I love coffee shops, so I always get excited when I can try a new to me spot, like The Borough. I don't get to Allendale very often (maybe twice a year) so when I was heading to Grand Valley's campus for an event recently, I made sure to allow extra time to stop by. The parking lot in front is pretty small, and there is only one access point, so if you go past it, you'll have to turn around near the apartments behind it. Don't drive on the sidewalk... I didn't, mostly because there is a sign that says, "This is a sidewalk" which made me laugh. (Truly that should be an entrance into the parking lot!) The space is very bright and airy with cute decor and space to get some work or studying done. I was greeted right away when I walked in and I had a tough time deciding what to order. I wasn't hungry, but I love that they have a full on food menu - including salads, burgers(!!!), bagels, toasts, paninis, pastries, etc. Plus all the regular coffee items, boba, smoothies, and teas. I went with one of the seasonal specials, the banana bread matcha. It didn't take too long to come out and it was very tasty - not really what I was expecting, but I liked it. It reminded me of a very green banana (which is how I prefer bananas), it wasn't super sweet but also not super matcha-y. They are expanding their space, so I am interested in coming back to see what that looks like and to order more delicious drinks and try the food! read more

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We tried The Borough for the first time with the family. This restaurant/ cafe is off of 48th nestled amongst the GVSU apartments. The vibe is welcoming. We appreciated the kid friendly array of games and etch-a-sketch for entertainment. The menu is fun, but you need to search for prices. We ordered fries, a plain smashburger, a panini, and two sodas for around $31. Tipping is optional and the space is bright, playing dream pop tunes and filled with young 20 somethings. The food was good enough. My panini was well grilled, but the tomatoes would have been next level had they been marinated in balsamic vinegar. Winter is tough to find tasty tomatoes so I don't fault them on it... however the tomatoes were the let down of the Turkey PT 3 panini. The smashburger was sufficient. My husband said it tasted on par with Burger King (not sure if that's a compliment or a diss because we love BK). He was disappointed with the fries because earlier pictures portrayed them as hand cut and these were definitely from frozen. Either way, we cleaned our plates. If we come back, I'd be curious to try their breakfast. The açaí bowls look delicious along with the lox bagel and Seoul sunrise. They also have boba drinks, smoothies, coffees, and teas. Glad to have something with chill vibes in the neighborhood, but I definitely feel like the oldest person in the establishment. perhaps I contributed to the aging hipster vibe. We'll be back someday in the morning read more

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I've frequented The Borough many times and have always enjoyed it, so I was really disappointed by how I was treated today. I was on a run and started feeling lightheaded on my way back. I stopped inside specifically to get a small cup of water from the self-serve water jug that is normally available with plastic cups. I drank the water, threw my cup away, and left. An older man then followed me outside and told me that if I wasn't going to buy something, I shouldn't come in again. He continued making comments as I walked away and made it very clear that I wasn't welcome unless I was purchasing something. The entire interaction felt unnecessarily confrontational and made me uncomfortable, especially because he followed me outside after I had already left. I completely understand that businesses have policies, and if the water is intended only for paying customers, I would have had no problem being politely told that. Following someone outside and continuing to confront them over a cup of water, however, felt completely unnecessary. I also want to make it clear that this has not been my experience with the rest of the staff. I spoke with other team members about what happened, and they were extremely polite and kind. Every other staff member I've interacted with during my previous visits has also been very welcoming, which is part of why this interaction caught me so off guard. I live at Campus View, pay rent here, and have regularly supported and enjoyed The Borough. I'm not writing this because I have an issue with the business as a whole or its staff. I'm writing it because I was genuinely disappointed by how this particular situation was handled and don't think anyone should be made to feel unwelcome or followed outside over getting a cup of water, especially when they weren't feeling well. read more

My friend and I were meeting here to catch up and it was in between our two homes (Grand Haven and Grand Rapids), and I honestly love this spot! It's airy, easy parking, and has a great menu. It is on GVSU's campus, so you'll have a lot of college kids, but it is a quaint coffee shop and a great place to study! I got the breakfast sandwich with tots and a chai latte, both were absolutely lovely! Huge portions and while I don't get out this way often, I know I'll definitely make a stop if I can as it was a great experience and tasty! read more

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The Borough is the perfect spot for a quick coffee or lunch date! It's so light and bright in there with lots of seating. I love the healthier food options they have, but you never have to twist my arm for their panini and tater tots as well! They always have fun specials for drinks and the staff have great recommendations. Go check out this great woman-owned spot! read more

As an Allendale local this is my go-to coffee spot! Each month brings new fun specials for both the drinks and the food. Lots of other coffee options and a full breakfast and lunch menu! Great friendly staff with ample space to work or just meet up with friends. They're open until 7pm each night which allows for coffee any time of day! If you haven't checked out this spot yet, you need to!! read more

The Borough - An example of the February Specials! - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

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Super cute place. Love the inside and outdoor seating. Came here early for some coffee, and it was pretty quiet. Staff was very very nice and friendly. Maybe their food is where the stars and good reviews came from but from our lattes the stars just aren't adding up. The espresso latte was supposed to have toasted marshmallow syrup and I couldn't taste it at all, it was actually pretty bitter and not sweetened at all. The matcha latte we threw out completely, the minute I brought it up to my nose I could only smell fish for some reason, we tasted it and it was so clumpy and gritty, definitely wasn't prepared correctly. I'd like to try the place again at least once more maybe for their food, but when it comes to lattes, no. The milk also wasn't steamed correctly, way too foamy and not creamy at all. read more

The Borough - Matcha latte and reg latte - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

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Found this place by doing a yelp search. Didn't even know it existed. A variety of menu items from smoothies to smash burgers. I got a bagel sandwich. A little messy with the tomato mix on the veggie bagel but full of flavor. I would like to go back and try more things. It's a college place so that is the vibe. A variety of seating for not being. Very big. Good service read more

I'm obsessed with this place. I come here several times a week because I know that it'll be a great experience with lovely food and top notch customer service. All the folks that work here are super kind and great for suggestions if you're looking to try something new. The cafe space is super cozy and the bathrooms are always pristine! One million out of ten, I wake up and think about coming here read more

The Borough - Nutty Buddy, Chocolate Croissant, and The Tropics smoothie - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

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very good food, service is solid, prices within reason, great atmosphere. They also have a basket with games you can play while you eat/drink. very good place to go, I recommend it. I'm tough with ratings generally, but I was pleased to have eaten here. read more

I really wanted to like this place, the atmosphere is so cute and we love supporting local places. We were super excited when this place opened up and decided to give it a try. The menu sounds really exciting and " fresh". Instead of local grinders ( which we love). They have paninis ( which we also love) I ordered the big kid grilled cheese and a tomato Bisque soup on the side.... Imagine my surprise when I got the panini and the bread was toasted but the cheese was not melted?! It was basically two pieces of cheese and cold ham on toast, with ZERO flavor. The soup was cold and very bland. My daughter ordered the pesto and cheese and thankfully the cheese was melted but it too was very bland. It was the first time I actually threw away my meal After a couple of bites. Very disappointed. I would have taken it to the counter and asked for my money back but to be honest the two girls working weren't all that friendly. Sad to say we had high hopes and won't be going back. If you are looking for a cute place to enjoy a lemonade or ice tea and hang out, this could be nice, just don't order any food. read more

Amazing lattes! That was our first treat here-then came the food which was delicious! I had the breakfast burrito-it was huge and full of flavor. My friend had the smash burger with loaded tots-needless to say he ate everything! Such a cute vibe and friendly staff-will definitely make The Borough a new hangout. read more

This cafe clearly popular with the students from the nearby college. There are a variety of places to sit including tables, couches, bar with stools & outdoor tables. It is decorated in a contemporary style. The staff is friendly. Service is fairly quick considering the throng of customers. (There was a long line to order.) The food was the one thing that was disappointing. The bagel sandwich we ordered wasn't very flavorful although the ingredients appeared sufficient. Our espresso drinks lacked taste as well because the flavors were not stirred in. read more

The food was really good and fresh, but the smoothie wasn't very good. The people were very nice as well and bring your food to you which is nice. read more

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The Borough has been amazing since its installment in January. I've been coming here regularly, almost daily. I can't help it! It's so delicious. Hannah has created and curated a successful business that benefits our local GVSU community. She is awesome! This is a great place to come for top-notch food, such as açaí bowls, smash burgers, boba, and more. They are constantly reviewing and coming up with new ideas and ways to create great food for their community. 10/5 stars, will recommend always!!! read more

The Borough - Garlic parm fries, taro boba, brown sugar tea boba - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

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Yestercay was my first time to THE BOROUGH, but it certainly won't be my last. A friend and I each got the a seasonal salad (with chicken added) and split the avocado toast (see pic below). Beautiful food presentation, artsy atmosphere, excellent customer service. What a great location for GVSU students!!! read more

The Borough - Avocado Toast - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

I saw in the local news that this location opened a short time ago and was definitely intrigued since we live about 1/2 mile away. Such a cool vibe to this building, both inside and out. Some college kids (location is basically surrounded by campus and housing), a few Moms and their kids, so a nice blend of people. We were greeted by the owner, who was making drinks behind the counter. We ordered a few types of croissants, which were absolutely delicious! We did take them to go, and the owner again thanked us for stopping by on our way out the door. Great food, drinks, and a very welcoming and inclusive environment. read more

Great açaí and coffee - was super pleased to realize they offer lunch food too. The burger was great! Nice natural lighting - a great spot to post up and work for a few hours. read more

This place is a hidden cafe gem in the Coopersville/ Allendale area. I work from home and just found this place and it's a great space to work, grab a coffee, eat off the great menu or just chat. I got an ice cafe Miel with soy milk and the Mediterranean salad. Both were bomb. Staff was exceptional! I will be coming back! read more

The Borough - Acai Bowls Near Me - Allendale, Michigan

We had a cuppa coffee and a smoothie, salad and a sandwich. They were all very good the Service was great. The employees treated us kindly. we did think the prices were a little high and we had to pay a added price for another cup of coffee, but that being said the higher prices are becoming a norm wherever you go and that will be a personal decision on peoples budgets read more

The Borough is a 25 minute drive from me, and SO worth it!! Located in a beautiful new building, the decor is cozy, comfortable & inviting! There is an outdoor patio and plenty of parking! The staff is friendly, professional and goes above & beyond in every way! The Bobas, coffee & food are all SO yummy!!! try their garlic Parmesan fries, addicting! Breakfast, lunch or dinner, The Borough is now a favorite of mine & my friends! read more

Oh, my goodness -- what a great discovery. We were 4 old people in search of some coffee and a snack after a hike but before dinner, and found The Borough. Although clearly a hang-out for college students, we felt welcome and comfortable. The decor is beautiful, including the outdoor patio. We ordered a variety of coffees (very good), tots (LOTS of them, and delicious) and some Mac & cheese. It was delightful. It took awhile to order because the hardworking employee was alone behind the counter, but other than that it was a wonderful time. read more

Delicious coffee spot! Great lattes, smoothies, and food options. Very quick as well - not a very long wait!

Turkey Panini was delicious. Hot, lots of melted cheese, turkey, avocado and pesto. I will be back when in the area. Highly recommend an extensive menu. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit (but not last) to the Borough. The turkey panini and fries were excellent, as was the popping boba. The employees were friendly and very accommodating and the atmosphere inviting. Highly recommend! read more

We absolutely love The Borough! You feel welcome the moment you walk in and the fun contemporary decor and friendly atmosphere feels like home, only better! We had the opportunity to try the smash burger, turkey panini, soup, tea and coffee. Everything was delicious and each item was unique and tasty. We will be back. read more

I am so excited that there is finally a place we can walk to from campus that is both delicious and fun to hang out at. The açaí bowl is my go to, but the paninis look fabulous. the coffee drinks are delicious, I've tried four different kinds! Every time I go the staff is so friendly- I have been there when it is packed and when there is not as many people the service is the same- fast and delicious! I am so happy there is finally a place like The Borough- can't wait to go there now!!!! read more

A bit pricey but the food is good and the vibe is great and the people working there are nice.

Our experience with 6 family members meeting up on a Saturday for lunch was great. We had to split up our seating, but no one complained. The coffee, Boba, and Smash Burgers were a big hit!! The Turkey Panini with Pesto not so much. The added avocado and Pesto is not a good combo. Will stop by again, since we are all in the area. :). read more

I got a to go order with the açaí bowl and the boba tea I got were pretty good, but the turkey panini was not good in the slightest, it was burnt and barely edible, which sucks because it wasn't exactly cheap at all. read more