." As if I didn't know what I was talking about. I was finally given the option to get a bag of beans without having them ground, which is all I really wanted. I can grind the beans in my own grinder at home. I went down the street and bought a bag of beans there. I asked for espresso grind and mentioned that the last place gave me Turkish. She had to look up the appropriate setting, but she got it perfect. When I got home and opened the bag of beans from Black Iron, the beans were oily and smelled burnt. My coffee tasted that way, too. I was rather shocked because the latter I had ordered with my purchase was not bad. I had to use them up slowly by masking the bad taste with my go-to beans. read more

Wow, the coffee here is outstanding! We tried a flat white latte, and a cappuccino with toasted marshmallow syrup, both delicious! The added syrup was just enough to give it flavor, not overly sweet, the rich taste of the coffee was the star. We also enjoyed both a savory scone (caramelized onion and cheddar) and a sweet one (maple pecan)...great texture and flavor for both! Very friendly service as well, we will definitely plan to come back! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Maple pecan scone - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

Unfortunately, could've had a much better experience here. I am not from the area and wanted a bagel sandwich with my coffee. When placing the order the man taking the order laughed and said, "No you can't have that" and was very matter of fact. Appearing that it was silly to assume that they made enough bagels to last till noon, and brushed it off by saying to comeback tomorrow around 10am. Very off putting service, and rude. Will not be returning. read more

Latte with cinnamon, honey Trying Something different and was great Would recommend read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Black Iron Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

Nice place. My husband's decaf latte was robust and tasty... However, My regular mocha latte tasted like water with oatmilk and cinnamon. When I told them something might be wrong ( I have been doing local cafe's for decades), the "genetlman" proceeded to charge me $4.98 for another shot and just dumped it on top of the coffee. He then consdecendingly told me "Well you know they pour the milk on top of the coffee. Maybe you couldn't taste it... ". Really? Is that why it looked like watery milk too? This is customer service? I should in retrospect have told them to keep their crap coffee and left. Never going back again. read more

Delicious coffee made well. The interior is a bit industrial/bare, but there are places to lounge

Wow! I think this has become my new favorite coffee shop! Everything we got was absolutely delicious! They have so many drink options and so many flavor options. Service was not the fastest, but that is because everything is handcrafted and fresh. The people working were extremely nice as well. Love the atmosphere of the place. Unique building. Would be a great place to come and work. The only thing that would make it better is if they got more fresh food options like paninis or other breakfast/lunch options. read more

Looking at reviews, it seems this place has been open for a while, but actually visiting the café, it seemed like everyone was new and unsure of how to handle the influx of customers. Seeing their sign stating they were awarded best coffee from Channel 4, I thought I would be drinking an amazing cup of coffee. While this place may have a fan base, it was just not my jam, and that is okay. They had four people working, two to figure out of the cash register, and two to figure out how to make the coffee. With four people, you would have thought the process would have been faster, but they were slowly making one cup at a time and did not seem to master the efficiency of a busy café yet. They blamed the farmer's market day but had a long line of people waiting for their drinks. Many were getting visually impatient and were audibly claiming to not want to come back after waiting for so long. The anxiety of their customers took away from the chill coffee culture vibe. I did not see any food and they only had a menu hanging on butcher paper. The menu was very simple, so I am not sure why each cup took so long to prepare. I had their signature Black Iron latte which they claimed had a special house syrup. With all of the careful coffee tamping, I though it would be bold, but it was fairly weak coffee with only a hint of syrup. It was fair and only tasted a bit better when I got to the bottom of the cup. This is the second disappointing coffee experience in a week. I love to try small businesses, but if Starbucks makes a better bolder cup, it is hard going outside the comfort zone. read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

Clean and inviting, with house-made baked treats, a friendly staff, and a perfect cup of coffee. I had a flat white; they poured the froth with a fern leaf design ; ) I dig this spot! read more

this place is super hit or miss. this goes for pastries and drinks. i ordered a chai tea latte this morning that was CAKED in dry cinnamon and hard to drink. whenever desirae is there (barista) my drinks turn out phenomenal, ask for her! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

A lovely little coffee shop in the vibrant and bustling downtown Howell! I was fortunate enough to attend the day of their grand re-opening and beat most of the crowds pouring in! I ordered their namesake - the delicious Black Iron latte concocted using their homemade vanilla syrup with honey and cinnamon. It was smooth, delicious, and a great way to start the day. I plan to return the next time I'm in Howell and am glad to have a fun little shop around with extremely friendly staff offering delicious, fresh roasted coffee offered at reasonable prices! read more

Black Iron is by far the best coffee shop in Howell. I try to stop in every weekend or on days that I work from home. The Black Iron latte is so good and is usually my go-to order. The owner and workers are friendly, and the atmosphere of the place is delightful. read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - The signature Black Iron latte. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

Best coffee shop in the Howell / Brighton area! I must admit I didn't realize they existed until a friend whose taste I trust recommended this shop over Uptown. Lower visibility from the road than its' longtime competitor- But the coffee IS SO MUCH BETTER and they don't have the whole leisurely, "i'll be open when I feel like serving you coffee" hours going on. Their nitro cold brew is off the chain, as well as their latte. I'm a cheap date. Latte when its cold or a nitro cold brew when its warm. I cant stress enough how excellent their cold brew and espresso drinks are. Espresso and hot beverages are served in mugs for here or standard to go cup. As an ann arbor resident i'd give this spot a tie with drip house and comet coffee in the arcade. The upsell is the homey vibes a more rural town like howell affords. You won't get any side-eye. I love ann arbor, but post 2020 at many establishments, there are subliminal... fascist vibes. (Though Drip House is excluded from that anecdote.) Super friendly staff. They genuinely take an interest in you. I go here to write and I always end up chatting with Noelle and distracting her. Great sitch for working at a laptop or notebook. They do serve a small lunch and breakfast menu until 2pm. I tried the breakfast wrap and it was great. Sausage, egg, cheese, and a cheddar jalapeño wrap. This is a gem, Howell! Give this shop more love!! read more

See all

They have excellent coffee . It's just the way my husband and I like it. We are pretty fussy when it comes to having a good cup of strong coffee. But if you don't like strong coffee I'm sure they make just the way you want it. read more

Very very delicious coffee and friendly people working here. I got a latte three days in a row and it was perfect every time, perfect foam and flavor. Highly recommend this spot! read more

this is my fave local coffee shop. i go here to study frequently. they have the most perfect coffee shop vibes playlist and it's a great environment w good coffee too! staff is so kind and thoughtful. read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

This is the best coffee place in Howell. Great atmosphere, excellent baristas, and the best tasting coffee around. Uptown has more variety, but for my money Black Iron has the taste, no doubt. read more

Delicious!!! My first visit to Black Iron Coffee Roasters after it was highly recommended by my friend. She had a latte and I had a hot chocolate and both drinks were fantastic! My hot chocolate was great, thick and hot without being overwhelmingly sweet or too rich. Best hot chocolate I've had in a long time! read more

I've lived in Howell practically my whole life and can't believe that it took me this long to try this spot out! I had the raspberry rose latte with macadamia milk and it was delicious!!! I really love that they offer such unique flavors! I will most definitely be going back asap! I'm excited to try out their breakfast and lunch menu too! I will say that I do prefer a cozier style coffeehouse with comfy couches and chairs but I'm 100% willing to sacrifice comfort for an amazing latte! Everyone should check this place out! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Raspberry Rose Latte with Macadamia milk. Yum!!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

I was quite happy with this lovely little coffe shop on the main drag in downtown Howell. The interior is beautifully done with brick walls and wooden floors. I found the service to be quite pleasant, as the two young women working were polite and efficient. They normally offer light lunch fare, but their kitchen was closed the day I was there (I think it might be closed for the duration of the crisis). But they offered a redeye coffee concoction, which was exactly what I needed. I also ordered a latte and a mocha for others in the group. Although I took these back home, the indoor seating area was indeed open for those who wanted to sit and consume their drinks on-site. There was also pleasant outdoor seating available. The experience was quite positive, so I will look forward to my next visit. read more

See all

Working the Howell Melonfesst, the weather turned to cold rain and I started to freeze at the information booth. A friend brought me to Black iron to warm up and to stay dry and I entered to a warm welcoming environment that I truly appreciate. All I ordered was a black coffee but this is the first time I've ever ordered coffee and establishment like this and I really really really enjoy it. The staff is very courteous professional and time. The coffee actually taste really really good better than when I make it home. And I'm looking forward to returning to the Stabley Schmidt I hope I get to see the same staff members because they were very hospitable very gracious and very very dedicated employees to this establishment. I highly recommend black iron to anyone visiting Howell I hope you consider it because it was well worth my trip and I know it's worth yours thank you. read more

See all

I only stopped in for lunch to grab a quick sandwich. The cheese quesadilla with chicken was so good!! They were out of salsa, but I was given extra sour cream instead. Lots of coffee and other options to choose from. Staff is very nice!! read more

We were visiting friends when we stopped in for some coffee. This place is so cute with vintage charm and delicious coffee and tea. I got an ice chai tea with oat milk and when I say it was the best chai tea I've ever had I'm not exaggerating. I also got a pour over coffee with oat milk and it was delicious and strong. I love that they have milk alternative options. Definitely a must! Oh also we got a bagel with cream cheese and a blueberry muffin, both were amazing! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Historic floor tile. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

This place is new in town and from the twin bay windows at the front, you can see the established rival Uptown Coffee just up the road. As a coffee snob, my husband was keen to try the new kid so we popped in last week. The ambience is fairly stark and industrial; brick walls, wood plank floors, high ceilings, metal seating with a sofa at the back. There is a quality record player on the shelf primed with Joy Division vinyl but it was not playing. I remember hearing some industrial metal music instead -apt. To the coffee; husband ordered a Kenyan roast. This is roasted in-house. He said it made his bones jangle in the best way. And would be a good local alternative to Roos Roast in Ann Arbor where he works. I had steamed milk and honey (pregnancy) so I can't comment (yet) but was disappointed at the lack of eats on display (a few small cookies and thin slices of poppy loaf in an unlit case). I'm willing to put these minor points down to teething troubles. I'm sure customer feedback will solve them in time. There weren't many customers inside when we went and it does look a little dark and dim (ie not open) from the outside which probably doesn't help. The main point of concern is can Howell sustain 2 coffee shops? Uptown can get pretty crowded (especially on farmers market days) but has the edge on location, being situated in the Alley District. Yet if Black Iron can soften a few of its macho edges (more soft seating, lighting and baked goods) then it could be a contender to the coffee shop throne here. read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Black Iron Coffee Roasters glares up the hill towards its rival on the right. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

Great vibe in this shop! Love the rustic decore and the casual touches like the written out menu and the baristas were quick and answered all my questions about my very specific order. read more

Great coffee and great atmosphere to relax and get away, for a bit, from the grind of cleaning your house and handling children all the time. Bagels are good and people are friendly. read more

Unique gem in downtown Howell! I must say that my husband and I are coffee snobs and their coffee has been hands down the best I've ever had. What sets this coffee shop apart from others in the area is the fact that they roast their own coffee in-house allowing you to buy their freshly roasted beans and grounds that the owner has roasted himself. This is in addition to serving up their delicious coffees, lattes, baked cookies etc. at the shop. They also uniquely use ceramic coffee mugs in-house helping reduce the use of plastics/toss away cups (although they have to-go cups if you are grabbing a coffee on the go). Practice patience, as they just opened and do not yet have a full staff. I hope the city sees what a gem this coffee shop is! read more

I've always enjoyed their coffee and lattes. This weekend we ordered a bagel breakfast sandwich and the grilled ham and cheese. They were both excellent. I didn't realize they make their bagels on-site. And the sandwich was very cheesy! We'll definitely try out more of the baked goods and sandwiches. read more

This place... THIS place is an AMAZING place to get coffee, and tea!!! The Black Iron Latte is one of the best tasting drinks I've ever had. I am a coffee snob, I don't like burnt espresso or overly sweet latte drinks... I want to taste the nueances of the roast. (Snob, I told ya'.) The BIL is full bodied and flavorful, I get an extra shot AND they have oat and macadamia nut milk. #vegan. The chai latte is amazing as well... Also the matcha latte. BIRC also has compostable cups, lids & straws, AND reusable bamboo straws are avail for purchase. The ladies there are also amazing, and will give you suggestions for drinks bases on your likings. Do yourself a favor, skip Uptown and go downtown, to Black Iron Roasters. read more

This spot is best in Howell and maybe brighton for coffee. The interior is hands down what wins me over along with the fact that they put your coffee in a nice cup and not some cheap ass cup. read more

This is hands down my favorite coffee shop. It's always busy when I come in but more than worth the wait. The staff is always kind and patient and the owner himself is usually here mixing up drinks. Setting wise, i can't imagine somewhere more perfect, all wood and brick with local art work and great music. If you ever have a chance this place is worth checking out! read more

Very cool place! Went there for the first time today and I'm already excited to go back! I arrived a few minutes after they opened and was welcomed by the two men working at the time. The barista was very kind and recommended his favorite drinks. He was a great help to my friends and me while we were all deciding what to get. I went with the nitro cold brew and I was not disappointed! read more

Black Iron Coffee Roasters - Coffee menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Howell, Michigan

See all

Amazing!! Not many places near me have nitro cold brew but they did so I had to get it & it was one of the best I have had, definitely will be back to try other things! They also have available in-store & outdoor seating available :-) read more

See all

I've been to the new coffee place a couple of times already. I'm pretty simple when it comes to coffee, medium roast, black. So that's all I can really comment on. Good news is they don't mess that up. I like the ambiance a bit more than nearby locations as it puts me more in a working mood which I have come to do on each visit. It's a bit more of an open space so it doesn't feel crowded, but you won't get that "cozy" feeling if that's what you're going for (I'm not.) Also, I'm a fan of the cups they use. They're sturdy and you don't need to put on a sleeve. read more

my favorite place to grab coffee in howell. the store has nice aesthetics and the coffee has strong flavor, which i prefer. they have syrups made in-house and roast their own beans which is appreciated. read more

My husband and I went in today for a coffee and a bakery item. The bakery items had zero appeal. I think they had one chocolate chip cookie, 6 french macaroons (which I'm sure they didn't make), and a few scones. No bagels. So we didn't buy any breakfast. My husband's coffee was good, my chai was way too sweet. Also, when we went up to the counter, we had to say hello to the worker, instead of her greeting us. We liked the atmosphere, but probably wouldn't be back. If I were them, I'd concentrate on their coffee and bring in baked goods from the new bakery in town. read more

At first a little shaky but later in after a second visit the coffee is pretty good and friendly service I highly recommend and a great inter. That was until last week. I come back AND EVERYTHING is over priced. Really a dollar for water really. When i has the coffee it was awful. You should go to uptown much better place read more

Hands down one of my favorite coffee spots around. Great service and the best tasting coffee I have had in a long time!

The service is terrible took 10 minutes to get my coffee, I would recommend uptown Coffee because it has better service and coffee is a lot better. read more