Mars Cafe
2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA
Crema's Take
“Mars Café has earned its reputation as Des Moines' most creative coffee destination, where the baristas dream up unexpected flavor combinations like their signature Earl Grey espresso with blackberry jam that keep regulars coming back. Under new ownership, the café has doubled down on hospitality and atmosphere, creating a genuinely welcoming space where you can linger for hours with excellent pastries and imaginative seasonal drinks like their smoky, pear-forward Sagittarius. Whether you're after a meticulously crafted espresso or one of their boundary-pushing specialty creations, you'll find passionate coffee lovers who actually want to help you discover your next favorite drink.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Mars Café I by and large the greatest café I have visited in desmoins. Do not miss it! I assure you among all things dark yet shining their coffee is the best I have ever tasted I assure you! Secret treasures found here! 💪🏻
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. also loving tree trunks, it’s like a spiced apple coffee but actually tastes like real apple. almost like apple cider and coffee mixed… which doesnt sound good but is somehow delicious. their chai is always amazing too. also its soooo cute in there, with such a unique and fun vibe. very bright, lots of seating for groups and study sessions. a des moines staple!
I've always loved Mars Cafe, but the new ownership has truly taken things to the next level. From the moment you walk in, you can tell the focus is all about enhancing the customer experience — and it's working. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and modern without losing that classic Mars charm. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and the service is noticeably faster and more consistent than before. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers. I tried one of their signature drinks (the Sputnik – highly recommend!) and was blown away by the balance of flavor and presentation. The food menu is for the coffee drinker to enjoy. Whether you're looking to grab a quick coffee, get some work done, or meet up with friends, Mars Cafe under new ownership is absolutely worth the visit. They're clearly putting the effort into creating a thoughtful, community-driven space, and it shows.
Really chill place. Great vibe, great coffee, and pastries. Service was genuine, and he was very helpful when I couldn’t decide! We just sat and talked and chilled for like an hour. It is a very welcoming place!
The coffee was very good. The seasonal special of Sagittarius was so unique with a pear and smokey taste. The breakfast sandwiches are basic but okay, just had simple bread and no additional flavors inside.
Crema Reviews
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