Mars Cafe

2318 University Ave, Des Moines
(515) 319-8418

Recent Reviews

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Sam Denniston

coffee is FIRE!

Sophia Elgin

I frequently visit Mars Cafe for an iced latte. The vibe is great. My partner loves their matcha. The very small staff makes high quality food and drink and are always friendly despite how busy it gets. My partner ordered a sandwich and it smelled, looked, and tasted great. I wish they had a gluten free option like a gf bread or pastry because then I would be able to order food. Overall this place is deserving of 5 stars :) (please get gf bread)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Andrew Glass

Big relaxed coffee shop with excellent coffee. The seasonal specials are always worth trying.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Robbie G

The lattes and cappuccinos here are amazing. Also very friendly baristas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Katie Feist

My bagel was toasted to perfection in an adequate amount of time today by the very nice barista

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Vincent Trichanh

Im on tour currently with my band and have tried a bunch of coffee throughout the USA. This place serves a well balanced latte. Nutty full bodied chocolate type bean. Not sour or too bitter. Smooth finish. Well done Mars Coffee.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Ben D

I left without getting the food I paid for. The only employee on duty ignored me and spent her time chatting with a friend at the counter while I sat waiting. I couldn’t afford to be late for work, so I walked out empty-handed.

I make an effort to support local businesses even though they’re usually more expensive than chains. But if the service is this poor, there’s no reason to pay extra to be treated worse.

Service: 1

Bryan Curtis

The cartado was spot on. I love the vibe and open industrial feel while relaxing enjoying a good espresso.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Brandi L. Miller

I visited Mars Cafe on 6/24/25 and ordered a honey cinnamon latte—absolutely delicious! The flavors were perfectly balanced, not too sweet, with a smooth finish. Great atmosphere and friendly service too. I’ll definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

kenman31

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 visit. They're clearly putting the effort into creating a thoughtful, community-driven space, and it shows.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Jose Carlos

The café Hanoi is to die for! Never have I tasted such an amazing coffee

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Alicia Daniel

This coffee house makes me wish I lived here. The iced vanilla and honey latte is my new favorite thing. I'll be swinging by every time I'm in town. Luckily my kid will be attending school here for about 6 years! 😄 Service was incredibly friendly. Atmosphere is great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Emma C.

This is such a wonderful space to do work or visit with friends. The coffee is good and the staff is kind

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shy

Fav coffee shop, oatmilk latte with raw sugar crystals sprinkled lightly on the foam is perfection. Sometimes, there are a lot of random runners just standing around, which is a weird vibe. But generally decent energy, great local art, and only medium amount of Bible study/conversion attempts for a Bible belt coffee shop.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Joe Noga

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!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

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