5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Davenport IA Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 12 cafes in Downtown, Davenport IA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list picks out five cafes around Downtown Davenport, IA, that score well on Google but have not yet collected large review counts. Only places rated 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews qualified, and twelve were considered. The ranking comes from Google ratings weighted by review count. It helps locals and visitors who want a coffee stop, a lunch sandwich or a sit-down meal away from the most crowded spots, and each entry sticks to listed hours, attributes and reviewer comments.
#1
The Lift Coffee & Energy
★ 5 (28 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Lift, at 415 W 53rd St, is a coffee shop known among reviewers for a large, customizable drink menu. Reviewers mention tea refreshers such as Island Glow, a cinnamon iced chai latte, and options like monk fruit sweetener or no food dye on request. They describe a peaceful, warm atmosphere that suits studying. It is open weekdays 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday 8 am to 2 pm, with full wheelchair access listed.
Best for: Custom drinks and quiet study time
- Address
- 415 W 53rd St, Davenport, IA 52806, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–6 pm; Mon 7 am–6 pm; Sat 8 am–2 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 7 am–6 pm; Tue 7 am–6 pm; Wed 7 am–6 pm
#2
Main Street Coffee
★ 4.9 (175 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Main Street Coffee sits at 1927 N Main St and runs a drive-through along with takeaway service. The women-owned shop opens at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends, closing at 2 pm daily. Reviewers mention friendly staff who will remake a drink you did not enjoy and suggest something better suited, along with seasonal fall drinks, an energy drink and lattes. The listing notes breakfast, vegetarian options and dogs allowed outside.
Best for: Drive-through coffee and breakfast
- Address
- 1927 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52803, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–2 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat 8 am–2 pm; Sun 8 am–2 pm; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#3
Makenna Koffee Company
★ 4.9 (172 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Makenna Koffee Company, at 3801 N Brady St, keeps long hours, open every day from 6:30 am to 8 pm. It offers drive-through, delivery, takeaway and dine-in, and the listing notes it is good for working on a laptop. Reviewers mention sweet coffee drinks, a cozy, clean space, a friendly greeting at the door and a rewards program where a free drink is not limited by size. Full wheelchair access is listed.
Best for: Early and late coffee runs
- Address
- 3801 N Brady St, Davenport, IA 52806, United States
- Hours
- daily 6:30 am–8 pm
#4
Cafe Express Deli
★ 4.8 (354 Google reviews)Sandwich shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cafe Express Deli is a sandwich shop at 1507 E Locust St, open weekdays 8:30 am to 3 pm and Saturday 11 am to 2 pm. Reviewers mention fresh sourdough and homemade honey wheat bread, chicken salad, a veggie sandwich and broccoli cheddar soup. They describe the staff as nice and helpful, and some call it a good lunch date spot. The listing notes wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and restroom.
Best for: Weekday soup and sandwich lunch
- Address
- 1507 E Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8:30 am–3 pm; Mon 8:30 am–3 pm; Sat 11 am–2 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8:30 am–3 pm; Tue 8:30 am–3 pm; Wed 8:30 am–3 pm
#5
Soul Ties
★ 4.8 (208 Google reviews)Soul food restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Soul Ties is a soul food restaurant at 118 E 4th St, open Wednesday through Friday 3 to 9 pm and weekends noon to 6 pm. Reviewers mention meatloaf, spicy cabbage, mac and cheese, and fish and shrimp with grits, along with weekend brunch. They describe a warm greeting on arrival, attentive service and an elegant setting that could suit events. Some reviewers say they drove a long way and plan to make it a date-night regular.
Best for: Soul food dinners and weekend brunch
- Address
- 118 E 4th St, Davenport, IA 52801, United States
- Hours
- Fri 3–9 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 12–6 pm; Sun 12–6 pm; Thu 3–9 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 3–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 12 cafes in Downtown, Davenport IA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. 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, Makenna Koffee Company opens at 6:30 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 Lift Coffee & Energy ranks first, with a Google rating of 5 from 28 reviews. Main Street Coffee is second at 4.9 from 175 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Davenport IA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Soul Ties, at 9 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Main Street Coffee $1–10; Makenna Koffee Company $1–10. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Makenna Koffee Company.
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