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The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream
417 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
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The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream
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Al
Review β„–1

Trendy, unique, and absolutely the best coffee you can get in the city. The coffee shop feels like home. The staff always goes above and beyond for all of their customers. Priscilla always is a joy to see, and the passion in her work clearly shows. From the decor in the shop, to her execution in all of her beverages, she really does strive to make it the most welcoming spot in Royal Oak! Truly a gem πŸ’Ž

Ro
Review β„–2

Good mocha, nice cozy interior. Good place to relax and browse your computer

Ha
Review β„–3

Amazing coffee and food!The atmosphere in here is so nice and relaxing.The coffee was amazing the best latte Ive had. I got the avocado toast and that was also really good. The bread was delicious and toasted perfect so it didn’t get soggy from the avocado and was a great size too.Definitely would recommend!

Ja
Review β„–4

Fantastic service with very friendly staff that are very attentive to your order and take pride in what they do. We witnessed the very kind staff wishing a customer happy birthday and he seemed to very much appreciate that. They drinks are also delicious! The caramel maple was great!

St
Review β„–5

Stop in here 3x a week to host meetings, interviews and focus. The team is so sweet and great at remembering names of their customers - they often make great suggestions on their seasonal offerings. I love Priscilla who is always so intentional about greeting me whenever I arrive. Def a great, welcoming atmosphere at PGRO.

Br
Review β„–6

Really good icecream and coffee witg a good vibe and awesome batista. I had the fruity pebbles ice cream witg a honey lavender coffee. The coffee was definitely better than the chains.

Aa
Review β„–7

Easily the best service I have ever had in my life. The ice cream was a magical swirl of rich whimsy whose ethereal sweet and salty taste will haunt me until I die. My taste buds have peaked and I will live the rest of my life in a horrible depression knowing I can never replicate the luxury of that experience. The server named Min who made this confection for me surely deserves a raise, and should probably be given an important title, perhaps something like Lord of Ice Cream. Or Empress of Flavor.

Ca
Review β„–8

First time being here, everyone is super nice! I ordered the vietnamese coffee and it was a perfect mix of coffee and sweetness. My friend got a strawberry and banana smoothie and said it was so good that theyd order it again! They have hand sanitizer at every table, too! I also noticed that they offer whole french presses and whole tea pots which is the first time Ive seen that! Definitely going to come in the future. The atmosphere is also really cool, and the baristas really nice.

Li
Review β„–9

We love Proving Grounds! It has definitely become our new favorite coffee shop. I am so appreciative of the vegan syrups and chocolates for the lattes. Highly recommend making this your new coffee destination!

Mo
Review β„–10

Good coffee and vibes as well as ice cream !

Ca
Review β„–11

Amazing experience, full of warm smiles, artistically designed interior, and absolutely delicious coffee. I cannot recommend this place enough! Thank you for providing such a friendly, welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

Ka
Review β„–12

I stopped in during opening week and you would have thought they’ve been open for months!Beautiful space with tables, a bar, comfy couches/chairs and a kids’ play area! My toddler loved itβ€” a play kitchen, lots of books, toys and a chalkboard wall all enclosed in a little cubby area. Plenty of room for 4+ kids to play. (And soon their upstairs will be open as an even bigger space for kids!)I enjoyed a small Cafe Miel(honey and cinnamon latte), which came in a big mug and was delicious.Great spot for working, meeting a friend and is a safe place for kiddos to play.So happy they are open in Royal Oak!

Mu
Review β„–13

This is a newer coffee shop (to me at least) and I wanted to try them out. I really enjoyed the atmosphere here. It is ideal for kicking back with someone and enjoying some coffee.Although I was magnetically attracted to their ice cream options, I fought the urge and kept my order simple. I had the Iced Hazelnut Latte. It had the the right touch of hazelnut in it to where it complemented the coffee. I prefer my lattes to be on the lighter side with the added sweet flavorings, and this one was made right.I see myself coming here again. But next time, I will not fight the urge brought upon me from their ice cream selection.

Al
Review β„–14

Love the coffee here! Also, the best avocado toast!They do not serve fruit flavor coffee. No syrups in those flavors. But they have their own unique coffees and the atmosphere is wonderful, like a coffee house should be like. Live entertainment, but not too loud.

Ar
Review β„–15

The staff was refusing on preparing food on that day because was not enough people working, just two. But the coffee shop was not even full, and they were just serving coffee to the customers. Disappointed

Ab
Review β„–16

Vanilla Ice Cream and Cafe Latte are two things i enjoyed

Te
Review β„–17

My sister and I love their coffee, its a great pick me up on a early Saturday morning.

Ca
Review β„–18

First time being there and it was really outstanding. The cold brew with lavender and a splash of milk was the ideal drink for the hot weather.

Vi
Review β„–19

Love the atmosphere, music, kind and helpful staff, and of course the delicious drinks and food! Glad to have such a great coffee shop to study and meet up with friends at. Thank you! :)

Ry
Review β„–20

Great location & interior. Ok staff. Too bad the cold brew tastes like jet fuel.

Je
Review β„–21

Good place to go for coffee . Never that busy. Always place to sit and do your work. Has a food menu. Place little over priced. Friendley staff and outside seating, they just got outside comfortable seats. Old seats horrible and I hope they never come back.

Ry
Review β„–22

This is my favorite coffee shop in Royal Oak. I usually get the cold brew, but everything Ive had here is good. The staff is very friendly and thoughtful. Their walk-up window is a great idea. They also carry some very delicious ice cream. The outdoor seating area is very small but its a nice place to hang out and enjoy your coffee on a nice day.

Gi
Review β„–23

The best coffee I’ve had in a really long time! I also really enjoy the avocado toast. I took both my dad and brother here and they both say it’s their favorite coffee spot now.

CE
Review β„–24

Just went there at 4:20-ish on Tuesday, April 27, and was helped by Parker who was super nice. All three of the people working were wonderful! I didn’t catch the other two peoples names but it’s a very lovely place. The iced chai latte with oat milk is great, also.

Ri
Review β„–25

Staff is nice and ambience is great. The espresso is awful. Burnt, bitter and watery. My wife’s latte was no better. I was really hoping for another addition to Dessert Oasis and great coffee in Royal oak. Don’t waste your money or time.Response: Thank you. Just so you know, Ive traveled all over the world and USA to try different espresso as it is a passion of mine. Im not your typical coffee-goer. I would be happy to come back and try the espresso again with one of the owners. Maybe it was poorly made that day.

Ja
Review β„–26

Great ice cream and cold brew

Mr
Review β„–27

Loved the atmosphere here. Came in to grab ice cream after a after walk with my niece. The girls were so sweet β˜ΊοΈπŸ’• great service!

TJ
Review β„–28

Nice and helpful. I ordered a medium Vietnamese coffee. Just right!

Er
Review β„–29

This is my favorite place.

Se
Review β„–30

Great food, and great service! Min was awesome!

Ca
Review β„–31

They have good tea lattes! The service was excellent!

de
Review β„–32

Cozy coffee shop with nice decor

Je
Review β„–33

Has everything you need for a small brunch ..great atmosphere wifi. And live music !!

Di
Review β„–34

I went to that place before and the lady helped me was nice.But today I went and rang the bell to order outside and the two ladies were there didn’t not come to the window pretending that they didn’t hear it. That was a lie they looked and they didn’t come. they were rude to my friend when she was trying to orderThey need to have better staff so they don’t lose customers because they’re coffee is amazing. I’m disappointed I’m never going back there again.

Am
Review β„–35

This coffee shop has been a saving grace during the pandemic lockdowns. We love the convenience of the walk up window, they have good coffee, and plenty of vegan options for lattes, small snacks and icecream. Good coffee and good vibes, and easy to get to.

Ar
Review β„–36

The staff is absolutely amazing and truly create a friendly community space. Great food and wonderful coffee. My new regular spot. Even though it’s a longer walk from homeβ€” worth it.

Ha
Review β„–37

Great experience as a first time customer! Priscilla was an excellent staff. Her recommendations were on point! I don’t do lattes because they upset my stomach, but she recommended to try the oat milk as an alternative. I ordered the caramel butterscotch with oat milk. DELICIOUS! Also offered us ice cream samples and gave us recommendations based on our liking. Awesome awesome awesome! I will be back.. very soon!!!!!!

Al
Review β„–38

Nice ambience, good drinks, sweet baristas

Ma
Review β„–39

Food and drinks were great. Staff was very friendly and super helpful. We had an issue with an item not being made and our loyalty points going to another customer but that was all quickly rectified. The place is beautiful! Cool little play area nook under the stairs for kids. Also, there was a lending library! Was a bit crowded so I wasnt able to get more pictures.

Mi
Review β„–40

I had an incredible experience at the Proving Grounds today! All of my thanks to the lovely baristas who brightened my day! ☺️

IB
Review β„–41

Best Places to drink coffee

Er
Review β„–42

Great new coffee shop! Nice to have independent coffee shop with great coffee and deserts. Good atmosphere, plenty of tables, clean... even has a small children play area. Staff is friendly and helpful. Give it a try. Well definitely be back.

Lo
Review β„–43

Have ordered twice from the takeaway window and both times the cold mocha coffee drinks were poorly made. Todays drink was 1/2 whipped cream, very little liquid.Staff at the window were pleasant enough but when paying $6.15 for a drink, thats just not enough.

Ka
Review β„–44

Always wonderful! Dog friendly!

Ri
Review β„–45

Out door seating for coffee and pastries to share with your family and your friends. There is a large tent to shade people from the sun. Great πŸ‘Œ fun.

Ju
Review β„–46

Has good fresh ice cream, coffee and sandwiches

El
Review β„–47

Ran by awesome people. Coffee is great. Love this place.

Be
Review β„–48

Cozy little coffee shop, also has ice cream and more. Nice place to go out with friends for a refreshment or two.

Ka
Review β„–49

First of all let me talk about the employees...so great from the minute I walked in! So friendly, welcoming and chatty, felt like talking to friends!My coffee and pastry, the honey lavender latte and almond crescent were amazing!So glad they’ve opened in Royal Oak!

Br
Review β„–50

Nice place, friendly employees and customer service, great coffee, icecream, and food selection..and they like dogs. 🐢

Mi
Review β„–51

Nice new spot in royal oak, the atmosphere is wonderful warm and personal.The banking is large and delicious.And there coffee is tasty and affordable.It’s a great spot to stop.

Ch
Review β„–52

The Proving Grounds has a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Throughout the cafe you’re surrounded by pleasant earth tones making it easy to settle in and get cozy. The baristas are welcoming and well-trained while the coffee is primo (top-notch). Towards the back you can watch as the beans are roasted, which is always a cool experience! Definitely coming back to this place in the future.

Me
Review β„–53

My first visit was Sunday. I ordered a vanilla latte with almond milk. It was so good. I was able to find a seat and work for a little bit while there. The coffee was so good, I decided to buy another before leaving. Their menu says they have gluten free bread too for their sandwiches. I’m excited to try next time!

Ed
Review β„–54

Best cold brew I have ever had. Consistently the best latte in the Detroit area.

Ri
Review β„–55

Good atmosphere. I loved the almond croissant. The vanilla latte was a little bit too sweet for me.

Gh
Review β„–56

Great Staff and awesome Carmel iced lattes. This is my new hangout spot!

Me
Review β„–57

My new fav coffee spot in Royal Oak! They have amazing ice cream which makes for delicious milkshakes and affogato! Coffees are always delicious and it is cozy to hang out there. Love it!

Ke
Review β„–58

My latte tasted amazing and the barista who made it, Yana, is super friendly and super beautiful! She made my drink perfectly. Will def be coming back

Da
Review β„–59

Vietnamese coffee is great, food could be improved. Egg is extremely bland.

MI
Review β„–60

Great place to study and get work done. Really friendly staff as well. Will be coming back

Jo
Review β„–61

1st time here, and I’m definitely coming back. Was immediately greeted by friendly baristas and a warm atmosphere. Couldn’t decide between a latte or their small batch ice cream. So, the baristas recommended both! I got an Afogato which is a scoop of ice cream (I got the Salty Dog) with a shot of espresso poured over it! I’m officially hooked. They also have some local baked goods that look delicious! Give this place a try!

Ca
Review β„–62

First time here. Phenomenal coffee, received excellent customer service from the entire staff-including Kiana, Priscilla, and Jody (owner) - they told me all about their coffee and the history of the business. Everyone was genuinely friendly. I ended up having the americano and the Mary Jackson sandwich and joined their free rewards program. Delicious food. They also had live music for a few hours. Very cozy atmosphere. They also have a little library where I found a good book to read. They also sell Kcups so I picked up a few along with a pound of coffee for my French Press. Will definitely be back as this was a great evening.

Se
Review β„–63

The coffee is good and the service is pretty quick. I would consider this the best coffee shop in the downtown Royal Oak area.

St
Review β„–64

Cozy, comfortable, casual spot with great coffee. I ordered a cafΓ© miel, and its an instant favorite for me. The staff was very friendly as well. Ill definitely be back.

Ja
Review β„–65

The location in Milford was a great experience, excited to see them opening in Royal Oak. Its a definite choice to be a patron and enjoy the relaxed experience of a Oat milk Latte and a wonderful Sandwich. They have created a go to place! When they open Im there!

Ni
Review β„–66

Their espresso was the best Ive had in a while & the staff was very informative and welcoming.

Ch
Review β„–67

Love this place! β˜•πŸ˜ŠπŸ’―

ji
Review β„–68

Absolutely delicious coffee. I recommend this place !!

Ch
Review β„–69

Place is awesome! Looking forward to the kids play area upstairs!

Ra
Review β„–70

100% recommended excellent coffee and best service

Ke
Review β„–71

Great ice cream!!! Friendly service and recommendations

Ji
Review β„–72

Great coffee and a great music playlist

Ba
Review β„–73

Super good coffees!

Je
Review β„–74

SUPER kind and friendly baristas. WOW. Wish I could give 6 stars.

RJ
Review β„–75

Solid staff!

Mi
Review β„–76

Great

Jo
Review β„–77

It was good.

Mc
Review β„–78

Great coffee and atmosphere.

Ha
Review β„–79

Nice atmosphere.

St
Review β„–80

Good coffee

oo
Review β„–81

Good chai

Information
88 Photos
81 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:417 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States
  • Site:http://provinggroundscoffee.com/
  • Phone:+1 248-307-7853
Categories
  • Coffee shop
Working hours
  • Monday:7AM–7PM
  • Tuesday:7AM–7PM
  • Wednesday:7AM–7PM
  • Thursday:7AM–8PM
  • Friday:7AM–8PM
  • Saturday:8AM–7PM
  • Sunday:7AM–7PM
From the business
  • Identifies as women-led:Yes
Service options
  • Outdoor seating:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeout:Yes
  • Dine-in:No
Highlights
  • Fast service:Yes
  • Great coffee:Yes
  • Great dessert:Yes
  • Great tea selection:Yes
  • Live performances:Yes
Popular for
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Solo dining:Yes
  • Good for working on laptop:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom:Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Prepared foods:Yes
  • Quick bite:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
Dining options
  • Breakfast:Yes
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
  • Seating:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restroom:Yes
  • Wi-Fi:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual:Yes
  • Cozy:Yes
Crowd
  • Family-friendly:Yes
Planning
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
  • NFC mobile payments:Yes
  • Credit cards:Yes
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