5th Elm Coffee House - Houghton

Impossible to get information about 5th and elm unless they are on facebook.

I had a truly disappointing experience at this coffee shop. The staff behind the counter seemed frustrated when I asked for a recommendation on a drink. I ordered a sandwich, and I was shocked to find it nearly $15 for a subpar sandwich and a drink. I definitely won’t be returning. It seems like the employees might have a close connection with the owner, because if this were my business, I would have let them go a long time ago. A note to the owner: your rude employees are driving away customers—and their money, just in case you weren't aware. I’ll be sure to let all my sorority sisters know, and news travels quickly.

I don't often write reviews, but after today's terrible experience, I feel I must share my thoughts on this place. Simply put, it was awful. While I used to visit occasionally, I didn't go often for several reasons. First, they close at 6 PM. Second, their menu is mostly limited to coffee. Third, the internet connection is painfully slow. Fourth, the staff, who often have a hipster vibe, can be quite rude and dismissive. Fifth, many of the seats lack convenient power outlets. Sixth, the space functions like a concrete echo chamber, becoming very loud when it's busy. Seventh, the seating is quite uncomfortable. Lastly, whenever the front door opens, it lets in a cold draft, which is unpleasant for those sitting nearby. Overall, it's simply not a welcoming place.

We discovered this hidden gem during a visit to see our son at the MTU a few years ago. Every time we go back, we find ourselves stopping in almost daily for a drink and at least a few times for a sandwich. We each have our favorites, but we’ve never had anything that we didn’t enjoy! Sometimes we dine in, while other times we grab our order to go. Whenever we've called ahead to place an order, everything has always been spot on. I highly recommend this place!

Good food.