10 Best Cafes in Iowa City

“The Encounter Café is a true gem in Iowa City! The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and full of charm. The servers were incredibly kind and attentive, providing excellent service that made the whole experience feel personal and uplifting. The cinnamon rolls were out of this world—fluffy, fresh, and perfectly sweet—easily the best I’ve ever had. Their coffee was fresh and flavorful, and every dish we tried from the breakfast menu was outstanding, made with quality ingredients and served hot. If you’re looking for a heartfelt, delicious breakfast spot in Iowa City, The Encounter Café is a must-visit.“

“My wife and I went to the Black Angel for a late lunch about 4 pm today. We split a beef brisket sandwich with each us having a bowl of chicken tortilla soup. The soup was lukewarm and had to be reheated which was promptly and courteously done, as was all service rendered. This was our only complaint. Everything was excellent. Best Chicken Tortilla soup (not too spicy) ever had, The sandwich was great too. Yum!“

“I'm very picky when it comes to Crepes. I'm so happy to say that this place NEVER lets me down. When I have friends visiting from out of town, I always tell them to stop by here. The food is delicious, the owners are very friendly and happy, and it's in close walking distance to downtown shops. If you are looking for quality food and excellent price point, try this place for breakfast or dinner!“

“Wonderful place with sustainable vegan coffees and pastries. You gotta try the BamBam coffee! Convenient walk up window!“

“Found this place looking for a healthy menu while we were driving past Iowa City to Chicago. So glad we made the stop. Great location to see the University and enjoy some great food. I had the Açaí bowl and it was amazing, my husband had the turkey wrap which was a healthy choice for him 😊. The staff was super pleasant. Would definitely make this a stop if in Iowa City or just driving through. Love small businesses ❤️“

“Best Cuban Sandwich I’ve ever had! Horchata is amazing and the atmosphere is warm and inviting! I love this place!!“

“One of several Iowa City locations. My husband is the pickiest coffee snob but their Americano gets his approval. He also buys their bags of coffee beans. I love drinking Lotus energy drinks and they have 3 or 4 with clever 'power plant' names like Infrared and Ultraviolet. Huge RK treats, rich fudgy brownies, tiramisu, scones, muffins, cookies, soups, salads, sandwiches. Mismatched furniture with couches, side tables, different types of chairs and several seating areas. A casual, laid back atmosphere.“

“Cortado is THE place in Iowa City to get your coffee, breakfast items, sandwiches and Israeli goodness!!! Fantastic food and service!“

“We recently hosted our company holiday party at Bread Garden Market Events at Plaza Towers, and it was a great experience from start to finish. The planning process was seamless -- accommodating, responsive, and easy to communicate with. On the night of the event, everything went off without a hitch. The staff was incredibly professional, attentive, and ensured that every detail was taken care of. The food was, of course, top-notch. The atmosphere was perfect for our celebration, and everything was smooth and enjoyable. We would highly recommend this venue for any event!“

“Listen, you aren't eating here because you want the best food. You are eating here because it is close to your work, quick, and not going to make you sick. They are very clean and the food is prepared well, but it is a cafeteria and that is what you should expect.“