27 Best Coffee Shops in Ames

“OMG, the vibe is amazing. You walk in and it just feels energetic. It's like a big happy hug. Love the staff! They make the best drinks, give amazing recommendations (mango, strawberry, and pineapple), and they always have a smile. The place is so clean, and there is never a dirty table or trash left out, even when people are at tables all day working on schoolwork. Perfect study spot! 10/10 recommend.“

“Besides great coffee, there is a plant shop in the back.“

“Great coffee and environment. Odd entrance in the back.“

“Dave Slade Trio were great!“

“love the blended matcha and everyone is always so nice ❤️“

“This place out of the several times I’ve been here has typically been very very well, so i recommend!

Today was somewhat the exception; as I went there and the order that I placed wasn’t read back and they made my beverage with the energy shot which when I ordered I said id like it with cream. At the window they read it back, I said I didn’t order / want the energy shot. They fixed the beverage, thankfully which was nice but I was not refunded for the extra money that was charged with the energy shot :(

Overall a great place to get a tasty bev, and i like the vibe the building has!“

“A favorite spot we like to go to on our drive down to NE. Food is always great and coffee is fantastic!! Owner and staff are warm and welcoming. Location is prime with gas station for an all in one road trip stop.“

“love the blended matcha and everyone is always so nice ❤️“

“Best ambience, service and food in Ames!!!“

“They have so many yummy drinks and the staff are so friendly I love this place!“

“This place is great! Delicious coffee and pastry, friendly staff and service, and a design that is second to none. I’ll be sure to come back whenever I’m in Ames.“

“I'm obsessed with their salted caramel lattes!“

“Planned to dine in, so had to pay for street parking. Scone dry and not very tasty. Got an extra item we didn't order, so someone else was missing their item. Didn't realize this until too late, so couldn't return. Were able to meet up with party expected and carry on a conversation without disruption.“

“We were so thankful to have Chocolaterie Stam Ames at our graduation party. The chocolate fountain was absolutely amazing and a big hit with our guests! Chocolaterie Stam Ames came to our home and not only setup the fountain but maintained it during the party. Such a lovely couple to work with. Thank you for making our graduation delicious and fun! I cannot say enough good things about the fountain and their wonderful chocolates as well. I would highly recommend them to anyone!“

“This is my favorite Starbucks. Love going ALMOST every morning before work to get my coffee. The cashiers are always super friendly and have such great energy and great attitudes. Definitely a PLUS to experience at the start of my day. *^-^*“

“1/19/26 5:00 p.m. Walk-in 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Food: The selection available here is outstanding! Between the drink options and the general store merchandise, there is so much to look at; so many new things to try. My go-to was an iced Thai milk tea with boba, but I recently tried the taro milk tea and now I’m hooked lol. This last visit, I had my daughter with me and she asked if they had a regular chocolate shake (they don’t), but the employee that was taking our order was incredibly sweet and helped us pick out something that would work. She made a chocolate banana shake and just omitted the banana, as well as added frozen strawberries on top for my daughter; it was delicious. One of my favorite things to get as well is the matcha mochi; I’m so glad they carry them! Service: Every time we’ve been in, the employees are wonderful. We’re greeted with a smile and positive attitude as well as patience. They are quick and efficient when preparing your order. This last visit, one incredibly sweet employee even came out to give my daughter quarters (from her own wallet) for the claw machine. She most definitely went above and beyond <3 Ambiance: It’s quaint and cozy inside. It’s pretty well organized and kept very clean. There aren’t too many tables to sit at, so it can get crowded if it’s busy, but it never really seems to be an issue. The variety of items available is awesome as well as the large selection of freshly made-to-order drinks. They have frozen items that you’re able to warm up and eat there as well. This is a great little spot for people that want to get some work done also; it’s like a little coffee café, just better. The overall noise level can get a bit elevated, but headphones can easily cancel it out if you’re sitting down inside.“

“I love playing the Bingo games or other like games Starbucks sponsors. So when I needed to go to three separate Starbucks locations, where do I go in Ames? But then I remembered the one in Target! It worked!! The Barista was sweet as the other locations, and I got the stars that I needed when I placed my order. Yay!“

“The food amazing , the food was full of flavor and lots of cheese. The staff were friendly and not over priced. The tomato soup was the best I have had“

“Best breakfast burrito in Ames 🤩 & always great customer service!“

“Today I made an order online and when I went to pick it up I’ve realized I order to the wrong location and the barista who was helping me his name was Simon was so helpful and made my drink so shout out to him and the employees at the Lincoln and clark. Thank you again“

“love this store!! and the staff“

“Every barista I've had here has been incredibly kind and pleasant. My order is always made correctly, and any time there has been a minor mistake it's been fixed immediately, no questions asked. My favorite starbucks not just in Ames, but in Iowa!“

“"No notes" good.

Parking: This Starbucks is in a Target, so it has that Target's parking. So there should be plenty of space, but ideal spots may already be taken.

Kid-friendliness: Use your judgment here. As I keep pointing out in this review, this Starbucks is in a Target, so while kids are welcome, I would still keep a close eye on them so they don't wander off into the wider store.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible. I'm not sure, but because it's in a Target general store, there might be riding scooters available if needed, though I didn't see any on my first visit so don't hold me to that.“

“Jeff’s Pizza is so yummy! I’m a vegetarian and there are so many vegetarian options. Thank you Jeff’s Pizza for so many choices!“

“They have so many yummy drinks and the staff are so friendly I love this place!“

“In town for Graduation and tried a new Donut Shop. It is a made to order place so plan accordingly. The presentation of our 36 Mini Donut was Amazing. Brought smiles to my teenagers and others. Highly recommended. Good donut all around. Highly enjoyed as they were fresh and warm. Yummy. We will be back“

“I had an amazing experience with the drive thru. Not only was the service speedy, the employees were friendly. I wish she had a name tag but the Indian woman who was working the drive thru today when I came was very sociable and I appreciated the good service.“