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Welcome to James Oliver Corktown

At James Oliver Corktown, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Detroit through our thoughtfully crafted bagels, sandwiches, and delightful pastries. Nestled at 1236 Michigan Ave, our cafe embraces a welcoming atmosphere, offering a range of vegan and vegetarian options, perfect for all dietary preferences. Patrons can enjoy outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and even bring their dogs along for the experience. Our menu features everything from classic egg and cheese sandwiches to innovative lox bagels on specialty flavors. With a cozy interior and a commitment to community, James Oliver Corktown invites you to savor each moment and flavor in our unique space.

James Oliver Corktown: Reviews & Ratings

Fred M.
Fred M.

Good food and service. I've been here a few times and I always get the egg and avocado sandwich. I've only done carry out but the dine in area looks really nice. Nice location too near the freeway and right on Michigan Ave. I recommend coming here.

Meg B.
Meg B.

What a cute and stunning design! I was obsessed with the industrial appeal indoors. The menu was quite extensive with so many delicious options, it was hard to choose! I opted for the lox bagel on the jalapeño cheddar and I'm still drooling over it. My gf got it on a the rosemary sea salt, which also looked delicious. I got a matcha but wish I did espresso. My gf got oj and that also looked delicious. The staff is quick and does a great job. Such a fun spot to come chill and check out local vendors too.

Katy C.
Katy C.

I love a good coffee shop, especially ones that have breakfast. James Oliver Coffee is close to the Godfrey hotel, where Nate and I stayed recently. We stopped in for a quick breakfast before getting on the road. I got a latte and a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel sandwich. Nate got the veggie bagel and a coffee. The space is bright and airy with lots of natural light and varied seating. The latte was perfection, super creamy and delicious with my oat milk. The bagel was good, but to be honest, I am just not a big fan of bagel sandwiches. I noticed they had some other sandwiches on sourdough, so I wonder if I could've gotten the breakfast sandwich on that instead. Still, it was very tasty and Nate loved his (very messy) veggie bagel. Service was friendly and patient, which I appreciated as the menu board is handwritten which can sometimes take me longer to figure out.

Anna V.
Anna V.

Love the vegan cream cheese options and all the yummy sandwich options! Baked good options all on display and a lot of locally made candles, textiles and other goods on display and for sale too - very cute and cozy. Lots of seating options but I'm sure it gets busy. The parking lot could use a refresher - esp to mark handicap spots.

Morgan L.
Morgan L.

So many good choices of bagels, great chicken sausage! The matcha was so fresh & yummy. Friendly service & cozy vibe inside.

Delanie M.
Delanie M.

my mom and partner got a coffee at honest john's this morning that was so good we had to find the source - james oliver coffee. since we already ate and got drinks we stopped in to buy some coffee beans and check out the space. i saw multiple vegan options on the menu - vegan egg, bacon, cream cheese, cookies and bagels. i was told all the bagels except the ones with cheese were vegan. i got a vegan cookie and jalapeño pretzel bagel for the road. the cookie was chewy and buttery. the bagel was soft and i loved the jalapeño and pretzel flavors. my partner is looking forward to trying the signature blend coffee beans he picked up.

Lindsey V.
Lindsey V.

I just discovered this place recently and I really like it! I love bagels and a cheese bagel can be hard to find, so I'm thankful for their jalepeno cheddar and spicy asiago options. This cafe has a lot of options for different cream cheese flavors and coffee flavors. They also have an array of pastries which are not bad. To me, the bagels are pretty good, not the best I've had, but I'm a repeat customer so that says enough. The best thing to mention about James Oliver is that they have a large sitting area, so it seems like a nice place to chat with a friend, read, or work on your computer. Because it's quite social, it can get a bit noisy so keep that in mind when you come check it out!

Melitta S.
Melitta S.

Yelp didn't disappoint!! Was looking for a breakfast spot that wasn't a greasy spoon. We got Vegan bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. Wow---- doesn't even cover the flavor profile. It had a spicy kick that I couldn't place... We ordered ahead and it was ready as we pulled in lot. My matcha was ok but the cookies and pistachio bread more than made up for it. Collegey vibes, with people typing away on laptops or reading actual books. Would definitely revisit but this area has so many cool spots and I'm only here for short time

Location

Welcome to James Oliver Corktown! Nestled on the vibrant Michigan Avenue in Detroit, this gem of a café serves as a beacon for food lovers seeking a delightful bagel experience, hearty sandwiches, and a cozy atmosphere. The location, with its easy access to the freeway and nearby attractions, makes it a perfect stop whether you're a local or just passing through.

James Oliver Corktown stands out not only for its extensive menu but also for its inclusive environment. The café offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, making it a hotspot for all dietary preferences. From the signature Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich to the deliciously creative Vegan Garden Veggie Sandwich, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Here’s a quick round-up of what you can expect:

  • Bagels: Freshly made with a choice of flavors, including jalapeño cheddar and rosemary sea salt.
  • Sandwiches: Ranging from classic breakfast options to innovative vegetarian delights.
  • Coffee Bar: Featuring expertly crafted drinks like lattes and cortados to start your day right.

The interior boasts a modern, industrial vibe that patrons have raved about. As Meg B. expressed, the design is both "cute and stunning," truly making it a charming spot for casual gatherings or a peaceful work environment. With free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and a welcoming ambiance, the café promotes an inviting space for everyone—from remote workers to families and furry friends, as dogs are welcome!

As a personal highlight, the lox bagel has drawn admiration for its rich flavors on the house-made jalapeño cheddar bagel, while many have praised the unmatched quality of their vegan cream cheese options. Anna V. noted the delectable choices on display, complimenting the combination of fresh ingredients and local artistry found in their baked goods and goods for sale.

Spending time at James Oliver Corktown is not just about grabbing a bite; it's about savoring unique dishes in a community-oriented setting. Whether you are stopping by for a quick cup of espresso or sitting down to indulge in a meal that feels particularly crafted for you, James Oliver Corktown is a place that resonates with warmth, creativity, and quality.

In the words of Fred M., "I recommend coming here." So, if you find yourself around Detroit, make sure to experience what James Oliver Corktown has to offer. You just might discover your new favorite spot!