With an ever-burgeoning coffee scene, Des Moines has a shop for everyone. Delicious drinks are just the start of it too. Want to cuddle a cat, snap a selfie, support local, and more? Read on to find where to go!
17 Great Coffee Shops in Des Moines
The New Kid
What: Northern Vessel
Where: 1201 Keo Way, Des Moines
Why: Serving ultra-smooth lattes, cold brews, and more. Get one freshly made or grab a bottle (up to 64 oz!) of their oat milk cold brew latte. Their grab-n-go also features locally made sandwiches, salads, wraps, and kombucha.
Most Eco-Conscious
What: Horizon Line Coffee
Where: West End District
Why: All of their drinks are served in reusable glass jars, which you can return for a discount on your next drink. All of their syrups are homemade and vegan and they source local ingredients as much as possible.
Best place to make a new animal friend
What: Coffee Cats Cafe
Where: Valley Junction
Why: Cats lovers unite! That’s right, you can enjoy your coffee and also their cat lounge, where 10-12 cats are not only available for a quick visit but can be adopted through the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Best Vegetarian Cafe
What: Ritual Cafe
Where: Western Gateway
Why: Their all vegetarian food menu boasts delights, like a black bean burrito or a spicy four cheese panini to please meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Their cozy space is also perfect for grabbing a specialty beverage before or after strolling through the adjacent Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Best Kiosk
What: Twisted Bean
Where: Multiple
Why: Twisted Bean’s Kiosk on SE 14th in Des Moines is a super quick way to get one of their many specialty drinks, smoothies, and much more. With made-to-order breakfast sandwiches and seasonally rotating pastries and treats, it’s a quick stop perfect for any time of day.
For The Tea Lover
What: Mars Coffee
Where: Multiple
Why: Though Mars Coffee offers phenomenal coffee that’s expertly prepared, their tea lattes deserve equal praise. From the ever-popular matcha to a recent seasonal latte made with herbal tea, rooibos, tea lattes are a tasty change-up.
For the Adventurer
What: The Traveling Bean
Where: Mobile
Why: Follow along on the journey of this female veteran-owned and operated mobile coffee experience. Marie Miller serves coffee from her restored and retrofitted VW Riviera Van as well as pop-up experiences around town. Check out her website to find where you can support her mission and enjoy micro-roasted coffees and teas.
Great Seasonal Drinks
What: The Coffeesmith
Where: Waukee
Why: Head out to Waukee to sip some seriously delicious seasonal drinks like their variations on the menu mainstay the Pablo Honey, An Espresso + Cinnamon + Honey + Milk mix. The seasonal spin also includes lovely additions like lavender. Either way, the combos are a big win!
Best Drive-thru
What: Smokey Row
Where: Various locations
Why: Not only can you get their locally roasted coffee but also enjoy a fabulous menu of sandwiches, soups, and other treats. Their famous cheeseburger soup can be yours without leaving your car thanks to a few new locations. Bonus, they are attached to Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh’s so if you need some bread and eggs, you can pop in for a one-stop-shop.
Relaxed Atmosphere
What: Scenic Route Bakery
Where: East Village
Why: Take a coffee break while shopping in the East Village and enjoy pastries, Tugboat coffee and espresso drinks, lunch, and tasty baked goods! The atmosphere is warm and eclectic, welcoming you to slow down and savor the moment. We recommend the Honeybee: espresso with honey, steamed milk, and cinnamon along with a fresh cookie.
When You Need a Donut With Your Coffee
What: Porchlight Coffeehouse
Where: Ankeny
Why: Fresh hot mini donuts! That’s right, get into Porchlight for rotating flavors of tasty little treats. While you are in there, check out their retail section where they offer a unique selection of candy, cards, gifts, and toys.
Best Place to Snap a Pic
What: The Slow Down
Where: Highland Park
Why: Need a new backdrop for your coffee-sipping selfie? Look no further! The Slow Down’s gorgeous mural reflects the community of Des Moines and the neighborhood of Highland Park. Or just sit and enjoy one of many hand-crafted drinks while enjoying the art.
Sustainability Minded
What: Mayalu Coffee
Where: Fluer Dr
Why: New to the scene, Mayalu coffee partners with Windmill Coffee Roaster in Ames as well, they seasonally serve organic coffee from Nepal and partner with a local Nepalize company to bring you the best beans possible.
The Bees Knees
What: Daisy Chain Coffee
Where: East Village
Why: This cute little spot specializes in coffee drinks with honey and not just any honey. The owner is also a beekeeper, so grab a hyper-local honey latte, honey lemonade, and also grab a jar of pure honey to take home.
The One That’s Always Been Here
What: Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
Where: Ingersoll
Why: Zanzibar’s has been small-batch roasting coffee since 1993 but the one thing that has not changed is their quality. A long-time trusted shop for specialty drinks and coffees from around the world.
Best Place to Soak Up The Sun
What: Lightbrite Coffee Roaster
Where: Grimes
Why: Lightbrite is just that, a bight shop full of sunlight. Enjoy the Vitamin D while picking up one of their coffee flights – a single espresso, single cortado, 8oz of hot filter coffee, and 8oz of nitro cold brew. Or snag a seat by the window and an iced coffee tonic to fully appreciate this spot.
Coming Soon
What: Chain and Spoke
Where: The Avenues
Why: Part coffee shop, part bike shop, you can indulge all your senses at this new on 28th street between Ingersoll and Grand. Shop their beans now and follow along on Instagram for the grand opening.
Get out there and grab some coffee. Got a favorite you want to shout out? Leave us a comment below!
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to a shop, since things may change.
You missed Somewhere in the Middle in Bondurant!
Thanks for the suggestion! There are too many good ones to list them all!