Soon-to-be snowy days are perfect for sitting inside a cozy cafe with plenty of sweet treats and warm beverages. Prepare to bundle up and explore a plethora of unique Iowa coffee shops to help warm your hands and heart.
Mammitas Coffee
Iowa City
Typically, when the weather gets colder, the bright and beautiful flowers begin to fade until spring. But this isn’t the case at Mammitas Coffee, a Latin-infused coffee shop brimming with floral arrangements year-round. A welcoming and warm atmosphere is ever-apparent at this aesthetic, unique Iowa coffee shop that specializes in warm drinks and bewitching bouquets. Look no further than the dulce de leche frappe or java chip mocha to get your day started right. And be sure to come hungry because Mammitas Coffee also packs the flavor with their menu of goodies with a Latin twist. Sweets like Mexican pastries, tres leches cake and choco flan are sure to give you a sugar rush. At the same time, more hearty dishes include breakfast burritos, Cuban sandwiches and street tacos seasoned with love. And you can’t forget to pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers on your way out to take the colorful aura of the cafe home with you. For more information, visit mammitascoffee.com.
Mahalo’s Coffee & Mini Donuts
Des Moines and Norwalk
Say hello to Mahalo’s Coffee & Mini Donuts, or maybe aloha would be more fitting. This unique Iowa coffee shop is a tropical oasis that will make you feel like you’re on vacation even if there’s snow on the ground outside. With island-inspired decor, string lights and even surfboards hanging from the ceiling, there’s plenty to see. And by providing the freshest and finest 100 percent Hawaiian coffee, even your beverage will transport your taste buds to the beach. Go for the Mele Kalikimoka, a mocha infused with white chocolate and peppermint, or check out a variety of frappes with fun flavors like birthday cake, cotton candy and bubblegum. And if you’ve been reminiscing about the Iowa State Fair, you’re going to jump for joy when you see the display case of cute and craveable mini doughnuts. Get an entire box and try out as many flavors as you please, with everything from Bacon Sunrise, topped with maple glaze and crispy bacon, to the colorful Over the Rainbow, beautified with vibrant fruity glazes and rainbow sprinkles. For more information, visit mahaloscoffee.com.
Tru Coffee
Iowa City
Vintage hearts will fall head over heels in love with Tru Coffee, an eclectic cafe with plenty of retro flair. Guests will be intrigued to enter this unique Iowa coffee shop upon peeping through the window and seeing colorful racks of vintage clothing for sale. And everyone knows there’s nothing better than browsing the racks with a warm coffee in hand. Whether you’re into matcha or chai, definitely ask about the espresso tonic for a combination of electric citrus flavor mixed with rich coffee to experience your morning cup like never before. You can also munch on a bagel or sip a smoothie while shopping. If you’re looking for the perfect breakfast to comfort you during the colder months, order the Full Harvest avocado toast or Chef’s Kiss prosciutto toast, both made on rustic sourdough bread. For more information, visit trucoffee.org.
Natural Grind
Grundy Center
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day off right at the holistic hotspot known as Natural Grind. At this aesthetic Iowa coffee shop, guests are greeted with an inspiring, dreamlike atmosphere that combines coffee, smoothies and delicacies with a one-of-a-kind holistic shopping experience. By putting an emphasis on health and wellness, Natural Grind is the place where coffee lovers and health nuts can be in heaven. There are plenty of gourmet lattes to go around, but don’t pass up on The Emy, a salted caramel cold brew topped with cold foam and a caramel drizzle. But be sure to save room for a stunning smoothie bowl if you’re a fan of these colorful creations. In addition, guests can also look forward to sandwiches, salads and wraps, alongside hearty quiches and avocado toasts. And before leaving, you’ll surely be tempted to shop around at the holistic health market. This collection of goodies ranges from clothing and candles to sustainable kitchenware and home decor. For more information, visit thenaturalgrind.com.
Coffee Attic & Book Cellar
Iowa Falls
Nothing beats cozying up to a good book with a warm cup of coffee. For a unique blend of coffee and culture, look no further than the Coffee Attic & Book Cellar. You’ll immediately feel at home upon entering this unique independent Iowa coffee shop. Beginning with a warmly lit ambience, guests will be entranced by the sprawling library of books and lovely local artwork lining the walls. With a passion for the arts, Coffee Attic & Book Cellar features a different local artist every three months, giving them the opportunity to display and sell their art to curious onlookers. Or, if you’re looking for a fresh read, be sure to explore the book cellar for a huge selection of new and used books. Of course, you can’t forget about the coffee. With everything from lattes to mochas, guests can also choose to infuse their brew with flavors like cookie dough, caramel pecan, toasted marshmallow, and even peanut butter. No matter what you decide on, you’ll be blown away by the Instagrammable latte art. For more information, visit www.coffeeattic.net.