The best cafes in Urbandale

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

Browse another shelf: all of Urbandale’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Nightlife · Health & Wellness · Entertainment · Home & Garden · Arts & Culture

Pinned in Urbandale today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Urbandale — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Cafes · 9 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 Urbandale newsletter, September 9, 2026

Website ↗

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.”

Website ↗

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

“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, September 16, 2026

Website ↗

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

“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

Website ↗
Run a Urbandale business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

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 2, 2026

Website ↗

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

“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

Website ↗

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.”

Website ↗

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

Website ↗

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 Ankeny newsletter, August 14, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →