Sparrows are small birds that are often found in urban settings and are commonly known as the song bird. In East Town you will find a cute little coffee shop that is just the same.

Formerly known as The Stray Dog, this one-of-a-kind coffee shop is also known for their tea and newsstand. The atmosphere is very low-key and calm which makes it a nice place to catch up with friends or do homework and study. The Sparrow is very conducive to studying because everyone who was there was on a computer. They have free WiFi, and the furniture is spacious, creating the best atmosphere.

The Sparrow has changed the definition of coffee shop. They are neighborhood-oriented, meaning they have evening events such as art openings, receptions and music. They also try to utilize Michigan and Grand Rapids-based products and vendors. The owners of this coffee shop try to keep business and money in the community. Hanging on the walls in The Sparrow is local art that continually changes. They also have locally made goods such as jewelry for sale. Sparrow’s focus is on organic and fair-trade. They have rice milk, soy milk and almond milk for those who may have allergies. You can also order caffeine free tea espressos, a pastry or crepe.

The Sparrow looks like it may have been converted from a brick house to a coffee shop, as well as the other businesses on the street. They have wood floors, high ceilings, and soft lighting, creating an old fashioned yet contemporary atmosphere. The circle and square tables provide plenty of space for people to sprawl out. The menu is displayed not on your typical chalk board, but in a wooden board hanging high for everyone to see. Almost every table had someone sitting at it, and it was still surprisingly quiet. Soft, smooth music rang in the background as my friends Rebecca Gonzalez, Katie Stapf and I played Scrabble. When we went, there were people of all ages, young and old. This coffee shop also caters to everyone because they have games such as Scrabble, and baby toys to keep the little ones entertained.

Katie, Rebecca and I had to choose whether we wanted tea or coffee. I chose to order a Hazelnut latte and the man who made my drink even artistically made a leaf out of the foam. Rebecca got the Irish Cream steamer and they made it really thick, and she thought it was delicious. Katie ordered the Chai Tea Latte with rice milk. The drinks came in these tall glass cups with cardboard sleeves.

At The Sparrow, the reading selection seems endless. Laid out on a nice shelving unit are over 100 different magazines to choose from, which can be purchased. Lined up on a long counter are jars of loose leaf teas, all displayed right before your very eyes. Katie, Rebecca and I counted about 35 total tea jars. The Sparrow also has a combination of drinks: espresso latte, cappuccino, caffeine free tea espressos, bubble teas and soups.

Our President Joe Stowell and his wife Martie have been spotted drinking coffee at The Sparrow, as well as Jeff Manion, teaching pastor at Ada Bible Church.

The Sparrow is a sweet little place with a good feeling about it. They have a wall covered with a selection of magazines and newspapers for reading, and lined their long counter with jars of loose leaf teas. When you order tea, it comes with a cool tea brewing canister that you take to your seat. You can also get free water refills, creating more than one cup of tea. So, Get Out and try something new, like The Sparrow coffee, tea and newsstand, which gets my highest rating.