I can't resist neighborhood spots when traveling, so was stoked that I could hit Saints Rest and Jay's Deli simultaneously! Getting into the fall season feels, I ordered a pumpkin latte....with almond milk (don't judge, am lactose intolerant!). It was so delish! Smooth, tasty and well balanced. This local coffee shop was cozy, casual and seemed like a great spot for Grinnellians - I would be a regular if I lived here! read more

Mocha was too sweet to drink. Had a few sips, added coffee to try and make it better and drank a bit more but eventually gave up. Didn't have any savory breakfast food options but cookies and muffins looked good. Cute local place if you like black coffee and want to hang out. But probably not if you want espresso drinks. read more

Sadly, mediocre at best. I would skip this place entirely. Tried coffee and food, both were poor quality, not homemade....meh....nothing special. We ended up throwing both drink and the cookie we bought away as both of my kids said the cookie was "bad"...tasted like a box mix that was overcooked. read more

Very nice atmosphere and staff with good coffee and excellent cookies. The coffee shop is decorated with local art and some jewelry. In addition there is a local deli in the back of the building. Overall a very good experience. read more

Saints Rest Coffee House - Inside coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Grinnell, Iowa

Love the community spirit and the cortado! I also recommend the dark roast and Monster cookies.

I enjoy this local spot. It makes for a great place to meet up with some other creatives in the community and just to rest your bones for a second too. The folks at the counter have always been very pleasant (and quick!). The mix of seating is eclectic and varied. You'll likely find the type of seat you want in here -whatever your version of 'coffee shop' is in your head. Nothing so far on the menu has sent me to the moon, but the basics are there. Disclaimer: I don't actually drink coffee, so I go for other things. It's cool having Jay's deli attached in the back as well for an option, but that's a separate review ;) read more

Great cappuccino in Iowa. Bustling with college kids and locals - great vibe. Crowded but not hard to find a table.

I had the pleasure of visiting Saints Rest yesterday for the 1st time. Our internet was out and I needed a solid place I could work for several hours. First of all, the space! It's adorable - a mix of old and new, lots of artwork up on the walls, tin ceiling tiles, and various types of seating available, too - from traditional table and chairs to comfy couches! It's such a warm, welcoming space. The lemon muffin was delish! I learned they're baked fresh daily. Drinks - I had a large iced mocha and a few soda waters. Yummy! If you need a place to set up your laptop to crank out some work, this place is perfect! Free WiFi - and there are extra power strips throughout - for just that very reason. Wow! The best part though - the staff! I neglected to catch the staff members' name who initially welcomed and helped me. I do remember Ren though! They were especially kind to me - sharing more about the cafe (pro tip they told me - it's much cooler to sit in the middle to back of the place vs the windows in front of the stage). I had set-up my mini office at one of the tables looking right outside the windows. Ren noticed (it was near closing time mind you!) I had gulped down my water and brought me another. Wow! Definitely not the personal touch you'd get at some stuffy, corporate place (like Starby's). Overall, highly recommend -- and, I will definitely be back! read more

I love talking to Sam everyone she's in there it's an awesome environment and the drinks taste great

Stopped by on our way across country & so happy we did! Terrific coffee (& yes, they do have decaf if you can only drink it like me) & the service was great. It wasn't super busy, but that was because 1) they had just opened (it was 6:30) & 2) the college students weren't in town yet. A little bit off the highway, but totally worth the stop! read more

Saints Rest Coffee House - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Grinnell, Iowa

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The coffee was delicious! I has both an iced mocha and an iced chai with oat milk and both were wonderful. The ambiance was inviting as well. read more

Saints Rest Coffee House - iced mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Grinnell, Iowa

This coffee house in is an historic building in the cutest little town. The coffee and the service were excellent. read more

Saints Rest Coffee House - the inside of the restaurant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Grinnell, Iowa

Awesome atmosphere and people for a small town in Iowa, but something happened to the quality of the actual coffee drinks since the last time I was there. It is WEAK. We added extra shots of espresso to our drinks and they still tasted like water. The sandwich shop in the back is really good though. read more

This used to be one of my favorite coffee shops. I still really love their drinks, but last time I was in there the owner yelled at the whole place, twice. It was very uncomfortable and not the calming atmosphere I'd hope for while studying in a coffee shop. If you're looking for a good coffee in town, I would still say this is a good place to grab one. read more

Great coffee shop with an array of hot and cold coffee and tea drinks. My cold brew with almond milk hit the spot. Cozy and laid back atmosphere with comfy seating to study or relax. Prices are good too. read more

Came in today for coffee and a cookie for my son. He seemed to like the cookie but the basic black coffee tasted like water boiled in a old carafe used to make coffee in the past. Disappointing. The vibe was nice with a local band playing music, though. read more

The best. I will miss Saints Rest when my kid graduates. Worth coming back to Grinnell for the warm blueberry muffins, perfect-every-time coffee, and the good banter mixed with hospitality. Love this place. Nothing like it back in NYC. read more

As we were driving down I-80, it was like a beacon of heaven on my google map - the promise of a real cup of coffee. They didn't disappoint as this weary traveler with two screaming kids and a cranky husband in tow shut out the din of unhappiness with a slam of a Tuscon door. Taking a deep chilly Iowan air breath, I went in...stumbled really, through the double doors. The barista was friendly and warm, but not too much prozac happy. It was a neat space of mixed art amongst some very chill people. The iced coffee I had was just what I needed; by bold, tasty, and zingy. People of the interstate, lend me your ear! Put down your Sapp Brothers and Loves coffee. There is another option...Saints Rest. read more

Delicious coffee, tea and pastry! We love stopping at coffee shop as we travel and we will definitely be coming back to this shop! Friendly staff and delicious coffee. Don't forget to try the carrot muffin! read more

Wow! Great coffee and super nice people. Even the patrons are super friendly. This place was so great I went twice today!

Saints Rest is a homey coffee shop with chairs, couches, tables, paintings, and a wide variety of available coffee and non-coffee drinks along with assorted baked items. College students, local town people, and travelers go to this place for refreshment and company. Carrie is a magnificent barista who remembers what you typically order and who smiles and jokes and helps people feel wonderful. read more

We were passing thru on are way to Indiana from Denver for the holidays. We found this place on yelp and took a detour off 70 to get a cup of joe. As we entered the shop we received a warm midwestern greeting. The coffee is fresh, hot and ready to be served by an energetic own. The cookies and pasties are prepared by the owner or a local resident. The peanut butter cookie and home made cinnamon roll were amazing. Worth the detour. read more

Possibly the best thing about Saint's Rest is that it has the cosmopolitan feel of an urban coffee shop while maintaining the unpretentiousness of a small town establishment. A sign on the counter reminds long-time customers that the tab system will no longer be honored, and another sign reminds you to get off your phone, or that friends don't let friends drink Starbucks. The space itself is unbelievable-- high ceilings, ample lighting, pleasant atmosphere. There is a lot of art on the walls, most of which is bizarre and unremarkable but some of which is quite good. Sticky buns are unbelievable-- possibly worth a visit in the first place. Muffins are respectable. Quality of the coffee isn't superb-- it's never brewed very strong, or perhaps it just isn't great quality coffee. For this reason I usually just get a cup (as opposed to a mochachino latté with hemp milK), which, at 50 cents for a refill, cannot be beaten by the nearest Starbucks in Iowa City. The Back Alley Deli is part of the same space, and serves sandwiches, but I can't comment on the quality of their food. Owner is possibly the coolest dude ever. read more

This is the kind of place that makes a big city girl think she could actually live in small town Iowa...for a limited period of time, of course. Stopped in yesterday for a coffee, back this morning to grab some delicious oatmeal and another coffee for breakfast, and they remembered me! It's a big, roomy, beautiful space, with plenty of seating options (couches!) and reading materials. Not sure if they have wi-fi but there were lots of people on their computers at tables, and it's peaceful, quiet, and homey there. The staff is very pleasant and friendly (but not overly so), and they have a huge coffee menu and lots of baked goods options. Yesterday I indulged in a taste of what I think were white chocolate cookies (with some kind of nuts maybe?) and as a baker myself with incredibly high standards, they were delicious. This morning I couldn't resist buying a Rhubarb/Brown Sugar scone, but it's waiting for me in the car for my drive to the airport in Des Moines. They have tons of syrups (and a huge selection of sugar-free ones, much better than the chain stores!) and I overheard one of the people making a drink talking to the customer about why she does it the way she does - sounded as if she had gone through some testing herself to perfect the recipe. I love this place, and would go every day if I lived here. read more

Great Coffee house with wonderful pastries. Owned by Jeff P. an alum of Grinnell College. The place has great coffee, Starbucks style menu, and college students and professors hang out there. My husband was going to try to track down his favorite professor and he was there having coffee. Jeff also had art and pottery made by local artisans and craft people for sale. Kind of like stuff one would have seen in the Cornerstone before it closed. Great coffee, pastries, nice atmosphere and a nice College and community hang out. A great place to have coffee in Grinnell. read more

Saints Rest, you had me at compostable corn cup. Thanks to your napkins, I am well educated in the many ways to prevent unwanted or unintended pregnancies (Avoid the Stork). Not only do you have my best interest in mind, but you also make delicious italian sodas, smoothies and coffees. And if I need a little nourishment you provide, with a charge, cupcakes, scones, cookies, bagels and muffins. Theres no place better, in Grinnell, than Saints Rest to grab a chair, rest your derriere, open a book and study. read more

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I mean, this place is alright. It's really the only place in Grinnell... The coffee shop is def. ok for the sugary Starbucks type of drink. They have a little food. Their food menu seems to continue to grow. I guess when you are the only coffee shop in town, you don't have to be the best. I will say, they have some fun seating and lots of places to have large groups hang out! read more

Coffee was fine. In house service was the most uptight I've ever experienced. Had a group of about 14 warning up with over half buying coffee. Got kicked out by workers because of a management policy if you don't buy you can't stay. Crazy to kick out paying customers as well even though staff was fairly friendly about it. Even had signs posted at every table not allowing singles or to sit at a table of four. Keep in mind this place wasn't busy. Good coffee. Not a relaxing atmosphere. read more

Bakery for hungry students (bagels, fresh baked scones, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies): 1) ingredient: deliciousness, happiness 2) magical effects: make you smile all day, grant you power to put beautiful words on your papers 3) limitations: only last for 2 hours before you have to get another one. Coffee and tea for sleep-deprived students and profs: 1) ingredients: alertness, anti-procrastination 2) magical effects: finish your 300 pages reading, two response essays, study for a few exams, and manage to catch up on gossips all in a lovely sunday afternoon. 3) limitation: refill needed every 2 hours. maximum 4 cups of 20oz a day. read more

Coffee is ok at best. Lacks depth and flavor. The baked goods section is abysmal, and lacked any freshly baked vegan options. The atmosphere is interesting and there is lots of seating. 2.5 stars is more accurate. I think this coffee shop knows it has a captive audience and doesn't think they need to improve. read more

Great coffee house in the middle of a cozy downtown. The brewed coffee was smooth, hot, and delicious. Baked goods outstanding. Strawberry rhubarb muffin fresh, fruity, and delightful. The twice baked cinnamon rolls were superb. The service was outstanding. Get off the highway and drive the extra three miles to downtown to get coffee here. read more

Great coffee! Super nice staff, even when I showed up 10 minutes before closing. Looking forward to the next caramel breve!

Wonderful ambiance-great coffee- these two Oregonians felt right at home! Only a 5 minute drive from the interstate, well worth the very slight detour from the main drag and we learned some commendable facts about this sweet little college town. read more

Saints Rest Coffee House - Friendly & funky - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Grinnell, Iowa

The best (and only) coffee shop in Grinnell. Sam is incredibly friendly, the coffee is great, atmosphere is super-comfortable, and if you visit around lunchtime, you can grab a sandwich from the 1854 Deli in the back. Saints Rest is a Grinnell institution - visit, enjoy, partake, and let your friends know. read more

Driving through Iowa in search of Louis Sullivan buildings, my wife and I stopped in Grinnell to visit the Merchants National Bank, which is just round the corner from this coffeehouse. It was a long trek between Cedar Rapids (where we were staying) and Grinnell, and I was flagging and praying for caffeine by the time we parked downtown. At first there didn't seem to be any options for coffee--REAL coffee--available, and it didn't help that the temperature had dropped several degrees since we set out that morning. Thrillingly, after checking out the bank, we turned the corner and discovered Saints Rest Coffeehouse. Great latte, nice staff, warm and comfy digs. Highly recommended to all my fellow architecture geeks. In fact, the guys behind the counter suggested a few other architectural sights to see in the area--including the Ricker House by Walter Burley Griffin. Thanks! read more

Wonderful history behind the Saints Rest--which is why Obama visited on his way through not long ago. They serve the best plain iced coffee I've ever had. The coffee house recently changed ownership (now run by Cox), but the transition was smooth and the new owners have maintained the quality service and product I came to expect from the Phelps's (previous owners). Beats the socks off of any Starbucks I've ever been too--plus if you're there at lunchtime you can get great sandwiches from the deli in the back. read more

This place is wonderful to have in Grinnell, which is otherwise devoid of any other hangout/coffee shop businesses. That being said, the quality of drinks varies and the staff is a little too aloof sometimes. But it is definitely one of the nicer places to spend time in the "downtown" area. read more

Since changing owners, Saints Rest Coffee House has not only spruced up its deco, it has also gotten a new crew of super friendly, super helpful baristas. I cannot begin to say enough about this place. I go in pretty often because I work two doors down from the building and I have never once had a bad experience there. The coffee is the best in Grinnell, and frankly better than a lot of coffees that I have had in Chicago. It is rich and smooth. Even their darker blends have a rich flavor, without being overly burnt (which normally takes away from the real flavor of the bean). My only wish is they would go back to serving a light roast coffee every once in a while because I love light roast. The atmosphere is amazing. It is a nice mix of homey and eclectic. I have spent so many days buried into one of the sofas and I sip on coffee or chai. Be sure to try out their cinnamon toast thing; I think it is called rouse. They are to die for. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I order one of those. They are super affordable and they can always help out a sweet tooth. read more

A great, local coffee shop! It seems like everyone knows each other, and the staff is very friendly. There was a back up on espresso drinks, but the barista was keeping everyone entertained in the meantime. read more

We pulled into Grinnell, IA with nothing open on Labor Day. The coffee house was open, so we hoped for some food there. Unfortunately, all of the pastries looked incredibly old and stale. We opted for coffee instead. It was decent coffee, though certainly not pulling off the exit. I wouldn't recommend going for the food, but the atmosphere and barista was nice. read more