You likely clicked on this list, because, like us, you love caffeine. Or because you’re seeing all of our Instagram stories about it being National Coffee Day. Keep scrolling for our current list of favorite local coffee shops in Des Moines right now. This was our hardest list to compile yet because of just how many amazing coffee shops we have in the Des Moines area. Whether you love coffee recreationally for energy, or you love exploring it as a hobby, check out these shops to get your fix. (In no particular order.)
Last Updated: September 2023
Disclaimer: Opening and closing hours subject to change. Please double check with all businesses’ latest listed hours.
Favorite Coffee Shops
Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen
- 520 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open Monday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Sunday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
East Village gets a new coffee shop- and this one has got a full kitchen too! Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen is our latest dig, with a rotating menu of seasonal coffee drinks, tea, energy drinks, lemonades, and so much more. Settle in a warm drink and choose from a selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and breakfast. A great place to catch up with friends or spend the afternoon.
Chain & Spoke: Coffee + Cyclery
- 515 28th St Unit 102, Des Moines, IA 50312
- COFFEE SHOP: Monday – Saturday, 7 – 6:30 p.m. / Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- CYCLERY: Monday – Saturday, 10 – 6:30 p.m. / Sunday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
New to Ingersoll! This bright, open, newly renovated space on the South side of Ingersoll caught our eye as it’s opened in the last Month. This “coffee and cyclery” shop has beautiful aesthetics for a mid-week meeting or a Saturday hang. The cinnamon maple latte is darn good.
Northern Vessel
- 1201 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Have you driven down Keo Way and wondered what the cute coffee shop was? It’s Northern Vessel – a previous pop-up-based coffee shop that now has roots in a gorgeous brick and mortar. Check it out next time you’re heading into or out of downtown. We recommend the Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte or signature Cheerios latte. Want cold brew in your fridge always? You can have it with a “coffee club” option to make sure you never run out!
Daisy Chain Coffee
- 505 E. Grand Avenue #104, Des Moines, IA
- Open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nestled between Raygun and Purveyor, Daisy Chain Coffee is located in the heart of the East Village. Daisy Chain knows how to craft specialty coffee with local flavor. That local flavor comes in the form of the owner Dan’s local honey. Featured in drinks like Daniel Bee’s Miel or Daniel Bee’s Honey Lemonade, there’s nothing better than a refreshing drink as you shop your way through the East Village. Plus, it’s dog friendly!
Horizon Line Coffee
- 1417 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open Tuesday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Started by two friends with a passion for good coffee, Horizon Line is one of our favorite places to bring friends and family who are looking for a unique cup of coffee. We love the variety offered in the seasonal menus and their passion for sustainability with a reusable glass program. We not only love the locally roasted coffee, but the vibe of Horizon Line and how we can pretty much spend a whole afternoon working away in the shop.
Source: Mars Cafe Facebook
Mars Cafe
- 2318 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Saturday – Sunday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Serving up the best coffee in the galaxy, Mars Cafe not only makes coffee that’s out of this world but also has a really good selection of food and snacks for you to enjoy while plotting your next space adventure. They serve local food from other small businesses and is a great stop in the Drake Neighborhood. We recommend the sputnik or moon milk to get you through the day!
Source: Des Moines Register
Grounds for Celebration
- Beaverdale Place, 2709 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
- Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Saturday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- West Des Moines location closed weekends.
Grounds for Celebration is a great option regardless of location in Windsor Heights, West Des Moines, or Beaverdale. We have a special place in our hearts for the Beaverdale location though! This local institution has ample space, free wifi, and great lunch options. Plus, it makes the air smell great when they’re roasting coffee.
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
- 3613 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
- MONDAY CLOSED / OPEN: Tuesday – Thursday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. / Friday 7 am. – 6 p.m. / Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Sunday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A north side favorite! Locally owned and located in the historic Highland Park neighborhood, The Slow Down Coffee Co. is the perfect place to grab a quality cup of coffee, and do what the name tells you; Slow Down! The Slow Down sources their beans from Ames roaster, Windmill Coffee, and offers pastries and other treats from Dust Bowl Bakery. They offer a selection of handmade or local goods and they also host a book club! It’s one of our favorite spaces in Des Moines.
Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar
- Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Coffee Shop Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Wine Bar Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Have you been inside the newly restored Hotel Fort Des Moines yet? There’s a picture perfect coffee and wine bar space open to the public. Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar is named after the original Hobnob eatery from the 1940s. How cool! The provides a casual ambiance of the European countryside and approachable downtown elegance and is the perfect spot to romanticize your work and study day while getting caffeinated.
Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
- 2723 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
- MONDAY CLOSED / OPEN: Tuesday – Saturday 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. / Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Roasting small-batch coffee every Tuesday through Friday for over 28 years, Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, more commonly known as just Zanzibar’s, is the perfect place to start your day with a coffee in hand. We love being able to grab a coffee and locally made treat while we sit and catch up with friends or our latest read!
The Coffeesmith
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770 SE Alice’s Rd, Waukee, IA 5026
- CLOSED SUNDAY / Open Monday – Friday 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. / Saturday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Waukee friends! This one is for you.The Coffeesmith is an independent coffee shop located on Alice’s Road in Waukee, Iowa, started by a native Iowan couple whose vision is to handcraft espresso, forge people, and build community. It boasts great seasonal menus and lots of room to hang out, study, and work.
Mayalu Coffee
- 4226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Monday – Wednesday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Thursday – Saturday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. / Sunday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mayalu opened in 2023 close to the airport with a drive-thru, locally roasted coffee, and a commitment to the South Side community! A youth artist from East High School painted a mural, many clubs and buzz have met in Mayalu as a hosting space, and their drinks are delicious! From the owners, “Mayalu means ‘beloved’ or ‘sweetheart’ in our native language, Nepali. We want Mayalu to be a place you can experience love, connection, and a sense of belonging. Just like we did, growing up amidst the mountains of Nepal.”
What we’re keeping an eye on…
Current Coffee DSM launched onto the Des Moines scene in 2023 at Beaverdale Farmer’s Market and is now available at Thistle’s Summit. Give them a follow for what looks like absolutely delicious coffee drinks.
Looking for even more guides? Check out our full “drink” category of guides below.
