The Unique History Of Grand Rapids’ Only 24/7 Coffee Shop

When my university classes went completely online in 2020 and I was secluded in my room all day to do my schoolwork, it gave me a new appreciation for taking the time to shake up my workspace. These days I spend a lot of time sitting in front of my laptop writing, so I enjoy going to different coffee shops to get out of the house.

Get our free mobile app

The Bitter End Coffeehouse, a 24/7 coffeehouse located on the corner of Fulton and Straight St. is one of my favorites. The coffee is good, the people generally are all nice and the staff is good at any hour of the day. But perhaps its biggest draw is the aesthetic of the building itself, a relic from Grand Rapids' early days.

⬇️LIVE INSIDE A FORMER BANK IN TRAVERSE CITY⬇️

The Bitter Start

As The Bitter End proudly boasts on its website, it has been a coffeehouse since 2000 but the building itself has been around for 120 years. It was originally a bank building built in 1900 situated on the West side of GR for the "large immigrant population who worked in the many furniture factories" that Grand Rapids used to be known for.

To put into context how old the building is, the rear used to be a parking area for people's horses and buggies. Throughout the 1900s, the building saw multiple banks, a boutique, and a Philco radio/television/repair shop.

READ MORE: This Little White Building Is Grand Rapids' Oldest Building

Restoration & Now

In 2004 the building was restored to its original Grecian-inspired interior, embracing its tin ceilings, porcelain tile floors, and oak woodwork. European coffeehouses are known for being "warm, dark, and comfortable", and with this in mind, I do really recommend checking The Bitter End out at night. It just feels right that way.

While The Bitter End Coffeehouse can have pretty limited seating due to its size, the place has great coffee, smells fantastic, and is in great shape despite its storied past. The owners have paid attention to every part of the building.