Mars Cafe

Des Moines, IA · Coffee shop

Rating
4.5/5
★★★★★ 4.5
Reviews
20
Rank in Des Moines
#91
of 584 restaurants
City Percentile
65%
rating percentile
Address
Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone
(319) 432-8418
Website
marscoffeedsm.com/pages/menu
Status
Closed · Opens 7 AM

Mars Cafe is a restaurant located in Des Moines, IA. It is one of 584 restaurants listed in Des Moines. Its 4.5-star rating is above the Des Moines city average of 4.2 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About Mars Cafe

Specialty cafe in Des Moines, IA

Hours

Saturday7 AM–7 PM
Sunday7 AM–7 PM
Monday6 AM–7 PM
Tuesday6 AM–7 PM
Wednesday6 AM–7 PM
Thursday6 AM–7 PM
Friday6 AM–7 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 MJ Rittgers · Nov 2025

best coffee in dsm… most creative drinks too. i would never have dreamed of some of the combos they come up with. this fall i am loving the griff, which is earl grey tea with espresso, blackberry jam, and bergamot. i went out on a limb to try it and it is just my absolute favorite. also loving tree trunks, it’s like a spiced apple coffee but actually tastes like real apple. almost like apple cider and coffee mixed… which doesnt sound good but is somehow delicious. their chai is always amazing too. also its soooo cute in there, with such a unique and fun vibe. very bright, lots of seating for groups and study sessions. a des moines staple!

★★★★★ 5.0 Kanabō · Nov 2025

Mars Café I by and large the greatest café I have visited in desmoins. Do not miss it! I assure you among all things dark yet shining their coffee is the best I have ever tasted I assure you! Secret treasures found here! 💪🏻

★★★★☆ 4.0 Joe Noga · May 2025

Really chill place. Great vibe, great coffee, and pastries. Service was genuine, and he was very helpful when I couldn’t decide! We just sat and talked and chilled for like an hour. It is a very welcoming place!

★★★★★ 5.0 kenman31 · Jun 2025

I've always loved Mars Cafe, but the new ownership has truly taken things to the next level. From the moment you walk in, you can tell the focus is all about enhancing the customer experience — and it's working. The vibe is warm, welcoming, and modern without losing that classic Mars charm. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and the service is noticeably faster and more consistent than before. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers. I tried one of their signature drinks (the Sputnik – highly recommend!) and was blown away by the balance of flavor and presentation. The food menu is for the coffee drinker to enjoy. Whether you're looking to grab a quick coffee, get some work done, or meet up with friends, Mars Cafe under new ownership is absolutely worth the

★★★★☆ 4.0 JBailey · Oct 2023

The coffee was very good. The seasonal special of Sagittarius was so unique with a pear and smokey taste. The breakfast sandwiches are basic but okay, just had simple bread and no additional flavors inside.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Identifies As Black Owned ✓ Outdoor Seating ✓ Onsite Services ✓ Takeout ✓ Dine In ✓ Delivery ✓ Fast Service ✓ Great Coffee ✓ Great Tea Selection ✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo Dining ✓ Good For Working On Laptop ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom

Services

Coffee shopCafeCoffee roasteryCoffee standCoffee storeCoffee wholesalerEspresso barInternet cafeTea house

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This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.