If you are near the Independence area, Em's is a MUST. It is an awesome small business. The service…read moreis quick, and the employees are the sweetest and very personable. I've been to hundreds of coffee shops around the U.S, but this one is by far THE best. My go to is an iced salted honey latte. Their menu is huge. They also offer monthly drink specials. They have unique and delicious flavor combinations. And how could I forget their baked goods?!?! They always have a stacked bakery case. They've got the biggest cinnamon rolls with the best frosting. Em offers a newsroom which has a couch and several chairs for meetings, or just to hangout! Overall a must-try. I promise you'll be going back

The coffee was great. Had gelato and a couple smoothies. Went there twice while I was visiting in…read moreIndependence

Breakfast and lunch spot serving standards: omelettes, skillets, pancakes and french toast for…read morebreakfast; sandwiches, salads, "dinner" entrees for lunch. We have only eaten there at lunchtime - with mixed reviews. The Philly Cheese Steak, Mediterranean Chicken Salad, Chicken O'Philly and Teriyaki Chicken were all given a thumbs up. Their tenderloin is pounded too thin for my preference - and it might have been commercially prepared- so they have no ability to adjust the thickness. The biggest disappointment was the hot beef sandwich. Boars Head sliced beef, instant mashed potatoes and canned gravy. Not a winner in our book. Service is fine, ambience is small town diner. Well lunch there again - just not the tenderloin or hot beef.

Very friendly staff with great services and breakfast was fabulous. had very down home feel to it.read more

Real coffee. Real food. Real people…read more So grateful for this place! This is a great place to stop and stretch your feet. Also real clean bathroom! Nicest team, great recommendations and super efficient service. All the food was delicious and coffee hit the spot. This is a permanent add to when we travel by! Don't sleep on this or you will be wasting your money and tastebuds elsewhere on icky fast food and bad coffee. No one needs that in their life. :)

Enjoy trying different coffee shops & comparing. Stopped in and was not disappointed. Had a…read morewonderful mocha with lavender, husband had a fabulous smoothie with an amazing raspberry scones. Environment nice & clean. Friendly staff.

Good coffee and great scones! Always greeted with a smile and great service. Very nice atmosphere!read more

The coffee shop has a charming atmosphere, good coffee and quality food. I have enjoyed visiting…read morethere many times. Unfortunately, I had two recent interactions that changed my experience. On one visit I was showing my friends my homemade earrings. On another visit a friend brought me a birthday gift and was letting pick out the bracelet, The owner came by and gave the impression that my actions were being interpreted as conducting business, even though I wasn't, If the coffee shop has policies about sharing your handcrafts or exchanging gifts while at their shop that is their right, However, I left feeling unsure of what was and wasn't permitted. The experience made the atmosphere feel much less welcoming than I had previously experienced, because of those experiences, I'm likely not to return. If you're looking for a place where customers can comfortably meet friends and share personal projects or gifts, you may want to clarify the café's expectations first

This place is closed and gone. Site needs updating to reflect such. Franklin Street will be…read moremissed by many in the area.

Sad to say, they have announced closing the brewery. Such a great place, decor, and beverages.read more

This is our favorite spot to stop on our trips to Iowa city. It's the perfect distance from Dubuque…read moreand we love the farmhouse aesthetic.

Their espresso isn't the best I've had but it wasn't horrible by any means. They do have a lot of…read moreflavor options which I love to see in a coffee shop. We sat down to eat, service was quick and food reminded me of home. Their chicken salad is so good!

While visiting my mother in Oelwein, she told me about a new coffeeshop, Blackbird. I was so…read moreexcited to be able to get a good cup of coffee and I wasn't disappointed. The menu was ample, with options for milk being available. They have turned what was a vacant clothing store into a welcoming, beautiful space to enjoy your freshly made beverage. They have a map on which, if you're visiting, can put a pin on the map from where you are visiting. I was the first pin from Palm Springs...YAY. Misty, the owner, was also welcoming and she, one of her staff and I had a lovely conversation. If you happen to pass through or visit Oelwein, visit Blackbird Coffeehouse. You can thank me later.

Quick service, great tasting coffee! Many different options, cozy environment! I will be back!read more

Cutest little coffee shop! Best coffee we've had in a long time. Owners were so sweet and we loved…read morethe small town Iowa vibe with so many local goods for sale inside. Will be back!!

This is the worst location looking forward to another store opening up Megan was about as…read morefriendly as a rattlesnake! No smile no thank you and just a grumpy look on her face!

The staff here are very cheerful, enthusiastic and always patient. I love this place very muchread more