Server was helpful, nice quiet relaxing place to get the morning started. Drinks were well…read morepresented and tasted great.

This is a good coffee shop. It looks to be well supported by locals, which is always nice to see…read more Prices were better than other coffee shops around and they have complimentary biscoff cookies (score!). My latte was smooth, hot, creamy and just the right amount of foam, with a pretty heart design on top. The barista was friendly. The day I went, there were more than one group of locals meeting and chatting. So if you don't want the noise, bring headphones or sit at a table on the ground floor. There are many choices of where you can enjoy your beverage of choice.

These aren't just pastries; they're the kind of baked goods you think about long after they're…read moregone. Absolute perfection.

Stopped in to grab a couple of coffees, a scone and a cinnamon roll. The Encounter Cafe is…read moreliterally across the street from our hotel, so this was a no-brainer if you're looking for an upgrade to the complimentary powdered eggs and overused waffle machine offered by the hotel that your staying at. The space itself is large and looks to be separated into two halves. I entered on the one side, ordered at the counter, just like you would at any coffee shop and waited. This place serves a full-service breakfast as well if you're looking for something more substantial (eggs, panini's, pancakes, etc..). I was just here picking up and bringing it back to our room. The coffees were fine, but there was only one gentleman working the counter, and he was a bit overwhelmed. He forewarned me that he had 4-5 drinks ahead of mine, so I ended up sitting there waiting for about 15 minutes for our two drinks. I wasn't pressed for time today, but if I was, this would've been an issue. I ordered a raspberry chocolate scone and a cinnamon roll. The scone was delicious. Not too sweet and was definitely made this morning. The cinnamon roll was delicious as well, but it was extremely sweet. To the point where it hurt your teeth. It would also have been better if it were warmed up. Lastly, they gave me this big cinnamon roll in a bag without any napkins or utensils?!? I had to stop at the free breakfast at our hotel to get a fork, knife and some napkins. So kind of a mixed-bag at the Encounter Cafe. I would give it another shot and try some other things, but it didn't blow me away.

Best dang coffee/cappaccino I've ever had (I'm 77...I've had a lot of them)!!!…read moreGreat service, you order at the counter and pick up at the end of counter! They also have a drive thru window!!! The whole place smelled like wonderful dark roast coffee!!!

A cute, local coffee shop. Polite and efficient service and a really good iced London Fog. Parking…read moreis limited so consider carpooling if meeting friends.

Absolutely on of the best coffee shops! Service is always extraordinary and thr coffee is deliciousread more

Called the downtown location to ask about the roast date on their whole bean coffee before buying…read more The employee I spoke with seemed reluctant to even check. Her first answer was just that 'beans come in weekly,' and only after I asked again did she check the bag, reading off a 'best by' date (10/22/26) rather than an actual roast date. The whole exchange had a bit of an attitude to it, like a simple question was an inconvenience. When I thanked her for checking, she hung up on me without another word. Disappointing, especially from a local coffee company. A roast date is a basic thing to be able to share, and the brush-off (and hang-up) isn't a good look. I'll be buying my beans elsewhere.

Iced peanut butter pumpkin latte with oat milk with OUTSTANDING. The pumpkin taste was so fresh and…read morethey did not skimp on the peanut butter. The coffee is in a glass jar that you get to keep. It was an expensive latte for the size and being in lowa city, but the taste made up for it. Loved the vibes of the place too. I think definitely my new fav coffee in lowa City!!

First of all, let me say I WANTED to like this place, based on the reviews and the menu. I was…read morelooking for a local coffee house I could go to on my work break that had creative drinks and might have gluten-free bread to go with their toast or sandwiches. I looked online and on Instagram for a phone number, and couldn't find one, so I couldn't call to see if they had gluten-free bread. I decided to risk it and try it out anyway, because I was exhausted and their Bread 'n Butter latte sounded like the perfect pick me up. I got there and the guy at the counter informed me that they didn't have their toast, gluten-free bread, the Bread 'n Butter latte, or a phone number! I thought about leaving right then, but I decided to try the Let's Get Figgy latte, which was decent, but not good enough to bring me back after the other disappointments. And I could have saved time if I had been able to call them to make sure they had what I was looking for!

Lovely bookstore. Interesting and nontraditional topic groupings. Helpful book people. Comfortable…read moreatmosphere. Delicious ginger-turmeric latte with strawberry morning biscuit. Perfect start to our last day of vacation. Walking distance to Stanley Museum.

There is just something about going into independent bookstores that feels like taking a step into…read morethe past. This was definitely the case when I stepped into Prairie Lights Books. I was in town visiting campus and needed to bring something back for my kids. A friend recommended the store so I walked the couple blocks over from my hotel to check it out. A lot of bookstores neglect books for kids. To my amazement the entire lower level of the shop was for kids. It was fantastic. I walked around for a good 30 minutes checking out what they had to offer. The upstairs has more traditional selection of books. I was in a hurry so I didn't have time to check it out. It was a place though you could easily get lost just browsing the shelves. Looking at some of the reviews I somehow totally missed that there was a cafe attached as well! I'll have to check that out the next time I'm in Iowa City.

Sidekick is such a neat space! They have a great selection of books and tons of fun events. Their…read morecoffee and cocktails are spot on. Staff are fun, energetic, and engaging. A must see for book lovers!

A great spot for studying, meeting up with people, or just enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Wonderful…read moreatmosphere with plenty of books to browse.

Love this place! Great lighting and open seating. Good snacks. Good lattes. Friendly baristas. My…read morefavorite coffee shop in Iowa City.

Got Kindred delivered. Food was not as pictured on doordash. Very misleading but the coffee was goodread more

Good food, good drinks, wished more of their drinks had a decaf option tho- especially that ch…read more.. that one awesome drink they have, I forget what it's called, but it's soo good! Only problem is how it affects my anxiety later on! ^^; Also the Dry Rub wings- so good! I thiiink the Blu Cheese Dip was the better dip? But I'll have to try both dips again to verify to be sure-

Workers were incredibly rude. Rolled their eyes and were on their phones. Will not be returning.read more

I found this spot randomly when looking for a quality cafe/coffee spot with healthy lunch options…read more We were certainly pleased with the quality and selections. I didn't do the coffee but my friend enjoyed her iced latte. We shared an almond croissant and I must say, I'm generally not drawn to them. But THIS one just begged to be tried and it was the BEST pastry I've had, in ages. Truly so fresh, flakey and moist. I had to buy another to go as they are my moms favorite. Absolutely try them or get one for dessert, afternoon snack, or just because they are fabulous. Since we were meeting up to connect after far too long, we did a progressive lunch of sorts. The deconstructed falafel bowl was an easy choice for me as I wanted to get plenty of veg but also enjoy the classic Mediterranean flavors. These falafel are crafted very well - the herbs, spices, texture & quantity all make this salad top notch as a light but filling lunch. The thin layer of hummus underneath the salad made for a nice dressing of sorts. With the side of pita, I might have liked a bit more hummus to enjoy but ultimately had more food than I needed so truly can't complain. We split a few other treats for dessert - the cookie butter macaroon and the tiramisu parfait. The cookie was tasty, classic and certainly sweet. With a coffee alongside I think it would be a great treat to end a meal. The tiramisu was my choice and the espresso flavor I was craving paired with the creamy layers was just what I needed to end the meal. Definitely would come back another time when in the area to enjoy it all again, or maybe try more! The freshness and flavors of each item were impressive and I highly recommend you check this spot out if you haven't yet!

Great cafe joint with a trendy atmosphere. I had a chocolate croissant with cold brew. I'd like to…read moretry their lunch items next time as those looked delish. Check them out if you are in the mood for cafe style food or drinks. The pita bread looks good but did not try it. The service was good.