Have a Sip at These 10 Not-to-Miss Coffee Spots

Yes, you could brainstorm a new branding strategy or meet with a potential client in your office, but getting away from your desk can help stimulate new thought and give you a much-needed mood boost. The coffee meeting has long been a standard in getting out of the office and getting things done. Greater Des Moines (DSM) is home to some of the most influential companies in the nation and their leaders, entrepreneurs and students. Luckily, the region is also home to great coffee shops, each offering something unique.

Coffee Shops in DSM USA

1. Smokey Row, Sherman Hill, Downtown Des Moines — Located near Drake Park, Smokey Row’s iconic sign draws both students and professionals. The coffee house boasts some serious space, a full menu and coffee strong enough to get you through the day (or night). Smokey Row and all of its cozy lights and exposed brick is the campus-chic place you’ve been searching for. Meet at small tables in the open or a large, secluded room away from the noise.
2. Java Joes, Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines — While Fong’s Pizza and the Court Avenue District reign supreme Saturday night, Java Joes sits as a quiet Saturday morning and weekday staple just a few yards away. The close-knit seating and small tables are ideal for mid-day one-on-ones. In the heart of the city, Java Joes is easy to access from a Downtown office or can act as a well-deserved city getaway. Menu options include fresh breakfast sandwiches and a variety of teas.
3. Scenic Route Bakery, Historic East Village, Downtown Des Moines — A coffee shop that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the region is Scenic Route. Conceptualized and owned by a local father/daughter team, this shop in the Historic East Village serves fresh baked pastries and Intelligentsia Coffee with an antique and homey feel. For a meeting with an awesome view that helps spark creativity and a fun staff, visit Scenic Route.
4. Ritual Café, Western Gateway Park, Downtown Des Moines — This café is unique in that it isn’t overly crowded or busy, making it a good place to meet with newer clients. The distraction-free environment is also great for time-sensitive work sessions. Closing early at 5 p.m. and serving a vegetarian menu, Ritual Café makes sense for a light coffee and lunch meeting.
5. Café Diem, Ankeny — Café Diem offers up a cool and artistic space to talk business. With a conference room equipped with a whiteboard and television, this café is perfect for gathering the whole team for a morning coffee meeting.
6. Inspired Grounds, Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines — Meet friends for fine café drinks, ice cream and pastries at Inspired Grounds. The menu boasts specialty drinks such as “The Junction” – a white chocolate and raspberry latte topped with whipped cream. Situated in the historic West Des Moines, Inspired Grounds is just one of the gathering places in this vibrant community.
7. Grounds for Celebration, Windsor Heights — Grounds for Celebration sits in the heart of the small, tight-knit community of Windsor Heights. From roasted coffee to gelato, this favorite coffee shop has been awarded some high accolades over the years. Noted as one of the “warmest houses in the Des Moines area” and “the most Feng shui restaurant in Des Moines”, Grounds for Celebration is a coffeehouse worth celebrating.
8. Brick Street Books & Café, Adel — Relax with food, coffee and books at Brick Street Books and Café in Adel. With daily lunch specials and free Wi-Fi, Brick Street is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a good cup of Joe.
9. Brew Coffee House, Pella — Cozy up to a warm fireplace in Brew Coffee House in historic downtown Pella in winter or catch up with friends in the outdoor street-level balcony seating this summer. There’s something for everyone at Brew – smoothies, chai, milkshakes and a full espresso and slow bar!
10. The Cellar, Winterset — The Cellar isn’t your regular coffee shop. While they do offer incredible coffee, The Cellar is also known for highlighting community events, creating community connections and using resources to address community needs. While The Cellar started out as a coffee shop, it has since expanded and now offers lunch, including soup, salad and sandwiches.

Looking for more coffee shops in the region? Check out our list of local java spots and roasteries.