EXPLORE: Coffee Houses & Cafes
By Cyote Williams
Get out of the snow for a cup of joe.
SMOKEY ROW
1910 Cottage Grove Ave., Des Moines
www.smokeyrow.com
With a name inspired by the fires that plagued Pleasantville in the late 1800s and early 1900s and an idea born from a tasty latte in California led to one of Des Moines’ most iconic coffee houses. Tap into one of their many coffee or soda specialties and dine in while you’re at it.
THE SLOWDOWN
3613 Sixth Ave., Des Moines
www.theslowdowndsm.com
This coffee shop has been part of the rebirth of the Highland Park area. They boast local products as well as a local feel that’s inviting to all. Espressos, lattes, coffee and plenty of add-ons to make your morning brew yours. Try one of their salads, wraps or sweet bakery treats.
MARS CAFE
2318 University Ave., Des Moines
https://mars.coffee/
“The galaxy’s best coffee.” While we can’t speak for the coffee on Mars, if this cafe is what we can expect from outer space, NASA needs more funding. With drink choices ranging from traditional drip coffee to Italian soda and tasteful food options, the Drake neighborhood has more than welcomed our alien overlords.
COFFEE CATS CAFE
312 Fifth St., West Des Moines
www.coffeecatscafe.com
Coffee, cats and a cafe. What else do you need? Iowa’s first cat cafe allows you to enjoy one of their delicious brews with their feline friends, courtesy of the ARL. All of your standard coffee drinks and sweet bakery items as well. Walk-ins are possible for the cat lounge but are limited.
ZANZIBAR’S COFFEE ADVENTURE
2723 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
www.zanzibarscoffee.com
Loyally serving Ingersoll Avenue residents and visitors coffee since 1993, many have ventured to this local spot over the years. A rich history coupled with rich flavors from their in-house roasted coffee and focused breakfast menu featuring farm-fresh eggs and locally baked bread.
GROUNDS FOR CELEBRATION
2709 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
www.groundsforcelebration.com
Three stores located around the metro help you celebrate your morning from wherever you are. The owners have their own small coffee farm in Panama, 20 types of tea, 23 coffee options and a filling 35 varieties of sweets according to their website.
SWEETDUDE COFFEE AND CAFE
9763 University Ave., Clive
www.facebook.com/p/SweetDude-Coffee-and-Cafe-100086196262594/
Described as having a “cute” interior, friendly staff and good tasting coffee. Their food items are as tasty as they are plentiful. Treats such as baklava, crepes, waffles, with more than enough toppings to put the “sweet” in SweetDude.
Get out of the snow for a cup of joe.
SMOKEY ROW
1910 Cottage Grove Ave., Des Moines
www.smokeyrow.com
With a name inspired by the fires that plagued Pleasantville in the late 1800s and early 1900s and an idea born from a tasty latte in California led to one of Des Moines’ most iconic coffee houses. Tap into one of their many coffee or soda specialties and dine in while you’re at it.
THE SLOWDOWN
3613 Sixth Ave., Des Moines
www.theslowdowndsm.com
This coffee shop has been part of the rebirth of the Highland Park area. They boast local products as well as a local feel that’s inviting to all. Espressos, lattes, coffee and plenty of add-ons to make your morning brew yours. Try one of their salads, wraps or sweet bakery treats.
MARS CAFE
2318 University Ave., Des Moines
https://mars.coffee/
“The galaxy’s best coffee.” While we can’t speak for the coffee on Mars, if this cafe is what we can expect from outer space, NASA needs more funding. With drink choices ranging from traditional drip coffee to Italian soda and tasteful food options, the Drake neighborhood has more than welcomed our alien overlords.
COFFEE CATS CAFE
312 Fifth St., West Des Moines
www.coffeecatscafe.com
Coffee, cats and a cafe. What else do you need? Iowa’s first cat cafe allows you to enjoy one of their delicious brews with their feline friends, courtesy of the ARL. All of your standard coffee drinks and sweet bakery items as well. Walk-ins are possible for the cat lounge but are limited.
ZANZIBAR’S COFFEE ADVENTURE
2723 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
www.zanzibarscoffee.com
Loyally serving Ingersoll Avenue residents and visitors coffee since 1993, many have ventured to this local spot over the years. A rich history coupled with rich flavors from their in-house roasted coffee and focused breakfast menu featuring farm-fresh eggs and locally baked bread.
GROUNDS FOR CELEBRATION
2709 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
www.groundsforcelebration.com
Three stores located around the metro help you celebrate your morning from wherever you are. The owners have their own small coffee farm in Panama, 20 types of tea, 23 coffee options and a filling 35 varieties of sweets according to their website.
SWEETDUDE COFFEE AND CAFE
9763 University Ave., Clive
www.facebook.com/p/SweetDude-Coffee-and-Cafe-100086196262594/
Described as having a “cute” interior, friendly staff and good tasting coffee. Their food items are as tasty as they are plentiful. Treats such as baklava, crepes, waffles, with more than enough toppings to put the “sweet” in SweetDude.