Unexpectedly tucked away on Holbrook in a Hamtramck neighborhood Cafe 1923 is the perfect spot to grab your morning cup of joe, work on that college essay, or meet and chat with friends. The vintagey coffee shop offers a variety of caffeine laden drinks, a selection of teas as well as a pretty solid list of sandwiches and salads. I've never eaten any of the sammies, but the salad I had was fresh and crisp. In addition, they offer a tasty selection of foods from the Zen Center like the kale salad and raw kale chips which I am horribly horribly addicted to. Patrons and staff alike are as friendly as all get out and seem to know when to leave you alone and when to chat about everything from politics to pop culture. You wanna talk about nice?The barista even steamed my soy milk before I added it to my delicious Italian roast coffee . Simple pleasures, people. Cafe 1923 is tiny but it packs a hard punch. There is a comfy, library spot in the back of the shop with wooden bookcases filled to the ceiling with amazing reads and cozy chairs. In addition, there is a small patio area which was wonderful on the brisk morning I decided to revisit the joint-and I'm glad I did. So to hell with Starbucks and Caribou I pick Cafe 1923! read more

I had no idea this funky little bit of coffee heaven existed in Hamtramck. It's a perfect spot to get some work done or have a small meeting. The barista regaled us with stories of exploding eggs and vodka lattes while he made a pretty damn perfect café caramel. And the coffee didn't burn my tongue when I took my first sip, which is always a bonus. It's quiet, but not library quiet; it's comfortable but you won't be tempted to take a nap. If you need a distraction or break, take a look at the artwork or grab a book off the shelf. This place just earned a spot on my "where to go to get some work done" list. read more

It's really cozy place. I'm giving them 3 because I only had tea. You really can't mess up tea. So when I have their coffee I'm sure it will go up. The vibe is very cozy, 90's cafe vibe. Basically like the coffee shop on friends, but quieter. read more

Cafe 1923 - Egyptian camomile tea. There mugs are so cute! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

Cafe 1923 has the potential to be a great spot in Hamtramck for socializing and multi-cultural engagement (through the love of coffee and books). But I can't recall a single time I've been there and the baristas were welcoming. Doesn't matter who's behind the counter. Their attitude is always very dry and uninviting. read more

I love Cafe 1923. People are incredibly friendly, music is always good and not intrusive (for the times I go there to actually get work done) and when there isn't anybody interesting to talk with, the bookshelves are stocked with mostly interesting books (to be fair, some look entirely boring) Overall, I go out of my way to stop at Cafe 1923, its a fantastic local business that I love to support. read more

recently my favorite place to study. i've been coming here weekly for the past month or two and i almost always get a lot of work done in a great atmosphere. there are a lot of regulars and the people who work here seem to know just about everyone who comes in. sometimes people are doing social things like hanging out or chatting, but most of the time i've been there it's a studious bunch. (not that i at all mind background chatter.) the music is always good - familiar and not intrusive. the coffee itself is fine though i don't know much about good coffee. refills are a quarter. i usually get americanos and i got one here once, but i didn't like it. i've just gotten regular coffee since and my friend usually gets a tea, which never disappoints. the pastries are mostly good, though i'd always get the pinwheel bakery ones to be on the safe side. i've never gotten the food, but one time someone did and it smelled good haha. in the front room where there are tables, the seating along the wall are church pews. i like the aesthetic but they are incredibly uncomfortable as anyone who has recently been to a long catholic wedding knows. when i came here a long time ago, there was a table and chairs set up on a dais looking out of the window. it's not there anymore and i hope they don't bring that back, because the light from that window is pretty. it's a few miles out for me, but i like it every time. read more

I think that Michael C really covered it in his review below. I would like to add that Cafe 1923 has some of the nicest employees. I recently moved from LA, and the 2 owners of the Cafe were the first 2 people to introduce themselves to me and my boyfriend. Maybe it was good business, or maybe they are just really friendly. (probably a little of both!) Later hours would be great, but this is Hamtramck and almost everyone is at a bar after 8pm anyway. Cafe 1923 is the temporary home of HATCH (hatchart.org) , so you can plan on being visually pleased with the art selection. Please try the Michigan Cherry Coffee.. it is simply amazing. oh and cash only... thats why I only put 4 stars. oh i almost forgot.. they serve NEW YORK BAGELS on Sunday mornings!!!! read more

Coffee shops in Hamtramck have struggled. Luckily, after two year's Cafe 1923 seems to be going stronger than ever. It is a great building -- a grocery store, reclaimed by the original owner's grandson. Personable staff, good coffee, nice muffins, bagles on weekends, a big sausage outside the window, and always, always great conversation. And a wi-fi oasis in Hamtown. read more

It's nice, generally quiet, parking is easy because it's not downtown, coffee's great... I've done a lot of work on my laptop here Just a good proper coffee shop read more

I love 1923! There's such an awesome, laid-back vibe there. It's really cozy, and the staff are all extremely friendly. There are plenty of great books to read, and a lot of different sorts of coffee drinks, all at a lower price than, say, Starbucks. The reason I can't give them 5 stars is because they don't open until 10 AM on weekends! I understand this is to give the employees a little break and all that, but it's a COFFEE SHOP! I'm up at around 7:00 AM every day, and by 10, my caffeine addiction has reached a painful peak. In their defense, the owner is usually there about an hour before, and he's let me in early. Oh, and they don't accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash on hand. read more

Prices are appropriate, the product is decent, and it is convenient. I've been here several times for all of those reasons. I don't think I'll be back anymore though. The staff has always been a bit cold and unwelcoming, but I dealt with it. My most recent trip however, the regular barista seemed bothered by my presence, and rolled her eyes because I was taking a phone call(I understand this isn't the most polite thing while getting coffee, but I was getting coffee to go, which was self-serve). I'll take my business where it is appreciated, and where I don't feel like a burden on the staff. read more

Lovely quiet place to have a cup of coffee. Or tea! Back when I lived closer to Hamtramck I was here quite a lot during the winter and liked using it as a mobile office of sorts - the back room with the books is wonderfully relaxing and there's lots of places to sit and focus. There's also sometimes live music, but unlike other coffee shops it's not too loud and tends to be relaxing folk. Not to be cliche, but it sounds like "coffee shop music". In a good way. So props to whoever books bands. One nitpick - I'm not sure if this is still the case since I haven't asked recently, but when I frequented Cafe 1923 a lot awhile back they were a cash-only establishment. So I'd recommend having some extra on hand if you plan on going - I always end up having a second cup once I get settled in, and it's a bummer to have to go out and hit up the ATM and possibly lose your seat. read more

I love this place. Perfect spot to do homework, or read... Or socialize! It really is for everyone. Sometimes the staff act like they're too cool to talk to you but I don't even care because I love this place so much read more

Great spot in Hamtramck for coffee and lounging. I truly enjoy their products they have from the Detroit Zen Center for $5 ! East access with street parking. Lots of great space to sit and read a book or just chat with a friend. read more

Love the place and such a convenient location! Great place to hold a study session with friends. They have many kinds of coffee and so many baked goodies! They also sell snacks! There is free wifi and a library in the back, which makes it so easy to study there. Ive had the muffins and coffee there. Superb! Do pay a visit if you havent! read more

I was looking for a place to go for a low-key date and a friend recommended Cafe 1923. I'd heard of it but never been there, so I decided that now is the time! It was adorable. The library room was absolutely perfect for sitting around playing one of the many board games they had available. I've gotta say...the game "If" made for an interesting date! I can't wait to spend more time here drinking tea and reading. It's easy to get to, and there was ample street parking available when we were there on a Friday evening. read more

This is an excellent place to enjoy a variety of specialty coffees. My personal favorite is Mexican coffee. Great people who always greet you with a smile. read more

Beautiful spot, great coffee, cool workers . A 5 star place, only gets 4 because I was in there a few weeks ago and forgot my wallet and no one in line offered to pay for me. Thought that was a little rude considering how much I seemed like I needed a good cup of joe but that's hardly the establishments fault. Tip: I like sitting in the room at the back of the cafe that's also a storage space. read more

Delightful cafe that I hit whenever I'm in Hamtramck. Pluses: 1) wonderful old restored pharmacy space with several rooms, different places to sit, patio, wi-fi; 2) excellent homemade carrot cake and the like by a local, Agnieska Jablonska; 3) above-average coffees; 4) they give you a heated cup for coffee; 5) free street parking. Note: I have not tried the sandwiches. read more

Coffee was decent, 'espresso' tasted like normal coffee that was put in a portafilter and not an actual espresso blend. Atmosphere was cool, somewhat too relaxed, but a great place to chill and relax for a bit read more

The cafe is incredibly cute and a colleague and I decided to meet up here after seeing the great Yelp reviews. However, the coffee was horrendous - it can rank as the worst latte I have ever had. Several of my friends told me later that they also had the same experience. I had the peppermint patty latte ($5) and it tasted burnt and bitter. The coffee was over-extracted and does not have the smooth taste of coffee or latte. Rather it hits you in the face - I could not finish. Perhaps tea or baked goods are good here - would not recommend the latte or is cafe at this point read more

Cafe 1923 is my favorite coffee shop. Their coffee is just simply the best. I like the laid back atmosphere.

This place is a needle in a haystack... literally. The picture windows and sidewalk billboard look like something from Royal Oak... except in Hamtramck. Amidst thin houses, check cashing/money order liquor stores, and machine shops... Cafe 1923 waits. The place is wonderful inside; full wood floors and comfortable chairs await you. The prices are fair and the coffee is even better. The major draw of the cafe is the "reading room"; a smoking lounge stacked floor-to-ceiling with books! If you're looking for Shell Silverstein poetry, Frank Miller graphic novels, or even some stuffy brit lit, it's all there - something for everyone. I have only two complaints about the cafe: First, the wi-fi is turned off about an hour before the cafe closes... which brings me to their hours: their hours are not the best. Unlike most coffee houses in the burbs, Cafe 1923 closes well before midnight on Saturday nights. This may be due to low traffic (what losers besides myself want to hang around in a cafe and read god awful books on a Saturday night?) or simply due to the owner wanting to get his hooch on as well... but for those of us over 21, we could simply stay at the cafe til close, and then walk across the street (yes, directly across the street) to the bar to continue our beverage consumption. read more

I am in love with Cafe 1923. I love everything about it. The coffee (arguably the most important part) is fantastic. The espresso is too. The pastries are always delicious and always seem very fresh to me. The baristas are super friendly and I've never had bad or snooty service here (which is a lot more than can be said for many coffee places in Detroit and Ferndale). The space is beautiful, inside and out-- the back patio/yard area is the best on a sunny day. I can spend hours in this place and still feel a little sad that I have to leave. It's pretty quiet, so you can read or study without issue, and other patrons have always been considerate and polite when I've been in (e.g. no mouthy douchebags/loud frat boy types). I agree with all of the lists compiled by voting readers of various local magazines-- this is the best coffee house in metro Detroit. read more

I want to give this place a great review, but nearly every time I visit I'm disappointed. They're out of skim milk, they're out of bagels, they're out of sandwiches, they don't take credit cards, they're out of cream cheese. It's always something every time! The decor is lovely and the atmosphere is cozy, though and if for any reason I had to get out of my house, but couldn't find a bar that was open, I'd probably set up shop with my laptop here. read more

This cafe is so cute! There are a ton of books to thumb though and comfy chairs to lounge in. The barista was really nice. I just ordered a chai latte, it was tasty and it came in the perfect sized mug. My boyfriend said that the coffee was excellent too. We'll be back. read more

I'm really enjoying this spot. Has the quality chill that one hopes to find in a neighborhood cafe: friendly baristas, cozy ambience, steady wifi and good drink/food options. The perfect place to read with a hot cup anytime, especially on the couches in their library room. read more

I love this cafe! Originally I came here to meet from friend Sarah, who had just started working as a barrista at 1923. And I have to say that my friendship bias aside, this really is one the truly great undiscovered gems in our area. People have raved about the book room (it's true, great browsing books, not just trash) and the comfy sofas. The restroom is ALWAYS clean! Most of all I love the patio in the back. It's like hanging in your backyard, but with yummy drinks and snacks (that you don't have to make) only a step away. read more

I would love to give 5 stars because everything in there is delicious! But it's the nasty unwelcoming attitude I have received on each visit. This place isn't around the corner...I make special trips. A smile, hello, thank you, have a good day...these would be nice. To sigh and have the attitude you hate your job...horrible. I fear ordering...because they give no feed back and if you change your mind...just walk out read more

After visiting the Detroit Zen Center, I was looking to chill at the coffee shop and found Cafe 1923 on Yelp. It has a comfy, cozy vibe, and it was wonderful to sit in the back room with the bookshelves. Prices were standard and there were lots of baked goods/snacks but no gluten free friendly ones. One downside was that it kind of smelled like dirty, like BO. I'm not sure if it's always like that or perhaps it was just someone sitting near me that day. read more

Cafe 1923 - Tea + Americano. Cute mugs! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

My friend and I used to sit and put together our ideas for the perfect cafe, and this one comes close. That's thanks to the indoor smoking (check), and the books piled for the bibliophiles (check plus). read more

I had a meeting setup with a client and when I ask about a good place to meet at they recommended cafe1923. Its been ages since I've driven south of Davison. But after my GPS going a bit bonkers and getting lost a bit in an around Hamtramck, I found the place. Parking is a bit of a bear as apparently Holbrook st had signs fit street saddled so had to find a spot off a side street. Inside the place looks and feels like it is right out of the mid 1920's except for the half dozen computer users surfing on their laptops. My first feel is the place is very eclectic and a bit eccentric as well. Service is slow. But I discovered there's only one guy behind the counter he was soft spoken and seemed mellow. I looked the menu over and was dismayed at the prices are IMHO as high as I would get at Starbucks or Biggby. I opted for the cheapest smallest cup of straight black coffee. I was here to eat and they have a smattering of eats. I opted for the Hampton sandwich. At $6 I expected something more substantial, but oh well. I did like that with the sandwich I had a choice of chips or carrots. And I need to be healthy. The sandwich was small but very tasty. I loved the crunchy ciabatta roll the used. Its comfortable there. I wasn't sure if I would like it but I do. 745pm on a Thursday night and the place was barely full. The place reminded me of several places I visited around East Lansing when I was in college. I will revisit the place when I have more money to sample other items. read more

Found this local coffee shop while looking for coffee and dessert after a dinner at Revolver. Still haven't forgiven Revolver for not offering coffee, but that is another review for another time...back to Cafe 1923. Despite the warm ambiance -- and that is meant literally: little or no a/c on this visit, the cafe offers a nice, comfy spot to hang out over coffee and pastry. A couple of patrons (at least) were on laptop computers, so wi-fi is definitely included in amenities. A posted menu board featured a few sandwich selections, so lunch is offered. We enjoyed a slice of lime poppyseed cake made by a local woman baker with our coffee. The coffee was quite acceptable. Those who opt for fancy cappu-latte concoctions may not find their preferred beverage, but for those among us who like our cuppa Joe the way it comes straight from the bean, the place does the job well. Not understanding the Yelper who found the service to be unwelcoming. This was not at all our experience, as we found service to be friendly and efficient. Glad to have encountered this local gem, and wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a regular stop on our route. read more

Limited selection outside of the coffee. It's also a little too quiet. Because there is no background noise and of how little the place is, you have to whisper in order to feel like you're not invading the space of those next to you. especially in the adjoining room. I like cozy places, but not when you can hear every word of the neighboring conversation. read more

Coffee itself is ok, probably a 4, in Detroit standard But the setting is very cool. It is a big house, with plenty of seating and an eclectic collection of books to read while sipping the coffee. Locals come here to play a game of chess, or just catch up. Service is very good too. This is far better than chain stores. read more

This coffee house started out as a corner grocery in 1923. It has been fully and beautifully restored. Restoration includes a brass meat scale, tin ceiling, oak shelving, and walk in meat locker. Now it is abuzz with locals who sip their brew while reading, surfing the net, or listening to the live music. Good coffee and tea. Also have light sandwiches, bagels, and salads. This place has a unique feel and I never miss it when I go into the city. Live jazz on most weekends. They showcase talented local artists. First Friday of each month there is coffee and conversation with State Rep. Bert Johnson. read more

This coffee shop is definitely a hidden gem. I am a coffee fanatic who decided to stop in and see what this place was all about. I was very impressed with my service and most importantly my coffee. They lady who assisted me was very polite, patient and helpful. She recommend the perfect latee for me to start my day off right. I appreciate this establishment and I will definitely be back. read more

Really like this place, a very comfy / cozy vibe. Great for relaxing or getting some work done. The chai tea was excellent, and their brownies are really tasty. Staff was friendly. Would highly recommend! read more

great caramel latte with almond milk. definitely a must try. nice atmosphere inside and they have a more secluded back area for reading. read more

Cafe 1923 - nice interior design - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hamtramck, Michigan

Was as expected. Liked the vintage look of the whole area and coffee itself was delicious. Also, someone had paid everyone's coffee upfront on that day, so that was an icing on the cake. read more