Earlier this week, I met up with my friend and former coworker Jen for coffee and lunch at The Crafted Bean in Lansing. The original DeWitt location opened in December 2016, and the Lansing location, west of Sparrow Hospital on Michigan Ave., just opened earlier this year.
I was really excited to try a new coffee place in Lansing, especially when Jen told me that they have a food truck outside that serves up sweet and savory bubble waffles. SIGN ME UP.
The vibe inside is very cool, embracing the authentic architectural details of the space instead of trying to make something new look old and lived-in. I love the exposed brick, tin ceiling tiles, and eclectic furniture.
The bar area allows patrons to watch their coffee come to life.
And there’s even a TV set up with an original Nintendo. I’m ready to go back and play Duck Hunt and relive my childhood.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfeP3WSlhY3/?taken-at=472196379841317
I ordered the Chubby Checker coffee cocktail and the Elvis waffle. At the suggestion of Britt, I had him add some chocolate chips. It was so yummy, and Margot even stole some bites. I love that while the waffle truck is set up outside, we were able to order our drinks and waffles inside and have them brought to us at our table.
I can’t wait to go back and try one of their savory food offerings, such as the avocado toast or their I Got Wasted waffle:
There are times I can feel a little weird bringing Margot along with me to a coffee shop. Even though there’s usually plenty of noise and chatter to go around, I also know that many people visit coffee shops to study, work, hold meetings, or even just unwind. I never want to bother people by bringing a baby into the mix.
But the staff and patrons at The Crafted Bean couldn’t have been more welcoming or friendly. A woman sitting at the bar was chatting with Margot throughout our visit and making her smile.
I look forward to going back to The Crafted Bean soon, with or without the girls, and enjoying more of their delicious offerings and fun atmosphere. Not to mention, this fantastic “Big Lebowski” mural:
Visit The Crafted Bean in Lansing Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm, and on the weekends, 8am-3pm.