5 Affordable Bakeries in Downtown, Des Moines IA
Updated 05 October 2026 · 5 bakeries in Downtown, Des Moines IA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five affordable bakeries and cafes in Downtown Des Moines, Iowa. They were chosen from businesses with a lower Google price range and then ordered by Google rating. Only five businesses qualified, and a few are coffee shops that also serve baked goods. It is meant for anyone wanting a pastry, cake or coffee without overspending. Hours and menus change, so check before you go.
#1
Horizon Line Coffee
★ 4.9 (841 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Horizon Line Coffee is a coffee shop at 1417 Walnut St, open every day from 8 am to 3 pm. Google lists great coffee and tea, breakfast, dessert, vegan and vegetarian options, Wi-Fi and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Reviewers mention a cozy, well-designed space, well-brewed espresso, single-origin options, reusable cups and jars, and baristas who remembered a returning customer.
Best for: Coffee, breakfast and laptop work
- Address
- 1417 Walnut St B, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Hours
- daily 8 am–3 pm
#2
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
★ 4.6 (538 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery is a bakery and cake shop at 3615 6th Ave. It opens early on weekdays and stays open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. Google lists delivery, dine-in, coffee, breakfast, Wi-Fi and free parking, and notes it as Latino-, veteran- and women-owned. Reviewers mention custom and wedding cakes and savory items, with one finding the cinnamon roll unremarkable.
Best for: Custom cakes and savory pastries
- Address
- 3615 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5 am–9 pm; Mon 5 am–3 pm; Sat 6 am–9 pm; Sun 7 am–1 pm; Thu 5 am–3 pm; Tue 5 am–3 pm; Wed 5 am–3 pm
#3
Smokey Row Coffee
★ 4.5 (2,758 Google reviews)Coffee shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Smokey Row Coffee is a coffee shop at 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, open every day from 6 am to 9 pm. Google lists a drive-through, delivery, outdoor seating, breakfast, lunch, dessert and late-night food. Reviewers mention good coffee, a refreshing lemonade, specialty lattes, polite and prompt staff, and being open early on a Saturday morning.
Best for: Early coffee and a drive-through
- Address
- 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States
- Hours
- daily 6 am–9 pm
#4
Crème
★ 4.5 (474 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Crème is a bakery and cake shop at 543 28th St, open Tuesday to Thursday from 3 to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to midnight. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Google lists it as Asian-owned and women-owned, with coffee and Wi-Fi. Reviewers mention cupcakes, cookies, macarons, gluten-free and vegan options, and a birthday cake.
Best for: Late-night desserts and gluten-free treats
- Address
- 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–12 am; Mon Closed; Sat 11 am–12 am; Sun Closed; Thu 3–10 pm; Tue 3–10 pm; Wed 3–10 pm
#5
Nadia's French Bakery
★ 4.4 (224 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Nadia's French Bakery is a bakery and cake shop at 2705 Grand Ave, open Tuesday to Friday from 7 am to 2 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. It is closed Monday. Google lists it as Black-owned and women-owned, with breakfast and coffee. Reviewers mention a cozy space, a large pastry variety, madeleines for pickup, and mixed views on service.
Best for: French pastries and morning visits
- Address
- 2705 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–2 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–1 pm; Sun 10 am–2 pm; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 5 bakeries in Downtown, Des Moines IA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then Google price range of ₹600 or less per person, 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 05 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery 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 bakery on this list?
Horizon Line Coffee ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 841 reviews. ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery is second at 4.6 from 538 reviews.
Which bakeries in Downtown, Des Moines IA are open late?
Crème stays open until 12 am.
How much does it cost at these bakeries?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Horizon Line Coffee $1–10; ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery $1–10; Smokey Row Coffee $10–20; Crème $1–10; Nadia's French Bakery $10–20.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery, Smokey Row Coffee, Crème and Nadia's French Bakery.
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