This Michigan Coffee Shop Is Making Waves (And We’re Spilling All Their Secrets!)

You know that feeling when you stumble upon something so special, you almost want to keep it to yourself? 

That’s exactly how I felt when I first pushed open the door of Uncommon Coffee Roasters in Saugatuck, Michigan, a discovery that’s about to change your entire coffee game.

Nestled in the Heart of Michigan’s Art Coast

Walking through downtown Saugatuck feels like stepping into a painting, but there’s one spot that turns this artistic haven into something even more magical. 

Uncommon Coffee Roasters isn’t just another coffee shop, it’s a revelation tucked away in plain sight on Butler Street, where the aroma of freshly roasted beans mingles with Lake Michigan’s breeze. 

The historic building, with its exposed brick walls and towering windows, has been serving up liquid gold since 2010, but the story behind this coffee haven goes much deeper than its architectural bones.

Uncommon Coffee Roasters

• Address: 127 Hoffman St, Saugatuck, MI 49453
• Phone: (269) 857-3333
• Website: uncommonroasters.com
• MiSaugatuck.com: https://misaugatuck.com/mi/saugatuck/restaurant/bakery/uncommon-coffee-roasters/ 

The Magic Behind the Counter

Remember the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had? Now multiply that feeling by ten. The baristas here aren’t just making drinks; they’re crafting experiences with a level of precision that would make a Swiss watchmaker proud. 

Each morning, they fire up their custom Probat roaster, filling the space with a scent that draws people in from blocks away. The head roaster, with over two decades of experience, treats each batch like a symphony, knowing exactly when each bean hits its perfect note. 

You’ll often find him sharing stories about recent trips to coffee farms in Colombia or Ethiopia, his eyes lighting up as he describes the subtle flavor notes in each batch.

Why Locals Can’t Stop Coming Back

The regulars here don’t just come for the coffee; though trust me, that alone would be worth it. They come because walking into Uncommon feels like getting a warm hug from your favorite aunt. 

The wooden beams overhead have witnessed countless first dates, business deals, and “I needed this” moments. The mismatched vintage furniture tells stories of its own, each piece carefully chosen to make you feel like you’re in someone’s cozy living room rather than a commercial space. 

There’s something about the way the morning light streams through those huge windows, casting golden shadows across the well-worn hardwood floors, that makes even the earliest Monday morning feel full of possibility.

The Secret Menu Items You Need to Know About

While their standard menu is impressive enough, there are some hidden gems that only regulars know about. Their signature drink, the Honey Lavender Latte, isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience that’s converted even the most steadfast black coffee drinkers. 

The lavender is locally sourced from a farm just outside town, and the honey comes from hives maintained by a local beekeeper. And if you’re lucky enough to visit during apple season, their Caramel Apple Cider, made with local Michigan apples, might just change your life. 

But the real insider secret? Ask about their “Barista’s Choice”, an off-menu creation that changes daily based on whatever inspiration strikes the team.

Beyond Just Coffee

Don’t let the name fool you – Uncommon Coffee Roasters is more than just your morning caffeine fix. Their house-made pastries, baked fresh every morning, have developed something of a cult following. 

The Michigan Cherry Scone, using locally sourced cherries, sells out almost every day before noon. And their gluten-free options? They’re so good, you wouldn’t know they’re gluten-free unless someone told you. The kitchen team starts their day at 4 AM, ensuring everything is perfectly fresh when the doors open. 

Their seasonal specials, like the pumpkin bread in fall and lavender shortbread in summer, have people setting calendar reminders so they don’t miss out.

The Community Connection

What sets Uncommon apart isn’t just what’s in your cup, it’s the people behind it. The owner, who started as a barista himself, makes it a point to know everyone’s name. Local artists’ work rotates through the walls, turning the space into an ever-changing gallery. 

During summer festivals, they extend their hours just so visitors can have a comfortable spot to rest between events. They’ve become such a central part of the community that when a local family lost their home in a fire last winter, Uncommon organized a fundraiser that raised over $10,000 in a single weekend.

Sustainability Meets Style

In an age where everyone claims to be eco-friendly, Uncommon walks the talk. Their coffee beans are sourced through direct trade relationships with small farms, ensuring farmers get fair prices. 

Even their to-go cups are compostable, and they offer a significant discount if you bring your mug. The shop’s renovation uses reclaimed materials from local barns, and their water filtration system reduces waste while ensuring perfect coffee every time. 

But they do it all without preaching – it’s just who they are and how they believe business should be done.

The Perfect Time to Visit

While there’s never a bad time to stop by, early mornings here are pure magic. The sun streaming through the front windows creates patterns on the hardwood floors, and the smell of fresh pastries makes it impossible to leave without trying at least one. 

During fall, when the trees along Butler Street turn golden, sitting by the window with a hot drink becomes an almost spiritual experience. 

And in summer? The cold brew on tap and their small but perfectly formed patio become the town’s unofficial meeting spot.

Insider Tips for Your Visit

• Get there before 10 AM if you want first pick of the pastries, especially the Cherry Scones. 
• The window seats are prime real estate, especially during the annual art fair, but the cozy corner by the roaster is where you’ll find the regulars. 
• Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their cold brew – it’s steeped for 18 hours and smooth enough to convert any coffee skeptic. 
• And if you’re lucky enough to catch one of their cupping sessions (coffee-tasting events), clear your schedule and join in. It’s like a wine tasting but with more caffeine and less pretense.

A Taste of Pure Michigan

In a world of chain coffee shops and identical experiences, Uncommon Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets place. It’s more than just a coffee shop – it’s a slice of Michigan magic, served one cup at a time. 

Every visit feels like coming home, even if it’s your first time walking through the door. And while part of me wants to keep this gem all to myself, some things are just too good not to share.

Your Next Coffee Adventure Awaits

So next time you’re anywhere near Michigan’s Art Coast, do yourself a favor and make the pilgrimage to Uncommon Coffee Roasters. 

Just don’t blame me when you find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even finished your first cup. This isn’t just coffee – it’s a destination that might just become your new favorite place in the world.