A Guide to Cedar Rapids Coffee Shops

Dash Coffee Roasters

Strolling past the colorful patio tables hugging the gorgeous brick facade of this hallmark among Cedar Rapids coffee shops and through its front door reveals an enchanting environment accentuated by chic seating arrangements, minimalistic white walls, elegant light fixtures, and last but certainly not least, coffee that’s been intimately roasted in-house. When it comes to food, they have breakfast sandwiches, grain bowls, steel cut oats, and fresh baked goods.

Brewhemia

Nestled inside the historic ZCBJ Hall in the New Bohemia District, family-owned Brewhemia offers guests a wholesome atmosphere featuring rustic elements, an abundance of wooden tabletops, black and white honeycomb tile floors, art-adorned walls, amazing java, breakfast and lunch fare, and a full bar harboring craft beers, fine wines, and spirits. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this roomy retreat with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.

Kismet Coffee & Bloom

To those Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness ever on the prowl for all things pink and pretty, search no further, as this aesthetically gifted gem serves soul-stirring joe and heart-stopping flowers amidst dreamy digs showcasing lush verdure, cute gift items, custom florals, and textured surfaces. Sit among the flowers and sip on your favorite morning ritual, or browse the flower bar and select a few stems just for you, or for a loved one. Whether you crave a dark drip, a funky espresso, a carnation, or an orchid, Kismet is here for it all.

Cafe Saint Pio

Located on the breezy corner of 16th Avenue and C Street, near the heart of Czech Village, Cafe Saint Pio has a beautiful colonial interior underscored by soft blue walls, elegant white ceiling tiles, wooden floorboards, ample chic furnishings, framed portraits, hints of greenery, and accommodations for remote work. Don’t think twice about arriving with an appetite, they prepare tantalizing breakfast dishes that will satisfy any craving, ranging from Belgian waffles to avocado toasts to biscuits and gravy.

Lightworks Cafe

Hidden behind/next to Benz Beverage Depot, this artsy enclave treats visitors to masterful creative expressions, eclectic seating arrangements, made-from-scratch lunch dishes, take and bakes like Chicken Pot Pie, and the best direct trade single-origin coffees and teas around. Portions of Lightwork’s menu change seasonally, there are delicious daily specials, and they actively incorporate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food options.

Craft’d

Whether you’d like to sink into a couch or armchair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, stop by for a quinoa bowl, or peacefully study amidst the familiar glow of a reliable neighborhood gathering place, whatever the case may be, Craft’d has got you covered.

The Coffee Emporium

With stores on either side of Iowa’s famous Corridor, for over eighteen years, The Coffee Emporium has provided a comfortable spot for local coffee lovers to socialize at. In addition to tasty takes on your usual caffeinated favorites, the friendly folks behind the counter serve soups, grilled breakfast sandwiches, and an assortment of baked goods.

Roasters Coffeehouse

Situated in the NewBo City Market – home to unique food and retail business start-ups, farmers and artisans markets, and numerous community arts, entertainment, and educational events – Roasters Coffeehouse carefully sources coffee beans from the world’s premier growing regions, then custom roasts them to perfection.

Veritas Cafe

Located inside Veritas Church, Veritas Cafe is a relaxed hangout with soft seating areas that have chairs and couches for you and your group to sit in for any sort of get-together. The staff maintains a tempting selection of seasonal drinks such as the Salted Caramel Apple Latte, which has house-made apple salted caramel sauce that’ll take your taste buds right to the orchard.

Dunn Brothers Coffee

From strong and smooth java to blended frappes to signature drinks like the Raspberry White Mocha and Caramelized Almond Latte, there’s a little liquid delight for everybody at Dunn Brothers. They also carry food items like fresh-baked pastries and build-your-own breakfast sandwiches with hand-cracked eggs.

Caribou Coffee

Considering they operate a few coffee shops in Cedar Rapids, and many more throughout Iowa, you’ve probably already spotted a Caribou near you, some stores provide guests a reliable work and gathering space with tables to sit down at and stay awhile, while others are grab & go oriented. Along with mochas, lattes, and bubble teas, they’ve got toasted bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and baked treats.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru franchise that has been serving world-class coffee for more than 20 years. The menu features an array of specialty espresso beverages, single-origin coffee, fruit smoothies, Red Bull Infusions, Cold Brew, baked-from-scratch pastries, and savory breakfast options ranging from breakfast burritos to hot sandwiches. The Caramelicious is their signature drink, you can’t go wrong with ordering this rich, velvety, caramel treat.

This rapidly blossoming java business started out in 1998 as a single drive-thru coffeehouse in Bellevue, Nebraska clinging to the following principles: find a great location and stay committed to high-quality drinks, speed of service, and a BIG smile. Since those humble beginnings, Scooter’s has grown to over 300 locations in 21 states across the nation.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Cedar Rapids, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Davenport, Iowa!

I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page.