By Arianna Smith section editor
As far as Detroit residents and members of the Old Redford community are concerned, Starbucks has nothing on their favorite neighborhood coffee spots, especially the Motor City Java and Tea House. Tucked away in Artists Village in Northwest Detroit and kitty corner to Sweet Potato Sensations, Motor City Java House is a locally owned café where prices are low and reviews are sky high.
“We used to live in Rosedale, and it was tight down the street. It was the single coolest restaurant I’ve ever been in,” said sophomore Aisha Jones.
Owned by Alicia George, Maegan Murphy and Tonya Murphy, Motor City Java House offers a varied menu ranging from fresh baked cookies, cakes, fresh smoothies and specialty coffee drinks to omelets, soups and sandwiches. The mochas rival the Mcafe drinks at McDonald’s and everything is served warm and with a friendly smile. But the food isn’t the only cool thing about Motor City Java House. The shop looks like a cross between an art workshop and a comfy living room complete with couches, dining room tables and free Wi-Fi.
“It’s a place where you can chill and drink some awesome coffee,” said resident Jamie Roland. “I do my schoolwork here. I’m a regular. Miss Alicia is great.”
Small, Black owned businesses are having a revival all across Detroit, but the Motor City Java House is more than just a simple coffee place. The Motor City Blight Busters, an organization dedicated to renovating Detroit and eliminating eyesores in neighborhoods, operates out of the shop. Behind the main area sits gorgeous gardens and painted murals, and the Java House is associated with the Creative Juices program, which hosts poetry slams and exhibitions for local artists.
“This place is just fantastic,” said resident Carrie Williams. “I’m going to come here as long as I can.”
As an experience, Phoenix Rising gives the Motor City Java and Tea House 5 out of 5 stars, and encourages everyone to swing by Old Redford and see what they have in store.
