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

Cafe$downtownTue-Sun 08:00-15:00; closed MonWork-friendlyWifi

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

1417 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Daisy Chain Coffee ★ 4.2

Cafe$east-villageMon-Fri 07:30-16:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-16:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

505 E Grand Ave Ste 104, Des Moines, IA 50309

Northern Vessel ★ 4.3

Cafe$downtownMon-Fri 06:00-15:00; Sat 07:00-14:00; closed SunWork-friendlyWifi

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

1201 Keosauqua Way Ste 100, Des Moines, IA 50309

Mars Cafe ★ 4.1

Cafe$drakeMon-Fri 06:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 07:00-19:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

The Slow Down Coffee Co. ★ 4.1

Cafe$downtownMon-Fri 06:30-20:00; Sat-Sun 07:00-17:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

Grounds for Celebration ★ 4.0

Cafe$beaverdaleMon-Fri 06:30-18:00; Sat 07:00-18:00; Sun 08:00-17:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

2709 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310

Chain and Spoke ★ 4.1

Cafe$the-avenuesMon-Fri 08:00-17:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-15:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

515 28th St Unit 102, Des Moines, IA 50312

Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar ★ 4.1

Cafe$$downtownDaily coffee 06:00-14:00; wine Wed-Fri 17:00-01:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

The Breakfast Club ★ 4.0

Cafe$east-villageMon-Sun 06:00-14:30

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

212 E 3rd St Ste B, Des Moines, IA 50309

Scenic Route Bakery ★ 4.4

Bakery cafe$east-villageMon-Sat 07:00-16:00; closed SunWork-friendlyWifi

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

350 E Locust St Ste 104, Des Moines, IA 50309

Plain Talk Books and Coffee ★ 4.1

Cafe$east-villageMon-Fri 07:00-18:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-17:00Work-friendlyWifi

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

602 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
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