It’s 10:30 a.m. when I roll up to Kin Coffee. It’s charming from the outside, the only coffee shop on the north side of Lake Macatawa. I circled the parking lot a few times before driving across the street to park. Maybe all of Park Township had the same idea this morning.
The front porch is full of people enjoying each other’s company—laughter, conversation, the clink of mugs. The porch is generously sized and feels welcoming and warm. It felt like coming home. This wasn’t one of those cold, concrete, minimalist coffee shops you find downtown. This was homey. From the start, it was speaking my language. I stepped in through an unassuming door, the kind you’d expect on a house.
Inside, it was bustling. The line was eight people deep, but the vibe was perfect. I can’t even fully describe it. The textures, the smells, the attention to detail—it all just felt right. Like a home you didn’t want to leave. Warm brick interior walls, an analog clock, soft white oak floors. Vintage camping gear filled the corners. It didn’t feel designed, it felt real. Local. Honest.
While waiting in line, I noticed their merch. It was built around kindness. “Kin,” short for kind. Simple and beautiful. There was no shouting about social or political beliefs, just a quiet sense of goodness.
The baristas moved naturally, gracefully - they looked healthy inside and out. Their kindness felt real, like a breath of fresh air. They were present, not scrolling through phones or lost in some far-off digital world. Just there. With you.
I felt at peace. Not rushed. The space made me slow down. In different corners, people played games, studied, talked. Families with kids, older women catching up, teens working on homework, business folks on laptops. It was a snapshot of life—real and vibrant.
It was my turn, I ordered a cold brew with sweet foam and a bacon burrito from the summer menu. I chose to dine in. It wasn’t cheap—$17 with tip—but it felt fair. I wasn’t just paying for food. I was investing in something spiritual, nourishing not just my body but something deeper. God’s beauty was evident here. They didn’t have to preach it. It was felt.
I found a seat beneath the porch outside. I worked, sipped my coffee, and watched groups come and go. Some stayed, some left with to-go orders. Everyone seemed full of life and joy. There wasn’t a trace of that grumpy, impatient energy you sometimes find at chain coffee spots.
I got a lot done. I stayed for three hours. I didn’t want to leave. Not once was I given a stare to wrap it up or approached to move along. No one hovered or made me feel like I was overstaying. It was the kind of place that welcomed you to stay as long as you needed—no pressure, no rush. Just a quiet understanding that this space was made for people to linger, to breathe, to feel at ease.
The drink was incredible. Smooth, just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without going overboard. It came in a beautiful glass carafe with a metal straw. Thoughtful details like that really elevate the experience. The bacon burrito was great too, served with a flavorful side.
So be kind. Check out Kin Coffee. Order from their fantastic menu. Bring a friend. Or ten. Work, play, linger. I drink a lot of coffee and visit a lot of spots around West Michigan. Kin is at the top. Wildroast is a close second. Maybe it’s the proximity to the beach. Maybe it’s the calm.
Next time you’re heading down Ottawa Beach Road, stop and slow down. You’ll feel at home. You’re kin.
Eric McKee is a lifetime resident of West Michigan. Married with two energetic boys, he spends his days balancing work with dad life. Also, a firm believer that Almond St. Claus Windmill Cookies are the ultimate snack (and maybe a little too good).
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