7 coffeehouses perfect for first dates
Inspired Grounds
Hit up this coffee shop while you take a stroll around Valley Junction. It’s the perfect spot to take your date after or before walking and checking out the vintage shops. Sink into one of their comfy couches with (hopefully) your new S/O.
Find it: 117 5th St., West Des Moines
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Smokey Row
Cozy up in a booth (if you can snatch one!) and order something sweet, such as a pumpkin spice latte or a rice crispy treat the size of your face. If your date doesn't like sweets, you may want to reconsider. But just in case, Smokey offers a fabulous selection of burgers and breakfast sandwiches.
Find it: 1910 Cottage Grove
Hours: Monday - Thursday 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Info:smokeyrow.com
Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
If you’re meeting your date in the morning, grab a table at Zanzibar’s. It has small and intimate setting, plus the breakfast menu and rock-star coffee will help you start your day on the bright side.
Find it: 2723 Ingersoll Avenue
Hours: Monday - Saturday 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Info:zanzibarscoffee.com
Ritual Café
Find it: 1301 Locust St #D
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Order a specialty coffee or go with a fruity smoothie. Take a few sips and look at the local art that decorates this chillax café with your special someone. Then take a walk around the sculpture park to for a fun date that appreciates the arts!
Scenic Route
Thinking about hanging downtown, but not too downtown? Swing by Scenic Route in East Village for its baked goods and beverages. Start your date here, then skip on over to Up-Down for some gaming fun.
Find it: 350 E Locust St. Ste 104
Hours: Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Info: scenicroutebakerydsm.com
The Village Bean Coffee Co.
If you’re going for intimate and small, The Village Bean has you covered. This tiny coffee shop will keep you and your babe in close proximity. Snuggling in chairs isn’t possible. Said no one ever.
Find it: 305 E. 5th St.
Hours: Monday - Tuesday 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Info: villagebeanco.com
Mars Café
The bustling noise of people talking and the music will make those awkward silences less awkward as the two of you Tinder-ers try to get to know each other. Because we all know, awkward silences are a real thing. Order a coffee and a soup, and let the background noise fill the spaces in between those pauses.
Find it: 2318 University Ave.
Hours: Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Info:marscafe.net