Tasting Table Recognizes Higher Grounds as a Midwest Standout in Speci

Tasting Table Recognizes Higher Grounds as a Midwest Standout in Specialty Coffee

Traverse City, Michigan — Higher Grounds Trading Co. has been named one of the Midwest’s standout coffee destinations in a new feature written by Mona Bassil for Tasting Table. The national food and beverage publication released a curated roundup of award winning coffee shops worth visiting in the Midwest and highlighted Higher Grounds for its commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and community centered hospitality.

"Famous for its cherries, wines, and lake views, picturesque Traverse City also boasts its fair share of acclaimed coffee joints, including the Higher Grounds Coffee Bar. Established in 2002 in a historic warehouse within The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, this bright, plant-filled, and dog-friendly venue features a large outdoor patio and offers a free roastery tour with tastings every other Friday. For the latter, keep in mind that places are limited and registration is mandatory.

The Higher Grounds Trading Co. won Good Food Awards in 2017 and 2022 for its Yirgacheffe Idido and Organic Apex Karla Portillo Honduras Microlot, respectively. At the time of writing, the brand's best-selling organic roasts are Highland Humanity (with caramel and cocoa notes), the bold and nutty Funky Mamacita, Justice (vanilla and citrus traits), and the smooth Mayan Magic Espresso (with hints of caramel and berries). "

Criteria That Set This Recognition Apart

Mona Bassil provided clear and intentional criteria for selecting each featured coffee shop. Her methodology demonstrates the strength and credibility of the final list. According to Bassil:

“Here's how I came up with this carefully curated list of highly acclaimed coffee shops across the Midwest that are definitely worth your time and dime. I then narrowed the list to roasters that use only high quality beans, organic, and/or fair trade sourcing.”

She continues:

“These cozy places have been featured in notable magazines and digital outlets and have been honored by the likes of the U.S. Coffee Championships, the Golden Bean Awards, and the Good Food Awards, not to mention various accolades bestowed by local communities. Finally, my last two criteria were high ratings and predominantly positive feedback on platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google Reviews, as well as tempting signature and/or seasonal menu items.”

These standards align closely with Higher Grounds’ long standing approach to ethical sourcing, small batch roasting, and transparent supply chains. Our coffees are sourced through long term partnerships with small scale cooperatives and vetted through rigorous cupping protocols both at origin and in house.

Visit Higher Grounds in Traverse City

Higher Grounds welcomes guests to its coffee bar and roastery in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Visitors can enjoy single origin pour overs, seasonal beverages, small batch beans to take home, and a firsthand look at the roasting facility. Free public roastery tours with tastings are offered every other Friday.