Des Moines’ coffee scene is brewing with surprises, whether you’re fueled by single-origin espresso, flaky pastries, or the thrill of a perfectly made boba tea. From hidden neighborhood gems with cult pastry followings to artsy collective hangouts and cause-driven cafes, there’s a spot just waiting to be your next caffeine obsession. Empty mug in hand? Here’s where to fill it with something far more memorable than a basic drip.
Horizon Line Coffee | Minimalist Vibes & Top-Tier Sustainability
If your idea of a good morning involves sipping meticulously crafted coffee in an Instagram-ready concrete and natural-light oasis, you’ll feel right at home here. Two Southern California transplants brought their relaxed vibe to Des Moines, roasting beans on-site and presenting each drink in genuine glassware. Even to-go orders arrive in reusable jars—single-use cups have no place on their watch.
The menu is a love letter to coffee aficionados: Gibraltar shots, nearly day-long cold brews, and house-made syrups that balance sweetness with subtle flavor. Minimalist furnishings and vast windows fill the room with warm sunlight, making it perfect for focused solo work or animated conversations. There’s no patio, but the interior breeze through open windows is refreshingly Iowa.
Plan to arrive with an appetite for pastries rather than a full meal. Flaky croissants and sweet danishes pair beautifully with every roast. Hop next door afterward for a double dose of hipness and see Des Moines through a West Coast lens. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. | Cozy Community Vibes
Step away from the suburban chain frenzy and ease into a genuine neighborhood gathering spot. Owned by two local creatives, this Highland Park cafe feels as homegrown as its colorful murals—don’t skip the wall art unless you prefer bland. Beans arrive daily from a nearby roaster in Ames, so your honey cinnamon latte boosts two small businesses in one sip.
The pastry lineup rivals any Midwest bakery hall of fame. Think scones, cupcakes, and treats alongside plenty of vegan options. Whether you’re on a collab call or quietly tackling overdue emails, dependable Wi-Fi and cozy nooks have you covered.
Community events—from open mics to book swaps—give you a reason to linger past your final drop. Skipping the chain coffee rut never tasted so good. Order a classic black drip, settle into the cheerful buzz, and see why locals actually linger here. Take a scroll through their menu and thank me later.
South Union Bread Cafe | Downtown Lunch, Elevated
Nestled inside a historic theater, this cafe dispels any notions of limp microwave lunches. Since the mid-90s, they’ve been crafting signature sandwiches—like the legendary Sarah’s Revenge—that prompt dreams of extended midday breaks. If salads suit your style, the build-your-own bar rivals any artisanal spread, complete with crisp, fresh toppings.
Counter service vibes are casual yet lively, perfect for busy professionals craving a genuine meal. The espresso machine purrs in the background as orders fly out, creating an understated buzz. Each bite underlines the chef’s dedication to flavor over fuss.
Don’t wait for a lazy Saturday craving—this spot opens on weekdays for lunch only. Plan ahead, arrive hungry, and leave with the kind of satisfaction that sticks around longer than your afternoon meeting. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Twisted Bean Coffee Company | Spacious Study Spot
Walking through the door feels like joining a warm family conversation, courtesy of a mother and son who infuse every cup with genuine banter. From rich, velvety lattes to scones so fresh you’ll wonder if they were baked moments ago, this cafe balances comfort and craftsmanship.
The airy layout and thoughtful playlist make it perfect for social catch-ups or solo creative work. Writers tapping away and friends catching up coexist without any awkward pauses.
The menu caters to everyone—espresso purists, pastry seekers, and even smoothie fans masking healthy intentions. Each option feels thoughtfully curated to match your mood and appetite.
They serve in ceramic mugs for all in-house drinks, underscoring an eco-friendly mindset. Every sip offers the satisfaction that small choices, like skipping disposables, can feel rewarding. Swap your corporate chain routine for a spot that feels both neighborly and polished. Pull up a chair and discover why locals can’t resist returning. check out the menu that made them a staple.
Freedom Blend Coffee | For Do-Gooder Caffeine Fixes
This coffeehouse lives up to its name by transforming a former car wash into a cozy, rustic haven complete with reliable Wi-Fi. In-house roasted beans power everything from expertly pulled espressos to silky lavender lattes, all at wallet-friendly prices. A blend of communal tables, snug booths, and plentiful outlets ensures both your devices and your spirit stay fully charged.
Hunger won’t sneak up on you; alongside fresh pastries is a full breakfast and lunch menu. Think savory breakfast bowls, hearty sandwiches, and crisp salads that go beyond the usual coffee-shop fare. Outdoor seating invites you to soak up some fresh air while you dine.
Each purchase fuels a local youth-training ministry, so your latte habit doubles as a good deed. Their drink lineup even stretches to creamy chai lattes, matcha, and vibrant smoothies for non-coffee drinkers. Whether you’re crunching spreadsheets or catching up with friends, expect a welcoming vibe with a cause you can taste. Caffeinate for a cause and check out the menu here.
PerKup Cafe | Homemade Breakfast Hits
Forget having to pick breakfast or lunch when you can have both in one swoop. Housemade jams, silky bread pudding and the notorious hash brown tacos share center stage with fluffy pancakes that put your childhood memories to shame. Sit down and soak up the cozy, welcoming feel that gives grandma’s cooking a run for its money.
The coffee lineup uses Intelligentsia beans roasted to perfection. Specialty drinks arrive in ambitious sizes, smoothies tempt the fruit-loyal, and tea options round out the menu for anyone skipping the caffeine buzz. Refills are prompt and friendly, never rushed.
This spot doubles as a community hub. LGBTQ+ friends feel at ease, laptop warriors camp out all day, and families juggle packing syrupy smiles without judgment. Curbside pickup makes sweatpants acceptable attire and keeps mornings moving. Lose an entire Saturday here—you’ll be greeted with a fresh pot and a grin every time. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Scenic Route Bakery | Best Cozy Creative Fuel
Step into a bakery where big smiles are as standard as perfectly browned scones. Crafted by a father and daughter duo, each pastry feels like a taste of Paris mixed with home. Reliable Wi-Fi makes this East Village gem as functional as it is charming.
Tugboat coffee fuels loyal fans, and espresso drinks show off subtle roast notes. The Honey Bee Latte has its own cult following, thanks to a sweet swirl of honey and citrus. Interiors of reclaimed wood, concrete floors and scattered vintage finds keep eyes wandering between Zoom calls or casual chats.
When daylight fades, the Dessert Lounge beckons with darkened walls, plush seating and cocktail creations that lean just enough into the unexpected. Breakfast and lunch might cost a bit more than your average spot, but after one buttery croissant or spicy chai, the extra few dollars vanish without a trace. See what all the pastry fuss is about.
Mahalo’s Coffee & Mini Donuts | The Tropical Escape
Imagine starting your day with the warmth of island sun and a cup of Hawaiian roast. These beans travel from Maui to your mug with enough freshness to surprise even your most vocal coffee-snob friend. Each sip offers that balanced taste you crave, minus an airport security line.
Mini donuts are whipped up to order in small batches, and rotating flavors keep you guessing. Will today be coconut-lime, guava glaze or something wild enough to make you Instagram before you indulge? Spoiler: you’ll want a dozen of each.
Non-coffee fans aren’t left out. A lineup of teas, smoothies and hot chocolates captures the tropical spirit just as well. The tropical-themed digs feel breezy and laid-back whether you’re knocking out emails solo or corralling a sticky-fingered crew. It’s a mini vacation without the jet lag. Hula your way through their menu here.
Ritual Cafe | Coffee & Culture Collide
Here, coffee is organic, sandwiches are strictly vegetarian and the walls double as a rotating gallery showcasing local art. Open mics and poetry nights pop up regularly, so you might catch someone debuting their first poem between sips. The vibe blends creative freedom with a dash of artistic seriousness that inspires both writers and dreamers.
Try a Mayan Mocha for a chocolate-chili kick or a hemp nut smoothie for an unexpected protein boost. Overstuffed couches beg you to stay awhile, and the espresso comes from beans roasted just down the block. Quiet corners and communal tables share space equally, letting you work on your next novel or simply watch the steam curl off your cup.
Vegan treats hold their own next to any typical bakery case. Gluten-free muffins, spicy panini sandwiches and dense cookies that practically crumble on command make this cafe the go-to for plant-based cravings. Here, caffeine isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. See what makes Ritual an icon.
Smokey Row Coffee | The Retro-Diner Hangout
Tucked into a triangle-shaped brick building that looks like it could tell stories from the Great Depression, this spot feels equal parts retro diner and impromptu campaign headquarters. The aroma of in-house roasted coffee mingles with hints of vanilla, caramel and every flavored syrup you can name. If you’re here for something stronger, a Turtle Mocha layers chocolate, caramel and pecan.
Morning crowds include laptop warriors, local journalists and anyone else chasing steam and strategy. Vintage booths and Formica tables provide a comforting contrast to modern technology, so you can hammer out a screenplay or sketch a campaign slogan without feeling out of place.
Don’t sleep on the food. Grilled cheese sandwiches melt in just the right way, and biscuits and gravy bring Southern charm at a wallet-friendly price. It’s lively, it’s loud and it’s hard to leave when your coffee cup is half full and inspiration is at its peak. Feast your eyes on their menu here.
St. Kilda Collective | Best All-Day Hangout With Actual Food
Stepping inside feels like flipping through a sleek editorial on grown-up caffeine rituals. Exposed brick walls hint at a history older than your favorite podcast while large windows and pale wood seating make every latte look magazine-ready.
Counter Culture beans land just right whether you need a straightforward espresso or a frothy signature latte. The standout is the real-food menu: lobster rolls share the spotlight with pillowy crumpets and hearty breakfast sandwiches. If you time it well, you’ll snag a burger that’s worth extending your stay through happy hour.
Work-from-home warriors will appreciate the long community bar and dependable Wi-Fi. When the sun pokes out, the leafy patio becomes prime viewing for people-watching or reading that book you keep promising yourself you’ll finish. And if you’re craving something later in the day, this place flips from breakfast joint to cocktail lounge without missing a beat. See how seriously they take brunch.
8 Degrees Cafe & Boba | Bubble Tea Paradise With Board Games
This corner cafe is pure energy and experimentation. Stop by for bubble tea creations that read like mixtape titles (G-Dragon, anyone?) and rotate through self-service kiosks that let you browse every flavor without feeling rushed.
If you lean indecisive, the Hot Lava Milk Tea and the house Refresher will nudge you toward new favorites. Then grab a freshly made banh mi or one of their house snacks and stake out a spot at a board game session.
Bright pops of color, a buzz of conversation, and occasional ice cream specials keep the mood light. Cold drinks flow freely, and you’ll wonder why other spots don’t mix bubble tea and scoops so effortlessly. With its friendly chaos and creative menu, this standalone find is a chill hangout for flavor seekers and casual chatters alike. Go ahead and tempt fate with something new on their menu.
Caribou Coffee | Chain Comfort, Real Chocolate
Forget any stereotypes you have about chains. This inviting spot nails cozy-modern style with cushy seating, minimalist lines, and a patio that beckons on sunny afternoons.
The Campfire Mocha deserves a pilgrimage of its own. It arrives loaded with real chocolate chips and clouds of whipped cream so thick you could sculpt a snowman. Caramel High Rise fans will notice genuine caramel drizzle rather than syrupy shortcuts. Seasonal sips actually feel seasonal, so you’ll have a reason to brave the cold or tempt the sunshine.
Breakfast here never clocks out. Chicken Chorizo Burritos at 3 p.m.? Go for it. Vegan-friendly breakfast sandwiches and nostalgic cake pops cover every craving. Reliable Wi-Fi and an espresso bar seal the deal for anyone needing a study nook or a mid-day retreat. The pricing stays friendly, proving you don’t need a boutique budget for high-quality brews and treats. See if a Turtle Mocha is as dangerously addictive as it sounds.
