The best cafes in Waterloo

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

Cup of Joe nails that 1950s-tinged coffeehouse vibe and backs it up with direct and fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee, legit…

102 Main St (Cedar Falls)

Cup of Joe nails that 1950s-tinged coffeehouse vibe and backs it up with direct and fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee, legit espresso, and an extensive tea lineup. Pair it with their in-house pastries and savory treats, including wheat-free and vegan options, then call that your weekday win.

From the Cedar Falls newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Part convenience store, part coffee stop, Biscotti's on UNI’s campus nails the quick and tasty brief with Starbucks drinks, fresh…

Redeker Drive (Cedar Falls)

Part convenience store, part coffee stop, Biscotti's on UNI’s campus nails the quick and tasty brief with Starbucks drinks, fresh Everything Bagels from the campus bakery, daily hot food specials, and grab-n-go Cravings. Even if you’re not a student, it’s a clutch swing-by for groceries and take-and-bake fixes.

From the Cedar Falls newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Book Bistro nails the study-break trifecta with gourmet grilled sandwiches, a daily soup, and Starbucks coffee, all tucked inside UNI’s Rod…

1227 W 27th St (Cedar Falls)

Book Bistro nails the study-break trifecta with gourmet grilled sandwiches, a daily soup, and Starbucks coffee, all tucked inside UNI’s Rod Library with a patio by the Campanile. Even if you’re not cramming, the wraps, salads, pastries, and hot teas make an easy, tasty pit stop.

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Sarah's Crafted Coffee + Cocktails is that rare Cedar Falls spot where a morning latte and an evening sip both feel right. Expect lattes,…

305 Main St (Cedar Falls)

Sarah's Crafted Coffee + Cocktails is that rare Cedar Falls spot where a morning latte and an evening sip both feel right. Expect lattes, coffee and tea, plus those buzzy Energy Brews and cocktails served all day, and online ordering keeps the line from stealing your morning.

From the Cedar Falls newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Sidecar Coffee Shop is a locally owned Cedar Valley roaster that actually roasts its own beans, then pours them across several neighborhood…

2215 College St (Cedar Falls)

Sidecar Coffee Shop is a locally owned Cedar Valley roaster that actually roasts its own beans, then pours them across several neighborhood cafes. Order ahead for a swift pickup, grab a bag of Kick-Start Espresso or the “Project” Blend, or even set up a subscription if commitment fuels you.

From the Waterloo newsletter, September 10, 2026

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