I drink coffee. LOTS of coffee. Over the years, coffee has become my friend. Through college and now into my adult life, coffee has been the constant. People, jobs, money and sanity at times have all come and gone, but coffee has always been there. Needless to say, I love it. Cafe Diem in downtown Ames (229 Main) serves up arguably the best cup of coffee you'll find in Ames. I really like everything about this place, from it's cozy atmosphere, to the food and bakery selections all the way down to the cool little stickers that you place over your lids so they don't spill while you're walking away (not sure if those things actually have a name...), I love what Cafe Diem has to offer and how it makes me feel when I'm there. Cafe Diem makes me happy. VERY happy. Up until recently, Cafe Diem was buying in the coffee that they sell, but recently they bgean roasting their own, which is also available through sale on their website. They have all the basics when it comes to coffee, including the wide variety of drinks, both hot and cold. They have a nice bakery selection of fresh-baked goods, including muffins, scones, cookies and bars. If you want a meal, they can do that too! Their sandwich menu has several good choices and you can also get soups, salads and a few other specialty items from time to tim e. Most importantly, the coffee is great. If you find yourself in downtown Ames (or in Ankeny or at one of their two DMACC locations) drop in, say hello, grab something to eat or a fine cup of joe to sip and relax for a bit. Cafe Diem provides the backdrop and goods to keep you relaxed and/or rejuvenated. There might be a better cup of coffee somewhere in Ames, but if there is, I haven't found it. www.cafe-diem.com read more

Cute little coffee shop in downtown Ames. Love the atmosphere and the coffee was great too. I had a latte and it tasted like rich espresso not just milk, which I like. Pumpkin muffin was delicious. Breakfast sandwich was good but I think it was just a ready-made one heated up. I was hoping for one on a fresh croissant. Nonetheless it was a nice place to chat or do some work. They even had some games. Will def be back! read more

They have been in business in Ames since 2000 and continue to serve good coffee and basic food such as salads, sandwiches and desserts. Most food items cost $7.50 and a large coffee is $2.55 and there are the usual specialty coffees and tea. There is free WiFi and plenty of tables and ISU students can be found here until 10 pm every day. If you are shopping in downtown Ames, this is the place to go for a quick coffee break and a bite to eat. read more

Cafe Diem has a nice chill atmosphere. Their coffee is pretty basic nothing crazy mostly traditional choices which is nice. The coffee itself is done very well. I wouldn't say the coffee is better than average but it's still an enjoyable cup of coffee. The best part is probably the inside of the cafe with its really cool layout and nice design. The people that work there have also been fantastic each time I go. It is definitely one of the better places to get coffee in Ames. read more

Cafe Diem - Carmel white chocolate mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Diem used to have excellent coffee and coffee drinks, but the last several times I've been there my mocha/latte has been like hot, milky water with virtually NO taste. When I said something about it I got a drink that must've been 1/2 sugar. It was so sickeningly sweet as to be nauseating, but it still didn't taste like coffee. read more

I've been a long time customer of Cafe Diem, since I moved to Ames. Usually stop in 2-3 times a week. I usually like to go around 2 or 3pm because that place can get very crowded at times, there's a reason: the coffee is good and the atmosphere is very relaxing for work or talking with friends. Just a funny side note, all the Baristas are attractive working there, guess it makes getting my coffee that much more fun. read more

In the 27 times I've been going here, they've never gotten my order wrong, and have amazingly friendly staff. Where other places might have lazy staff, here they have an awesome and amazing staff who are always kind and helpful. read more

I loved this place. I constantly came here to work and catch up with friends. They have seasonal coffee drinks like pumpkin spice latte and Irish creme. Cafe Diem also offers non-dairy milk. Because of co-vid, I still stop by to my fix, but I noticed the amount of students working in Cafe Diem. They have tape separating tables and "x" to mark where to stand, but I felt uncomfortable with the amount of customers in the shop during this pandemic. The people sitting at the tables didn't have masks on. On top of that the entrance only has room to walk by one person at a time. It's a 4/5 because of the amount of people in the cafe didn't make me safe. read more

Good coffee. No soul, much like most of Ames. Soulless :( I like the brick walls and seating, but the decor and overall vibe is missing crucial elements of soul. Music and decor needed badly. But it is where I go for coffee in Ames just cuz I haven't found anything better read more

Café Diem is a cute reasonably priced coffee shop located in downtown Ames. As soon as you entered the café, it has a very cozy atmosphere with wood decoration and artistic paintings. There are plenty of seats and booths that make you want to stay for hours. It is not the most well-lit coffee shop but it is enough to enhance the homey and relaxing vibe. As far as coffee, they have a typical menu for a coffee shop. I have tried different types of their coffee: iced coffee, latte, mocha, etc. and it is usually pretty good and consistent. They also have many types of smoothies for the non-coffee drinker. However, they don't have a wide selection of pastries, limited to scones, muffin, cookies, and a couple of cakes. I also heard their sandwich is good but I have not tried many of them. The WiFi here is pretty quick. You will just be directed into their agreement page to access the WiFi. Overall, it is a nice place for a meeting or conversation since they also provide board games, books, and newspaper. It is also a good place to study but beware that they do not have many outlets. There are only a couple of outlets on one side of the café with a table for 1-2 people. read more

My son and I stopped in at Cafe Diem on this cold December day of freezing rain. This downtown coffee shop has comfortable seating options including booths, tables, and stuffed chairs and a couch. It also has a warm community feel with lots of conversations going on, among both young and old. Counter service was friendly and efficient, while my black coffee was fresh and strong. My son also enjoyed his muffin and unfortunately wanted to go home, while I would have lingered over some hot soup. Maybe next time. read more

Met up with a Bumble date here and had a great time! food and service were great, definitely a date spot!

Great spot. People watching of epic proportions including college students, old people talking about criks in their back yard, and trendy hipster types. Large Latte was delicious, made with no complaints to my somewhat obnoxious specifications. Staff did not mind if you plopped down and stayed awhile. LOVE. Will return. read more

Visiting Ames after many years and found this place on Yelp and loved it. I didn't get any food during my (multiple) visits so I can only comment on their coffee selection. My go-to drink is a dry cappuccino and they made it perfectly. I went there every day for 4 days straight and the quality was consistent and excellent! Nice atmosphere that seemed conducive to studying or hanging out which is perfect for a college town. Great spot! read more

Nice little place with a Midwest country grunge vibe. Its not modern and a bit eclectic but the coffee is great and the seating is exceptional. They even have an area to charge stuff. Really cool service and space. read more

Solid coffee shop on Main Street. The pastries and sandwiches are good as are the smoothies. Minus one star because it is often difficult to find a seat as many people stay all day at tables beyond their needs. read more

I've come here often due to the location, but the wi-fi has been very spotty the last two months and when the baristas mess up your order, the attitude they dish out is unnecessary. Today's rudeness is the last straw. A discussion about professionalism is in order, management! read more

This coffee shop is a frequent stop for me whether I'm alone or meeting friends. The atmosphere is great and not the least bit pretentious. I've enjoyed every drink I've ordered, with their Jamocha being one of my favorites. They also have free wi-fi and it's usually not too loud in here so it's a good place to get work done. All in all this is a great spot to stop for a quick drink or bite to eat or to hang out with a small or large group of friends. read more

Love this cute coffee shop! Nice spot to study or catch up with friends! Great food and coffee! They always have a nice variety of flavors.

Cafe Diem in Ames has been a coffee landmark in the little city for over 15 years now! I remember when they opened their original location! My band used to play there all the time! The owners, (who are still the owners) were always so sweet and supportive of local music! They gave singer songwriters a stage and it was always a fun spot to play! I used to eat the fantastic blueberry muffins all the time! I love the coffee here, I went yesterday and it was packed! Full of college kids, off for MLK Day! Plenty of outlets to study! The newer location, now (9 years old maybe) was always my go to coffee spot when I lived in Ames! I always enjoyed walking there, it's the type of place where everyone knows your name and they are always glad you came! They have punch cards, for those repeat customers like me! Never had a bad experience here, always cool, calm, and awesome! Keep up the good work Cafe Diem, it's nice to see you again! You aged so well! read more

As I walked through quiet downtown Ames looking for a perfect place for me Cafe Diem almost seemed to have the only beam of sun on a dreary day shining on their historic building. Let's see, old building, downtown, not huge corporate, clever name, just a slight prevention. Yes! I'll try this place. Quiet music and mix of patrons of downtown professionals and Neo-Hippie student types (well a few) and construction employees scattered in classic booths and more modern tables. I usually don't see Reuben's as a coffee bar choice of food but their menu is more deli than coffee bar, so Cafe Diem is probably more a deli that has coffee bar qualities like roasted and fancy mix coffee drinks, and a pastry shelf. It took about six minutes for the food to be delivered to my table which was great timing considering this was the start of the lunch rush. There is a healthy choice on sandwiches to chose baby carrots instead of chips, something else I've never seen. A coffee boost a well stacked sandwich of Corned Beef and Sauerkraut and this refreshed traveler was ready to hit I-35 again. read more

Cafe Diem is a great place to catch up with friends and work. The booths are wide and comfortable, and the productive atmosphere of the cafe is complemented by relaxing music. Nearly everyone who sits at one of these tables has a laptop in front of them as they utilize the free WiFi. Paintings decorate the room filled with books and hanging light bulbs, making it a cozy location in the heart of Ames. Despite the aesthetics and the productive atmosphere, the food is mediocre at best. All of their bakery items are ordered online and reheated in the kitchen. The bagels, muffins, grilled cheese all taste average - better produce could be found at your local Walmart or at grocery stores. These unexceptional items are matched with high prices, where a muffin will cost you from two to three dollars. Even though they come in dozens - in packages - the muffins, for example, are individually sold at a price that gives the owner maximum profit. I would recommend the cafe to those who are looking for a place to meet with up with someone or to work productively. If you are searching solely for a place that has great food, I suggest you go elsewhere. read more

Breakfast sandwich is a Jimmy dean breakfast sandwich that they make a 400% profit off of, all the food is microwaved and overpriced, not to mention the place is absolutely filthy and in poor upkeep. Would not be surprised if an electrical fire burned the whole place down with how much dust is near the wiring upstairs, and all the water dripping in the basement. The owner obviously thinks he can rob people blind by offering garbage microwaved food that is readily available at your local supermarket for MUCH cheaper. He has thus far been very successful obviously, but the next time you go in just look for the dust and grime of this filthy establishment and I dont think you will be interested in returning. Go to an actual coffee shop with some self-respect like morningbell or burgies. read more

I love the chicken salad sandwich they are known for! Great service and a great business on Main Street USA. You simply can't take my word for it. Stop by and taste some of the best coffee and food you can get. You are going to love the hanging doors and the brick! What a great design idea. The WiFi is free and the atmosphere relaxing. I am a repeat customer which says it all! read more

I have been to Diem many times, and it has always been fairly average. The coffee is okay, the food is okay, and the service is okay. Some of the Braista's are quite rude, while others can be very kind and pleasant! Lastly, they only have one espresso shot in a 12 oz. Americano while charging the same price for ordering two plain espresso shots, which makes me feel like the managers are ripping me off. Overall, it's definitely an OK experience read more

Free Wi-fi, good food, even better coffee. Cafe Diem is my favorite place to go to do homework. It's generally pretty quiet environment with a lot of seating. It's fun just to go there and watch Main Street out of the big windows, too. I'm not one to return to a place that doesn't have nice and helpful staff, and there are certainly some very nice people here! Sometimes I don't even have to order because a few of the gals have my coffee of choice memorized. How special!! read more

On my first night in Ames I visited this unique coffee house. It is locally owned place with some local coffee flavors. The tea( forgot the name) I had was enough to wake me up the sleepiness because of the traveling. Environment of the place is pretty laid back relaxing too. I liked this place. read more

Cafe Diem is a really cool place relative to other places in Ames, IA. It's unfair to compare it to coffee shops in huge cities like Toronto or Seattle, because the coffee shop ecosystem just isn't the same. I visited on a Saturday afternoon I had a pretty good approximation of a flat white coffee and the black bean burger. The coffee was okay. The burger was meh. I would go back if someone wanted to get coffees again. read more

Just had coffee this visit. Dark roast and a latte. Both were quite good. Quirky decor that was interesting and fun. Busy place even in early evening. Will come back again. read more

Great coffee hangout! Awesome atmosphere with the fabulous old brick building, good eats, nice folks.....huge place. Clean, good parking, and the dog can hang out out front with me. Love it! Its good to be home! read more

Cafe Diem - crashed out in front of Cafe Diem - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Cafe Diem is a great place for a student to have a "campus getaway" to do their homework, or just relax away from the hustle and bustle of Iowa State University's chaotic and ever-growing Campustown District. Cafe Diem offers a sense of cliche coffee shop flair (chalkboard menus, local artwork, etc.) but have recently expanded their menu so one can have a full lunch there and not just muffins or a small sandwich. Their coffee is good, but varies greatly on the blend. There are times we thoroughly enjoy it and times where we've had better. Which is unfortunate considering the price... Which tends to be on the high end. Their lunches can also be somewhat pricey ,but are quite delicious and taste fresh. Their smoothies are also great on warm weather days (I recommend the Chai). I do recommend this place, it's warm and welcoming. We've always had great service and the they always have a great sense of upkeep. My only suggestion would be, if you're a broke college kid, I wouldn't make this your daily spot - you could drain your wallet pretty quickly. read more

Nice college town type of coffee shop. Good coffee and we had a couple of their breakfast sandwiches. Simple but tasty sandwiches, seemed freshly made and warmed on a sandwich press Only slight downside, you don't get a free refill on a basic coffee read more

This place is warm, and smells good every time I'm there and you have seating options including booths, a bar that faces Main Street, comfy chairs and sofas, or high-top tables. A diverse crowd comes here. You can bring your mom or meet up with old friends. I always end up here when I'm in Ames, I've had a variety of concocted specialty drinks here, all of which were imaginative and tasty, and my standard double espresso is hard to find done as well anywhere else in the city. I always have a good chat with the staff if they have time (and they won't make you feel rushed if they don't.) The black bean burger is a meal, quite tasty and not dry. I highly recommend it. read more

Cold brew game is on point - definitely top 3 I've ever had while traveling! Grilled chicken panini was ok, nothing special, but I appreciate the option of having a side of baby carrots (with ranch dipping sauce) instead of chips for a more health conscious option. Lively atmosphere, looks like it would be a great place to study or read a book with coffee. read more

Such a cute coffee shop in the heart of historic Ames. Great service, coffee and ambiance for a day of work, relaxation or board game playing with friends! read more

I love the atmosphere here. The staff is very polite and helpful. I really enjoy the black bean burger, and you really don't have to be a vegetarian to love it. Sooo yummy! The free WiFi is great. My only complaint has been, usually when I go it is very hot, to the point that my boyfriend doesn't like to come with me because he leaves over heated. read more

This is a coffee shop unique to the area, and it is an Ames staple. Make your way to main Street and enjoy a coffee and light lunch that is sure to please! read more

I went to Cafe Diem on a Sunday to get out of the house and do some homework, and I loved everything about it. The vibe was hip, low key and comfortable. I got a mocha (made with their own recipe for chocolate syrup) and it was easily the best mocha I have ever had-- yes, better than Starbucks! My boyfriend ordered a smoothie which was fresh, creamy and so good I drank about half of his. It is kind of one of those places you can lose time in. It has such a different feel from a typical college cafes. I spent 4 hours studying without even realizing it had been so long. This is my new favorite place to buckle down and get working on Sunday afternoons! read more

Such a cozy, friendly place to relax with your favorite coffee. The drinks are consistent and the staff attentive. A few good lunch options, but the lunch menu could use punching up a bit. A locally-owned gem. read more

Good coffee. The best thing about Cafe Diem for me is the bitchin' cinnamon scones.