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Mars Cafe

4.5 ★★★★★ 301 Google reviews · Coffee roastery · Cafe · Coffee shop

Roasts in-house Wholesale Espresso fresh pastriesfriendly baristascozy atmosphere

Space-themed artisanal coffeehouse featuring panini, soups, desserts, wine & beer, plus local art.

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2318 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311

(515) 259-0262

Directions Website

Hours

Monday 6 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–7 PM
Thursday 6 AM–7 PM
Friday 6 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

Where to find Mars Cafe

What's in the cup

What Mars Cafe is pouring and bagging — straight from customers' own reviews, not our guesswork.

Espresso 4 mentions

“this fall i am loving the griff, which is earl grey tea with espresso, blackberry jam, and bergamot.”

All espresso roasters →

What regulars say again and again

The things that keep coming up across 301 Google reviews — with a reviewer's own words as proof.

🥐 fresh pastries 4 mentions

“Pastries and breakfast sandwiches worth the $$.”

😊 friendly baristas 3 mentions

“I absolutely loved visiting here, got a matcha and it wasn’t my thing, barista was incredibly kind and offered to make me something else.”

🛋️ cozy atmosphere 3 mentions

“The vibe is warm, welcoming, and modern without losing that classic Mars charm.”

What customers say

Best in class independent coffee shop. Chill vibe, spacious and easy to social distance. GREAT espresso drinks - ask for the Sputnik or their version of a mocha. Pastries and breakfast sandwiches worth the $$. And, super friendly service!!

★★★★★ — Don, 2021-12

You need to stop by and try the coffee here. I had an iced Vanilla Latte with Whipped Cream and it was amazing! Their roast and flavors add a special something that other coffee houses don't have.

★★★★★ — Eric, 2022-08

best coffee in dsm… most creative drinks too. i would never have dreamed of some of the combos they come up with. this fall i am loving the griff, which is earl grey tea with espresso, blackberry jam, and bergamot. i went out on a limb to try it and it is just my absolute favorite.

★★★★★ — Mj, 2025-11

Local coffee shop near Drake University. Coffee and pastries.. Eclectic clientele. Okay to linger. Good place for meetings, too. Serves muffins from Scenic Route Bakery. Plus cookies. Oh, and bagels are back, too. Has a monthly Open Mic (Strings and More) on the third Saturday. 6:30 pm.

★★★★★ — Tom, 2026-03

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 301 reviews →

Coffee roasters near Mars Cafe

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under a mile away

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure

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Roasts in-house friendly baristasSingle OriginEspresso

Enduring, local art-filled coffee shop with in-house roasting & all-day breakfast in cozy surrounds.

1.0 miles away

Friedrichs Coffee

4.6 ★★★★★ 291 reviews

4126 University Ave, Des Moines, IA

Roasts in-house Wholesale roasts in-housegreat espressocold brew on tap

Cozy, informal cafe dishing up coffee, smoothies, and teas in the Uptown Center.

1.3 miles away

All coffee roasters in Des Moines, IA →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and customer reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this roastery? Claim your listing — it's free.