I’m being real here. Without my coffee, I’m pretty useless, as Jessica and Narda will attest. So, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee dealers (I’m sorry, shops) in the metro and surrounding areas. We also love to support smaller local businesses, so you won’t find any “big box” coffee here.
Do you need the magic beans too? Then you’ll want to bookmark this page, so you know where to go, no matter WHERE you are.
South Side / Norwalk
- Mayalu Coffee: 4226 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
What We Love: Mayalu brings a Nepali twist to your favorite lattes and chais with their optional flavoring. The staff is wonderful, and they have nw introduced comfortable floor seating. So cool! Oh… and if you love samosas, you need to try the samosas here!
- Mahalo’s Coffee and Mini Donuts: 1850 Sunset Drive, Norwalk, IA 50211
What We Love: This Mahalo’s location has a drive-thru, a great sitting area, and the BEST donuts in the metro. We love the Hawaiian flavors in the coffee and recommend some of the house blends. Also – Mahalo’s just introduced kids meals!
Highland Park
- The Slow Down Coffee Co: 3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
What We Love: Having a fabulous coffee shop in the heart of Highland Park, right by ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery, Des Moines Mercantile, and ALL the revitalization in this area! This is a true community coffee shop, with local art gracing the walls and my new favorite event: Silent Book Club.
East Side / Altoona
- Café Con Leche: 2905 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
What We Love: What’s NOT to love? We’re suckers for breakfast food and a laid-back diner atmosphere, and this restaurant has both.
- Best Day Coffee: 404 8th Street SW, Suite A, Altoona, IA 50009
What We Love: This shop is bright and cheery, with the sunflowers and yellow walls, even in the midst of our depressing winters. Try the Bee’s Knees Latte!
Downtown / Sculpture Park / East Village
- Ritual Café: 1301 Locust Street, Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50309
What We Love: This is one of my favorite spots in the dead of winter; the décor is warm and inviting, and we can have lunch here if needed. Try the grilled hummus!
- Scenic Route Bakery: 350 E. Locust Street #104, Des Moines, IA 50309
What We Love: The BAKERY! It’s the perfect place to indulge in pastries or yummy lunch options. With windows all around, in the midst of a bustling East Village, Scenic Route also makes for great people watching.
- Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen: 520 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
What We Love: This is also a new addition to our list! It has lots of comfy nooks and crannies in which to work, delicious food, and an ever changing coffee menu!
Ingersoll / Sherman Hill
- Smokey Row: 1910 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
What We Love: The coffee here is great, but the true gem is the FOOD. Breakfast sandwiches, biscotti, lunch, and a great kid’s menu. In the summer, Smokey Row’s patio is fantastic.
- Zanzibar: 2723 Ingersoll Aveune, Des Moines, IA 50312
What We Love: Visiting Zanzibar’s is an experience. We love the wide variety of coffees, teas, and the support for the community: check out the local art hung on the walls. Note: Zanzibar’s does not have wifi, by design. We get to have conversations instead of working!
- Chain and Spoke: 515 28th Street, Unit 102, Des Moines, IA 50312
What We Love: This shop has ample room for people sitting and working, a super-cool hip ambiance, AND an attached bike store and shop. So, I can ride my bike Gertrude down, put it in for a tuneup, and then work and get my coffee! By the way… yoga aficionados should check out the early yoga options here with DM Wellness and Yoga.
Urbandale
- Friedrich’s: 4632 NW 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
What We Love: There are three main locations, and each has its pros and cons: The 86th Street location has a cozy indoor seating area and a drive-thru. The 22nd Street location in West Des Moines has an amazing outdoor patio for summertime. And, the 42nd Street location in Beaverdale plays the best 90s grunge music. So, pick your location based on your needs!
- Twisted Bean: 4504 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
What We Love: The location is perfect; we meet with folks from Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and we have easy access to/from the highway. We also love that there is a meeting room that can be reserved cheaply for bigger meetings.
Clive
- SweetDude Coffee & Cafe: 9673 University Avenue, Clive IA, 50325
What We Love: I am ashamed to say this this place has been around longer but it’s only a recent discovery of mine. The desserts are delectable, the atmosphere is warm, and the lattes are creamy. It’s the perfect place for a quiet catchup with your best friend. Note: They do not have drip coffee.
Waukee
- The Coffeesmith: 770 SE Alice’s Road, Waukee, IA 50263
What We Love: Their passion about their coffee, and their Little Smitty menu popular with the kids! We also like the ever-changing inspirational pictures and the abundance of outlets.
Grimes
- Lightbrite Coffee Roasters: 1895 SE Grimes Blvd, Suite 104, Grimes, IA 50111
What We Love: We love having local coffee in Grimes! The lattes are especially creamy… try the almond milk. Trust us.
Ankeny
- Porch Light Coffeehouse: 417 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA 50023
What We Love: The cozy atmosphere! This is yet another perfect place to catch up with long-lost friends.
- Main Street Café and Bakery: 2510 SW White Birch Drive #1,2, Ankeny, IA 50023
What We Love: Definitely the food! We’re especially partial to the pastas and breakfast sandwiches.
Licensed in the state of Iowa
Home Sweet Des Moines – Realty ONE Group Impact
Some caveats:
- Some businesses have multiple locations; we’re only listing out one location per business.
- No business paid to be on this list. They had to earn it!
- We have no scientific knowledge of what makes a good coffee bean or tea leaf, just personal opinions.
