The best cafes in Ames

5 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Porch Light Coffeehouse

Cafes

Casual coffee shop featuring a variety of drinks, plus baked goods and sandwiches.

417 SW 3rd St (Ankeny)

“Casual coffee shop featuring a variety of drinks, plus baked goods and sandwiches.”

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7 Brew Coffee

Cafes

Drive-thru coffee shop with friendly service doling out specialty brews, lattes, smoothies and hot chocolate.

1020 E 1st St (Ankeny)

“Drive-thru coffee shop with friendly service doling out specialty brews, lattes, smoothies and hot chocolate.”

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Caribou Coffee

Cafes

Coffeehouse chain serving signature drinks, mochas & lattes, plus coffee & breakfast.

909 SE Oralabor Rd (Ankeny)

“Coffeehouse chain serving signature drinks, mochas & lattes, plus coffee & breakfast.”

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Clouds

Cafes

Clouds brings European-cafe comfort 100 feet up with proper coffee, flaky pastries, and an all-day menu. Rally the crew for a private event…

119 Stanton Ave

“Clouds brings European-cafe comfort 100 feet up with proper coffee, flaky pastries, and an all-day menu. Rally the crew for a private event or one of their themed brunches, wine nights, high teas, or playful dinners, then soak in the views that make Ames feel delightfully Continental.”

From the Ames newsletter, August 5, 2026

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The Cafe

Cafes

Smart yet unpretentious cafe featuring eclectic farm-to-table fare & a boutique bar.

2616 Northridge Pkwy

“Smart yet unpretentious cafe featuring eclectic farm-to-table fare & a boutique bar.”

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