Des Moines, Iowa, known for its rolling farmlands, pioneer history, and as the epicenter of American politics during the caucus season, Des Moines is a city that is as rich in its offerings as it is in its down-to-earth charm.
Amid the city’s renowned art scenes, bustling farmers markets, and the dramatic golden domes of the Capitol, there’s another facet to Des Moines that is steadily gaining attention – its ever-growing coffee culture.
Often underestimated in the shadow of national coffee giants, the coffee shops in Des Moines have been flourishing, with local roasters adding a rich layer to the city’s diverse gastronomy canvas.
Independent coffee shops, boasting locally sourced beans, innovative brew techniques, and eclectic environments, have become the beating pulse of Des Moines’ neighborhoods.
Whether you’re a lifelong Des Moines resident, a newcomer, or a traveler passing through, this guide to the best coffee shops Des Moines can offer is sure to perk up your day.
1. Horizon Line Coffee
First up, we have Horizon Line Coffee. Horizon Line Coffee is a roastery and coffee bar located in the west end of the artist district in Des Moines. It is a cool and innovative bar that offers some of the best coffee in the city.
While this store is located in Iowa, it was actually founded by two friends from SoCal, so it has that hip and happening California vibe.
This store was founded on two principles, and those two principles are still evident to this day: serving good coffee and caring about others.
From creating a great sense of community to sourcing from ethical and reputable suppliers, Horizon Line Coffee only gives off good vibes, and that is why we love it!
Address: 1417 Walnut St, Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
2. Daisy Chain Coffee
If you are searching for a Des Moines coffee store that focuses on specialty coffees, then Daisy Chain Coffee is the place for you.
This store is located in the East Village of Des Moines, and it is the perfect place for anyone who loves honey.
As well as selling a range of yummy coffees, this store also sells honey, and it features in a lot of their drinks.
If you love bees, and even more importantly, you love honey, you have to check this store out while you’re in town.
Address: 505 E. Grand Ave. #104, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (click for map)
3. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
For coffee that is roasted on site, be sure to pop into Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure.
All the coffee served at Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure is home-roasted, small batch coffee sourced from more than 30 countries across the globe.
For a full taste experience, we would definitely recommend checking out Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure.
There are endless opportunities in this small store, and we can almost guarantee that you will find the perfect coffee for you. So what are you waiting for?
Address: 2723 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (click for map)
4. Mars Coffee
One of the worst things about drinking coffee while you are on vacation is that you won’t be able to enjoy that coffee once you get back home.
However, this isn’t the case for Mars Coffee as they have an online store where you can buy their coffee by the bag.
So if you love the coffee at Mars that much, you can easily order some to brew yourself once you get back home. Cool right?
Address: 2318 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 (click for map)
5. The Slow Down Coffee Co.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is a locally-owned and operated specialty coffee shop located in the historic Highland Park neighborhood on the north side of the Des Moines metro.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a place that encourages its customers to slow down, savor each sip, and live with intention. They serve super fresh coffee sourced from Windmill Coffee Roasters, a local Iowa brand based in Ames, and tea from a local favorite, Red Dragon.
Among customer favorites are the Honey Cinnamon Latte and the House Drip Black, known for its simplicity and reliable taste
In addition to coffee and tea, The Slow Down also provides a variety of snacks and treats from local vendors, including New World Kitchen meals, cinnamon rolls from LeeTy Delights, and other goodies. Dietary restrictions are also considered, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Address: 3613 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 (click for map)
6. Friedrich’s Coffee
Friedrich’s Coffee is a locally-owned coffee shop chain in Des Moines, Iowa, with locations also in West Des Moines and Urbandale. It promotes coffee from all across the world.
We love this coffee store because they not only serve delicious coffee in-store but they also sell yummy coffee by the bag online. It really is the best of both worlds!
Address: 4126 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311 (click for map)
Check out their two other locations in Des Moines:
West Des Moines Coffee Shop, 1821 22nd St STE 101, West Des Moines, IA 50266 and their Urbandale Coffee Shop, 4632 NW 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322
7. Scenic Route Bakery
So far, we have predominantly looked at stores that specialize solely in coffee.
But this next store is a bakery which offers outstanding coffee, but also a range of delicious food that is all prepared in store.
Coffee is great, but it tastes even better when it is enjoyed alongside a piping hot pastry or a delicious slice of cake. So why limit yourself to just a cup of coffee?
Pop into Scenic Route Bakery for all your coffee and cake needs while you are in Des Moines.
Address: 350 East Locust Street, Suite 104, Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
8. La Barista Coffee Co.
La Barista Coffee Co. is a very versatile store and that is why we have included it on this list. Not only is it a coffee bar, but it also functions as a small café and it has a drive through too.
So no matter what you want to get up to while you are in Des Moines, this store has you covered!
If you are off on a road trip, exploring the area, then simply use the drive-through to pick up coffee and snacks for your journey.
Likewise, if you fancy a morning coffee and a bite to eat, then you can dine in. We can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with what La Barista Coffee Co has to offer.
Address: 1963 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA. 50265 (click for map)
9. Smokey Row Coffee Co.
Another great coffee company to check out while you are in town is Smokey Row Coffee Co.
Smokey Row Coffee Co. offers good coffee to good people. So if you are a good person, you’ll definitely feel at home in this coffee shop.
This coffee shop has very long opening hours and is open 7 days a week from 6am to 9pm.
So if you fancy a morning coffee or a late night cappuccino, this store has got you covered! You should definitely pay them a visit while you are in town!
Address: 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50314 (click for map)
10. Caribou Coffee
On Ingersoll Avenue, you will find Caribou Coffee. This is a premium coffee house whose products really speak for themselves, so we won’t say too much.
But if you are planning on drinking a lot of coffee during your trip, you may want to take advantage of the rewards cards that Caribou have on offer.
Address: 3220 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312 (click for map)
11. Ritual Café
For a smaller, locally-owned coffee shop, check out Ritual Café. As well as serving delicious coffee, this store will also prepare a hearty meal if that is what you are after.
They serve a huge range of delicious, fresh-prepared food, and have a wide range of vegan options on offer too. So be sure to call in.
Address: 1301 Locust St. Ste. D Des Moines, IA 50309 (click for map)
12. Twisted Bean
If you find yourself in Des Moines for business, you should check out Twisted Bean Coffee.
This coffee shop has two stores located in Des Moines, and both offer private rooms for any business meetings that you may have.
Plus their coffee is totally out of this world, so you should definitely check them out if you ever find yourself in town.
Address: 6155 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320 (click for map)
13. Freedom Blend Coffee
Freedom Blend Coffee specializes in fair trade coffee. If you care about living an ethical life, then you should really check out this store because that is what their company is founded on.
From supporting global communities by sourcing coffee from reputable sellers to empowering young adults in their local area, this store has so much to offer.
Some of the best companies that you can support are the ones that care for others, and Freedom Blend is definitely one of these stores.
Address: 2329 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310 (click for map)
14. Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Plain Talk Books and Coffee opened back in 2009, and it is clear to see why this company has survived for so long.
Sure, coffee and a nice slice of cake are incredible, but nothing will beat the elite combination of a cup of coffee and a good book.
In the East Village, Plain Talk Books & Coffee caters to all your coffee, books and even food needs.
They are a one-stop shop for anybody who loves coffee, books and yummy, fresh sandwiches.
If you want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals while you are in Des Moines, head over to Plain Talk Books & Coffee, and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Address: 602 E. Grand Ave.Des Moines, Iowa 50309 (click for map)
15. Grounds For Celebration
Finally, let’s wrap this up with Ground for Celebration. This store really is something to celebrate because their coffee is totally out of this world, and it could easily become one of the highlights of your trip.
With coffee, tea, pastries and even gelato on offer, there is something for everyone at Grounds for Celebration, and that really is something to shout about!
So make sure that you call in while you’re in town.
Address: 2709 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310 (click for map)
Summary
So, as you can see, there are tons of outstanding Des Moines coffee shops that you should consider visiting while you are in the city.
There really is a coffee shop to suit all your needs, so no matter what you fancy while you are in town, you will find it in this guide.
Remember, next time you get your phone out to search for the best coffee near me in Des Moines just come back to this page instead and try out another of our recommendations.
Check out the best coffee shops in Iowa in the other places we cover.
Thanks for reading!
My name is Dana Dupree and I am an avid coffee lover. Since I began college and realized what a heavy load writing majors took on, I have been a fan of the bean juice.
My job took me all over the US on book tours and press conferences, and my favorite part about the trip was exploring the best places to grab my cup of Joe.
