Our Hands-Down Favorite Coffee Shop In Michigan Is A Nod To Edgar Allan Poe's Most Famous Work

Few American writers captured the imagination quite like Edgar Allan Poe. The quirky, innovative scribe didn't shy away from creepy, atmospheric writing and some uniquely strange stories — and as such, he's something of an iconic pop culture figure even today. It shouldn't surprise anyone, then, to find some Poe-inspired locales dotting the United States. For example, Baltimore's The Horse You Came In On Saloon leans into its status as one of the final places Poe visited before his mysterious demise, and it stands as one of the select "touristy" restaurants that are actually worth the visit. But for an establishment that blends Poe's eerie aesthetic and some top-tier fare, you've got to head up to Port Huron, Michigan.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a midnight dreary to poke your head into Raven Café, named after Poe's quintessential trochaic masterpiece. The cafe is a literature scholar's dream, featuring bookshelves and some of the best coffee in the country, including a full Italian espresso bar. And if you're more of a tea drinker, don't fret. This spot serves an expansive selection of hot tea and yerba, matcha, and chai drinks, as well as smoothies, juices, and even cocktails. In fact, Raven Café is such a special spot that it represents Michigan on Chowhound's list of best coffee shops in every state. So if you're in the area, pop in to enjoy a cozy beverage, grab a bite, and perhaps ponder some volumes of forgotten lore — just be wary of any perceptive-looking, talking corvids.

Sure, Raven Café's homage to one of America's most famous literary figures is a cool touch, and no doubt served as a bountiful starting ground for the decor and overall vibe of the place, but all that can only get you so far. You don't get to become our No. 1 cafe in Michigan on aesthetics and Gothic references alone (although that does help). After all, Raven Café isn't even the only notable Poe-inspired establishment we've covered –- North Carolina's Burning Bush draws from another Edgar Allen Poe work and represents one of the 15 absolute best beer gardens in the country. So what helps Raven Café stand out? Thankfully for this establishment, just about everything.

It sounds pretty obvious, but you need good coffee to make it as a good coffee shop — who would've thought, huh? Raven Café checks this box, featuring a full Italian espresso bar, house roasts, and specialty drinks, from flavored lattes to spiced cider. From a hospitality standpoint, it leans into that literary-Gothic-made-modern look, with comfy furnishings and a veritable library to bide your time as you sip on your drink of choice. It also has a substantive food menu (an entree scores you free refills on brewed coffee) and even serves alcoholic beverages suitable for its turn from a daytime cafe to a casual haunt in the evening. With live musicians frequently playing there and occasional movie screenings, Raven Café ticks all the requirements for quality, memorability, and atmosphere — so don't be surprised if you jabber on about it as often as the allusive raven's famous phrase.