One of my top favorite coffee shops. Amazing customer service every time, relaxing atmosphere, and always feel like I can just stay and read a book for hours. Only downside is their pastries are really good, so they sell fast. So, if you're wanting a good scone go as early as you can lol.
Highly recommend.
Van
Cozy environment with well-prepared beverages. A simple place for a low-key coffee break.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Kenzie Hiatt
I've been a regular at the REO Town Blue Owl for about a year now. I think it's time I leave a review of one of my favorite spots in Lansing.
To be honest, I never enjoyed or consumed coffee before I started frequenting this shop. After a few weeks of returning and ordering chai lattes (their tea lattes are excellent btw) the baristas put me on to some of their coffee specials and I was hooked.
The same drink varies ever so slightly depending on who makes it, and I think there's a certain charm in that. If I wanted a cookie cutter experience I'd go to a chain like Biggby or Starbucks. I feel the same about the baristas, each having a unique personality that leads to a variety of experiences. I appreciate these authentic interactions. It reflects that they are allowed to feel comfortable being themselves at work and are not being pushed to strictly perform a script, which is yet another characteristic of local small businesses that I value. Most importantly, I can tell they care about making a drink that will be enjoyed.
If you're uncertain about what to order, and they have the capacity to do so, they will take the time to explore what flavors you like and build you a custom drink. That's how I discovered that coffee made with the right ingredients, by the right hands, can turn your day around for the better.
The atmosphere of the shop is cozy, inviting, unique, and charming. It's a wonderful third space to work, study, or draw with the background ambiance of people chatting and coffee being made. I love the historical aspect of the decor, the large windows looking out over REO Town and the smokestacks, and all the houseplants. If I could change anything about the shop, it would be adding more plants!
Finally, this shop feels like a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and that means a lot to me. Beyond that, they reflect and support the unique Lansing community in many ways. I love that they occasionally partner with the local Riverwalk theatere and make themed drinks for current showings. I think it's a wonderful way to uplift the arts community and bring attention to the theatere! I attended several shows because of these specials. They also rotate showcasing a local artist's work on their gallery wall.
In recent times I have seen several of my favorite local businesses close their doors. This shop in particular hasn't been as busy this winter compared to last year. Sometimes they have to close early because there isn't enough patronage. I can only hope that leaving this review will help in some small way to encourage others to support this little gem of a local business where I've spent so many of my weekends creating art and feeling like a part of community.
Thank you for existing Blue Owl Reo Town. My life has been better since I found you. I hope to continue to visit throughout the seasons, for as long as I live in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sydney Woods
The experience at this coffee shop really depends on who the barista is. Some days, you're greeted with a smile and other times you aren't acknowledged. However, when a regular walks in behind you, it’s all smiles and plenty of conversation. I'm not asking for an elaborate greeting, but a simple good morning or any greeting shouldn’t feel forced, especially after I've already said it while waiting for my order to be taken.
The taste of the same drink also varies. I genuinely wish the overall experience was more consistent and welcoming. Sometimes it’s pleasant, while other times, it feels like the barista just doesn’t want to be there. I understand that working in the service industry comes with good days, terrible days, and everything in between, but the inconsistency in quality is concerning and I hope it will be improved.
Two stars only because the atmosphere is always pleasant. Good place for a quick meetup with friends, brief work meeting, or just getting some work done!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Alicia Dashevskiy
Hands down this is my favorite coffee shop. Lots of variety in coffee drinks, and a bonus for me is that this is the only coffee I can drink with just a bit of cream and no sugar. It’s so smooth and no bitter aftertaste.
Melissa DeSimone
Yummy latte and cute spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael
Very cool vibe and great coffee
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Birendra Kumar
Perfect spot for a nice evening out
Food: 5
Luke Smith
1st things 1st, I'll say the good things, it is a nice place and cozy atmosphere. My coffee was good, despite not being made correctly. However! The girl working there had a horrible attitude. 100% opposite of friendly! Her tone of voice, posture and her expression all made it very clear we were an imposition to her. We felt rushed and very uncomfortable! We made our choices very quickly just to escape the awkward situation. House blend coffee, hazelnut flavor 2 sugars. Good coffee, black, no hazelnut, no sugar.....😭 I WAS NOT going to go complain to her! Lastly, she put both our coffees into into 2 cups stacked together, with the lid. It just kept leaking n leaking all over us. Many napkins were used to deal! Was better after we could drink it down, but damn, what a nightmare! Sooooo... we won't be going back, and can't say I recommend it, but im sure it would be a good experience, as long as you dont get her! Roll the dice if you wish, the coffee itself was quite good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Ben Wilson
Awesome atmosphere. Got an orange mocha and it was fantastic.
This is my favorite of all the Blue Owl locations. Staff are always kind and they make a DELICIOUS oat milk latte. As someone who drinks decaf espresso I'm grateful to have a neighborhood shop that invests in the good beans!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Becky Hoffman
Place was overall just OK. If you are a coffee connoisseur, this is not your place. Look elsewhere. If you like Starbucks, and extra hot coffee, then you'll find this place to suffice. They have an assorted flavors which I was informed by the barista that are made from essential oils. Essential oils in a coffee?? disgusting. And I definitely tasted that essential oil part in mine. The first barista did not seem to know what he was doing and definitely Overheated my milk and scolded it. I had to ask for a remake due to the order itself being incorrect. The second coffee was made by a different barista and he did a decent job. Still a bit overheated. But the worst part was the flavor. Took a few sips and that was enough. The atmosphere was also not super inviting or exciting. Kind of a bit depressing. Leaving a review so that I know not to come back sadly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Douglas Root
Paid $4 for a 12oz black coffee. The price was high but the quality was low. It tasted like the coffee you get in a hotel lobby, thats burnt, and has been sitting out for days. No intentions of returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Antonio Beasley
I ordered the iced chai latte and honestly, it didn’t even look like chai. The color was off, the flavor was weak, and it mostly tasted like watered-down milk with ice. Definitely not what I was expecting, and really disappointing for the price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Heather Eitniear-Morris
Excellent coffee shop! All of the employees are friendly and helpful. Nice atmosphere.
One of my top favorite coffee shops. Amazing customer service every time, relaxing atmosphere, and always feel like I can just stay and read a book for hours. Only downside is their pastries are really good, so they sell fast. So, if you're wanting a good scone go as early as you can lol.
Highly recommend.
Cozy environment with well-prepared beverages. A simple place for a low-key coffee break.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
I've been a regular at the REO Town Blue Owl for about a year now. I think it's time I leave a review of one of my favorite spots in Lansing.
To be honest, I never enjoyed or consumed coffee before I started frequenting this shop. After a few weeks of returning and ordering chai lattes (their tea lattes are excellent btw) the baristas put me on to some of their coffee specials and I was hooked.
The same drink varies ever so slightly depending on who makes it, and I think there's a certain charm in that. If I wanted a cookie cutter experience I'd go to a chain like Biggby or Starbucks. I feel the same about the baristas, each having a unique personality that leads to a variety of experiences. I appreciate these authentic interactions. It reflects that they are allowed to feel comfortable being themselves at work and are not being pushed to strictly perform a script, which is yet another characteristic of local small businesses that I value. Most importantly, I can tell they care about making a drink that will be enjoyed.
If you're uncertain about what to order, and they have the capacity to do so, they will take the time to explore what flavors you like and build you a custom drink. That's how I discovered that coffee made with the right ingredients, by the right hands, can turn your day around for the better.
The atmosphere of the shop is cozy, inviting, unique, and charming. It's a wonderful third space to work, study, or draw with the background ambiance of people chatting and coffee being made. I love the historical aspect of the decor, the large windows looking out over REO Town and the smokestacks, and all the houseplants. If I could change anything about the shop, it would be adding more plants!
Finally, this shop feels like a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and that means a lot to me. Beyond that, they reflect and support the unique Lansing community in many ways. I love that they occasionally partner with the local Riverwalk theatere and make themed drinks for current showings. I think it's a wonderful way to uplift the arts community and bring attention to the theatere! I attended several shows because of these specials. They also rotate showcasing a local artist's work on their gallery wall.
In recent times I have seen several of my favorite local businesses close their doors. This shop in particular hasn't been as busy this winter compared to last year. Sometimes they have to close early because there isn't enough patronage. I can only hope that leaving this review will help in some small way to encourage others to support this little gem of a local business where I've spent so many of my weekends creating art and feeling like a part of community.
Thank you for existing Blue Owl Reo Town. My life has been better since I found you. I hope to continue to visit throughout the seasons, for as long as I live in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The experience at this coffee shop really depends on who the barista is. Some days, you're greeted with a smile and other times you aren't acknowledged. However, when a regular walks in behind you, it’s all smiles and plenty of conversation. I'm not asking for an elaborate greeting, but a simple good morning or any greeting shouldn’t feel forced, especially after I've already said it while waiting for my order to be taken.
The taste of the same drink also varies. I genuinely wish the overall experience was more consistent and welcoming. Sometimes it’s pleasant, while other times, it feels like the barista just doesn’t want to be there. I understand that working in the service industry comes with good days, terrible days, and everything in between, but the inconsistency in quality is concerning and I hope it will be improved.
Two stars only because the atmosphere is always pleasant. Good place for a quick meetup with friends, brief work meeting, or just getting some work done!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Hands down this is my favorite coffee shop. Lots of variety in coffee drinks, and a bonus for me is that this is the only coffee I can drink with just a bit of cream and no sugar. It’s so smooth and no bitter aftertaste.
Yummy latte and cute spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very cool vibe and great coffee
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfect spot for a nice evening out
Food: 5
1st things 1st, I'll say the good things, it is a nice place and cozy atmosphere. My coffee was good, despite not being made correctly. However! The girl working there had a horrible attitude. 100% opposite of friendly! Her tone of voice, posture and her expression all made it very clear we were an imposition to her. We felt rushed and very uncomfortable! We made our choices very quickly just to escape the awkward situation. House blend coffee, hazelnut flavor 2 sugars. Good coffee, black, no hazelnut, no sugar.....😭 I WAS NOT going to go complain to her! Lastly, she put both our coffees into into 2 cups stacked together, with the lid. It just kept leaking n leaking all over us. Many napkins were used to deal! Was better after we could drink it down, but damn, what a nightmare! Sooooo... we won't be going back, and can't say I recommend it, but im sure it would be a good experience, as long as you dont get her! Roll the dice if you wish, the coffee itself was quite good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Awesome atmosphere. Got an orange mocha and it was fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is my favorite of all the Blue Owl locations. Staff are always kind and they make a DELICIOUS oat milk latte. As someone who drinks decaf espresso I'm grateful to have a neighborhood shop that invests in the good beans!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Place was overall just OK. If you are a coffee connoisseur, this is not your place. Look elsewhere. If you like Starbucks, and extra hot coffee, then you'll find this place to suffice. They have an assorted flavors which I was informed by the barista that are made from essential oils. Essential oils in a coffee?? disgusting. And I definitely tasted that essential oil part in mine. The first barista did not seem to know what he was doing and definitely Overheated my milk and scolded it. I had to ask for a remake due to the order itself being incorrect. The second coffee was made by a different barista and he did a decent job. Still a bit overheated. But the worst part was the flavor. Took a few sips and that was enough. The atmosphere was also not super inviting or exciting. Kind of a bit depressing. Leaving a review so that I know not to come back sadly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Paid $4 for a 12oz black coffee.
The price was high but the quality was low. It tasted like the coffee you get in a hotel lobby, thats burnt, and has been sitting out for days. No intentions of returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I ordered the iced chai latte and honestly, it didn’t even look like chai. The color was off, the flavor was weak, and it mostly tasted like watered-down milk with ice. Definitely not what I was expecting, and really disappointing for the price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Excellent coffee shop! All of the employees are friendly and helpful. Nice atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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