5 Best Family-Friendly Cafes in Downtown, Des Moines IA
Updated 05 October 2026 · 5 cafes in Downtown, Des Moines IA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists five cafes and coffee spots in Downtown Des Moines that Google marks as family friendly. It helps parents and groups pick a place for breakfast, lunch or a coffee stop. The list is ranked from Google ratings weighted by review count, and all 5 qualifying businesses were considered. Each entry uses only its own listing details and what reviewers mention.
#1
The Royal Mile
★ 4.6 (1,950 Google reviews)Restaurant$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Royal Mile is listed as a restaurant at 210 4th St, rated 4.6 from 1,950 reviews. It is open most days from 11 am to 2 am, with earlier openings on Saturday and Sunday. Reviewers mention a rarebit burger, a turkey club, fish and chips and build-your-own mac and cheese, though one found the food lacking. The listing shows outdoor seating, a fireplace, beer, cocktails and delivery.
Best for: Pub-style comfort food, open late
- Address
- 210 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–2 am; Mon 11 am–2 am; Sat 8 am–2 am; Sun 10 am–2 am; Thu 11 am–2 am; Tue 11 am–2 am; Wed 11 am–2 am
#2
Plain Talk Books & Coffee
★ 4.6 (332 Google reviews)Cafe$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Plain Talk Books & Coffee is a cafe at 602 E Grand Ave that doubles as a bookstore, open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. It holds a 4.6 rating from 332 reviews. Reviewers mention sandwiches, big breakfast bagel sandwiches, Italian sodas, good outlets for working on a laptop, and no decaf coffee. The listing shows outdoor seating, live music and vegan and vegetarian options.
Best for: Sandwiches and coffee among bookshelves
- Address
- 602 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–7 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 daily from 6 am to 9 pm and rated 4.5 from 2,758 reviews. Reviewers mention good coffee, lemonade, an Irishman latte, breakfast and lunch, and a quick drive-through that is open early on Saturday. The listing shows outdoor seating, a drive-through, delivery and kerbside pickup.
Best for: Early coffee with a drive-through
- Address
- 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States
- Hours
- daily 6 am–9 pm
#4
Mars Cafe
★ 4.5 (307 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mars Cafe is a coffee shop at 2318 University Ave that identifies as Black-owned. It is rated 4.5 from 307 reviews and opens at 6 am on weekdays and 7 am on weekends, closing at 7 pm. Reviewers mention seasonal lattes, matcha, friendly service, and food that is fine but not the main draw. The listing shows outdoor seating, fast service and beer.
Best for: Seasonal lattes and matcha
- Address
- 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
- Hours
- Fri 6 am–7 pm; Mon 6 am–7 pm; Sat 7 am–7 pm; Sun 7 am–7 pm; Thu 6 am–7 pm; Tue 6 am–7 pm; Wed 6 am–7 pm
#5
Starbucks Coffee Company
★ 4.4 (654 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
This Starbucks at 909 Locust St is open daily from 5 am to 7 pm and rated 4.4 from 654 reviews. Reviewers mention regulars who feel welcome, quick service, good coffee and pastry, clean facilities, and limited outlets. The listing shows outdoor seating, a drive-through, delivery, and a mix of breakfast, lunch and dessert items, with options for vegetarians.
Best for: Reliable coffee from early morning
- Address
- 909 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
- Hours
- daily 5 am–7 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 5 cafes in Downtown, Des Moines 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 05 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Smokey Row Coffee 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 Royal Mile ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.6 from 1,950 reviews. Plain Talk Books & Coffee is second at 4.6 from 332 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Des Moines IA are open late?
The Royal Mile stays open until 2 am.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: The Royal Mile $10–20; Plain Talk Books & Coffee $10–20; Smokey Row Coffee $10–20; Mars Cafe $1–10; Starbucks Coffee Company $1–10.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Plain Talk Books & Coffee, Smokey Row Coffee, Mars Cafe and Starbucks Coffee Company.
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