Lampshade

there is no place quite like it. every city in the world needs a lampshade. this would eradicate the dark. I feel peace, bliss, love, connection, light, energized, understood, accepted, magical, and silly every time I step in the joint.

This is by far my FAVORITE place to hang out in Ypsi. What makes it incredibly cool is Ricky Lampshade. Charismatic, unique, edgy, beautiful… describes both the environment and also Ricky himself. check it out.

I fell in love with Lampshade. From the second I walked in, I knew it was my kind of place. People watching galore, warm and inviting atmosphere, and an all inclusive spot for weirdos like me. I see myself hanging out here whenever I’m feeling like a misfit. But feeling very loved for it.
We sat right up at the coffee bar, and the kind barista asked if I trusted him, to which I replied, «of course»! So I got a cup of love… literally a mug that said «May Your Day Be Filled With Love.»…the SAME mug my Mom used to drink out of when I was a kid. Awwww…
My drink was delicious and I was surprised and delighted to know that it was pay what you want. Due to his kindness, and my means, I gave more. It worked!
While I was there, a band was playing called Mercury Salad Sandwich. First… A+ on the name. Second… everyone was just having fun playing. My favorite way to watch musicians.
Everything is for sale in the shop, and it’s pay your own price. Including the coffee. Our baristas were so kind and really sweet, it made me wish I could leave more to keep the space going.
The owner, Ricky, jumped on the bar and gave a speech and welcomed everyone and thanked everyone. He talked about why the space existed and encouraged everyone to talk to each other, be kind to each other, and just enjoy themselves.
Before I left, Ricky reached behind the counter and gave me a rose. After a super long week of hospital visits and elder care, it was just what I needed. He had no idea, but he was kind anyway.
No mind altering drugs were consumed while writing this post. I just feel gushy about what’s happening here.
More places like this need to exist in the world.

A fun place Lots of interesting things to look at. A friendly welcoming place. Art, live stage, local artists performing. Coffee and Tea Bar.-hot chocolate too. You can enjoy your cup of coffee or tea while sitting in this comfortable place, Read a book, talk with friends or strangers enjoy all the art (even custom fabric painted chairs) On Saturday Night Jonathan Gardner performed — He was very good. I highly recommend that you check out this place!

I was highly impressed with my experience at the Lampshade. I went not knowing what to expect and feeling slightly nervious to discover what type of culture this coffeeshop might embody. When i arrived there was an instantaneous warm vibe from the variety of art surrounding the walls, the music being played by customers/​the background radio, the generational-​cultural-​racial diversity and inviting respect to share the space together. It was important to me that their bathrooms were gender neutral & CLEAN!!! So hard to find a coffee shop with high quality bathrooms… lol. The greatest part of my first experience at The Lampshade was that the drinks have no assigned cost and it is up the the consumer to propose the value of what they’re consuming. This begins to create a dialog of shared responsibility between the business and the community. We need more Lampshade models. I was able to sit & read in an ergonomically pleasing chair next to a father playing with his two year old. It wasnt distracting but more so peaceful. Truly a unique and comforting experience! Excited to return :)

For years I’ve been saying the Ypsilanti community needs an artistic space like this. Owners are extremely friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, coffee is good, highly recommend checking out this place!

This is the place your wildest dreams are made of! Or a place to create your wildest dreams! Ricky, the creator of Lampshade, is so far advanced in his conceptualization for bringing to life such a spectacular place to the community of Ypsilanti. I’ve wondered the world for years and never have I stumbled across such an awe-​inspiring, dream weaving community that one can just be… just be whom ever or why ever you are and be so lovingly welcomed by people who genuinely care. I think the drinks by donation are again a concept that is so advanced and yet totally inclusive for everyone! I would have no problem paying $ 10 or $ 20 for a glass of tea or coffee here knowing that maybe someone can only pay .10 or .20 for that same cup but that’s all they have! What a beautiful concept for community inclusiveness. Every time I walk in the door I get hugs from the proprietor and patrons! I literally can’t say enough about this place. If every community had a Lampshade this magical world we occupy would be just that much warmer! THANK YOU SO MUCH RICKY FOR JUMPING OFF THE LEDGE!!! How does it feel to fly???

Absolutely amazing space that allows you to be your true self without holding anything back. Wonderful ownership and outstanding patrons. I visited recently and there was a very special feeling I got when I walked in; it’s just a very chill space that encourages you to slow down and recharge. I’m so happy this exists and I encourage everyone to at least stop by and see what I’m talking about. A true gem in the neighborhood!

Lampshade is a burgeoning community cultivator. A place for one to savor a cup of coffee or tea while cuddling up and reading a favorite book or exploring the rotating collection of art from local artists. If connection with others is what you’re seeking, Lampshade is the place to engage with others on any topic from practical day-​to-​day life issues to the magic of the universe. Interested in live performance art or want to connect with your body through movement (yoga), Lampshade has you covered. Come participate in Ypsilanti’s renaissance and stop by Lampshade.

Super cool new spot in Ypsi. Got to go to a stand-​up comedy show during Ypsi First Fridays. Very fun time. This room is cool, and has the best stage around. Nothing really like it in the city as far as I can tell. Really look forward to all that awaits this space.

Just the kind of place a hot upcoming city needs. Very unique safe community center. Arts, live stage, local artist displayed auction. just a great place to come chill out and be yourself. This is the kind of place that you only can find in a cool city. Great parking in the back. Coffee and Tea Bar. You have to come check it out. and please leave all bad attitudes and BS outside. Welcome to Downtown Ypsilanti, thanks you guys