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Leelanau Living Realty Group

Best Coffee Shops in Leland, MI

Leelanau Living Realty Group September 15, 2025


The charm of Leland lies in its combination of lakeside views, historic character, and welcoming community spirit. Along with these qualities, the town and its surrounding areas have become known for their cozy cafés and roasters, which give residents and visitors plenty of ways to enjoy their daily brew. Whether you are looking for a spot to start your morning, meet friends, or simply take in the atmosphere of this Leelanau Peninsula town, the coffee shops in Leland, MI, add to the area’s unique appeal.

Leland Brew

Leland Brew is a favorite among locals, offering a relaxed environment that captures the small-town feel of the area. With a rotating menu of specialty drinks and freshly brewed coffee, the café is both reliable and creative. Many visitors also stop in for baked goods, making it a great choice for a light breakfast or snack. Its location makes it easy to swing by before exploring Leland’s shops or heading out for a day by the water. The warm, inviting atmosphere keeps people returning again and again.

Madcap Coffee Company

Madcap Coffee Company’s northern Michigan presence means Leland residents and visitors have access to high-quality brews sourced from around the world. Known for its dedication to craft and consistency, Madcap has built a reputation for thoughtful roasting and exceptional flavor. Their shops are sleek and modern, with a focus on highlighting the coffee itself. For those who enjoy single-origin beans or carefully blended espressos, Madcap delivers a level of quality that stands out in the region.

Coffee Hotspots Near Leland

Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse

Just a short drive from Leland, Pedaling Beans Coffeehouse in Lake Leelanau provides a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. The café roasts its own beans, ensuring that every cup is fresh and flavorful. Visitors appreciate not only the coffee but also the friendly service and cozy vibe. Bicyclists often stop here while touring the peninsula, which adds to the lively mix of locals and travelers. Pedaling Beans is a rewarding stop for those who want a short escape from downtown Leland.

Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co.

Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co., located in nearby Glen Arbor, is one of the most established names in northern Michigan coffee. Their beans are roasted locally and sold throughout the region, but visiting the café offers a full experience. The space is welcoming, with comfortable seating and shelves filled with coffee bags for purchase. Regulars often pick up a bag of their favorite blend to brew at home, while others stay to enjoy a cappuccino or latte before exploring the town. The company’s long-standing commitment to quality has made it a trusted name in the Leelanau Peninsula.

Pairing Coffee With Local Living

Enjoying coffee in Leland often pairs with other aspects of the community. A cup from Leland Brew might be followed by a stroll through Fishtown, while a latte from Madcap sets the stage for exploring local art galleries. Pedaling Beans is a perfect stop during a day spent biking through wine country, and Leelanau Coffee Roasting Co. often caps off an afternoon in Glen Arbor. These connections between coffee and local experiences highlight the role that cafés play in making everyday life enjoyable.

Seasonal Appeal

Like much of northern Michigan, coffee culture in Leland reflects the changing seasons. In the summer, iced drinks and patio seating attract beachgoers and tourists. In the fall, pumpkin and spiced flavors complement the crisp air and changing leaves. Winter brings a quieter pace, when residents gather indoors for warm drinks and conversation. Spring signals renewal, with lighter roasts and fresh pastries becoming part of the seasonal transition. The coffee shops in Leland, MI, adapt to these rhythms, giving them a lasting presence throughout the year.

Supporting Local Roasters

One of the standout features of the region’s coffee scene is the emphasis on supporting local roasters. Many cafés source beans from nearby suppliers or roast in-house, ensuring a fresher product and a stronger connection to the community. This local focus not only results in high-quality coffee but also fosters a sense of pride in regional businesses. For those who move to the area, becoming part of this culture is one of the most enjoyable aspects of daily life.

Exploring Beyond the Cup

Cafés on the peninsula often offer more than coffee. Many include light meals, baked goods, and even retail sections featuring locally made products. These touches make the shops feel like community hubs, where coffee is the centerpiece but not the only draw. Whether browsing a small art display, attending a local music night, or simply relaxing with a book, visitors find more to enjoy than just the menu.

Making Leland Feel Like Home

Coffee has a way of making new places feel familiar. For those moving to the area, discovering a favorite café can be the first step in feeling at home. The comfort of a daily ritual, combined with the friendliness of local baristas and regulars, creates an easy way to connect with the community. Over time, these simple routines become part of the broader experience of living in Leland.

Finding Your Place in Leland With Local Expertise

Coffee culture is just one of the many reasons people are drawn to Leland. The combination of lakeside beauty, community connections, and welcoming businesses creates a lifestyle that is both distinctive and inviting. When planning a move to Leland, choosing the right property should also include thinking about how daily life will feel. The town’s charm comes not only from its homes but from the shops, cafés, and local experiences that shape everyday routines.

Leelanau Living Realty Group offers the local expertise and guidance to help clients navigate the real estate market in Leland, ensuring they find a home that fits their vision. With professional support, buyers can settle into the area with confidence and enjoy everything from the shoreline to the coffee shops that make Leland such a special place. To explore Leland, MI, homes for sale, contact Leelanau Living Realty Group today.

*Header image courtesy of Unsplash



Robin Vilter

Robin Vilter

About the Author

I was raised in Cincinnati.  My dad was a professor at U.C. and so we were fortunate to have the entire summer to spend on North Lake Leelanau. Summers in Leelanau were such a gift. Starting at the age of twelve we were able to drive the boat into town or to the yacht club. My days were jam-packed. I would teach sailing school at the Leland Yacht Club in the mornings, then take a nap on the dock or the beach, shower, then drive into Leland where I had a job as a hostess. My sisters and I did this every summer and when we had a driver's license we had more options for employment.  I stashed away thousands of dollars every summer (literally in a shoe box). Yes, we worked our tails off, but it really did not seem like it since we were enjoying all the beauty of Leelanau at the same time.

I graduated from Miami of Ohio and after graduation I bought the Riverside Inn with my mother and my sister. I later sold my shares when I realized that being a single parent did not pair well with working late nights. After that I was fortunate enough to spend about a decade as a full time parent and I cherish every moment of those years with my (now adult) kiddos, Mackenzie and Sean.

I Earned My Real Estate License in 2016

By that point, I had bought and sold houses seven times over the course of twelve years. I had to be a real estate expert by then, right? The simple truth is I love real estate! What I love most about real estate is establishing great relationships. Each new client is a wonderful surprise. We live in such a small community, yet I get to meet new people all the time and usually, they turn out to be great friends. The other thing I love is the variety. Every house is different, every client is different, and it all comes with its own unique challenges.
 
As our team expanded, I knew we needed to rebrand.  I wanted our new name to symbolize how vibrant and yet comforting it is to live and vacation in the county. Leelanau Living is not just about who lives in Leelanau and how they live here -  it is also about all that is living in Leelanau including all of our natural resources.

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