Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. The Coffee Emporium
A cozy spot offering artisanal coffee and pastries with a friendly atmosphere.
- Unique Roasts: Offers a variety of unique, small-batch roasts
- Quiet Corner: Has quiet spaces for studying or reading
- Community Events: Regularly hosts local art exhibits and open mic nights
2. Fong's Pizza & Cafe
A fusion cafe serving both pizza and coffee in a fun, eclectic setting.
- Pizza & Coffee: Combines two favorite foods under one roof
- Eclectic Environment: Features a unique, colorful interior with vintage decor
- Late-Night Option: Stays open until midnight on weekends
3. Woody's Coffee Shop
A classic diner-style coffee shop offering a wide variety of coffee drinks and comfort food.
- Comfort Food: Serves classic American diner dishes like burgers and pie
- Retro Atmosphere: Preserves a vintage, 50's-style atmosphere
- Generous Portions: Offers large, filling meals at reasonable prices
4. Firehouse Espresso
A quaint, historic coffee shop housed in a former fire station.
- Historic Building: Located inside a beautifully-restored firehouse
- Local Artists' Work: Displays work by local artists on its walls
- Community Events: Regularly hosts community meetings and events
5. Co. Coffee Roasters
A minimalist cafe focusing on artisanal coffee roasting and simple pastries.
- Small-Batch Roasting: Roasts small batches of coffee daily for freshness
- Simple Menu: Keeps the menu focused and straightforward
- Community Tables: Offers communal tables for meeting new people
6. The BARISTA Café & Espresso Bar
An upscale coffee shop offering gourmet coffee drinks and light fare in a modern setting.
- Gourmet Coffee: Uses high-quality, ethically-sourced coffee beans
- Modern Design: Features a sleek, modern interior design
- Alcoholic Beverages: Serves wine and beer alongside coffee drinks
7. Confluence Coffee Roasters
A roastery and café showcasing a variety of single-origin coffees.
- Single-Origin Coffees: Offers a wide range of single-origin coffees
- Tasting Flights: Allows customers to taste multiple coffees through flights
- Educational Tours: Offers behind-the-scenes tours of the roastery
8. The Collective - Urban Grind
A collaborative space featuring multiple local businesses and a café.
- Multiple Businesses: Hosts several local businesses under one roof
- Artisanal Coffee: Serves artisanal coffee drinks made with care
- Community-Focused: Promotes collaboration and community engagement
9. The Bottle Shop & Café
A café and beer shop offering coffee, pastries, and a wide selection of craft beers.
- Craft Beer Selection: Boasts an impressive collection of local and international brews
- Farm-to-Table Pastries: Serves farm-to-table pastries made in-house daily
- Community Gathering Space: Provides a welcoming space for community gatherings and events
10. Winter's Coffee & Cafe
A cozy coffee shop offering artisanal drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.
- Artisanal Drinks: Uses high-quality ingredients in all beverages
- Comforting Atmosphere: Features a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for relaxation
- Community-Driven: Actively supports local charities and initiatives
11. Gas Lamp Coffee
A casual coffee shop with outdoor seating in a historic district.
- Historic District Location: Located in the picturesque East Village neighborhood
- Outdoor Seating: Offers ample outdoor seating for warm, sunny days
- Community Events: Regularly hosts live music and other events
12. Midwestern Local Food Co-op & Café
A cooperative grocery store with a café serving local, organic food.
- Organic Groceries: Offers an extensive selection of organic produce and goods
- Local Foods: Sells and serves food from local farmers and producers
- Community-Owned: Run by a community-owned cooperative
13. The Red Rocket Coffee Co.
A bustling coffee shop with multiple locations serving locally-roasted coffee.
- Multiple Locations: Has several locations throughout Des Moines
- Locally-Roasted Coffee: Uses locally-roasted coffee beans for all drinks
- Fast Service: Offers quick service for busy customers on the go
14. The Tea Garden & Café
A tea house and café offering a variety of teas and coffee drinks in a peaceful setting.
- Peaceful Environment: Features a serene, quiet atmosphere perfect for relaxation
- Wide Tea Selection: Offers a vast array of teas from around the world
- Tea Pairings: Serves tea with tasty pairings, such as scones or sandwiches
15. The Café at Valley Junction
A vintage-style coffee shop located in a historic shopping district.
- Historic District Location: Located in the charming Valley Junction district
- Retro Atmosphere: Preserves a vintage, 50's-style atmosphere
- Community Events: Regularly hosts community events and gatherings