There are dozens of locally owned coffee shops spread all across Des Moines. These shops put time and effort into carefully crafted menus and customer experiences, but there are pros and cons to each one.
We’ll start with criteria that each shop is judged on. Each coffee shop will be scored based on quality of the drinks, customer service and atmosphere. These three categories will be scored on a ten point scale, totaling 30 points.
First up, The Slow Down Coffee Company, located in Highland Park. The Slow Down first opened in November of 2020 and in the years since, has done anything but slow down. They have an extensive menu of signature lattes and food items supplied from local Des Moines vendors.
The Slow Down uses Windmill Coffee Roasters espresso to create their drinks. This roaster is based in Ames, Iowa and uses environmentally friendly machinery in order to produce their espresso. This espresso is popular among Des Moines coffee shops and is used for many of The Slow Down’s drinks.
Adding to the quality of espresso, The Slow Down crafts delicious drinks. Ranging from a list of signature lattes, (my favorite being smoked sea salt caramel) to a rotating seasonal menu, The Slow Down offers flavors for everyone. While the drinks are good, there is not much that makes them stand out from other local shops in terms of taste. The Slow Down receives a 7 out of 10 for drink quality.
The Slow Down is known for their customer service. The staff is willing to help and even when it is busy, they still take time to help you figure out your order. For that reason they receive an 8 out of 10 for customer service. The employees are always great, but once again there isn’t anything too special about their service.
Finally for the Slow Down’s ranking is atmosphere. The building is relatively large for a coffee shop and has lots of seating. They offer board games you can play while sipping and a small table of small trinkets and other novelty items for purchase by the register. The shop gives off a very warm atmosphere and that is why they get a nine out of ten for their atmosphere.
Overall, The Slow Down receives a 24 out of 30 based off of the criteria. This place is a great option and definitely a place to recommend to others trying out coffee in Des Moines.
Next up is Horizon Line. Horizon Line is located in the West End Art District of downtown DSM. They opened in June of 2017 and have been crafting drinks ever since. They also have a rotating seasonal menu with speciality drinks that are unique tastes.
Horizon Line is also a roastery, which means that they roast their own coffee beans themselves. The beans are high quality and are often freshly made. This definitely reflects in their drinks. Horizon Line’s winter menu offers unique flavor combinations that have been curated to perfection. One of these being the burnt rosemary caramel latte.
Horizon Line keeps a steady menu with coffee basics like regular lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and several teas. The rotating seasonal menu is what makes Horizon Line stand out. With mixtures like lemon and agave paired with a Szechuan pepper, their drinks are a delicious experience. Horizon Line places at an 8.5 for quality of drinks.
Next, the customer service at Horizon Line is superb. Every time someone enters, the staff greets them with a smile and respect. The employees are always joyful and polite. They even tend to compliment the customer while they are ordering which makes the experience even better. They get relatively busy, especially on the weekdays, but you never feel rushed and the service is always quick. Horizon Line receives a 10 out of 10 for customer service.
Lastly, the atmosphere. Located downtown, Horizon Line is not the biggest of coffee shops. Seating is relatively limited and it gets loud pretty quickly. Despite that, the building is littered with plants and sunlight that fill the space beautifully. Horizon Line deserves a 7 out of 10 for atmosphere.
All in all, Horizon Line is awarded a 25.5 out of 30. Horizon Line does a wonderful job creating a coffee experience and there is no doubt they will continue to be successful and thrive in the Des Moines coffee scene.
Last but certainly not least is Northern Vessel. Northern Vessel opened in 2019 as a small coffee cart. They then built themselves up into an official store front in 2022 where they have since seen lines out the door every weekend. Northern Vessel is located just outside downtown and is the perfect spot to grab a coffee.
The quality of drinks at Northern Vessel is perfect. They are most known for their oat milk cold brew latte, which continues to sell out at the farmers market during the summer. This carefully curated drink would be enough to keep their customers happy but they also offer chai, matcha, brewed coffee and espresso drinks made from Windmill Roasters espresso. Their drink quality is rewarded 10 out of 10 for their exquisite coffee and exceptional cold brew latte.
As for their customer service, Northern Vessel takes great pride in the happiness of their customers. They have a quiet customer experience that isn’t forced. Northern Vessel does get pretty busy but they manage to stay calm and deliver their drinks with precision. Northern Vessel receives an 8 out of 10 for customer service.
Northern Vessel is located in an area that isn’t huge. They have a pretty standard size area where the counter is and then a small sitting area to the left. They utilize their massive south facing windows to let light in and use the window sills as extra seating. The minimalistic style inside is pleasing to the eye and relaxes its customers. Northern Vessel receives a 9.5 out of 10 for atmosphere.
Northern Vessel is a wonderful Des Moines coffee shop and the clear winner with a total of 27.5 points out of 30. Their coffee and other drinks are excellent and I have no complaints. Northern Vessel is a great choice for Des Moines coffee consumers.
Overall, each shop listed here is a great option. You’ll get amazing coffee at any of the three shops and an experience you’ll be sure to remember.
