5 Best Family-Friendly Cafes in Downtown, Cedar Rapids IA
Updated 29 September 2026 · 10 cafes in Downtown, Cedar Rapids IA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five family-friendly spots for coffee, breakfast and casual meals in and near Downtown Cedar Rapids, including nearby Marion and Hiawatha. Every place is marked family friendly on Google. The order is based on Google ratings weighted by review count, chosen from ten qualifying businesses. Each entry gives hours, address, features Google lists and what reviewers mention, which should help families and visitors decide where to stop for a morning coffee, a pancake breakfast or a relaxed lunch.
#1
The Map Room
★ 4.7 (1,477 Google reviews)Bar & grill$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Map Room is a bar and grill at 416 3rd St SE, tucked under an elevated walkway next to a parking lot. Reviewers describe a cozy, pub-like interior plus outdoor seating, and a menu with dishes inspired by places around the globe. They mention creative burgers, Milwaukee fries, vegan and plant-based choices and staff willing to adjust orders. It opens at 11 am daily.
Best for: Burgers and a varied menu
- Address
- 416 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Sun 11 am–7 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#2
Uptown Coffee Company - Marion
★ 4.8 (230 Google reviews)Coffee shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Uptown Coffee Company in Marion, at 760 11th St A, is a women-owned coffee shop with a fireplace and outdoor seating. Reviewers mention house-baked treats, donuts from a local donut shop, a rosemary maple latte and a comfortable room for regular meetups. It is closed Mondays and opens at 7 am on other days. Google lists breakfast and a tea selection.
Best for: Lattes and donuts by the fireplace
- Address
- 760 11th St A, Marion, IA 52302, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–6 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 7 am–6 pm; Sun 7 am–4 pm; Thu 7 am–6 pm; Tue 7 am–6 pm; Wed 7 am–6 pm
#3
Groundswell Cafe
★ 4.8 (206 Google reviews)Cafe$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Groundswell Cafe at 201 3rd Ave SW serves breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 2 pm, closed Sundays. Reviewers highlight its pay-it-forward program and a kind, generous team, along with good food and a house punch. Others mention smooth brunch catering for large events. Google lists vegan, vegetarian and organic options, outdoor seating and space for working on a laptop.
Best for: Community-minded breakfast or lunch
- Address
- 201 3rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–2 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat 7 am–2 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#4
Roasters Coffee House
★ 4.7 (317 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Roasters Coffee House is a women-owned coffee shop at 1059 N Center Point Rd in Hiawatha, in the lowest Google price band. Reviewers mention a traditional macchiato, berry citrus tea, coffee fruit juice and Aztec hot chocolate. The room has tables and booths laid out like a restaurant, and drinks come in paper cups. Food is prepared ahead. Google lists Wi-Fi and dessert.
Best for: Unusual drinks and roomy seating
- Address
- 1059 N Center Point Rd, Hiawatha, IA 52233, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6 am–6 pm; Mon 6 am–6 pm; Sat 7 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 6 am–6 pm; Tue 6 am–6 pm; Wed 6 am–6 pm
#5
Mikhael's
★ 4.6 (979 Google reviews)Family restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mikhael's is a family restaurant at 1426 6th St SW open from 6 am to 2 pm, closed Sundays. Reviewers praise the homemade corned beef hash, chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and steak omelets, and describe attentive, pleasant service in a plain block-and-brick building. One notes the lack of sweet tea. Google lists breakfast, brunch, lunch, vegetarian options and dessert.
Best for: Early diner breakfast
- Address
- 1426 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6 am–2 pm; Mon 6 am–2 pm; Sat 6 am–2 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 6 am–2 pm; Tue 6 am–2 pm; Wed 6 am–2 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 10 cafes in Downtown, Cedar Rapids IA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Family friendly”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Roasters Coffee House opens at 6 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
The Map Room ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.7 from 1,477 reviews. Uptown Coffee Company - Marion is second at 4.8 from 230 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Cedar Rapids IA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is The Map Room, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: The Map Room $10–20; Uptown Coffee Company - Marion $10–20; Groundswell Cafe $10–20; Roasters Coffee House $1–10; Mikhael's $10–20.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for The Map Room, Uptown Coffee Company - Marion, Groundswell Cafe, Roasters Coffee House and Mikhael's.
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