Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure ★ 4.4
Des Moines' longest-running specialty roaster, small-batch roasting on-site since 1993. The Ingersoll Avenue room is decorated with artifacts, textiles
Signature drink: Small-batch roasted espresso
Coffee shops, bakeries with seats and the places Des Moines lingers in over a cortado.
Where to sit and slow down
Horizon Line Coffee ★ 4.3
A coffee bar and roastery in downtown's West End Artist District, Horizon Line roasts its own beans and rotates a seasonal menu of lattes and pour-overs.
Signature drink: Seasonal lattes with alternative milks
Daisy Chain Coffee ★ 4.2
East Village specialty cafe with local honey espresso drinks and a dog-friendly environment, one of the most pleasant morning stops in the neighbourhood.
Signature drink: Local honey espresso drinks
Northern Vessel ★ 4.3
Specialty coffee with a hospitality-first ethos, Northern Vessel rapidly became one of Des Moines' most popular cafe destinations after opening.
Signature drink: Cold brew latte in 35oz retail bottles
Mars Cafe ★ 4.1
A space-themed artisan coffeehouse near Drake University, Mars Cafe serves coffee, espresso, tea, wine and beer alongside locally baked goods, sandwiches
Signature drink: Espresso and house-roasted filter coffee
The Slow Down Coffee Co. ★ 4.1
A north-side Highland Park favourite with vintage charm, reclaimed wood and espresso from local roasters; community events and warm neighbourhood vibe.
Signature drink: Seasonal espresso menu
Grounds for Celebration ★ 4.0
An established Beaverdale institution with spacious seating, strong Wi-Fi and fresh-roasted beans that supply the cafe's own espresso programme.
Signature drink: Fresh-roasted house espresso
Chain and Spoke ★ 4.1
Combined coffee shop and bicycle repair studio with bright, airy design and specialty espresso drinks; one of Des Moines' more characterful cafe experiences.
Signature drink: Specialty lattes
Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar ★ 4.1
Coffee shop by day and wine bar Wednesday-Friday evenings inside the restored Hotel Fort Des Moines; one of downtown's most atmospheric morning rooms.
Signature drink: European-style espresso and by-the-glass wine
The Breakfast Club ★ 4.0
A busy all-day breakfast and brunch cafe in the East Village open seven days from 06:00, with vegan options clearly marked on the menu alongside classic
Signature drink: Morning coffee with full breakfast menu
Scenic Route Bakery ★ 4.4
Consistently cited as one of the best bakeries in Des Moines, Scenic Route operates a comfortable East Village cafe alongside its baking programme.
Signature drink: Coffee with house pastry
Plain Talk Books and Coffee ★ 4.1
A bookshop and coffee combination at the quieter eastern end of the East Village, combining a curated independent bookshop with quality coffee in a calm,
Signature drink: Specialty espresso
Vibrant Coffeehouse and Kitchen ★ 4.0
A coffeehouse and kitchen on E Grand Avenue in the East Village: specialty coffee alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu, daily from 07:00.
Signature drink: Specialty coffee with full kitchen menu
Book food experiences in Des Moines
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Uncover the eerie secrets of Des Moines with our captivating ghost tour, where you'll wander through the city's most haunted and historic sites under the cover of night.