Coffee Cruise Part 4
Another round of the addiction continues!!
Highland Bakery - 5/10
Let’s be real, nobody goes to Highland Bakery for coffee, they go for the crack doughnuts with a side of coffee!! Coffee wasn’t gourmet by any means but it did the trick., crack doughnuts, 10/10!!!
They were super busy but quick and efficient. Not a lot of seating but people didn’t tend to hang out and chat. Didn’t love the whole vibe of the place.
Not the best coffee out there but right next door you’ve got Slow Down (keep reading).
Address: 3615 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Slow Down - 7/10
The only reason they didn’t rate a bit higher was because their hot espresso machine wasn’t working and I am not a huge cold coffee fan. I know, I know. BUT none the less iced version of my latte was good!
We also go early-ish the morning, like 8 or a little before. And there were only about 2 people in there the entire hour and half we were there. It was a great space, super relaxing, comfy sofa, just not a lot of people.
PS Good biodegradable straws that don’t disintegrate in your mouth! It’s the little things. :)
Address: 3613 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
Good Day DSM - 10/10
Also not necessarily your typical coffee joint. They are new to Des Moines and known for their amazing macaroons!! They almost always run out in one day…it’s almost a DSM Miracle if you get your hands on one…
I stopped by during the week (when they don’t have macaroons) and got a kitchen sink cookie and a Good Day Coffee Drink. Oh. My. God. A-F****ING-MAZING!!! I don’t know what’s in this glorious drink but it’s worth the trip to Valley West!! (I think this shop will single handedly breath life into that dead mall!)
Coffee itself is from Fredrich’s (see my previous review, not my favorite) but this shop makes that coffee simply magical!
Not to mention this cookie is melt in your mouth good. I can’t say enough good things about this place!!!
Website - under construction
Address: 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines, IA
Sweet Dudes - 9/10
Guys, they have crepes! CREPES!!! And they make them fresh for you right there behind the counter!
My besties were out of town, spring break and all, so I took my husband and we were a little bit later in the morning then normal. It was PACKED! We waited a little bit for our coffee with profuse apologizes from the staff. (It really wasn’t that long) Then we were on our way!
Coffee was so good! Not the best I have ever had but still amazing! I couldn’t imagine having one of the crepes with one of those cups of coffees. YUMM!
Such an amazing atmosphere and décor was GORG! See the below pictures. Gold and red with this random assortment of framed things is so eclectic and beautiful.
Address: 9763 University Ave, Clive, IA
HomeGrown - 10/10
You may have seen this on my brunch review but this deserved another shout out. The Honey Bee…WOW. It’s like a honey sweetened latte. Plus take a look at that little bee on top!! They also have other coffee drinks and simple drip coffee but this was my absolute favorite!!
Address: 555 17th St., Ste 102, Des Moines, IA
Grounds for Celebration - 6/10
Okay, I didn’t love this place but my fellow coffee gals did so we went with the average. It was a fairly typical coffee shop - coffee decent, aesthetic eclectic, steady crowd of post workout & study groups. They had these cute chairs that were re-covered with large burlap coffee sacks.
They did have a drive thru! Which is great though it made the whole coffee shop a little loud. Another random complaint. They had Styrofoam cups which for some reason I don’t like. Just personal preference.
Address: 6601 University Ave. Windsor Heights, IA
Scooter’s Coffee - 9/10
Yes, I know it is a chain but it’s a Flyover State based chain!! I surprisingly had never had Scooter’s before now. It was actually really good!!
They are a drive thru only kind of place. They were quick and super pleasant. I will definitely be hitting these up instead of that Sbucks…
Café Diem - 6/10
They recently started to serve breakfast and I kind of think it takes away from the coffee shop vibe though it did seem to be very popular…I rather prefer a coffee and pastry type environment.
We also got attitude from a couple of people about sitting there and sipping our coffee instead of hurrying through. There was plenty of space we just happen to have a prime booth spot.
Décor wasn’t anything super special. Coffee was good but not great. Given the attitude we got, we likely will not be back.
Address: 2005 S Ankeny Blvd Ste 700 Ankeny, Iowa 50023
They’ve got several other locations, 2 on the DMACC and 1 in Ames.
Vintage Road - 12/10
Oh my God guys…this place…AMAZING!! I wish I had known about these women when I was planning my wedding! They own and operate a mobile coffee bar!!!
My favorite thing on the menu? Blackberry Vanilla Latte! Some of the best coffee I have had in the Midwest! I highly recommend following them on Insta and chasing them around Central Iowa. Totally worth it!!
