Anthology Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Anthology Coffee
Location: Detroit, MI
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Ever since I watched Home Improvement as a lad of 10, I have held a subtle curiosity of Detroit and its surrounding settlement. Over the years that interest has been fed by news of bankruptcy, redevelopment and finally, a surging of great coffee.

It was this last factor that drove me to the seat of the American automobile industry one overcast, blustery afternoon. I had heard great things of a small roastery and cafe called Anthology Coffee and wound through an industrial park to find it. Housed in Pony Ride, a huge factory home to numerous artisans and small businesses, Anthology sits on the ground floor in an open space. While slightly spartan, the shop has an industrial sophistication with a warm, customer-centered floor plan. 

Greatly desiring to sample their wares, I ponied up to their central counter complete with Modbar espresso machine. I settled upon a pourover and espresso of an unwashed Ethiopian. The espresso, pulled short with light brown crema, blasted out a delectably sweet infusion of blueberry, oranges, chocolate, a little arugula, a touch of vanilla and a smattering of cilantro. The pourover demonstrated a similar show of fireworks, with notes of blueberry, chocolate nibs, wheat cracker, merlot and rose tea, making for a light-bodied cup of sweet, bright coffee. 

Unlike all of the things folks say of Detroit, the city has a lot of fine gems worth searching out. That afternoon, I definitely fell upon one of the fairest. If you're in the vicinity of the city, make sure to drop by Anthology Coffee for a solid cup of coffee. 

These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!