My Top 5 Coffee Shops in the Des Moines Metro (I Said What I Said)
Looking for the best coffee shops in Des Moines? Here are my top 5 in the Des Moines metro. I said what I said. I'm Steven Bunting, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Precision who helps buyers and sellers across West Des Moines, Waukee, Clive, Urbandale, and the rest of the metro, and I spend a lot of time exploring the neighborhoods I work in. This isn't a ranking from one to five. Each shop is my pick for something different, so here's what I love about each.
1. Best Cold Brew Latte: Northern Vessel (Keosauqua Way)
Northern Vessel at on Keosauqua Way, has my favorite cold brew latte in the metro. The Oat Milk Cold Brew Latte is made with cold brew concentrate, simple syrup, and oat milk, and you can also take home a 35oz bottle.
The company began in 2019 as a garage-built coffee cart, started delivering bottled cold brew lattes in 2020, (they delivered to our home after our daughter was born in 2021) and opened its flagship in 2022. The space has south-facing windows and Scandinavian-inspired design. If you want something different, other drinks on the menu include a Spanish latte, a Cheerio latte, and a chicory cold brew called the New Orleans.
2. Top Spot to Run Into Someone You Know: Mars Cafe (Drake Neighborhood)
Mars Cafe in the Drake neighborhood is my top spot to run into someone you know. I often go there to meet up with people and strategize a move.
On the menu side, try the Sputnik, made with honey, almond, and cinnamon. Since 2020, the shop has been owned by Kuuku Saah and Cesar Bracho Saavedra, who said they wanted Mars spaces to reflect elements of Ghanaian and Paraguayan culture as well as Des Moines.
3. Best Quality Brew: Daisy Chain Coffee (East Village)
Daisy Chain Coffee is in the East Village, and for me it's the best quality brew in the metro. Owner Daniel Bosman is a longtime Des Moines barista who took over the East Village location of Mars Cafe in 2020 and renamed it Daisy Chain.
The coffee is only part of the story. Bosman keeps bees, and his honey shows up in the drinks. If you go, try the Miel, a latte with honey and cinnamon. His honey and beeswax candles have also won blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair.
4. Jars to Go: Horizon Line Coffee (West End Artist District)
Horizon Line Coffee in downtown Des Moines is my pick for jars to go. Since August 2019, they've stopped using single-use paper and plastic cups. Your drink comes in a reusable glass jar, or a ceramic mug if you're staying.
Two friends from Southern California started the coffee bar and roastery. The menu includes espresso drinks, rotating single-origin filter coffee, and cold brew steeped for nearly 24 hours, plus housemade syrups in flavors like lavender thyme and brown sugar.
5. Good Spot for Meeting: Scenic Route Bakery (East Village)
Scenic Route Bakery, also in the East Village, is my go-to spot for work meetings, and the pastries are a big reason why. It's a bakery first, with pastries and sweet treats alongside Tugboat coffee, espresso, and drip coffee.
The space has big windows, plenty of tables, and a free guest Wi-Fi network, so it's easy to sit down with a client, a friend, or a laptop. It also serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can order ahead online for pickup.
Why a Realtor Cares About Coffee Shops
When I help someone find a home, I'm not just looking at square footage. I'm helping them find the neighborhood that fits their real life, weekends and coffee runs included. Some people want to be a short walk from a favorite shop. Others want a quiet street and a short drive. Knowing where you love to spend a Saturday morning is a useful part of deciding where to live.
Which One Did I Miss?
Which of these is your favorite, and which one did I leave off? If you're thinking about buying or selling in the Des Moines area, DM me or call or text me at 515-708-4572 or email steven@sbreiowa.com.
Steven Bunting
REMAX Precision | Licensed to sell in Iowa
@sphererealestategroup
