Mars Cafe
Coffee Shop, Tea Room, and Café$$$$
Des Moines
Ranked #2 for coffee shops in Des Moines
"I love the Sputnik!"(3 Tips)![Evan[Bu]](https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/user/32x32/1718914-0E4PXEUXZ2KFIAR4.jpg "Evan[Bu]")
"Throw some cheddar cheese on that panini for added deliciousness!"(10 Tips)
"The Cosmonaut w/ 2 splenda and some ice is friggin amazing!"(2 Tips)
"Lost my Chemex virginity today."(3 Tips)
101 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- coffee
- sputnik
- espresso drinks
- paninis
- tea
- (15 more)
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Anthony GomezNovember 11, 2015Great coffee & tea. Staff could've been a bit more knowledgeable about their products but barista was friendly. Lots of students, lots of laptops but a chill spot to get some work done or hang out.
MichelleSeptember 6, 2013I come 3 times a year, I'm from Chicago and absolutely love this place!!! Great atmosphere, great ppl, and more importantly the coffee is out if this world!! The ppl that work here are very friendly!!
Mic BergerFebruary 3, 2017Such a cute and quirky atmosphere to get work done. If you like to be productive in a fun environment I recommend getting a cup of joe at Mars. They also have great music!
Tara St.JohnOctober 14, 2016Consistently good coffee. Two different baristas with similar outcomes. Also has some good local beer. Chill atmosphere. Best in the area for coffee that I have found.
Rachel VanniceMarch 2, 2016Seriously solid espresso drinks, chai's a bit sweet for my tastes, but a great, well-lit work spot w/ lots o' outlets
Friday nights are usually not as crowded. Great date place or fun area to people watch a read a book. Never a dull moment of unfriendly barista at this coffee house!- samantha oleaSeptember 6, 2013If you are looking for a hot drink try Sputnik or for an Iced coffee try the Coconut Almond Mocha...... delicious! Read more
- Evan[Bu]July 20, 2011Get the Bacon & Egg Panini! It's literally from outer-space (yes, it's that good)! Throw some cheddar cheese on that panini for added deliciousness! Also, the coffee is worth mentioning, it's good.
- Mars Cafe is my favorite DSM shop for high-quality, espresso-based drinks. Convenient location off the interstate for a quick cup.
Juice MagazineOctober 25, 2011Best all-around spot for coffee http://dmreg.com/acPvhR Mars Cafe is a hub of cultural activity in Drake’s Dogtown neighborhood. Besides great coffee, they have beer and occasional live music. Read more
Estepha FrancisqueDecember 28, 2015Maybe the best place by Drake. Huge place, lots of energy, but super authentic with good service and food
TJ MitchellFebruary 29, 2012Everything is great here from the tarts, to the paninis, to the hot chocolate with cream leaf designs. Ignore Starbucks for an always great experience.
Eric MohlisJuly 19, 2015Nice vibe to sit and work or meet up with friends. Definitely a great local place.
Mike VajdaJune 24, 2012Had been treated very kind for my 1st time here. I purchased a Cosmo it's a light tasting Carmel latte very delicious
Jarek BakkenMay 17, 2013Great coffee, kind employees, and very nice atmosphere. This is my first and definitely not last time coming here.
Try their Chemex for Two. Also, all of the coffe is from Intelligentsia so you know you are getting the best coffee in town.
Mars CafeFebruary 21, 2011Try weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday 9-1: French Toast w/La Mie Bakery's sweet Challah and poached egg breakfast sandwiches on fresh ciabatta.
I always see friends, creative types, professionals, and meet new people every single time I come here. Pull up your computer, use the WiFi and take breaks talkin to those around you in this cool café
Drake UniversityAugust 16, 2011Challenge your friends to Connect 4 or Risk while you sip a hot or cold drink -- or grab a sandwich, bakery item or piece of fruit to go.
Drew Van Woert 🍺August 28, 2011Happy hour 4-6pm every day, $2 beer and $5 wine. Interesting mix of beer too. Leinenkugels, Grain Belt, Pabst, Millstream among others.
Scott GoldblattJuly 24, 2013Yep. The V60 is worth the extra buck. Don't worry first timers, the current 4sq special covers it. Won't disappoint.- Mia RushSeptember 12, 2013The Strawberry Mango Smoothie is a perfect choice especially for a first time visit.
- Lost my Chemex virginity today. It's so smooth. I like the new coffee roast from Guatamala as well. Nicely done!
Jami KleinOctober 24, 2010Great cafe. Whenever I'm back in town to visit my family, I always make sure to save a moment to relax with a book here.
I'm brand new to town and this place is a must for coffee! I will definitely go back for $1 iced coffee! Love it!
They have moved to using Square for transactions. Make sure you have a debit or credit card to order.
Talk to the staff; they're pretty cool, just like you. :)
Try the Bacon Turkey Panini and enjoy a refreshing Sparkling Grapefruit Izze. The sweet and tangy if the two make for a wonderful experience.
You can generally get any of the cold sandwiches prepared hot. A perfect way to stay warm.
Get an ice cream sundae to go with your latte. The nice baristas will even bring it to your table for you.
Ask for the lucky Chai. It's not on the menu but they will make it for you. (it's chai w/ Irish Crème)
Get the expresso shake add flavoring syrup, yummy and filling :-)
DrakeDealsApril 24, 2012Student Deal: Sun-Mon 6pm- 10pm get 2 for 1 coffee, tea or espresso w/ student I.D.
You can't not love this place. I've been coming here since I was a freshman and the food and service never disappoints.
A 750ml bottle of San Pelegrino Sparkling Water is $2.50 plus tax. Its an excellent value and a great follow up to a cup of coffee when you are working.- Mars CafeFebruary 21, 2011Study Table every Sunday and Monday 6 to 10pm: 2 for 1 coffee, tea or espresso drink w/any student ID.
The wifi is free, but is password protected... It also changes periodically. Find the most up to date one on the display of cash register at the counter.- Check in on Friday to get a good deal on coffee and espresso.
The Apollo (white chocolate mocha) is probably the best I have ever had.- Get ready for an awesome all around experience! Great food and chocolate chai is uniquely wonderful
- Juice MagazineFebruary 29, 2012Brunch means delicious French toast and eggs at this casual brunch spot. http://dmreg.co/weNg9z Read more
- Drew Van Woert 🍺November 5, 2011This is a happenin Foursquare spot, everyone that comes here has Foursquare!
Try the Millstream soda or beer. Iowa made and delicious.
Try one of the best lattes around, with lovely latte art to boot!
Get the Blackberry Mocha while you still can!
Ever since Hal has been working with the food menu it is a must eat brunch on Saturday and Sundays!
246 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Open until 10:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 6:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Sat
- 7:30 AM–10:00 PM
- Sun
- 7:30 AM–8:00 PM
(515) 369-6277
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch
Drinks
Beer, Wine
See More
You might also like
Places people like to go after Mars Cafe
Appears on 86 lists
Created by Capolista
75 items • 83 followers
Created by Juice Magazine
17 items • 54 followers
Created by Hilary Henak
36 items • 995 followers