Des Moines, Iowa, is known for its rolling farmlands, pioneer history, and as the epicenter of American politics during the caucus season. It is a city as rich in its offerings as it is in its down-to-earth charm.
Amid the city’s renowned art scenes, bustling farmers markets, and the dramatic golden domes of the Capitol, there’s another facet to Des Moines that is steadily gaining attention – its ever-growing coffee culture.
Often underestimated in the shadow of national coffee giants, Des Moines’s coffee shops have flourished, with local roasters adding a rich layer to the city’s diverse gastronomy canvas.
Independent coffee shops, boasting locally sourced beans, innovative brew techniques, and eclectic environments, have become the beating pulse of Des Moines’ neighborhoods.
The Best Des Moines Coffee Shops
Whether you’re a lifelong Des Moines resident, a newcomer, or a traveler passing through, this guide to the best coffee shops Des Moines can offer will surely perk up your day.
1. Daisy Chain Coffee
If you are looking for a Des Moines coffee store specializing in specialty coffees, Daisy Chain Coffee is the place for you.
This store is located in the East Village of Des Moines and is the perfect place for anyone who loves honey.
As well as selling a range of yummy coffees, this store also sells honey, which is featured in many drinks.
If you love bees and, even more importantly, honey, you must check out this store while you’re in town.
Address: 505 E. Grand Ave. #104, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (click for map)
2. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
Be sure to pop into Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure for coffee roasted on-site.
All the coffee served at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure is home-roasted, small-batch coffee sourced from more than 30 countries worldwide.
For a full taste experience, we would recommend checking out Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure.
This small store offers endless opportunities, and we can almost guarantee you will find the perfect coffee. So what are you waiting for?
Address: 2723 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (click for map)
3. Horizon Line Coffee
First up, we have Horizon Line Coffee. Horizon Line Coffee is a roastery and coffee bar located in the west end of the artist district in Des Moines. It is a cool, innovative bar offering some of the city’s best coffee.
While this store is located in Iowa, it was founded by two friends from SoCal, so it has that hip and happening California vibe.
This store was founded on two principles, which are still evident today: serving good coffee and caring about others.
From creating a great sense of community to sourcing from ethical and reputable suppliers, Horizon Line Coffee only gives off good vibes, which is why we love it!
Address: 1417 Walnut St, Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
4. Mars Coffee
One of the worst things about drinking coffee while you are on vacation is that you won’t be able to enjoy that coffee once you get back home.
However, this isn’t the case for Mars Coffee, which has an online store where you can buy its coffee by the bag.
So if you love the coffee at Mars that much, you can easily order some to brew yourself once you get back home. Cool right?
Address: 2318 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 (click for map)
5. The Slow Down Coffee Co.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is a locally owned and operated specialty coffee shop in the historic Highland Park neighborhood on the north side of the Des Moines metro.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place that encourages its customers to slow down, savor each sip, and live with intention. They serve super fresh coffee sourced from Windmill Coffee Roasters, a local Iowa brand based in Ames, and tea from Red Dragon, a local favorite.
Among customer favorites are the Honey Cinnamon Latte and the House Drip Black, known for its simplicity and reliable taste
In addition to coffee and tea, The Slow Down also provides a variety of snacks and treats from local vendors, including New World Kitchen meals, cinnamon rolls from LeeTy Delights, and other goodies. Dietary restrictions are also considered, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Address: 3613 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 (click for map)
6. Friedrich’s Coffee
Friedrich’s Coffee is a locally owned coffee shop chain in Des Moines, Iowa, with locations in West Des Moines and Urbandale. It promotes coffee from all over the world.
We love this coffee store because it serves delicious coffee in-store and sells it by the bag online. It is the best of both worlds!
Address: 4126 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 (click for map)
Check out their two other locations in Des Moines:
West Des Moines Coffee Shop, 1821 22nd St STE 101, West Des Moines, IA 50266 and their Urbandale Coffee Shop, 4632 NW 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
7. Scenic Route Bakery
So far, we have predominantly looked at stores specializing solely in coffee.
But this next store is a bakery, which offers outstanding coffee and a range of delicious food that is all prepared in-store.
Coffee is great, but it tastes even better when enjoyed alongside a piping hot pastry or a delicious slice of cake. So why limit yourself to just a cup of coffee?
Pop into Scenic Route Bakery for all your coffee and cake needs while you are in Des Moines.
Address: 350 East Locust Street, Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
8. La Barista Coffee Co.
La Barista Coffee Co. is a very versatile store, and that is why we have included it on this list. It is not only a coffee bar but also functions as a small café and has a drive-thru.
No matter what you want to get up to in Des Moines, this store has you covered!
If you are off on a road trip to explore the area, you can simply use the drive-through to pick up coffee and snacks for your journey.
Likewise, you can dine in if you fancy a morning coffee and a bite to eat. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed with what La Barista Coffee Co offers.
Address: 1963 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA. 50265 (click for map)
9. Smokey Row Coffee Co.
Smokey Row Coffee Co is another great coffee company to check out while you are in town.
Smokey Row Coffee Co. offers good coffee to good people. So if you are a good person, you’ll feel at home in this coffee shop.
This coffee shop has very long opening hours and is open 7 days a week from 6am to 9pm.
This store has you covered shoukd you fancy a morning coffee or a late-night cappuccino! You should visit them while you are in town!
Address: 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50314 (click for map)
10. Caribou Coffee
On Ingersoll Avenue, you will find Caribou Coffee. This premium coffee house’s products speak for themselves so we won’t say too much.
But if you plan on drinking a lot of coffee during your trip, you may want to take advantage of Caribou’s rewards cards.
Address: 3220 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (click for map)
11. Ritual Café
For a smaller, locally owned coffee shop, check out Ritual Café. In addition to serving delicious coffee, this store will also prepare a hearty meal if you prefer.
They serve a wide range of delicious, fresh-prepared food and have a wide range of vegan options, too, so be sure to call in.
Address: 1301 Locust St. Ste. D Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
12. Twisted Bean
If you find yourself in Des Moines for business, you should check out Twisted Bean Coffee.
This coffee shop has two stores in Des Moines, both of which offer private rooms for business meetings.
Plus, their coffee is out of this world, so you should check them out if you ever find yourself in town.
Address: 6155 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320 (click for map)
13. Freedom Blend Coffee
Freedom Blend Coffee specializes in fair trade coffee. If you care about living an ethical life, you should check out this store because the company is founded on that.
This store has so much to offer, from supporting global communities by sourcing coffee from reputable sellers to empowering young adults in their local area.
Some of the best companies to support are those that care for others, and Freedom Blend is definitely one of these stores.
Address: 2329 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310 (click for map)
14. Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Plain Talk Books and Coffee opened in 2009, and it is clear why this company has survived for so long.
Sure, coffee and a nice slice of cake are incredible, but nothing will beat the elite combination of a cup of coffee and a good book.
In the East Village, Plain Talk Books & Coffee serves coffee, books and even food.
They are a one-stop shop for anybody who loves coffee, books and yummy, fresh sandwiches.
If you want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals in Des Moines, visit Plain Talk Books & Coffee, where you will be welcomed with open arms.
Address: 602 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (click for map)
15. Grounds For Celebration
Finally, let’s wrap this up with Ground for Celebration. This store is something to celebrate because their coffee is totally out of this world, and it could easily become one of the highlights of your trip.
With coffee, tea, pastries and even gelato on offer, Grounds for Celebration has something for everyone, and that really is something to shout about!
So make sure that you call in while you’re in town.
Address: 2709 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 (click for map)
Summary
As you can see, there are many outstanding Des Moines coffee shops that you should consider visiting while you are in the city.
There really is a coffee shop for every need, so no matter what you fancy while you are in town, you will find it in this guide.
Remember, return to this page and try another of our recommendations next time you get your phone out to search for the best coffee near me in Des Moines.
Check out the best coffee shops in Iowa in the other places we cover.
Thanks for reading!
