20 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.“

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

“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.“

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

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

“Dave Slade Trio were great!“

“First visit and I decided to try the Irish Cream Mocha. Oh my word!! It was absolutely amazing!!!“

“Absolutely. Some of the best coffee in Madison, the service is incredible. Instead of ready for you to get to a window, they're out in the line with handheld tablets, taking your order and your payment. Even if you're in a very long line, it does not take long to complete your order.
Starbucks pales in comparison.“

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

“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“

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

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

“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. *^-^*“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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 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!“