Whether you like your coffee brewed and black, or you prefer an indulgent treat topped with whipped cream, the Iowa City area has plenty of options for a caffeinated kick.
Caffe Crema
1401 5th St., Coralville | Facebook page
With two locations less than a mile from each other, Caffe Crema offers variations on coffee standards—flavored espresso drinks, drip coffee—as well as a variety of other drinks, such as Thai tea, bubble tea and siphon-press coffee.
Fuel Nest
103 1st St. E., Mount Vernon | Facebook page
The coffee is delicious, hot and fresh, but what really sets Fuel apart are its atmosphere and its baked goods. The place feels like the living room of your most eccentric friend, rich with tapestries, art and tchotchkes, many of which are available for purchase. And the baked goods are, quite simply, ridiculously exquisite.
High Ground Cafe
301 E. Market St., Iowa City | highgroundcafe.com
This Northside coffee shop has an ambitious coffee program, offering eight different roasts from Kickapoo Coffee. Setting them apart is their pour-over bar, where drip coffee is made to order.
Prairie Lights
Books and Cafe
15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City | prairielights.com
Located on the second floor of a bookstore, Prairie Lights Cafe has arguably the best espresso and coffee drinks in town. Many of the friendly employees are career baristas, and their experience is evident in the delicious drinks.
Waterstreet Coffee Bar
925 E. 2nd Ave., Coralville | waterstreetcoffeebar.com
Curating a rotation of seasonal coffee beans from some of the country’s more interesting roasteries, this is one of the area’s newer coffee shops. The quiet atmosphere and minimal decor read, “We take our coffee seriously.” And they do.
Roasters
in the Iowa City area
Cafe del Sol Roasting
The area’s veteran roaster, Cafe del Sol is a staple at many restaurants and grocery stores. They also sell pre-made cold-brew coffee.
Bluebird Diner
This Northside diner roasts and packages their own coffee, which they sell at area grocery stores like Hy-Vee and John’s.
Wake Up Iowa City
The beans roasted by Wake Up Iowa City are available at many local restaurants and grocery stores. They also make Cobra Verde, a highly caffeinated elixir, and Wake Up Iowa Coffee Stout in collaboration with Backpocket Brewery.
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