47 Best Coffee Shops in Des Moines, Iowa

Description: This charming coffee shop offers an inviting atmosphere with a variety of seating options, from booths and tables to high tops and a diner-style counter. The menu features a range of dishes including pastries and sandwiches alongside classic coffee drinks, all expertly crafted by friendly staff who prioritize customer satisfaction. Hours are extended until 9 pm, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Description: Horizon Line Coffee offers an eco-friendly atmosphere with sustainable glass jar programs for to-go beverages, coupled with exceptional service and delicious coffee. The welcoming space features plenty of natural light, making it a standout destination for both locals and visitors alike. Friendly staff ensure guests enjoy fresh brews in stylish settings ranging from casual dining to takeaway experiences.

Description: Scenic Route offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with ample indoor and outdoor seating, providing a cozy spot for groups of all sizes to enjoy fresh, quality food and tasty drinks. Known for its friendly staff, Scenic Route serves a variety of pastries and sandwiches, and their generous lattes are well-priced, making it a great place to relax and catch up with others.

Description: Zanzibar's offers a welcoming atmosphere with thoughtful service and an array of high-quality, locally roasted coffees and teas. Patrons appreciate the cafe’s Zen ambiance, friendly staff, and expert barista recommendations, all while enjoying delicious breakfast sandwiches and other menu items. They serve coffee in a variety of brewing methods, including pour-over options for discerning tastes.

Description: Twisted Bean is a charming and spacious coffee shop located on Merle Hay Road, offering excellent coffee and a variety of food options including breakfast sandwiches and pastries. The interior features beautifully decorated tables, booths, and high chairs, perfect for socializing or work, though outdoor seating is limited. With prompt service and a diverse menu, it's highly recommended by customers who appreciate its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.

Description: This cozy coffee shop offers excellent service and friendly atmosphere, with knowledgeable staff who excel at drink mixes and pastries. It's suitable for various group sizes and has both dine-in and take-out options, making it a great spot to start your day or spend time with friends. The wide range of drinks, including seasonal treats, caters to different tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Description: This coffee shop consistently offers warm and inviting service, with friendly staff who go above and beyond to make customers feel welcome, whether it's remembering names or ensuring drinks are served correctly despite minor oversights. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a quick caffeine fix or leisurely chat, though there can be long wait times during peak hours. Despite some issues like unresponsive employees or inhospitable smells, the overall experience often leaves patrons impressed by attentive service and thoughtful details in their interactions.

Description: This charming coffee shop offers a delightful blend of cozy ambiance and fantastic cuisine, with attentive service and an extensive vegetarian menu. Guests appreciate the warm international atmosphere and high-quality beverages, making it a popular spot for both quick bites and leisurely mornings. The friendly staff ensure every visit is memorable, enhancing the overall experience.

Description: Freedom Coffee in Des Moines offers a rustic yet welcoming atmosphere with various seating options, providing delicious coffee and an extensive menu that includes both breakfast and lunch items. The establishment's charming lodge-inspired decor transports patrons to a serene mountain setting, complemented by soothing tunes and a supportive mission for those who appreciate the importance of community and purpose in their offerings.

Description: The Slow Down Coffee Co. is an inviting and welcoming place with a cozy vibe that makes you feel like you're in a relaxed café retreat. Offering a variety of seating options, including charming outdoor wooden tables and chairs, this spot caters to a wide range of visitors—from solo workers and book enthusiasts to casual coffee drinkers. Known for its friendly service and delicious drinks made by attentive baristas, The Slow Down Coffee Co. is a perfect destination for anyone seeking comfort and relaxation.

Description: Daisy Chain offers consistently high-quality coffee and an inviting atmosphere, praised for its friendly staff and expert barista care. The diverse menu caters to various tastes with both traditional drinks and unique specialty items, while their delectable pastries complement every visit. Customers appreciate the thoughtful attention to details like local art connections and alternative milk options, making it a standout choice in Des Moines.

Description: Friedrich's is a highly rated coffee shop in Des Moines that consistently offers great cups of coffee, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help you find just the right blend or drink to suit your tastes. The establishment has a warm atmosphere and is popular among regulars, making it a welcoming spot for both casual meetings and more formal dining experiences. With tasty eats, excellent service, and a wide variety of hot, cold, and specialty drinks available, Friedrich's truly caters to a range of customer preferences.

Description: Northern Vessel is a beloved coffee shop in Des Moines that consistently delivers top-notch service and high-quality beverages, from its warm and welcoming atmosphere to the perfectly crafted drinks like their famous Oat milk Cold Brew Latte. The establishment also offers thoughtful touches such as custom-designed t-shirts, making it not just a place for caffeine but a destination with an engaging vibe and friendly staff.

Description: Nestled in downtown Des Moines, this cozy cafe/bookstore offers a delightful blend of literary atmosphere and delectable treats. From friendly service to hearty portions, everything is crafted with care, making it a standout choice for both casual hangouts and special occasions. Whether you're seeking quick bites or a leisurely meal, the space caters to all your dining needs with its diverse menu and ample seating.

Description: Grounds for Celebration is a highly-rated coffee shop that offers a welcoming and cozy atmosphere with a variety of pastries, art installations, and comfortable seating options. Known for their excellent coffee drinks made from local ingredients, they also serve a range of meals and snacks at reasonable prices. With its serene vibe and convenient amenities like free parking, it's become a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike to relax and enjoy their beverages.

Description: Mars Coffee Shop offers delightful and unique coffee experiences with its diverse menu, including seasonal specials like Sagittarius with a pear and smokey taste. Known for its friendly baristas and homemade delicious food, customers appreciate the perfect espresso drinks served in real glass cups rather than plastic. Despite minor issues with drink preparation at times, the overall atmosphere and service consistently receive high ratings, making it a standout spot for coffee lovers and casual diners alike.

Description: Mayalu is a welcoming and unique coffee shop that offers an exceptional dining experience with a variety of flavors, from momos to latte creations. The staff's friendly service and thoughtful touches like environmentally-friendly options have made it a favorite among regulars, who often recommend it to others based on their positive experiences.

Description: Scooters offers high-quality coffee with friendly and attentive service. Patrons appreciate its clean environment, and fast delivery times are often praised. Despite minor issues like pricing and drink freshness, overall satisfaction is consistently positive among customers.

Description: The coffee shop operates with limited staff, causing long wait times and difficulties for customers who need to pick up their orders or dine in. The quality of drinks can be inconsistent; however, some items are fresh and reasonably priced. Customer service is hit-or-miss, with employees sometimes being unresponsive or curt during interactions.

Description: Kava is a charming coffee shop nestled in Des Moines, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere with ambient lighting and plenty of seating for both indoor and outdoor dining. Their commitment to quality food and personalized service has made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the thoughtful touches like unique flavors and cozy decor. The friendly staff ensures that every visit feels special, from the welcoming ambiance to the delicious menu options.

Description: Chain & Spoke Coffee is an inviting and modern establishment with a warm, industrial ambiance that caters to both coffee lovers and cyclists alike. Known for its exceptional espresso and innovative cold brews, the café offers expertly crafted drinks and friendly service, though some patrons have noted issues with customer service during busy hours. Despite these minor hiccups, Chain & Spoke continues to be a popular spot in Central Iowa for its unique blend of coffee culture and bike repair services.

Description: The Dunkin' consistently offers satisfactory service and food, though the atmosphere could be improved with better parking arrangements. Customer experiences range from memorable to frustrating; some visitors appreciate friendly staff and quick service, while others face delays or confusion. Despite occasional mix-ups and inconsistency in execution, there are notable instances of thoughtful and attentive service that elevate the overall experience.

Description: This coffee shop offers beautiful river views and has a great location next to Des Moines' river, though its limited menu means smaller selections for food and drinks. Friendly staff enhance the pleasant atmosphere, making it a delightful spot for casual gatherings or work sessions. Despite occasional closing during normal hours and issues with up-to-date schedules online, the service and ambiance make it worth visiting.

Description: The coffee shop offers a warm atmosphere with plenty of seating for enjoying drinks, whether it's sitting outside to take in the weather or inside on one of the spacious tables. Customers appreciate the friendly service and consistently high-quality food and beverages, though there have been recent issues with orders not being served correctly and an unpleasant experience from rude staff members. Despite these minor hiccups, the location continues to be a popular hangout for regular customers who enjoy its convenience and variety of offerings.

Description: The coffee at this establishment is consistently praised, with customers often highlighting its quality. However, patrons have faced significant inconveniences due to physical barriers between Hy-Vee and Starbucks, making access challenging during harsh weather conditions. Despite these issues, the service has been generally positive for employees who manage to handle a diverse range of customer orders efficiently.

Description: With its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, this coffee shop offers a serene environment for customers to enjoy their drinks. Known for its affordable prices and personalized customer experience, it has become a favorite among locals who appreciate the thoughtful approach of its staff. The friendly interactions from baristas contribute to making every visit memorable and enjoyable.

Description: The coffee shop in question has received consistently positive reviews, with customers praising its friendly and attentive staff who remember frequent customers by name and offer excellent customer service. Despite some issues reported regarding rude behavior or overpriced items, many patrons still consider it their favorite Starbucks location due to the warm atmosphere and quick service. The establishment caters well to those who appreciate good coffee and enjoy a welcoming environment in their beloved Starbucks chain.

Description: This charming coffee shop offers delightful cortaditos and customizable drinks, with a friendly owner who is always happy to chat. It features an extensive Pokémon merchandise collection alongside its menu of café classics, providing a cozy and unique atmosphere for customers. Prices are reasonable at $1–10 per person, catering to both dine-in and takeaway orders.

Description: This charming coffee shop offers spacious areas for dining and working, with a cozy atmosphere and excellent service. Its vibrant menu includes tasty beverages and dishes like avocado toast, making it a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. With comfortable seating options and convenient downtown location, it’s a go-to destination for work or relaxation.

Description: This Starbucks consistently delights with friendly and efficient service, offering delicious drinks that exceed expectations. Known for its positive atmosphere and excellent quality, it stands out as one of the best locations in Des Moines, often praised by customers who appreciate its warm demeanor and high standards of excellence. Despite occasional issues like burnt beverages, overall experiences are overwhelmingly positive, making it a favorite among regular patrons.

Description: This coffee shop offers exceptional service with friendly and attentive staff who quickly recognize returning customers, resulting in personalized service and efficient order preparation. The atmosphere is welcoming, though some recent changes have led to a less positive experience for patrons. Despite these issues, the food quality remains consistently high, making it a favorite among regular visitors despite occasional management challenges.

Description: Hobnob offers an exceptional dining experience with its innovative dinner menu, featuring dishes that are both visually stunning and mouthwatering. Guests appreciate the warm and inviting ambiance, impeccable service, and expertly crafted meals that elevate their culinary experiences. Whether stopping by for a cozy evening meal or trying something new, Hobnob consistently delivers top-notch food and service across all dining options.

Description: Happy Home Coffee offers a perfect blend of exceptional service and ambiance, with its delightful food selections matching the highest standards of taste and presentation. Known for their thoughtful approach to catering events, Happy Home creates memorable experiences that resonate with both guests and hosts alike. Regularly praised by customers for their high-quality coffee and warm hospitality, it's clear why they have earned a reputation as one of the most beloved cafes in town.

Description: The coffee shop seems to have mixed customer experiences, with some praising quick service and friendly staff, while others faced issues like incorrect orders, rudeness, and dissatisfaction over rewards acceptance. Despite these challenges, there are signs of a capable team behind the counter who can brew excellent drinks efficiently.

Description: The coffee shop experiences vary greatly; some patrons enjoyed warm and attentive service, while others faced rude staff, long wait times, and cold beverages upon arrival. The atmosphere often feels rushed, and food quality can be inconsistent, leading to a mixed rating from customers who have visited. For better service, consider dining at restaurants instead of this establishment.

Description: Caribou Coffee offers a welcoming atmosphere with its beautifully designed space, supported by friendly and efficient service, making it a standout choice for customers seeking quality beverages and treats. From quick takeout orders to dine-in meals, the café caters to various preferences with affordable prices, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their experience without breaking the bank. With a variety of menu options including freshly made dishes like strawberry fruit shakes and lemon bread, Caribou Coffee not only provides great coffee but also impressive food options, earning consistent 5-star ratings from customers who appreciate its warm hospitality and attentive staff.

Description: This cozy Starbucks offers consistently great coffee and attentive service, even during busy times, but occasional mistakes happen with mobile orders due to high traffic. Customers appreciate the thoughtful care from staff and generous parking options, though some find the lack of tipping frustrating. A few instances of rushed service or miscommunication can detract from what is otherwise a welcoming and reliable café spot in downtown areas.

Description: Wake Up to Coffee is an enchanting coffee shop that has quickly become a beloved gem in Des Moines, known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The friendly owners are passionate about their craft, offering expertly crafted drinks and a diverse menu that caters not only to coffee lovers but also those with dietary restrictions. Whether you're stopping by for a quick caffeine fix or looking for a cozy spot for your weekly family ritual, Wake Up to Coffee provides a warm, welcoming experience that's hard to beat.

Description: Starbucks at this location consistently offers excellent service, earning five-star ratings from customers who appreciate their quick and efficient service, even when they experience issues like spilled drinks on their journey home. Despite occasional complaints about prices or slow service, the coffee remains a beloved indulgence for many, with loyal customers returning time and again despite minor frustrations.

Description: The coffee shop is highly rated, with customers praising its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service for both dine-in meals and lunch options. Notably, it offers free meals to low-income individuals while providing resources and support through their executive director's community efforts. Known for friendly staff and a pleasant dining environment, this establishment also accepts donations to further aid in their charitable work.