As Iowa’s largest metropolitan area, Des Moines offers many shops and places for locals to get their daily caffeine fix. Our writers went around the metro area, trying drinks at the various locations, then compared notes to rank and bring readers our top five picks of Des Moines coffee shops.
Mars Cafe
Mars Cafe is a coffee shop in the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines. Mars Cafe prioritizes ensuring quality coffee for customers and a comfortable environment. In the cafe, there is a large seating area for customers to relax, do work, or visit with friends. Mars has a helpful and friendly staff, which furthers the experience by creating genuine interactions between customers and employees.
Smokey Row
Smokey Row has many locations in Iowa, including a few in Des Moines. This shop has an immense amount of history behind it, including a great story of how it was founded. They pride themselves on their mid-west hospitality, good employees, and the appeal it has to all ages. Not only does Smokey Row have coffee, but it also has an old-fashioned soda fountain to heighten its appeal. This shop’s ultimate goal is to make people’s day.
Horizon Line
Horizon Line is located in Downtown Des Moines. Horizon Line prioritizes serving good coffee and caring for customers. They specialize in creating unique coffee creations. Horizon Line works hard to implement an inclusive community and environment in their shop. They strive to be more than just a classic coffee shop. They hope that customers not only enjoy their coffee but also enjoy their experience.
Slow Down Coffee Co.
The Slow Down Coffee Co. is located in the Highland Park area of Des Moines. They hope that customers will take time to slow down and enjoy the cafe experience. Taking time to slowly sip the coffee and live with intention. Customers who have visited state that the staff is extremely friendly and helpful to customers. In addition, the cafe serves a wide array of coffee drinks to accommodate everyone’s preferences.
Daisy Chain Coffee
Daisy Chain Coffee is located on Grand Ave. in East Village. They serve specialty coffee and sell local Iowa honey that is collected from a beehive by the owner, Dan, every day. The shop opened in 2020, and since then has been achieving its goal of caring for people, supporting the local community, and providing accessible and quality coffee. According to Google Reviews, the coffee is reasonably priced, and they have great customer service.
