Dockside Cafe

I approach the counter, confused by the jumble of super-​hard-​to-​read menu boards. Faint chalk on board, with ceiling light bouncing directly off ‘em. I was starving when I got here, so maybe my hunger put a damper on the experience.
I order a grilled cheese and medium chai. Three different non-​staff members carry on conversations with the cook/​cashier while I wait. They’re whispering to each other behind the counter. Who knows what the gossip is, but apparently it’s okay to stand behind the counter and share it. Hmm this place really is a locals hangout.
I have money in hand, but standing at the counter doesn’t do any good. No one pays attention to me after I place the order. I guess I’ll sit while my food is being cooked.
The décor is neither photogenic nor quaint, it’s more «waiting room kitsch». Locals might appreciate this place, but frankly I didn’t. The food is fine. Diner quality, perhaps even cafeteria quality. The service was poor.
P. S. it’s called dockside but don’t expect a view of anything beside a parking lot.

good to know this place is near my home & great breakfast sandwiches… if you are going to the library… you jhave a good place to grab a coffee right there GREAT! I will dock the boat and lunch here this summer as often as possible.

I was a little disappointed after going to this place. Granted, there are only 2 reviews and both are high… but I saw an opportunity to check out a coffee shop I was not aware of within a mile from my house.
Imagine you are in Ann Arbor getting coffee at one of those college kid driven shops packed with people cramming for mid-​terms.
Now fast forward that image about 65 years and have all the same individuals as patrons.
See where I’m going here?
Basically, Dockside Café is adequate if you want decent coffee. Nothing about the place is great if you’re looking for something fast. There are a bunch of locals, people who visit the library, and people who visit the other city related items hanging out there. I had one of the wraps (meat, cheese, lettuce, and mayo for $ 5!) as well as the «southwestern chicken noodle soup» (spaghetti noodles in soup?) and they were both average at best.
Saving graces are free wi-​fi, really friendly staff, and free coffee refills.