Bert's Cafe
919 S University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
Crema's Take
“Tucked inside the Shapiro Undergraduate Library, Bert's serves espresso drinks sourced from Espresso Royale in a bustling, study-friendly atmosphere that draws students and locals alike. The vibe here is genuinely welcoming—the owner's presence and pride in the space is palpable—and the rotating selection of bagels, pastries, and light food makes it easy to settle in for hours. Fair warning: you're paying for the environment and community as much as the coffee, which leans toward the average side, but the consistently friendly staff and convenient location make it a reliable Ann Arbor favorite.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Great people and good coffee: fun fact - they get their coffee from Espresso Royale. Also a good variety of other foods and snacks including but not limited to bagels, soup, various pastries and a good selection of other beverages (pop, iced tea, red bull etc) along with prepared sandwiches, yogurt, juice and other similar faire. That it is also located in the Ugli makes it very convenient for students and staff alike. If i had to nitpick I would say I'd prefer they were open a but before 8 as many staff start at 8 and it would be nice if they could pick up a tasty beverage and bagel on the way into work. But this is only a minor quibble and does not impact the score at all.
Asian girl working on February 11th around 10:30 pm was very rude. I needed two new drinks because they were previously made wrong. She was not very quick to make them, questioned it, and never apologized. Having worked in customer service myself, it is commonly known that the customer is always right and you apologize when they are not happy/get a new product of what they're not happy with. After getting the new ones that she had made I thanked her and she did not reply, and the drinks are still just as bad.
A Bustling Environment Filled with Sub-Par Food and Snacks ----Come for the Environment, Leave because of the Prices----- Bert's Cafe is located on the first floor of the Shapiro Undergraduate Library (or, the UGLI as the college students so affectionately call it). Stocked with snacks, coffee, small meals and candy, the food is altogether unremarkable and admittedly a bit pricey. Honestly, one would probably be better off stocking up at your local Costco™ and buying in bulk. The coffee is unremarkable - you're better off saving the 3 or 4 dollars and spending it somewhere else. That being said, one of the most redeeming qualities of Bert's is its undeniable atmosphere. There are students always walking around and chatting and honestly, it is quite refreshing. Scores: Food ---- 3/10 Value ---- 2/10 Accessibility ---- 8/10 Service ---- N/A Overall: 4.3/10 ---> 2/5 Stars Verdict: Mediocre. Food isn't great and neither are the prices. Good place if you have no other choices.
In the midst of desperately studying for hours on end, Bert's is not the hero you want, but it's the hero you deserve for putting everything off for so long. It's average, weak, and often old coffee. But the stale bagels and begrudgingly pulled lattes probably contributed more toward earning my degree than I did.
Bert's was an overall great experience. 10 minute wait on a Saturday morning (shortest in the area). Very friendly staff; we were seated by the owner, who definitely takes pride in his product and establishment. Most dishes made from scratch with old family recipes, many world class dishes (including the huevos racheros, which were amazing)! Definitely worth a visit!
Crema Reviews
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