Looking for the Best Coffee Shop in Des Moines? I Know a Place!

If someone asks me, “Where’s the best coffee shop in Des Moines?” I have an answer.

I know a place.

It’s called Northern Vessel Coffee.

There are plenty of good coffee shops around Des Moines, but Northern Vessel is one of those places that stands out. It’s not just about getting a cup of coffee. It’s the combination of the coffee, the atmosphere, the people, and the overall experience.

And yes—the coffee is really, really good.

What Makes Northern Vessel Different?

Northern Vessel is a specialty coffee shop located at 1201 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines. The shop was founded in 2019 and opened its flagship location in 2022. Their stated mission is to create an exceptional coffee experience through hospitality.

That hospitality piece is something you’ll notice.

The space has a clean, modern feel, with plenty of natural light and seating for both quick coffee stops and casual conversations. They also offer free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and retail bags of coffee if you want to take some of the experience home with you.

And Then There’s the Coffee

You can certainly order the classics—espresso, cappuccino, latte, Americano—but Northern Vessel also has some more creative options.

Their menu includes specialty lattes, cold brew, matcha, chai, and other drinks. One of their standout offerings is their oat milk cold brew latte, and they also offer larger 35-ounce bottles of oat milk cold brew latte to take home or bring to an event.

If you’re the kind of person who likes trying something different every time you visit a coffee shop, Northern Vessel gives you plenty of options.

Why I Like Recommending Places Like This

As a Realtor in the Des Moines area, I spend a lot of time talking about houses.

But one of my favorite things about living and working here is talking about everything outside the house.

Where do you grab coffee?
Where should you take a client?
What’s a great local restaurant?
What neighborhood has the best spots?

Those things matter.

When you’re helping someone decide where they want to live, you’re not just talking about square footage and bedrooms. You’re talking about the lifestyle that comes with the community.

That’s why I like finding and sharing local places worth knowing about.

So, Is It the Best Coffee in Des Moines?

That’s for you to decide.

But if you’re looking for a coffee shop in Des Moines that combines great specialty coffee, a cool atmosphere, and genuinely good hospitality, Northern Vessel belongs on your list.

Give it a try.

And if someone asks me where to get a great cup of coffee in Des Moines?

I know a place.