The best cafes in Polk County

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

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Cafes · 15 places · showing the latest additions first

Friedrichs Coffee brings cozy Uptown Center vibes, legit smoothies and teas, plus freshly roasted beans twice a week from a crew that's…

4126 University Ave (Des Moines)

“Friedrichs Coffee brings cozy Uptown Center vibes, legit smoothies and teas, plus freshly roasted beans twice a week from a crew that's been at it since 1991. Their award-winning cold brew is the no-brainer order, whether you need a quick pre-commute jolt or a low-key weekend sip.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 14, 2026

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Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

5525 Merle Hay Rd Ste 100 (Johnston)

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

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Barista's Bouquet pairs excellent coffee made with Pammel Park Coffee CO beans and house-made turbinado syrups with hand-crafted, locally…

3837 121st St (Urbandale)

“Barista's Bouquet pairs excellent coffee made with Pammel Park Coffee CO beans and house-made turbinado syrups with hand-crafted, locally grown floral arrangements, plus in-house baked treats. You leave caffeinated, surrounded by plants, and somehow convinced your living room needs a little bouquet glow-up.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 13, 2026

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Hyper Energy Bar hand-crafts energy your way with 100+ flavor combos, a caffeine or Italian soda base, and plenty of sugar-free choices.…

3797 86th St (Urbandale)

“Hyper Energy Bar hand-crafts energy your way with 100+ flavor combos, a caffeine or Italian soda base, and plenty of sugar-free choices. Their Energistas mix syrups to your specs, pour coffee and prep snacks, and keep the vibe high... a dependable midweek turbo button.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Grounds for Celebration is that cozy neighborhood spot where the beans are roasted in-house, the espresso actually wakes you up, and the…

2709 Beaver Ave (Des Moines)

“Grounds for Celebration is that cozy neighborhood spot where the beans are roasted in-house, the espresso actually wakes you up, and the pastry case keeps sabotaging your willpower.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Friedrichs Coffee has been roasting since 1991, with beans roasted twice a week and an award winning cold brew that leans caramel, spice,…

4632 NW 86th St (Urbandale)

“Friedrichs Coffee has been roasting since 1991, with beans roasted twice a week and an award winning cold brew that leans caramel, spice, and smooth chocolate. Pair a latte, chai, or tea with their baked goods and call it your new weekday routine, Urbandale.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 29, 2026

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

5260 Merle Hay Rd Ste 101 (Johnston)

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

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Wake Up Iowa Coffee has a Des Moines espresso bar pouring tight, specialty drinks with house-made syrups, plus gluten-free snacks,…

3605 Douglas Ave (Des Moines)

“Wake Up Iowa Coffee has a Des Moines espresso bar pouring tight, specialty drinks with house-made syrups, plus gluten-free snacks, kombucha, and natural nonalcoholic wine.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 24, 2026

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Porch Light Coffeehouse pours locally roasted beans into an eclectic lineup of espresso specialties from traditional to adventurous in…

417 SW 3rd St (Ankeny)

“Porch Light Coffeehouse pours locally roasted beans into an eclectic lineup of espresso specialties from traditional to adventurous in Uptown Ankeny, all with community vibes since 2017. Pair your cup with a baked good or sandwich and call it your new midweek reset.”

From the Ames newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Quaint local coffeehouse serving espresso drinks, scones and pastries, plus breakfast sandwiches.

404 8th St SW Ste C (Altoona)

“Quaint local coffeehouse serving espresso drinks, scones and pastries, plus breakfast sandwiches.”

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Happy Home Coffee keeps the “people over coffee” vibe real with single origins and easygoing blends that actually taste like their names,…

606 Walnut St (Des Moines)

“Happy Home Coffee keeps the “people over coffee” vibe real with single origins and easygoing blends that actually taste like their names, from Home Sweet Home (medium) to Family Matters (dark). If your grinder misses days, their Swiss Water decaf still hits smooth.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 7, 2026

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Northern Vessel nails the coffee moment with dialed-in lattes, smooth cold brew, and an inviting vibe that actually wakes up your brain.…

1201 Keosauqua Way (Des Moines)

“Northern Vessel nails the coffee moment with dialed-in lattes, smooth cold brew, and an inviting vibe that actually wakes up your brain. Pro tip for the week: snag their 35oz Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte bottles online for easy pickup and keep your fridge ready.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 17, 2026

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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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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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Need a midweek mood boost? Coffee Cats Cafe in Valley Junction pairs coffee from Grounds for Celebration, teas, and sweet treats with a…

312 5th St (West Des Moines)

“Need a midweek mood boost? Coffee Cats Cafe in Valley Junction pairs coffee from Grounds for Celebration, teas, and sweet treats with a cozy cat lounge hosting adoptable felines from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Swing by for a calm cup, some purr therapy, and maybe your next roommate.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 6, 2026

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