Ritual Cafe

I'd been here a few times before, but this was the first time I brought Mom. She had a (lacto-vegetarian) Grilled Hummus Panini which came with a small side of leafy green salad. I had a Vegan Reuben Sandwich which came with a side of tortilla chips. I also had a house salad. To drink Mom had organic peppermint tea (with dairy added) and we shared two delicious juices--pineapple orange and apple cherry. The place is always fun to be in and the people at the counter seem like good people. The art, decor, and music there fill the space with a love of life. Lastly, I think the business is woman-, Latinx-, and LGBTQIA -owned and -operated and I am glad to support it! I reserve 5 stars for vegan establishments, but other than that, Ritual Cafe is really great. Updated from previous review on 2025-07-10

If you are looking for great food and an even better atmosphere you gotta try Ritual. Perfect for meeting a friend, studying or just enjoying a book alone.

Got a latte. They know coffee.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a cool coffee shop! Their food and drink menu is the best in Des Moines. Friendly staff with a relaxing atmosphere. The view of downtown Des Moines makes the Ritual one of the best places to enjoy a cup of coffee, a pastry, or any of their other menu options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Breakfast Burrito, Quiche, Mayan Mocha

Sadly this cafe is interested in divisive politics. Their WiFi password says it all. Performative virtue signaling at the cost of human lives.

Great local place for meetings, great coffee and pastries!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cozy vibe and great food/coffee!

Local art, great coffee and food (vegetarian and vegan) menu and socially responsible business.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We stopped by this little cafe today and I ordered a Strawberry Italian soda that was amazing and my friend got a iced mocha coffee. Will definitely recommend anyone try this little cafe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great breakfast food, cool vibe, friendly staff. cappuccino was just ok, dark roast oily beans, tons of macro foam, 3 sizes of cappuccino makes no sense...aka more milk = Latte. Not a 3rd wave coffee shop. Food was excellent though.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A wonderful place to stop for breakfast while I was in town for a conference!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grateful Oats

Walked in. Looked at the wall art. Walked out and chose a different coffee shop.

Atmosphere: 1

What a delightful cafe. The ambience is very artsy, youthful and warm. Great place for reading, writing, or catching up with friends. The coffee was EXCELLENT and we loved the breakfast sandwiches. The staff was lovely, and it was refreshing to see how affordable their prices were. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in Des Moines.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Possibly one of the most disappointing experiences I have had at a vegetarian restaurant. Planned to stop for lunch/lattes as we were passing through town. They were out of matcha for my drink and out of oat milk for my partner’s. The cafe also closed early so they also closed the kitchen early and missed getting food by about 5 minutes. After waiting several minutes at the counter, ended up with an overly sweet lukewarm chai.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Great food, great service. My first time. Will definitely come back.