When you need a coffee that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, Madcap Coffee in Grand Rapids delivers an experience that goes beyond your average cup. This award-winning specialty coffee roaster has been transforming the way West Michigan enjoys coffee since 2008, proving that great coffee starts with great relationships.
From Two Friends to a Coffee Movement
Trevor Corlett and Ryan Knapp founded Madcap Coffee with a simple but powerful vision: share exceptional coffee and tell the stories of the people who grow it. What started as a passion project between two friends has grown into one of the most recognized specialty coffee roasters in the country, earning praise from Epicurious, Men’s Journal, and Thrillist. The team tastes over 3,000 coffees from around the world every year to select only the very best beans for their customers.
What Makes This Coffee Shop Special
Madcap operates two locations in Grand Rapids: the original spot at 98 Monroe Center NW downtown and the Fulton Street cafe at 1041 Fulton St E. The Fulton location, housed in a former auto shop, features a garage door that opens onto a welcoming patio space perfect for enjoying your coffee in any season.
The commitment to quality shows in every detail. Madcap won the Good Food Award in 2011 for their Los Lobos blend and became a finalist multiple times for their Ethiopia Yukro and Reko coffees. Their baristas regularly compete in national competitions, showcasing the level of craftsmanship that goes into every drink.
Menu Highlights Worth Trying
The Cafe Miel remains the most popular choice among regulars, combining espresso with honey and steamed milk for a perfectly balanced, sweet, and bold flavor. For something refreshing, try the creamy nitro cold brew, which delivers smooth, rich coffee with no bitterness.
This season, Madcap offers the Polar Egg-Spress, a cozy blend of steamed oat nog and oat milk topped with mulling spice cold foam, garnished with a candy cane and stroopwafel. The Dutch Bingo features espresso with orgeat and steamed oat milk in a cinnamon-rimmed cortado glass, served with a windmill cookie. Coffee flights let you sample multiple roasts side by side, perfect for discovering your new favorite.
Supporting Local and Global Communities
Madcap’s impact extends far beyond Grand Rapids. The company builds direct relationships with coffee producers worldwide, including a partnership spanning over a decade with the Rodriguez Family in El Salvador. These connections ensure farmers receive fair compensation while customers enjoy exceptional coffee that tells a story.
Every batch gets tasted for quality and ships within 24 hours of roasting, guaranteeing the freshest possible coffee, whether you buy beans in store or online. This dedication to the “seed to cup” process makes Madcap a true community asset.
Discover more amazing local businesses that make our community special at The Community Corner. Whether you’re looking for your new favorite coffee spot or simply want to support a business that cares about quality and relationships, Madcap Coffee offers an experience worth savoring. Stop by either Grand Rapids location to taste why locals and national publications alike consider this one of Michigan’s finest coffee destinations.
Sources: madcapcoffee.com, Madcap Coffee Facebook Page, Madcap Coffee Instagram Page
Header Image Source: madcapcoffee.com
