Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe
315 5th St Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA
Crema's Take
“Reading in Public is a thoughtfully curated hybrid space where specialty coffee meets an intentionally progressive book selection, creating an intimate third-place that feels more like a creative community hub than a typical café. The staff genuinely takes time to guide newcomers through the menu while the owner's meticulous attention to detail—from the cozy library aesthetic to the curated merchandise—makes returning feel like visiting a second home. It's the kind of place where you can linger over an amaretto drink, lose yourself in an interesting read, and feel like you're part of something with real values and character.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Staff were great and helped me with the menu (my first time there, and I don't often go to cafés), and the book selection was modest but interesting! Overall a super cute place!
I absolutely adore this place, and everything this place stands for! The inclusivity and creativity the store brings and encourages, makes it feel more like a second home than a bookstore. A wonderful place to trade and buy books, and get a wonderful coffee and/or sweet treat at the same time. Thank you for always making me feel welcome when I stop in! ❤️
The book selection was interesting but kinda gave off the vibe that whoever stocked the shelf wanted me to drink the kool aid as they say. Being radical is cool, but so are other genres in the book world. There were places to sit, but it wasn't really a sit and read atmosphere as the name suggests. The shop's name draws you in, the bank of employees watching you peruse the books like folks tending a yard sale will send you out. It's a neat experience if you like odd stories in life.
Cozy library vibes + a coffee shop? Sign me up! We were fortunate enough to stay in an Airbnb just one block away from this gem of a place. It was so good, we went twice in one weekend! I tried an amazing iced coffee with peach… life changing. They have a great selection of books and the friendliest staff. If I’m ever back in the area, I will definitely visit again!
You can really tell the owner put so much effort into the little details to make this bookstore perfect. There is adorable merchandise- stickers, tote bags, shirts, sweatshirts. Layout of the store is simple and easy to find each section you’re looking for. Coffee was very yummy.
Crema Reviews
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