Mars Cafe
2318 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50311
Mars Cafe Menu
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Address :
2318 University Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50311 - Phone (515) 369-6277
- Website https://www.marscafe.net/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:30 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Good for Working : Yes
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Scott B.
Once again Yelp has directed me to a glorious meal in a town I am not familiar with... Mars Cafe is Delicious!!!! I had the bacon turkey sandwich, and the lavender-dijon dressing was out of this world!!! I discovered Peace Tree Red Rambler Red Ale, and lunch was a complete success. On my way out the door I had the fortune of meeting the chef. His mentality in creating his dishes is great, and he even directed me to a local liqueur store where I could purchase some of the new and tasty beer I discovered. Bravo!
(5)C S.
Cofee Panini turkey pesto hummus and veggie are goof ,, small palce but certaily worth a try
(4)Sveta F.
Awesome place to hang out or study, plenty of seating, free wifi, great coffee and food if you get hungry. I am in Des Moines for a month and was looking for a cafe to study at on a regular basis and this may be the winner.
(4)Cody G.
I used to frequent Mars Cafe when I lived in Des Moines. Then I moved to Chicago. I figured I'd find some place just as cooler - probably WAY cooler - than Mars Cafe; after all, it's Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest. Three years later, nothing still has come CLOSE to Mars Cafe. I'm not just saying "well, Mars Cafe was better, but this place will do." I'm saying "Mars Cafe is literally the first place I will go the next time I visit Des Moines." 1. Drinks - it doesn't matter what you get, every single drink (and I've had most of them) are well-mixed, presented perfectly, and well-worth the price. 2. Stage - live entertainment from local jazz, blues, and other acoustic artists? Yes, please. It is a great venue with great performers. 3. Community - Mars Cafe is an essential part of the Drake University community, and the surrounding area would be missing a LOT without it. I could list a ton more bullet points, but you have to just trust me when I say that this place speaks for itself as the best coffee shop I've been to in the Midwest. I've traveled extensively, and no matter where I go - Quad Cities, Indianapolis, Peoria, or Chicago - there is NO matching the perfect atmosphere, attitude, and sheer quality of Mars Cafe.
(5)Anthony P.
We passed through Iowa on a road trip and popped in here for a late lunch. The experience was wonderful. The place has a nice vibe to it; on a Friday afternoon it was pretty much to capacity, mostly students from the look of it. I ordered the turkey pesto panini. It was grilled perfectly and was delicious. Unfortunately, I didn't want to get uncomfortably full for the drive; I didn't order anything else... but the menu looks like it has a good variety. They have beer, wine, and coffee, too; something for any mood that you might be in. If I ever have to pass through Iowa again, I would definitely make it a point to stop in here.
(5)Chris H.
Great coffee and awesome atmosphere.
(5)Bruce W.
Bad wireless connection. If your plan on doing work on your computer and need the internet....look some place else. Modern atmosphere. Lots of students around. Hopefully they can invest a little in their internet connection.
(1)Dan S.
Coffee/sandwich shop. Cool place with a college feel. Italian panini was solid.
(4)Abbie T.
1. LOCAL: Locally owned coffee shops are always the way to go, and this one gets two huge thumbs up. 2. AWESOME AMBIENCE: I refer to Mars as "caffeination station" or "procrastination station". While sometimes I am able to get work done, most usually I end up drinking far too much and using the caffeine buzz to people watch and surf the web. If you appreciate music, you are in luck: the cafe often has live tunes in the evening and the staff keeps great indie records spinning throughout the day. 3. QUALITY CAFFEINE: All the barista's know what's up and brew a great cup of coffee/tea and pull perfect shots of espresso. Their iced green tea is some of the best I've ever had, and happy hour is sure to tickle the beer lover in us all. 4. BREAKFAST DELIGHT: Eat the Solarz ... it's a breakfast sandwich that is delicious all day! All of their breakfast sammies are delicious, and they've got a great affordable brunch on the weekend. 5. MEET ME IN MARS: This is the perfect place to meet friends or classmates. Free Wifi and lots of plug-ins for you laptop if you score a booth. Be warned: you will likely run into familiar faces and are bound to make some Mars Cafe friends if you come more than once.
(5)Holly W.
As a Drake student living on the west side of campus, Mars Cafe's past-25th-Street location was always a bit of a turnoff. But every time I walk in, I think, WHY AM I NOT HERE ALL THE TIME? It's well worth the walk or drive. (I've started reminding myself of that more often and my foursquare checkins have gone through the roof.) Mars is a locally owned coffee shop that attracts Des Moines residents and Drake students alike. (If networking is your thing, it's a great place to mingle with some of the city's coolest movers and shakers. Des Moines Music Coalition's Amadeo Rossi is the mayor.) Whether you drop in and get a cosmonaut to go or you are going to spend 14 hours writing a paper and need three meals, coffee AND cocktails (...just me?) Mars is the place to go. Highlights: The staff is friendly and knowledgeable They keep good hours Most importantly, they make good coffee. They know ABOUT coffee. These people are artists, man. Plenty of seating. They are always innovating to make sure they are engaged in and engaging with the Des Moines and Drake communities -- whether that's through social media, live concerts or their new weekend brunch. Go there.
(5)Janet E.
I had the caramel latte here which I enjoyed. The coffee was served to me without a lid and the coffee was almost running over the rim of the cup. Thankfully the coffee was not too hot that I could sip my drink to a reasonable level to put my own lid on it before walking out of this coffee shop. Service was only okay. I received my coffee quickly but the girl working the cashier was not the friendliest. This place has free wifi which is why I think the place was filled with students and their laptops. The decor was very cute and very futuristic probably to keep on point with their "Mars" theme. Prices were comparable to other shops in the area and almost the same as Starbucks prices!
(4)Bret B.
A true coffee house - professional and engaging baristas serving up perfect capps, macchiatos - all the espresso drinks. Breakfast is worth the time as well - Sunday brunch is the bomb. I do miss the Intelligentcia beans with the recent ownership change but still 5 star joint.
(5)Anne W.
I'll have to admit that I am spoiled by my previous hometown of Kansas city. The sheer volume of coffee shops makes finding a cup of java perfectly tailored to your exact specifications a walk in the park. When my partner and I moved into Des Moines about a month ago, we were excited to check out the new scene. The ambiance and location of Mars is great. Quirky without being unapproachable. You know how snobby some coffee places can be. The staff was kind, if a bit harried, but all of these good things aside, the coffee is where I place the bulk of my star power--- meh. Don't get me wrong, it was a decent quality and taste. But lukewarm. The first time I got a lukewarm mocha I chalked it up to individual preferences. Maybe Des Moines people like cooler temps? So the next time I ordered, I ordered it extra hot. No noticeable difference. Mars is a wonderful place to hang out, but for an enjoyable and hot coffee, I'll keep looking.
(3)Chastity B.
Good latte, good service, and great ambience. I would definitely return if I came back in town. Didn't have any food but was tempted to get a second latte :) I will add that I am a loyal Starbucks customer (terrible I know) and that it's rare that I really enjoy other coffee places, check this place out you won't regret it.
(5)Dan W.
Much more than a coffee shop, it's a community. One where everyone is welcome, this place isn't just for the cool kids. Wonderful coffee, tea, and food made by great people who will become your friends. It's also a great place to work. I'm a freelancer, and I frequently set up shop at a table and meet clients there. Check it out, spend some time, you'll see what I mean.
(5)Naura G.
With baristas who compete at a national level, Mars café has simply the best cup of coffee in town. The atmosphere is relaxed and somehow simultaneously family-friendly and a great place to work away from the office.
(5)Paul G.
As far as I can tell, this is the only good coffee in Des Moines. College areas always have good coffee, and this place is right next to Drake, so perhaps it's unsurprising. They whip up a mean capp here, though, been here three times, it's been good each time, from three different baristas. Also, good brekkie sandwiches, friendly hipsterish people, I'm down,
(5)Carrie M.
If you like coffee this is a must stop place when you are anywhere close to Drake University. I liked the CHEMEX but LOVED the V60! Wow. What a smooth, flavorful and robust cup of coffee. Reminded me of some of the coffees I enjoyed in Europe.
(5)Ben N.
Take time to go to smokey row up the street. This place has slow service if you are not a regular and the try hard hipster staff is more than willing to ignore you to help their friends first. The music is too loud and the whole place reeks of somewhere trying to be "hip" but this Mars just cannot pull it off. Only stop here if you're desperate for coffee
(2)Genevieve W.
Love Mars cafe. The atmosphere is awesome really upbeat and modern! They have a nice selection of coffee with fast and friendly baristas! They have a great seating areas. It's a great place to study or catch up on work. Love to support local businesses.
(5)Brian W.
This is one of the best places in Des Moines for Coffee and Community! I have met some friends and strangers here- that have became friends! Great place to pop in or chill out- or get some reading/writing done! They really try there best to make the customers happy- my only complaint it that I have seen people camp out here for an entire day and only but a coffee.
(5)Jordan O.
The good: this place has one of the best hand poured mochas in Des Moines. Other coffee shops like Scooters, Starbucks, Caribou, Ritual, Freidrichs don't come close to the authentic taste and design that comes with Mars Mochas. It's also convenient for Drake students and located next to many other restaurants in the area. Parking is easy and I've never had a hard time finding a spot (even in the winter). The bad: the inside doesn't feel very comfortable. This place needs new seating (not comfy) and a makeover. With a little work, this place could blow other coffee shops out of the water, because they have the taste and good service. The ugly: the artwork on the walls. Personally, I go to this place a lot because I love the coffee and it doesn't feel as busy as say Smokey Row. I give it 4/5.
(4)Kelsey K.
What do I say about Mars? It saw me through 7 years at Drake, not once disappointing me. This is the best coffee in town as far as I'm concerned. Their baristas know what's what and will make you the perfect cup of coffee every time. BUT, perfection takes time, so be prepared to wait a few minutes, especially if you go during a busy time of day. The food is also good, but you will wait a long time for it, maybe 15-20 min sometimes. Worked for me because I'd go there and study all day. They have free wifi and places to plug in laptops if you need a place to chill for a while. Always good music playing and local artists on the walls.
(5)Ed S.
I've been a fan of Mars since it opened. I have a lot of great memories tied to this shop. The coffee is great. The food is really good, but is a bit pricey. The staff are always friendly and helpful. If you're a coffee hipster snob, you will enjoy the coffee. The staff are knowledgeable. If you just like coffee, Mars has great coffee both brewed and fancy drinks.
(5)Monica S.
So I have to update this because I wanted to give some honest feedback- I still love the vibe of Mars, and will go occasionally to meet a friend or 2 for coffee, and the staff is still wonderful. But I am less than crazy about the switch to Kickapoo coffee, which I know was a while back. I have tried all variations - light, dark, espresso roasts...and I can't find one that doesn't taste off to me. I know other people like this brand, but I'm just not a fan and find myself stopping in here way less often then I used to. Nothing wrong with the business itself, just a preference preference in the ol' tastebuds. Sorry guys!
(3)Armond M.
Had huge expectations for this place. It's very average coffee with even more average service. Disappointed
(2)Andy B.
Out of this world. Great coffee, good people, cool vibe. Plenty of seating and workspace with power outlets for laptops and whatnot. Lovely location near Drake University. Rotating artwork and occasional live events. As with the best coffee shops, truly a community center and hangout hotspot.
(5)Matthew C.
Rolled in from out of town for Hinterland Festival and saw great reviews for Mars Cafe. We're so happy we went! Cool feel, DELICIOUS food, and really nice staff. Oh, yeah, the coffee is top notch and fair trade. Had such a great lunch we returned for breakfast the next day. Thanks for directing us here, Yelp!
(5)Ryan S.
This was the only 3rd wave coffee shop I could find in Des Moines. It was cheaper than most. $3 and some change for a 16oz Chemex. They have complimentary sparkling water and the barista was nice. I didn't try the espresso. The Ethiopian coffee that I ordered was good, but I've had better in other shops around the globe. Either way, nice lil place. I'm taking away a star cuz it had a gift shop and ice cream shop, and I usually prefer a more specialized institution.
(3)Kristyn A.
Best lattes! Ethically sourced coffee, expertly roasted coffee beans, super cool atmosphere
(5)Hannah B.
Surprisingly good coffee! Today's Ethiopia on v60 was great. However, it was SO slow. I am accustomed to waiting for a pour over but not 30 minutes. The guy that ordered before me left angrily without his coffee. I don't really understand it since there were several baristas and really not that many people ordering. Idk, maybe it was an off day or maybe it was an organization issue but they certainly needed some help in the efficiency area. But like I said, good coffee!
(4)Andy K.
I'm a coffee snob and I thought the coffee here was great. Got a second espresso as I left 'cause it was so good. Food is good. Ambiance is great. Internet can be a little flaky when it gets busy.
(5)Patrick T.
The place I'm most likely to bump into one of my best buds, is definitely Mars Cafe. The coffee here is great, and is a Des Moines hot spot for people working from their computers, whether they are college students from near by Drake or just townies hanging here for the good music they play over the speakers or the great food and coffee. The barista's take pride in the lattes and I always love the option of almond milk, or soy for my coffee. Sandwiches and bakery good are always available. They also have local beers, and energy bars if you just need a pick me up! Lots of seating make this a good meeting spot for a one on one or group of 4 business meeting. They also have local art featured on the walls in a rotating fashion. They have acoustic live music on the weekends, it's called Sound Rover and features local singer songwriters sharing there tunes along with the sounds of espresso's being made! If you need a friendly cool, environment to work in, try Mars, I might see you there!
(5)Brittany S.
I had the privilege of meeting up with my coworker, Patrick, at one of his favorite spots in Des Moines on a recent visit. My first thoughts when strolling into Mars Cafe on the snowy morn: cool, laid back, earthy, spacious and friendly baristas. I especially liked the tall ceilings and large windows found all along the front wall facing the street. Located near Drake University, Mars Cafe is able to pull off the cool, Idontgiveashit college vibe yet with a diverse clientele and clean atmosphere. I also liked that I didn't walk out smelling like I often do in many of Indy's poorly ventilated coffee shops. The highlight of my visit was hands down the adorable hot cocoa topped with barista heart art (I'm pretty sure there is a name for the swirly magic they were rocking). If you're looking for a great space to spend a few hours coworking and soaking in a chill environment, I highly recommend paying Mars Cafe a visit.
(4)Yana W.
Friendly staff, good food, delicious coffee, and great atmosphere! It's also conveniently located, definitely coming here often
(5)Mark G.
5 Stars for hosting the awesome yelp party! Check them out if your in town, has great ownership and drink options. Thanks again.
(5)Keith H.
Gonna have to be a brief review as all I have had here the couple times I have gone has been normal drip coffee which I take to-go. The coffee is fantastic, the service has been pleasant, the price for a travel mug of coffee is way better than the chains will make me pay. The only thing I don't get is why the two times I have been there they only had what looked like skim or 1% milk in the carafe on their counter of coffee self-enhancement. The white liquid in question doesn't seem to be labelled but it definitely isn't half and half which is what I prefer in my morning coffees.
(4)Bill L.
I stopped by here with a buddy after walking around Drake campus and had a great experience. The cafe was very trendy and served great coffee and food. The atmosphere was good for chatting with friends or studying. The cafe consists mainly of college students which provides a great atmosphere. I would definitely come back to try their other items and maybe just to hangout with friends on a relaxing day. Staff here is very friendly and is able to recommend items if you are unable to decide.
(5)Alice Y.
Mars Cafe gives off just the right amount of hipster vibe for me to consider it one of my favorites in the area. It reminds me a lot of the cafe's you see in Minneapolis-- local art-for-sale hanging on the walls, live music in the evenings, barristas that slightly intimidate they know more about coffee than you ever will and you're nervous that you might say something stupid when ordering. But.... all in a good way that makes you feel slightly cooler than you are. This place has a good vibe, and really I have mostly positive things to say. They're coffee is WAY better than anything you'd get from Starbucks or Caribou (and that's a big deal coming from me, as I used to work at one of those places 0_0). They have some desserts and sandiwhces too, which I give a thumbs up. I've come here to study on occasion because they have free wi-fi and good coffee. It can get busy during the Drake school year though- and I have had trouble connecting to the wi-fi a couple of times on my crappy school computer. Anyway. Do approve. 5/5 yelpz.
(5)David G.
This coffee shop is out of this world. Not only does it have great coffee, but it has tasty sandwiches and lots of treats including ice cream sandwiches. Mmm. If that wasn't enough they've got beer . Everything is space themed from the drinks to the wifi password. Service was friendly and they were apologetic they were out of so many items the day after Thanksgiving. The atmosphere (pardon the pun) is very collegial with large tables and booths and excellent wifi. On my way through town I intended to simply stop for a snack and a cup of coffee, but it was so relaxing I stayed a while longer. Totally recommend.
(5)Michael M.
As I often mention I am a coffee snob. I travel throughout the Midwest for business and am forced to try many new places. I am aware that places like thus often get good reviews based on atmosphere , some new flavoring or the cute girl behind the counter. While all of that may be nice, I feel a coffee shop should have good coffee. Mars does NOT ! It may be the worst espresso I gave ever had. It's so bad it makes Starbucks seem good. Avoid this place!
(1)Chris B.
This is such a great local place. They whip up some great drinks and put together fantastic food. Doesn't hurt that some great music is played there from time-to-time. Mars is an awesome place to hangout with friends or coworkers. Pretty much every time I'm there, I can look around and know that something creative is happening there - lots of different cultural groups like to meet up here and for good reason. If I lived in the area, I would stop by here almost every day.
(5)Catherine S.
Best soy latte in town! I don't get here often but when I can come and work here for an hour or so with my laptop, a coffee and a light meal I'm so happy!
(5)Mary H.
I dig the music when it's close to closing. Convenient parking. Great coffee. Excellent study space.
(4)Cynthia H.
Just go!! Too many things that is right about it. I like reading Yelp reviews and simply put, you will enjoy it.
(5)Krystle T.
This place is pretty hip and hoppin' (Sorry, still in the Easter spirit!)! Its a pretty chill place to study or to meet up with friends for some coffee or lunch. They have awesome sandwiches, smoothies, bagels, and drinks. Fun place!
(4)Matt A.
What a great dive! Friendly service, good food, and some local beers available as well. Beware of hipsters. Signs include apple products, tight jeans, and a desire for PBR. Loved this place!
(5)Amy K.
Chocolate chai is delicious. Friendly staff and plenty of room to work or visit with a friend.
(5)Rachel S.
Ever since returing fromt the PNW, this is the place I choose to get my coffee.
(5)Zane S.
I was in two-weeks ago and ordered tea because I wasn't feeling so hot. The barista recommended an excellent tea and the atmosphere was conducive to conversation. Note to other shops: I may quibble with their coffee, but I've always received excellent customer service at Mars. Add in that they have wi-fi and comfortable booths, I'll probably be in more now that I'm a grad student starting this fall. The place has improved since my initial review.
(4)Shing Yiing O.
This is one of the best cafe I have ever been to. Since it's located only a few minutes walking distance from my campus, I love to walk here and get a cup of great coffee.. I took off one star because the price is a little too expensive and the service is sometimes too slow.. I am very impatient that's y I don't really like to wait. I tried their caramel mocha, rocketfuel (mocha + coffee + lots of caffeine), skylab (mint + mocha), Appollo (white chocolate mocha).. I guess that's it.. I tried their mint tea and some other which I can't really remember and bought a few packet of tea leafs as a gift for my aunt from Malaysia since she loves tea!!! The tea is really good.. it's not some cheap tea leafs that you get in walmart.. Some of it is organic and you can only get in their shop.. As for the coffee, starbucks totally lost to them!!! From the smell of their coffee beans.. you can even feel the coffee beans they used are "good stuff"!!! I believe the workers there are all well-trained to make you a cup of good coffee.. The way they pour the steam milk with the caffeine.. is totally different.. you will always see your drinks with a tea leaf on it.. or even a heart shape.. they will not simply make a cup of coffee for you even though there is a line waiting for the coffee (that's y you have to wait)... I will recommend RocketFuel to people who really needs caffeine for the day.. You will definitely become "hyper" after a sip of it!!!! (that's what happen to me) I came here once for a networking event... I guess they are way too busy.. the coffee wasn't that good on that day.. but it's good on the other days.. this also another reason that made me took off a star... There are bands playing almost every Thursday.. For music lovers.. you can choose to buy a cup of coffee and listen to some great local musics.. :)
(4)Ian G.
Excellent espresso. Helpful staff. Nice play corner for kids.
(5)Chitterne B.
Mars Cafe is an excellent place to get caffeinated. Alongside their fantastic coffee and espresso beverages made with Kickapoo coffee, Mars carries a selection of teas from Gong Fu and makes a delicious yerba mate lemonade. The employees are super friendly, the bathrooms are clean, and the wifi is decent. I've never had anything to eat here, but they have a selection of salads, pastries, and sandwiches. This place also has my (somewhat worrying) #1 favorite characteristic of Iowa coffee shops - beer and wine! Basically they just have a house red and a house white, but they change up their beer selection and there's usually something interesting. One unfortunate downside - for a college cafe, they could definitely stand to extend their hours. 10 pm isn't really that late to begin with (or maybe it is for Des Moines?), but they seem to have altered (shorter) hours very time I come in...
(4)Adam P.
This is a great place with a great vibe. As cool as it was when NASA sent a chimp into space! It's mostly a collage age crowd (drake collage is in the neighborhood) although you do get a good mix of people. Young professionals and families. Let me put it this way; your not going to feel un-hip or like a loser if your not dawning skinny jeans, or eyeliner on a guy. Wait....is that stuff sill "in"? I can't say that the coffee here is any better then any other coffee shop in DeMo. What they do have is a great vibe and friendly service. The new food menu is hands down the best coffee shop food in DeMo. I really recommend the fresh from the farmers market saturday brunch! I will say that their lunch sandwiches could use a little more filler. They also have WIFI as long as you make a purchase (and you should make a purchase). Great place in DeMo and good to have it in the local options! Support local, buy local, and grow local.
(4)Garrett L.
Favorite coffee shop when I'm in Des Moines.
(5)Liz A.
I had been working at home and was getting cabin fever so I decided to try out Mars Cafe (I had heard good things). The artistic ambiance is perfect the neighborhood - it reminds me a bit of The Varsity when it was on 25th. I ordered a cappuccino and it was delicious. I have to admit I was a little confused as to whether I needed to wait for it at the counter or if they brought them to the table, but I should have asked :) I also had some of the baked pastries - not too bad! The one thing is, this is a coffee shop so there are a lot of people meeting, etc so don't expect it to be super quiet. Pretty standard for a college coffee shop. Love the free parking in the back.
(4)Phillip Y.
Pretty decent coffee place. Kinda dead here on a Sunday summer time. No students around which is good and bad. Get work done but no hustle and bustle that some might want. Selection is decent and staff is really nice. Parking is a pretty big issue and street parking is tough. Lot is behind the coffee shop but looked kinda full too. I'll stick to Smokey Rows which looks nicer in my opinion and has more traffic.
(3)Markie B.
Mars Cafe is a great place for a number of things. 1) Studying 2) Meeting up with a friend or two for their $2 beers after 9pm 3) Meeting with a person or two for business 4) Dropping in quickly for a cup of coffee on your way to work 5) Getting their Twitter Tuesdays special by following them at @marscafe. 6) Lunch
(5)Erica C.
I love this place, and whenever I'm in town, I insist on going here every single day. The baristas are friendly, it's spacious, and the iced cosmonauts.... Well, I get 2 of them, that's how good they are.
(5)Alexandria S.
The coffee and tea are decent, but the atmosphere leaves much to be desired.
(2)Jesse S.
How did I love Mars Cafe when I was but a lowly undergrad living in Des Moines? Let me count the ways. 1. I loved you for your space race-inspired drinks, particularly your Buzz Aldrin (a drink known elsewhere as the sludge cup, the red eye, or even a "barb wire") and your cute little pots of tea, particularly when you'd persuade me to blend two of your delicious loose leaf teas together. 2. Your hummus sandwich kept me fueled through a number of late night paper-writing and finals cram sessions. That mixed greens salad on the side with that herby balsamic vinaigrette...yum. 3. Your wi-fi afforded me the company of sympathetic others as I studied out of the confinement of my teeny tiny dorm room, without having to stifle guffaws at various jokes on the webatrons (typically LOLcats in those days) like I would have to at, say, the library, or a less imbecile-friendly environment. 4. The ability to drink Pyramid Apricot Hefeweizen....while studying. YESSSSS. 5. Fun but not junky decor, friendly faces, and that back booth in which I so often took up residence, feet stretched across to the seat opposite... having to switch out laptop power cords with my friends when we were all laptopping. 6. Those rockin' baristas who made the fun designs in the "fancy" drinks--never touched the stuff myself, but mad props for trying to bring vestiges of the modern era into the Wayback Machine of Des Moines' "Dog Town" neighborhood...shudder to think we accommodate young people in this one horse town. 7. Honorable mention: One of the few places I actually went on a REAL date in my 4 year tenure in the city. The anomalous nature of this event alone makes the locale qualify as an historic site. I sincerely miss this cafe and wish that I could find an equivalent in Chicago. The closest I've come is Metropolis, which is no less than amazing, but still missing that certain something. I suppose that, like NASA to Sputnik (circa 1957), the second city's cafes must grow by leaps and bounds in order to compete with Mars... in my heart.
(5)Dawn F.
After having the strong smooth flavor of Mars' coffee and lattes you'll be spoiled for good! The green tea latte is yummy too. Food is fresh made with local bread and ingredients from Des moines own farmers market. This coffee house is good for the community, and all the guys there are easy going and fun to talk to.
(5)Vinay B.
Lively, wonderful atmosphere with great music! Great place for college students due to its proximity to Drake University. Parking can be a bitch especially if you're not much of parallel parker. Overall it's a relaxing place to get work done, or study while sipping some coffee or tea. Also, you can get together with friends and play board games such as Monopoly, Chess, and Clue during your spare time. Did I fail to mention that local bands come here every Thursday to perform live music! As for what coffee to get it, try the Moonwalker. It is so delicious that you'll wanna sip another one. And if you're a fan of latte's then I've heard the Sputnik is really good! Also, try the Mudslide Mocha! It started off as a special but because it sold out so fast, it will become a regular! And FYI, brunch is very popular here. If you're a fan of the Nutella spread like I'am I encourage you to get the Nutella & Banana! I wouldn't recommend getting any of the paninis as there is nothing special about them & its a ripoff!
(4)Allison S.
Food: didn't have food... Decor: 5 Service: 5 I love coffee shops and can be somewhat critical if the coffee shop gets the vibe wrong. Luckily, Mars Cafe gets it. After traveling around the city looking for a coffee shop with ambiance for a Sunday afternoon read with the Fiancee, the Mars Cafe was a good find. The space is big and set up in a few different versatile configurations that would be good for studying solo or in a small group, reading, a date, a meeting, eating a meal or playing yo-yo. I saw two guys playing with yo-yos when we walked in.... it seemed to fit. There were some booths, a couch or two and smaller tables. We chose the booths. They were cozy. They played upbeat coffee shop style music. The staff were cheerful and lacked angst that sometimes comes with cafe employees. I had a chai. It was standard cafe style chai (which I consider to be a bit less sweet than Starbux and with more foamy milk). We sat down and read the paper and it was a pleasant experience except for some guy yakking loudly on his cell phone. Not Mars' fault so I won't count it against them. I will definitely go back there to hang out and will try some food next time. THANK YOU FOR BEING OPEN ON SUNDAYS!!!!!!!
(4)Kimberly R.
Love this place! It is a great place to meet friends day or night or to bring books to study. The atmosphere is great, and there is tons of personality! The food/coffee aren't bad and the people working there are always friendly. There is live music there in the evening on certain nights of the week. It is a hot spot that I miss having moved away from Des Moines.
(5)Brianne L.
I miss Mars SOOOOOO MUCH! I went to school at Drake, and when I first came to Des Moines there was NOTHING on University east of 25th street, except for some empty shop on the corner that had a promising sign saying "COFFEE SHOP COMING SOON." About a year and a half later, the corner was still empty but this place called Mars Cafe popped up. Having always fantasized about lounging at awesome coffee shops while preparing for finals, and drinking quadruple shots at 3am, Mars made my dreams of the perfect college kid cafe. With that said, it's also suitable for all ages! In lieu of the previous entries, I shall number the ways Mars makes my day: 1. Mars has variety of seating - counter, booth, couch, tables. 2. Very delicious & affordable menu 3. Knowledgeable baristas- many of whom attended competitions and conferences to learn how to make the perfect cup. And of course they are always friendly and helpful. 4. Inviting to all avenues of art- there's always an interesting music selection on, a variety of live music, and art from the local scene that changes every several weeks. 5. My choice in the nasty, frigid days of february - a medium breve (steamed half & half, and espresso), an adult's hot chocolate if you add some cocoa powder to it. DELICIOUS! And for the blazing hot, sticky days, Mars has REALLY good & fresh iced coffee. What more can I say: great atmosphere, an active member of the community, food/drink that does more than hit the spot. Mars is fabulous! I MISS YOU MARS!
(5)Jason W.
Mars Cafe is perfect for what it aspires to be. The coffee and espresso are very good. They work to train their baristas well. The food items are also delicious, and the environment is cozy. If you like live music, they have bands play occasionally as well. I would definitely recommend coming here for good, quality drinks and food.
(5)Collin B.
It is okay. Nothing special, but that is my opinion. Some people love their coffee. they get it from intelligentsia in chicago. Okay, so i am spoiled on west coast coffee and I say that stumptown and blue bottle put this place to shame. Case closed. Anyways, if you need to get some work done and can tolerate the loud music go there. Free internet is a plus.
(3)Dennis C.
Probably one of the few "third wave" shops in Des Moines. They use Black Cat Intelligentsia beans for their espresso drinks so you can expect a certain baseline quality from that fact alone. The barista was not the most efficient and overall her approach was on the sloppy side (it's clear she knew how to pull a shot appropriately, but wasn't paying as much attention for my order.) The latte "art" was on the interpretive side, but it was the first place in DSM that has even tried it. Overall, I'm glad to know Mars is bringing good coffee to the area. Keep it up.
(4)Cindy H.
I had the caramel late. It had an interesting name... Price was along the same line as any other coffee shop. The drink was delicious.
(5)V R.
Chicken salad sandwich is really good.
(4)Lala S.
I love this place, it's the closest thing to Los Angeles so I've come here 3 times in the past week. the Chai is made in house- yum. my latte was yum. the energy is good.
(5)