Picture this; it’s a Sunday morning, the sun is out, and it’s 75 outside. As you roll over in bed your phone goes off with a text from your best friend.
“Coffee???”
The challenge is not if you want coffee, but instead, it’s where you want to go for that coffee. Einstein’s is what you get everyday, and Starbucks can be so cliche, so where do you go?
After traveling around Des Moines for a week tasting all the coffee I could find, I have found the seven BEST coffees within seven miles of campus. While this was a major struggle for me, (I mean, SO. MUCH. COFFEE.), I conquered the task to share this glorious information with you.
Out of 13 cafes, bakeries and nooks, seven survived my coffee test. I have selected the top seven based on the coffee itself, and if the atmosphere is insta-worthy (because we all want to snap a cute Sunday morning pic).
When looking for a good coffee, I look for a dark or medium roast with little to no bitterness. I really enjoy when coffee’s have notes of different flavors as well. If distance weren’t a factor, I’d send you to other countries for a major coffee experience, but staying true to Des Moines is a really fun way to go. Driving around our “little city” was quite the experience, and I highly recommend retracing my steps for a new appreciation of Des Moines.
To start off my top picks in the number 7 spot is:
# 7: Scenic Route Bakery
Scenic Route Bakery is a white walled bakery with about any coffee or pastry you could think of. Scenic Route’s small black coffee was explained to be a light roast, roasted extra lightly. To elaborate, it is very smooth, with no bitterness, and light flavor. This kind of roast can be perfect for someone that doesn’t like the harsh bitterness of your typical dark roast. I liked Scenic Route Bakery for it’s different coffee, but also it’s bright atmosphere and large windows that bring in amazing light. On a Wednesday morning, this place was poppin’. Many business people were having meetings, but when I asked about a weekend, they said it’s “steady.” An added plus from Scenic Route Bakery is that they serve some extra delicious bakery items.
# 6: Friedrichs
Friedrichs is one of those coffee shops you just need to experience. It’s different from all the others in the sense of the variety of coffee offered. Friedrichs has a wall of coffee from around the world and tables filled with coffee beans. The coffee itself has the potential to be anything you want it to be. I asked the barista for a bit of help, and he suggested an Ethiopian blend which was very good! This blend was bright and had notes of citrus which helped it stand out. The space is pretty quiet but can become cramped if it starts to get busy. Definitely give it a shot and get a bit adventurous!
# 5: Smokey Row
Walking into Smokey Row is one of the best feelings; it smells so good, and the atmosphere is very busy. If you’re looking for a Monday morning pick me up, this is your spot. Every day Smokey Row has three blends of coffee to choose from and one is always the flavor of the day. Feeling a bit adventurous, I went for the flavor of the day which was Dutch chocolate almond. This coffee was SO good — smell, taste, all of it. The downside to Smokey Row is how busy it is, at any given time. There’s not a lot of quiet space and it’s typically fairly busy.
# 4: Java Joes
Java Joes (commonly nicknamed “Java”), has earned its spot on my list by having a wide variety of drinks, a great black coffee, and a very comfy couch. As many students know, Java is really a nice space for studying, but also very insta-worthy. Tucked down a quiet street in Des Moines, Java Joes is a fairly large, but cozy coffee spot. The coffee itself was a really good medium roast, but this pick can be somewhat basic, so be prepared for it to be busy on a Sunday morning.
# 3: Horizon Line
Horizon Line, you killed it. Although the little place was hard to find, it has my heart. I really enjoyed Horizon Line’s coffee, but the price tag was hefty and that held it back a few spots. For a pour-over Tanzania blend, it cost me $4.25. Yes, you read that right, and yes, I typed it correctly. Much like my number one pic, the aesthetic was beautiful and the experience as a whole is a must try, but the cost was a big bummer. The Tanzania blend is a light roast, but I really enjoyed it. Rather than bitter, it was sweet and savory with a slight bitter after taste. The way they serve a pour-over is very unique and perfect for your Instagram story, so be sure to get one if you decide to check it out!
# 2: West End Salvage
Oh how I loved West End Salvage, hitting this 4 floored masterpiece was a blast! West End is an antique store with a coffee shop on the first level right as you walk in. One of the crew members stopped to talk to me and explained that the idea is to be able to check out the store while walking around with a warm coffee. They do serve Smokey Row’s blend for a black coffee, but the experience topped Smokey Row by far. If you’re not a black coffee kind of person, I highly suggest a cafe miel! This really is the perfect Sunday coffee stop!
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# 1: DSM Coffee Brew Co.
That’s right, DSM Coffee Brew Co. is the best coffee within seven miles of campus! When I walked into DSM Coffee Brew Co., I loved the bright, clean vibe that the shop gave off. The barista was spunky and chatty, and the coffee was GOOD. Their house blend was the perfect medium, right where there’s good flavor and the perfect amount of bitterness. They offer many flavored lattes, macchiatos, and more. Overall, DSM Coffee Brew Co. was my favorite coffee experience. It stays true to being a coffee shop, but the atmosphere made it perfectly different. With art on the walls and a sleek white and grey seating theme, I enjoyed relaxing there with my morning coffee. Their “GET WOKE” sign is perfect for your Instagram aesthetic, so be sure to invite a friend when you go! Another little perk, there’s gelato.
When discovering my favorite coffee within seven miles of campus, I also found some other notable stops for coffee in Des Moines as well. They are:
Zanzibar – Located at 2723 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
La Mie – Located at 841 42nd Street, Des Moines
Freedom Blend – Located at 2329 Hickman Road, Des Moines
Mars Coffee Bar – Located at 505 E Grand Avenue, Des Moines