Spend Locally: Blue Owl Coffee

There’s no way to recreate the full, cozy atmosphere of a coffee shop at home. Believe us – we’ve tried. But your favorite local baristas at Blue Owl Coffee, a “homebase” for many in East Lansing, are ready and willing to serve you all season long.

Customer favorites at the coffee shop include the maple brown sugar latte or orange mocha. “People are seeking comfortable favorites,” co-owner Nick Berry said, but his favorite drink is the lemon lavender sparkling espresso. 

A new winter drink menu will launch Dec. 1 with holiday season favorites. 

While the business is known for coffee, tea, and even their hot chocolate, Berry said one of the ‘best kept secret’ menu items is actually not a beverage. “I think it’s our new lunch menu,” he said. “People don’t know we have released a whole new food set up with vegan options available.” Their lunch menu includes a caesar club wrap, kale salad, turkey lurkey wrap, and Italian style sandwich. 

The coffee shop, rooted in creating a space for community, is still in the business of bringing people together – even if a few more feet apart than they’re used to. 

Berry, who is often the barista behind the counter at the Old Town location, recalls a recent memorable customer interaction. “My most recent favorite memory was watching a young couple on an obvious date decide to make it official,” he said. “Lots of gooey giggling and embarrassed glances at me as we were the only people in the shop. We all laughed about it together when I congratulated them. It’s a joy to see life happen like that in front of us, and to be able to be a part of the story. Especially during the season when we are supposed to work at being separated. It’s just a joy to see people acknowledging their need for one another.”

Blue Owl Coffee’s East Lansing is open Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Takeout orders can be placed through their new Blue Owl app, available for both android and iPhone users. 

Make sure ELi can continue to support our local community in 2021!