Every nationally-operated chain coffee shop is the same.
Sure, you might want that sometimes. You can walk into a Starbucks 200 miles away from home and order the usual without pausing. The decor might vary from store to store, but the essentials will always remain the same.
Local coffee shops offer something more—unique atmospheres, specialty blends, and drinks you won't get anywhere else. You might not be able to order something immediately; you might actually need to browse the menu for a few minutes. But you might just discover something new and delicious.
So why not try out one of Des Moines' many local coffee shops? They might be local chains, unique to the area, or they might be the one and only of their brand. Each neighborhood has something delicious—and caffeinated—to offer!
1. Java Joe's
Located in the Court Avenue District, Java Joe's serves as the perfect place to get your caffeine fix while shopping the Downtown Farmer's Market. On those Saturday mornings, you can order at one of their two outside booths (one is near the brick-and-mortar store, and the other is on the east end). But don't forget to stop in during the rest of the week—you might just walk into one of the live concerts they host on a regular basis!
Try Ordering: Anything made with their fresh-roasted coffee beans! They also serve some delectable scoops of ice cream.2. Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
This shop brands itself as a "Coffee Adventure," and its menu offers plenty of delicious drinks to help earn that name. As you walk in, you'll immediately notice the distinctive smell of roasting coffee beans, an act they perform right here in the store. Perhaps you'll go home with more than just a cappuccino, though—the art on the walls, created by Iowans, is for sale. With just one visit, you can support local coffee and local art!
Try Ordering: The Mocha Mex - think Mexican hot chocolate, but with coffee!
3. Capes Kafe
Just finished dinner at Malo? Just saw a show at the Kum & Go Theatre? If you have (and even if you haven't), you should walk right over to Kapes Kafe. Like Malo and the Kum & Go Theatre, the shop is located in the Des Moines Social Club. A renovated firehouse, the building itself offers plenty of charm—but Kapes Kafe amps up the experience with comic books, pinball machines, and themed drinks galore.
Try Ordering: The drink named after your favorite caped crusader! What about a Snick Fury (caramel + milk chocolate + hazelnut), a Scarlet Witch (dark chocolate + cherry + coconut), or an Ollie Queen (green tea + limeade)?
4. Friedrich's
Cushy chairs. A crackling fireplace. Decor from the Sticks gallery. If you're looking for a cozy place to curl up with your mocha and a few friends, head to Friedrich's on 86th St. in Urbandale. For me, the stars of the show are their smoothies.
Try Ordering: The Toucan Tango smoothie, a giant Snickerdoodle cookie, or a full pot of Rooibos Chai tea.
5. Plain Talk Books
Anthony Trollope once wrote, "What could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?" Plain Talk, in Des Moines' East Village, offers 2 of those 3 good things - and upgrades the sofa to a sunny spot on their patio. You can order a latte made with their fair-trade, organic coffee and then browse the stacks! Climb upstairs to discover another level of hardcovers, paperbacks, and everything in between.
Try Ordering: Food! The coffee is certainly delicious, but there's nothing quite like a cup of their Tomato Basil soup and a 'Heart is the Lonely Hunter' sandwich.
6. Smokey Row
If you attend Drake University, you probably call this a second home. If you don't, you need to head down towards the Playhouse and try out Smokey Row! They have everything you might be craving, from burgers to espresso to pie to bagels. Bring a few buds and an appetite—you'll have a hard time not devouring the whole menu.
Try Ordering: A huge malt (best split with a just-as-hungry friend), a Heath Bar Latte, or a slice of pie.
7. Twisted Bean Coffee Company
Recently opened in Urbandale and open since 2006 on the south side, Twisted Bean has all your caffeinated favorites—and then some! Perfect for both pre-work runs and long-term projects, the shop offers delicious lunch options as well as coffee drinks. Curl up with your laptop with your food in one of their booths, and then run back for some coffee. (Or, if you'd rather visit with several others, reserve their cozy meeting room!)
Try Ordering: The Chicken Salad Sandwich (the tarragon and grapes make it irresistible!) and the Jitterbug Frappe (espresso, caramel, chocolate-covered espresso beans, milk, + blended ice topped with whipped cream + an espresso bean).
8. Inspired Grounds
Stop by this spacious coffee shop in Valley Junction, and find the perfect place to work on that project, meet some friends, or listen to new music. You can also browse the art, for sale by local artisans, and the collection of fair-trade and inspirational goods (also for sale). Sink into a plush chair with your coffee and one of their yummy baked goods! If you brought a child along, there's even toys for them to play with while you talk, work, or just relax.
Try Ordering: Panini for breakfast or lunch, and a Peppermint Patty Mocha for dessert!
Stop in at one of these favorite coffee shops the next time you're in Des Moines, IA!
