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    Plain Talk Books & Coffee

    3.7 (39 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Order Plain Talk Books & Coffee Takeout or Delivery

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    PLAIN TALK BOOKS & COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working

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    Buffalo grilled cheese
    Suresh D.

    The friend I am visiting took me here so I could get breakfast the Thursday I was in town. I looked at the menu and opted for the Buffalo grilled cheese panini with a medium dark roast coffee. We were told they had an outdoor patio so I opted to eat outside. My sandwich would be brought out to me. As I drank my coffee slowly, my sandwich was brought out to me. It looked good and good grill marks on the bread. However, the filling with cheese, tomatoes and two types of hot peppers with Buffalo sauce were not very melted. I picked up the sandwich and one piece of pepper covered in Buffalo sauce fell on my khaki shorts. When I finally took a bite, there was a great blend of flavors but again cheese barely melted. The dark roast coffee was strong as I like it.

    a bookshelf full of books
    Kaitlin C.

    Plenty of parking meters available on the block. Lots of seating available with books and games available. This shop is attached to a place with ice cream. I got a cold brew and it was VERY strong and an interesting flavor profile. I would not get it again but the menu looks like there are lots of other yummy options.

    The Raven
    Tim H.

    Came in on a Sunday afternoon for a bit of reading and a coffee. The ordering process was smooth although we had to wait for someone to take our order for a few minutes. We didn't mind though! Once we placed our order, it became apparent that they were behind on orders. It took about 25 minutes for my drink and the people working definitely seemed stressed and doing their best. The coffee was good, I got The Raven which was cold brew with some hazelnut and pecan flavoring with some cream. I really enjoyed it, just took a very long time. I won't hold it against them though, we're all just doing our best. Check out this unique shop!

    Vegetarian paninis
    Amy L.

    + the sandwiches tasted fine, but - seemed misleading to use 'books' in their name: It is just a cafe in an old building with a not good-smelling room with a few bookshelves of old books in the back. - the staff I thought were quite casual. Everyone was drinking a drink, right in the front in front of the customers; they were talking loudly and laughing and just like, hanging out,... instead of getting orders ready. - I didn't have the feeling it was very clean I feel if the owners were to give their place a good deep clean, and focus on providing good service, they would have more business. Giving this advice to them is one major reason I have written this review.

    I got the Withering drink. It tasted like straight up bad milk. It did not taste like coffee at all. The place was very dirty and the set up was so odd. The service was terrible too.

    Joesh
    Ross S.

    Great service and a multitude of fresh delicious sandwiches. Would recommend to anyone trying to get breakfast and a coffee on the run

    Building
    Brian W.

    Great book and Great Coffee! It has a cute seating area- not too big but worth checking out if you are looking for Free Wifi and place to hang out! They can cook too- and they have local baked goods too. and Candy! They have a great porch too.

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    7 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    26 days ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Such a cute shop and in a great area. Great coffee and food with friendly service. Will be back!

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

    good atmosphere. You can donate books here. small and intimate. the food is plentiful

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great coffee and food, great service, and super chill vibe. I've got a new favorite spot in the East Village.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Best lattes in Des Moines. Love that they have a bunch of different milk alternatives

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Dude this place is soooo good my and my friends went there and we are gonna go regularly now I love this place go now

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    9 years ago

    Nice group, good tea, fast service, lots of books.

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    13 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Plain Talk Books & Coffee

    Review Highlights - Plain Talk Books & Coffee

    We had the vegan BLT with avocado added.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Fresko

    Fresko

    4.2
    (223 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    It was awesome! Went during Arts Festival. Brussel Sprout appetizer was one of those things that…read morehaunt you and you crave constantly. 2 of us cleaned up the plate. Beyond Delicious. I had double bone pork chop with some amazing corn/pepper mix OMG so incredible. Daughter had scallops. Drinks were out of this world. Bob Ross and daughter had mocktail. Our waiter was one of the best I've ever had in all my 65 years. Kudos Joshua! Seriously. It was just the entire best experience! So yes, HIGHLY recommend!

    I went twice in one day lol I only have pictures from brunch…read more For brunch, I had the eggs your way with scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, and a gluten free pancake. The food was plentiful and very good. The gluten free pancake was made out of rice flour. It was dense but still good. I personally like my sausage on the very well done side so they switched out my sausage from the one pictured. Went back for dinner and got the Half Roasted Chicken with Lemon Pan Sauce with the mini lavey mocktail. The dish was great. The greens had a bit of crunch to them. If I could change anything, I would get the sauce on the side. It was a bit overpowering but did not ruin the dish. I felt that the dish was seasoned well on its own. The mini lavey was *fine*. I wouldn't get it again. It was overpriced for the size and the taste was just fine. Service was 10/10. Bathrooms clean. Well decorated.

    Photos
    Dining area
    Dining area
    Golden Dragon Street Noodles
    Golden Dragon Street Noodles
    Fresko Salad

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    Fresko Salad

    Plain Talk Books & Coffee - media - Updated August 2026

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