Coffee in Des Moines – A Guide to Where to Get the Best Cup

Whether it's a cold fall day or summer, it's always worthwhile to take the time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee. The Des Moines coffee scene offers up so many options that you'll have no problem choosing a location for your perfect cup of joe (or not). Whether you choose to work at a hip creative campus coffee shop downtown or spend time with friends at an island atmosphere café near the train tracks, there's something for everyone in this great coffee city!

If you live here, then it's easy to see why — there are always interesting coffee shops for all types of tastes, every day of the week.

Des Moines is a winter wonderland (well it can be? And it probably will be soon enough!), but that doesn't mean your morning cuppa joe can't be just as hot. Get cozy at one of these Des Moines cafes as you sip on a steaming cup.

Scenic Route Bakery

Address:350 East Locust Street, Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50309

Schedule: Monday - Friday | 6:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M

Scenic Route Bakery is one of Des Moines' most modern coffee shops with its cool, industrial ambiance, which includes exposed metal pipes and concrete floors. The menu offers a standard selection of espresso beverages. Try the Honeybee, which has undertones of honey and cinnamon, if you enjoy specialized drinks. The bakery department of Scenic Route is where the real action occurs; the muffins, pastries, and cookies are simply impossible to pass up.

Need to complete some work? Bring your laptop if you want to work for a while. The staff doesn't mind when several people are working on the same thing at once.

Smokey Row Coffee

Address:1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50314 

Schedule: Monday - Sunday | 6:00 A.M - 9:00 P.M

Smokey Row Coffee's superb breakfast selections and lively, laid-back atmosphere draw a wide range of customers. Everyone feels at home in the large, open building, so bring some friends and reserve one of the comfortable booths, or just show up with your laptop.

Smokey Row has a sizable menu full of sandwiches, paninis, soups, and smoothies in addition to coffee. To make room for one of the delectable desserts, remember to plan ahead. In the steamy summers of Iowa, people flock to this coffee shop because it has great air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a patio. Ice cream is an additional way to stay cool.

Mars Cafe

Address:2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Schedule: Monday - Sunday | 7:00 A.M - 5:00 P.M

Mars Café, a favorite hangout for Drake University students, is a great choice if you wish to support independent, locally-owned companies. People frequently carry computers or textbooks in this small, vibrant area with a space motif. The environment is typically upbeat and enjoyable, and the Wi-Fi is reliable and strong.

Mars Café is a fantastic choice if you enjoy flavored coffee beverages. There are several different specialty lattes on the menu; try one of the home-brewed, small-batch coffee blends. This is Ryan's FAVORITE Des Moines coffee shop for a very vibrant and smooth cup of coffee. And SO MANY OPTIONS!

Horizon Line Coffee

Address:1417 Walnut St., STE B, Des Moines, IA 50309

Schedule: Tuesday - Sunday | 8:00 A.M - 3:00 P.M

One of Des Moines' most fashionable places to get a cup of coffee is Horizon Line Coffee, which is situated in an industrial area a few streets from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The interior has a welcoming Scandinavian-chic feel and is light and airy.

The coffee flights offered by Horizon Line are well-known and feature samples of several espressos, pour-overs, and cold brew alternatives. Watch out for the limited-edition seasonal cocktails, which are only offered in a certain number each day. True coffee connoisseurs should visit this location, but there are also some fantastic gourmet tea selections on the menu. Sparkling tea is a unique product.

Ritual Café

Address: 1301 Locust St., STE D, Des Moines, IA 

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday | 8:00 A.M - 2:00 P.M

With a large selection of vegan alternatives, Ritual Café's all-vegetarian menu sets it apart from other coffee shops in Des Moines. The horchata latte is also a standout; try the hemp nut smoothie.

Locals looking for a quick vegetarian breakfast or lunch frequently visit Ritual during the day. Grab a beer or a glass of wine in the late afternoon to go with your tempeh Rueben or curry chickpea bowl. Because of the vibrant walls and international décor, the interior is warm and welcoming.

Waveland Café

Address:4708 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Schedule: Tuesday - Sunday | 6:00 A.M - 2:00 P.M

Another well-liked destination in the University District is Waveland Café. You won't want to miss the decadent breakfasts at this coffee shop, which is more of a diner than a typical coffee shop. Even though there is sometimes a line, especially on weekends, the dependable food and amiable service are well worth it.

What you might anticipate from a laid-back, family-run Midwestern restaurant is exactly how Waveland Café is decorated inside. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is crammed with keepsakes gathered over the years. From the time you enter, you will feel at home in this kind of setting. It's a local legend for a reason, I'm sure!

Which Des Moines coffee shop would you pick?

When it's time to get away from your daily routine and enjoy the company of friends, family, and colleagues, you should have a coffee shop that you can count on. At Des Moines, you can find the coffee drinks you love alongside other delightful flavors.

Hopefully, this post will enable you to relocate to Des Moines (because c'mon, we have the BEST coffee here!)— or at least find a great cup of coffee when you get there!

Leave a comment on your favorite coffee shops! You know Ryan's -- and of course we know many of our clients have a favorite on this list. So what's yours and why? Help us make this list even better!