Bearclaw Coffee Co. voted best coffeehouse; vote for best brewery this week
Where is the best place to enjoy a cup of coffee in Washtenaw County? It's Bearclaw Coffee Co., according to those who voted in AnnArbor.com's Best Of contest.
Voting ended at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, and Bearclaw Coffee Co. won with 608 votes. Second place was taken by Comet Coffee with 502 votes, and MoonWinks Cafe was third with 432 votes.
The competition was lively. With heavy voting by supporters of MoonWinks, Comet and Bearclaw, the lead among the competitors changing throughout the week. MoonWinks was added to the competition by readers of AnnArbor.com, who suggested it as a nominee.
Any community member can suggest a contender for an upcoming BestOf contest by going to http://www.annarbor.com/bestof/#bestof_schedule.
This week's Best Of contest is for best brewery in the Ann Arbor area. Voting began today and will continue through next Saturday at 11:59 p.m. Be sure to cast your vote.
And don't forget, everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing each week to win a prize. This week's prize is for a $50 gift card to Arbor Brewing Co.
Comments
Michguy
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
First let me start off that I work in the coffee industry, working with both sitdown shops (like Comet) and drive thru/sitdown shops (Bearclaw). I know what a good cup of coffee should taste like as well as great pull for a shot, since my job required cupping of various types of beans and roasts. Unfortunately the majority of the people leaving negative remarks for Bearclaw just have a bad case of sour grapes. I can imagine most of you are proud of your loyalty to Comet, which is understandable since it is a great coffee shop, but the criticism of Bearclaw is completely overblown and just incorrect. When it comes to customer service, even if it's a drive thru, (only in the winter) Comet does not even compare to the staff at Bearclaw. Some people prefer smug baristas b/c it makes it feel like the coffee is taken more seriously. I prefer to be greeted with a warm smile and good service at a Bearclaw. Contrary to the comments here from people i'm sure who have never been to Bearclaw, the staff at the Ann Arbor store has always been very knowledgeable about the product and even invited me in to show me how they pour a shot (mentioned I was in the industry and gave me a tour!), which the 20 something year old pulled a perfect shot. As for the product, I know their roaster is in Grand Rapids, MI who only deals with high end green bean importing and roasting. So knowing that company they do not skimp on their ingredients, but the only difference between Bearclaw and Comet is that I assume Comet gets their roasted beans from Seattle. It looks great on paper and it can sell well with the people who think they know what they are talking about, but the only difference is Bearclaw is not losing out on the freshness of their beans due to travel time and pays less. I have always enjoyed my coffee or espresso at Bearclaw (even Comet) Both serve great coffee and should be proud of the votes. Bearclaw just had more votes because of their own loyal following.
Mich32
Sat, Mar 5, 2011 : 7:19 a.m.
DF- You are COMPLETELY WRONG, Bearclaw does not get its beans from Paramount or it's subsidiary. They have aligned themselves with a roasting company in Grand Rapids, MI (Michigan Jobs). Knowing that the owner is a 4th generation Ann Arborite, I do know it's very important for them to keep jobs in the state. When I went to Costa Rica last year, I was actually able to stop in at the plantation where Bearclaw and various other companies receive their beans from. While not a peaberry bean, they are still high quality. How you can say Bearclaw's beans "don't even compare" only show's to me that you do not know what you are talking about. Have you seen Bearclaw's Beans? Talked to the importer and roaster? You basically have an extremely biased and uninformed opinion. I have no doubt you are a good barista, but like your fellow Comet loyalists above all you are giving me is your opinions and attacks on Bearclaw. Being that I am not employed by Bearclaw I don't feel a need to be their constant spokesman here. All I have done is compliment both companies who have two equally good ways about going about their business. If this is the type of customer or employee that Comet represents then I do not feel a need to continue going there when I come in to Ann Arbor (born, raised, graduate of UMich).
DFSmith
Fri, Mar 4, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
Mich32- I meant Bearclaw getting their coffee beans from Paramount coffee. Comet gets its coffee from49th Parallel roasters, r from places like Ritual, or Counterculture, or Intelligentsia or Terroir. Bearclaw's coffee beans simply dont compare. As for microfoam, it is not just for the sake of latte art. the texture of the foam sure adds a lot to the way a latte or a capp tastes.
Mich32
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
I also assume the reference to Paramount Coffee is in regards to Comet and not Bearlcaw.
Mich32
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.
I noticed in your comment above about Microfoam. Unfortunately microfoam does not add any flavor (some texture) to the coffee based drink and it's primary application is for Latte Art. I compare it mostly to wedding cakes that use a layer of sugar paper substance that helps it maintain its custom shape. Such things as Latte Art sell to a certain crowd and to say that that's the only way to serve a latte is wrong. I can't speak of the burnt milk you experienced, but It's safe to say Bearclaw Coffee and a place like Comet are two opposite ends of the spectrum for coffee lovers. As the indusry continues to grow I think both will find their place.
DFSmith
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
I used to work n the coffee industry too, and I have been to the Bearclaw at Stadium and Washtenaw, and unfortunately, the baristas, while being very pleasant, dont know how to pull a good shot, or foam the milk without burning it. Micro-foam, forget about it!!!!! And the beans are from a subsidiary of Paramount coffee.
Shelly
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
Yayyyy Bearclaw Coffee Co., Bearclaw has the best customer serviice and by far the best Coffee and espresso drinks I have ever tasted. I frequent one Bearclaw(Ypsilanti) almost 7 days a week, and have never had a bad experience and 100 percent sure I will never have one either. The baristas at all the Bearclaws are very well trained and have great knowledge of all their products. When u have customers coming in to get shot after shot of our espressos straight up with a water on the side, now thats some good stuff! The coffee is awesome and smooth not burnt tasting and their specialty drinks are really the BEST in town!! Give em a try, I promise they wont let u down!!!
DFSmith
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
Shelly, if you say that Bearclaw has very well trained baristas, you probably have never drunk a good, well pulled espresso shot ever.
gsorter
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
Shelly, I take it that you work at Bearclaw? You say "when u have customers coming in" so you must be employed there, and not impartial, no?
Spencer Thomas
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 4:57 p.m.
Oh, yeah, one other thing. I could not find a link to this article from the competition page. Get on the ball, aa.com staff, and link it up!
Jen Eyer
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
Hi Spencer, As each contest concludes, the results are listed here: <a href="http://annarbor.com/bestof/">http://annarbor.com/bestof/</a>.
Spencer Thomas
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
Where to start? How about the opening line in the article? "Where is the best place to enjoy a cup of coffee in Washtenaw County?" The Bearclaw in A2 is a drive-thru, so I don't really see "enjoying a cup of coffee" at the drive-thru. But that's not the real issue. "Best coffee shop" really means, for most people, "the place where I prefer to get my morning buzz on" (or study in the evening.) The contest was not about "best coffee". Truth is, for most people, coffee is brown, hot, and contains caffeine. And that's it. For them, "best coffee shop" is not about the quality of the coffee. Personally, I want to be able to taste my coffee and to enjoy the flavor. I don't put in lots of cream and sugar to cover up the burnt, stale, bitter taste, because the coffee that I prefer to drink isn't burnt, stale, and bitter. So, I buy my coffee at Comet, and I voted for them. I think that Comet emerges the big winner in this competition. Why? I'm pretty sure that a lot more people patronize the various Bearclaw locations than the single Comet Coffee shop. But Comet had 80% of the number of votes that Bearclaw had. That means that those of us who patronize Comet are passionate about our coffee and want to let the world know. That's really a big win. And maybe some of those "dark, hot, and caffeinated" people will give it a try.
hd
Thu, Mar 3, 2011 : 1:48 a.m.
I'm a regular at the A2 Bearclaw Spencer and one of my favorite things about it is that I can sit, yes sit, outside in the summer on their deck. Eveyone has their passions and I think its's great that you love Comet, but I love Bearclaw and many, many people do! I love their coffee (and yes, its caffeinated) and the barista's...bearclaw keeps it local and what's not to love about that, they even roast here in MI! This was a fun contest, I think everyone needs to keep that in mind!
Tiana
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.
For all the Bearclaw Coffee Haters.....! Bearclaw Coffee tastes GREAT, has WONDERFUL baristas that always have a great and wonderful smile that cheer you up from the start of the day to the end of the evening. I miss the South Haven location so much that I choose to purchase the coffee from the website or a local store and make it at home now, rather than go to other coffee shops. I LOVE YOU BEARCLAW, YOUR PRODUCTS, YOUR EMPLOYEES AND THE OWNERS! Forget all the jealous people. Come back to South Haven too!
GabrielleT
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Bearclaw may have great coffee. But the first time I stopped in, I was salivating for a bear claw, the delicious pastry. As I looking around the place for pastries, a pleasant young woman asked if she could help me. I requested a bear claw and she looked at me blankly. I described it and she said she had no idea and no, they didn't sell anything like that. I was so disappointed that I shared there was a problem with their store name, and I was feeling quite cheated. So much for truth in advertising.
2WheelsGood
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
If you brought a true judge of coffee from anywhere in the world, there are only two coffee shops in Michigan they'd even bother looking at. Comet Coffee and The Ugly Mug. It's kind of like choosing the best car based solely on votes. Of course a Ford Taurus is going to beat a Ferrari simply because so few people have driven one. Bearclaw has multiple locations and a drive-thru. Comet requires that you park your car and actually drag your overweight tuckus to Nickels Arcade. That right there would cut the votes in half.
2WheelsGood
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
So you're saying McDonald's could have just as easily won?
worker
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 4:27 a.m.
This was a vote for best coffeehouse, not best coffee. I place my vote based on convenience, cost, ambiance, customer service, and finally, coffee.
Ryan Munson
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 11:05 p.m.
"This week's prize is for a $50 gift card to Arbor Brewing Co." Doesn't this sound like a conflict of interest if the gift card is to one of the breweries that is on the list to vote from?
Jen Eyer
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
Ryan, thank you for raising your concern. As we developed this program, our team felt that it would be most appropriate that the weekly gift card giveaway be relevant to the current contest. We don't believe that voters will be persuaded to feel that Arbor Brewing has the best beer just because AnnArbor.com is giving away a gift card to their establishment.
loves_fall
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 12:31 a.m.
The gift card for the coffee was also to one of the nominees.
Mike Allen
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.
This vote does not pass the smell test. I'm originally from Ann Arbor and waited 20 years for a coffee retailer with the quality of Comet Coffee. I live in Chicago now, where high quality coffee is readily available from world class retailers and roasters like Intelligentcia, Metropolis, and Asago. Comet ranks right up with them only with (slightly) more knowledgable baristas. Fortunately, I visit Ann Arbor frequently, and Comet Coffee is one of my first stops. I am amazed at the number of out of town customers I meet at Comet that keep coming back over and over again. Comet Coffee is not only the best of the best, it is a destination attraction for those that appreciate quality. Comet Coffee is in a class by itself.
spm
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
I've gone to the Bear Claw on N. Territorial out Dexter way and I have to say those ladies that serve the coffee are the nicest bunch I've ever met. I would have voted for them just because they brighten my day, but since that located wasn't listed I didn't vote at all. The best coffee around Ann Arbor has to be my husband's espresso that he brings me when I'm still in bed on the weekend!
David Martel
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 7:25 p.m.
@timjbd - Thank you for bringing up Roos Roast. It was something we thought about. We called John Roos before the contest began to talk to him about it. We wanted to see if he would consider his business a coffeehouse. He's a coffee roaster and doesn't operate a coffeehouse. Here's what he said when asked: " At the moment we are not a coffee house. We do roast coffee and have a growing loyal following but we are a roasting shop. Now if you simply had a contest for best coffee in Ann Arbor we would want to be included in that."
Beth
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 7 p.m.
This is an abomination. Bearclaw is undrinkable.
aes
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
Of course, it all depends on your taste in coffee. I don't like brown-colored hot water--not worth drinking for me. I love good strong (but not bitter) espresso, preferably a macchiato (with steamy foam). And I like it in a ceramic cup; a cardboard cup will just not do--ruins the taste. Tried Comet's espresso once--didn't like it-much ado about very little and more expensive, to boot. I usually like what is served at Espresso Royale Caffe on Main St, but that place wasn't even included on the list of coffee shops to vote for. What's up with that?
Mike
Mon, Feb 28, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.
Espresso Royale is terrible.
timjbd
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:59 p.m.
Roos Roast wasn't even one of the selections.
garrisondyer
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
Ugh.... can't stand coffee!
Donald
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
Bearclaw shouldn't even have been an option. It's not a COFFEEHOUSE, it's a DRIVETHRU!
Howard_Beale
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
I guess I missed the memo. Since when is a drive-through a "coffeehouse?"
JD
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
Is this a joke? It's Comet hands down.
Denise Van Wynen
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
Yea Bear Claw!!!!! We use to have a Bear Claw in South Haven,MI, and now it is gone and missed very much ! KUDOS to the owners! They have always employed wonderful workers, which makes it an extreme pleasure to return! A smiling face is what I like to see in the morning with a nice BEAR CLAW coffee, and that is the service you get when you go there!GOOD JOB !!!
Alan Benard
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 5 p.m.
It is simply a fact that Comet makes better coffee. Bearclaw doesn't make bad coffee, but it is not the best.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
This was posted on the Comet Coffee Facebook Site: "Comet Coffee I hope whoever is falsifying votes for us sees this before they make up 100 more email addresses. It would be a shame for them to go through so much trouble." Doesn't AnnArbor.com even click on the links you post on your articles? Even one of the 'winners' claims their supporters are committing fraud.
dotdash
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
Something is wrong here; that is a crazy result. Might be time to investigate who voted and why...
DFSmith
Sun, Feb 27, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
This contest turned out to be a total travesty. How the heck did Bearclaw win, beating out Comet Coffee? Their baristas dont know how to pull a proper shot!!!! Never seen their baristas be able to produce microfoam, and their usually the milk is burnt. For reference, I worked at Cafe Vivace in Seattle as a barista during my college years, and was trained by the Man himself, David Shomer.