Rough Draft

4.7 (22 reviews)

ModerateCoffee & Tea, Bars

Open • 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

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Rough Draft - Bourbon vanilla latte with a view outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

Rough Draft - Plenty of room inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

Rough Draft - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

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Rough Draft - Back room - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

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Katy R.

Love local businesses and incredible coffee? This is your place! Rough Draft is a locally owned coffee shop that just opened in Hillsdale, MI by a recent Hillsdale College grad. I wish I lived closer to Hillsdale so that I could come here more often! First off, the inside of Rough Draft is decorated so cute! I came during the holidays, and they had christmas lights and decorations hung up around the shop. It's a great modern vibe inside, which really enhanced my experience. Secondly, I ordered the Chai Tea Latte - wow! This is honestly the best chai latte I've ever had. It was so creamy and rich. They offer a variety of other drinks and flavors - the owner even makes her own syrups! If I was a college student, I would be here every day doing homework. Come here and support your local businesses and enjoy amazing coffee/tea!

Ryan J.

This was a gem in this small town. A place for coffee purist with house made sauces but equally fine tradition cappuccinos. Also has a full bar with with some tasty and quality scotch selections. Great place to meet friends or hide away with a good book.

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Susan M.

Elite 26

102

652

227

2 years ago

Super adorable coffee shop serving coffee, liquor/beer/wine and fresh baked goods. I'm from Chicago and Chicago would be proud to have this awesome shop. Good job Rough Draft! We were in town for a train tour and stopped in for a beer and a snack. read more

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Amy M.

0

10

1

11 months ago

Amazing little gem in Hillsdale. If you have one coffee shop to visit - make this your stop.

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Paige C.

0

1

2 years ago

Finally found a great place for coffee in the area. Visiting family and friends and stopping at various shops for a usual caffeinated treat. Rough Draft didn't disappoint. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere, and great coffee that wasn't overly sweetened or burnt. Would recommend! read more

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Derek M.

0

7

0

1 year ago

They make a killer vanilla bourbon flavored latte, but where are the prices on the menu?? Hidden fee vibe for sure :(

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Carrie G.

0

49

1

2 years ago

Food is all okay, atmosphere is all right but GREAT coffee! Beats Jilly Beans by A LOT, a lot, A LOT! When we're in town visiting friends and family it's a once (sometimes twice) a day trip! read more

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Joan H.

154

157

69

2 years ago

I am an avid coffee and espresso drinker. This was the smoothest latte I've ever had. No sweetener or flavor needed at all. Starbucks could learn from this shop. read more

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Cara D.

0

11

3

3 years ago

Great little coffee shop/bar next to the train station. Lots of different areas for sitting. Books and games available to play while visiting with friends. read more

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Katy R.

Elite 21

357

161

795

9 years ago

Love local businesses and incredible coffee? This is your place! Rough Draft is a locally owned coffee shop that just opened in Hillsdale, MI by a recent Hillsdale College grad. I wish I lived closer to Hillsdale so that I could come here more often! First off, the inside of Rough Draft is decorated so cute! I came during the holidays, and they had christmas lights and decorations hung up around the shop. It's a great modern vibe inside, which really enhanced my experience. Secondly, I ordered the Chai Tea Latte - wow! This is honestly the best chai latte I've ever had. It was so creamy and rich. They offer a variety of other drinks and flavors - the owner even makes her own syrups! If I was a college student, I would be here every day doing homework. Come here and support your local businesses and enjoy amazing coffee/tea! read more

Rough Draft - Chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

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Ryan J.

129

27

50

7 years ago

This was a gem in this small town. A place for coffee purist with house made sauces but equally fine tradition cappuccinos. Also has a full bar with with some tasty and quality scotch selections. Great place to meet friends or hide away with a good book. read more

Rough Draft - Front room - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

Rough Draft - Store front and patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

Rough Draft - Patio - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

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Catherine H.

177

2

34

7 years ago

A wonderful caffeine gem in the little town of Hillsdale! This place houses some of the most Delicious drinks from coffee to cocktails that pair well with an assortment of in kitchen baked goods. Live music on select evenings adds to the enjoyable vibe and caffeine trip! Rough Draft is perfect for studying with it's extensive space and seating. Notable drink: Iced Chai Latte read more

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Patricia K.

23

1

0

3 years ago

Very cute local coffee shop in Hillsdale! Baristas are always incredibly kind and the drinks here are phenomenal. I love their rooibos tea. If you're in the area and looking for a little pick me up definitely come here! read more

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Dave W.

0

7

1

4 years ago

Wonderfully casual with a sophisticated atmosphere. Unique monthly specials of handcrafted espresso drinks and cocktails. Homemade syrups are amazing! Friendly staff too. read more

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Trish W.

0

6

0

4 years ago

Always a pleasure to stop by and get my Bourbon Vanilla Lattes. Keeps my warm and cozy all day. Shoutout to Donna she is a gem.....

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Lauren F.

0

9

6

8 years ago

Rough Draft is a destination. Great coffee (especially their espresso! I recommend a double shot over ice with cream for a summer treat), wonderful owners and staff, unique and interesting cocktails, and a gorgeous cheese plate. The ambiance is industrial, modern, vintage and cozy. Free WiFi! And a great patio. Just another lovely establishment in our sweet town. read more

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Bran R.

20

6

3

8 years ago

This is a great little coffee shop for relaxing. The coffee is good and the service was ok. I don't feel like it is a good place for having conversations since the atmosphere is more of a quiet one, but if you're wanting to just sit quietly and relax, this is the place. read more

Rough Draft - Pretty designs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

Rough Draft - Fun. Almost too pretty to drink. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hillsdale, Michigan

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Kendra J.

0

7

6

7 years ago

Amazing!! Loved it and came from out of town! We loved the chai and the vanilla bourbon iced latte!

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Jessica K.

Elite 22

147

638

68

8 years ago

Cute little coffee shop near Hillsdale College. Stopped in one night after a job fair. Very cute decor, friendly service, and lots of yummy coffee! Would highly recommend! read more

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Caitlin D.

0

14

2

8 years ago

Best coffee in town, great beers on tap, and a great selection of unique & classic mixed drinks (rumchatta chai, anyone?)

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Robert D.

80

5

0

8 years ago

If you are looking for a coffeehouse, this is perfect. If you are looking for an alcoholic drink, do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. The person working didn't know how to make a dirty martini and when they figured it out, the results were not good. read more

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Steffany H.

0

4

0

8 years ago

Regan, Miss Polka dot waitress was awesome. Breakfast was amaze balls! Callum cooks a mean breakfast. Fresh and so good

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Cierra S.

0

4

0

7 years ago

Authentic, fresh, locally sourced, economically friendly, with lots and lots of comfy seating and excellent food and beverages, all made from scratch. read more

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Julie S.

20

37

6

9 years ago

Best tasting coffee for miles. Edgy Industrial feel combined with comfortable warm glow. Smart options and Kind staff. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

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More info about Rough Draft

42 Union St
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Directions
(517) 610-3791
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.roughdraftcoffee.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Rough Draft open?

Rough Draft opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Rough Draft opens at 10:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Rough Draft close?

Rough Draft closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Rough Draft closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Rough Draft closes at 5:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 8:00 AM - 10:00 PMFri-Sat 8:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Rough Draft take Bitcoin?

No, Rough Draft does not take Bitcoin.

Does Rough Draft take credit cards?

Yes, Rough Draft takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Rough Draft have a happy hour?

No, Rough Draft does not have a happy hour.

Does Rough Draft serve alcohol?

Yes, Rough Draft serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Rough Draft allow dogs?

Yes, Rough Draft allows dogs.

Does Rough Draft have TVs?

No, Rough Draft does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Rough Draft have bike parking?

Yes, Rough Draft has bike parking.

Does Rough Draft have outdoor seating?

Yes, Rough Draft has outdoor seating options.

Does Rough Draft have parking?

Yes, Rough Draft has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Rough Draft wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Rough Draft is wheelchair accessible.

Does Rough Draft allow outdoor smoking?

No, Rough Draft does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does Rough Draft have free WiFi?

Yes, Rough Draft has free WiFi.

Review Highlights - Rough Draft

“Unique monthly specials of handcrafted espresso drinks and cocktails.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Jilly Beans

4.7(35 reviews)

0.3 mi

•$

Cute little coffee shop downtown hillsdale. Usually stop in while at the farmers market. Got my…read morenormal mocha and you get the option of milks but also if you want dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate!!! I got an iced milk chocolate!!!!! Really good. Big selection of pastries too and have lots of specialty flavored drinks!!!!

Good coffee. Great…read morepastries to snack. Awesome service that was friendly and welcoming. Try the lemon blueberry bread...you won't be disappointed.

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Penny's

5.0(3 reviews)

0.6 mi

Great little coffee shop located on the campus of Hillsdale College. Michigan roasted coffee and…read morelocally sourced bagels and scones.

Super cute coffee shop on Hillsdale's campus with delicious coffee and baked goods. They have…read moreindoor and outdoor seating and they accept Apple Pay.

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Coffee shop

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Coffee shop, Brie and jam bagels, coffee and tea

The Local Eatery

4.1(21 reviews)

0.2 mi

The food is so fire. Maybe not the chicken and waffles though, someone I went with got their…read morechicken way over cooked. My food was perfect though. Service is aight, didn't really ask if we wanted refills as often as they should have but it was decent. The place doesn't really have any ambience, you're kinda just sitting there in a booth, it's clean though.

I love this place. The food is FANTASTIC!! The ladies there are so incredibly friendly. It's a…read morenice relaxing small town restaurant. Get their cinnamon roll, IT'S A MUST!!

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Breakfast Quesadilla

Bkfst Menu

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Waffle Fries

Jilly Beans Too

5.0(11 reviews)

4.4 mi

Ambiance: relaxing and clean Service: super friendly. Kind…read moreof slow but there was only one person working and we weren't in a hurry Coffee: 5/5

Passing through for work found this amazing little coffee shop, only place open early. Best cup of…read morecoffee I've had in a week.Beautifully decorated for Christmas. Wonderful owner ( forgot to get her name) I will definitely be back if ever in town.

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BIGGBY COFFEE

3.2(5 reviews)

0.7 mi

With four staff members behind the counter, service was fast and friendly. Went there 3 days in a…read morerow during my Hillsdale visit because it was that good! Hubby loved the lattes and I loved the Americano. Consumed 24 ozs each day! Bagel sandwiches were delicious , I had the turkey and havarti on an everything bagel. Nondescript seating area but perfect for consuming good eats. I would definitely bypass Starbucks and come to this shop every time.

As someone who works at Biggby, I am not satisfied. I got a maple waffle sausage egg and cheese. My…read morecheese was almost solid and burnt. And I also felt rushed. The mid aged lady who took my order was sweet however the young blonde girl was just like "here take your things" attitude. Over all it was okay, but it would be nice to see a smile or a welcome face!

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A medium Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Overflowing Cups & Cones

5.0(1 review)

1.0 mi

This drive-thru has a ton to offer. They have breakfast, lunch, supper, and everything in between…read more The service is always quick and they are always so kind. They have good burgers, but my go-to is the chicken sammich with mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickle with an order of mozzarella sticks with ranch for $10.18. The chicken is always tender and juicy and the mozzarella sticks are so flavorful and probably the best mozzarella sticks I've had in Hillsdale County. Side note: if you want to switch it up a little you can do the crispy chicken in a wrap with ranch and add a side of mozzarella sticks for only $9.65. 10/10 recommend this place.

From the owner: You will be served the tasty eats and treats along with the fancy foo foo lattes by kind hearts and…read moresmiling faces! We will share the love of Jesus with every customer coming through our unique drive thru 🩵

Photos

Crispy Chicken Sammich

Crispy Chicken Wrap

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Mozzarella Sticks

McDonald's

2.2(16 reviews)

0.7 mi

•$

Asked for buffalo sauce and offered to pay for it at the window a very rude lady came to window…read moretossed us the sauce and said next time order it

I don't understand how I can go to the drive thur at 11:45am and receive cold food. They just…read moreswitched over to the lunch menu. I didn't wait in line for a long period of time, so I don't understand how the fries and the burger could be cold....not luke warm, but cold! The burger was squished, I swear it was leftover from the night before. Very disappointing! The ice tea was good and the gal that handed me my food was very pleasant. I'm going to have to give up on fast food. It's crazy expensive, its not fast and barely qualifies as food. Sorry McDonald's, but I've purchased my last meal from you. Sincerely, Debbie

Here's To You Pub & Grub

4.7(57 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Good atmosphere, friendly staff, outstanding food. Good choice on menu. Very good quality, highly…read morerecommended.

The food was tasty. The server was very helpful. The ambience ... This is the kind of bar you go to…read moreafter work to hang with your friends. It is very small and when you have a group of eight friends together, it is very loud. There are six high top tables and three low tops along with seating at the bar. Grandpa was not a fan.

Photos

Steak wrap. Street taco and fries

Nice convenient location.

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Back Yard Burger/Fries

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

4 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Marty H.

0

1

10

7 years ago

Just go. You won't be sorry. You'll be happy. And then you'll be happier after you taste their coffee and yummy goodies. Also, their craft beers are great, especially on patio in summer! read more

Frances Y.

0

1

0

4 months ago

It was very delicious and the people were very kind, patient, and welcoming. I highly recommend the dark mocha hot latte and the bagels are amazing. read more

Jesse C.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Rough draft has the best coffee in town! Service is amazing, and the decorations are beautiful!

Leah R.

128

1

0

9 years ago

Rough Draft has amazing coffee, cocktails, and food! Would definitely recommend!

Rough Draft - coffee - Updated July 2026

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Rough Draft

Rough Draft Photos

ROUGH DRAFT ATMOSPHERE

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Food & Alcohol

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Jilly Beans

Penny's

The Local Eatery

Jilly Beans Too

BIGGBY COFFEE

Overflowing Cups & Cones

McDonald's

Here's To You Pub & Grub

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

4 reviews that are not currently recommended

Rough Draft - coffee - Updated July 2026

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Rough Draft

Rough Draft Photos

ROUGH DRAFT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

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Recommended Reviews - Rough Draft

Reviews With Photos

More info about Rough Draft

Payment methods

Food & Alcohol

Indoor Amenities

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Ask the Community - Rough Draft

Review Highlights - Rough Draft

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More businesses like Rough Draft

Jilly Beans

Penny's

The Local Eatery

Jilly Beans Too

BIGGBY COFFEE

Overflowing Cups & Cones

McDonald's

Here's To You Pub & Grub

4 Rough Draft reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

4 reviews that are not currently recommended

Rough Draft - coffee - Updated July 2026

Best of Hillsdale

People found Rough Draft by searching for…

Trending Searches in Hillsdale, MI

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