Biggby Coffee

Hey you, yes, YOU! Turn away from the doors to the Starbucks across the street, and make a beeline to Biggby, and support a local chain that has some really fun coffee drinks! That’s what I said to myself, and I’m glad I did…
If Willy Wonka or Buddy the Elf were to take over a Starbucks and turn it into their own coffee franchise, I imagine it would end up being much like Biggby Coffee! That being said, those of you who treasure just the more plain latte/​espresso drinks will still feel at home here, but you might need some patience waiting for those folks who need more time maneuvering the extensive «fancy» latte menu, with whimsical names such as «Wild Zebra,» «Butter Bear,» and «Pomaberry Crème Freeze.»
This particular Biggby location is very bright and inviting, and is well laid-​out for when there’s a line. There is also ample seating, from two– and four-​top tables, to lots of plush seats, small tables, and a fireplace. Bathrooms are single-​serve and very clean, although I wish they had paper towels as opposed to just a hand dryer.
The employees there — two early-​20s guys — were both very pleasant and were quick to offer their favorite drinks and recommendations, as I was a wide-​eyed out-​of-​towner taking a break from my Starbucks routine. If you’re looking for a flavored, gussied-​up, and creative latte/​cappuccino/​iced/​hot drink, the permutations are seemingly endless. I’ll spare you the list, as you can easily see that on their website or in the other reviews.
I do, however, think it’s worth pointing out that if you’re watching your caloric/​sugar intake, but still want a Biggby indulgence, they have a HUGE selection of «Reduced Calorie» offerings, wherein the drinks are made as a 16 oz without whipped cream, and with skim milk and/​or sugar-​free syrups. They tout many hot drinks as «201 calories or less» and many frozen drinks as «287 calories or less.» Of course, if you are lucky enough not to concern yourself with nutritional data, rest assured that Biggby will more than fulfill your sugary needs and desires!
There is also a selection of food and fresh fruit, although I didn’t have any, so I can’t comment on their «bragels» and other treats.

I’ve always liked their Mochas. The baristas are very nice… Not to mention you support a MI business when you don’t cross the street to the Starbucks.

So far so good… my debit card isn’t declined if I order the identically priced item like it will do at Panera Bread across the street (see my review of that place). Free refills. As I sit here on Saturday, Febraury 23^rd, around 2:34 PM, place is crowded, people seem to be having a good time.
Hope this place makes it. Over the years this location has been several types of coffee establishments… only time will tell.

I really like spending time here during the day getting work done. As a non-​coffee person, I like how many options they have. I’ve never seen it too busy either, even on the weekends, which is a huge plus when you want to get in and out.
The staff is also super friendly, which makes it even better. Someone always says «hi» when you walk in.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab a rewards card! Buy 12, get the 13^th free. But it’s one of those nice ones that they swipe, not a boring punch card that gets ripped up in your wallet.

We stopped in here as we were walking around downtown Birmingham. A small coffee actually came in what I’d consider a medium cup for about $ 2. I got the Michigan cherry which was a delishes blend, not bitter at all and had a hint of cherry to it. The place was clean and the staff friendly as we chit chat about what brought us to the area.

we sauntered by this place walking around downtown birmingham and were quite impressed.
it’s clean and tidy and new looking. the plain old coffee is self-​serve and there’s a half dozen choices. i picked the biggby with hints of some tanzanian berry and it was a great choice. very smooth and tasty, not bitter at all. about 2 bucks for a small coffee.

It’s fine for a chain coffee shop. However, it doesn’t compare to the independently owned coffee houses in my area (or to the Java Hut down the block for that matter.)
Years ago I told a district manager of what was then, Beaner’s, whom I met in Ann Arbor, MI., that if they ever expanded westward that a name change would the first order of business. He thought otherwise. Well, I guess that we know who was right.

Biggby Coffee never fails — the newest location here in Birmingham is definitely a winner and living up to Biggby’s fun attitude and quality products. The staff and owners are as nice as can be. They recommended I try the Red Bull crème freeze and I’m officially hooked. Always great to support a Michigan-​based business.
Here’s a tip: Ask for Bianca, the owner’s mother. She wears a «proud mother» Biggby nametag and, if you’re lucky, you might just get a kiss from her after a few visits.