My husband and I grabbed a coffee at Zanzibar's while waiting for a tattoo consultation down the street at the Jade Rabbit (another great place; ask for Anna) and had a great time. Staff were attentive and friendly, despite a busy Saturday morning. My husband stuck with an Asiago bagel, and I tried their Mex Mocha -- both were delicious! While I didn't love the art on display this go 'round, I really appreciate that they showcase pieces from local artists. We'll definitely be back! read more

Great coffee and espresso. Delicious eggs and friendly baristas. I stopped by on my cross country drive and was very happy to find a shop that made a proper shot! read more

Best coffee in Des Moines easily. Staff are super knowledgeable and are very helpful. They also have a great selection of different coffee beans. The place itself is very cute and feels like a place you'd find a in larger city. read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Interior Coffee Shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Best coffee place in town!!! I love this place! It is my favorite coffee place out of all of Iowa! I usually get the Mocha Blanc ( white chocolate. They make their own whipped cream.... And roast their beans in-house that comes from all around the world! I've been going here for 24 years...... still trying to find a place that even comes close.... read more

Honestly, if good coffee beans are all you need, then this is a great option. However, I was a 3 to 4 times-a-week customer, usually ordering a large coffee and a baked item each day. Everything was great until they offered me the option to purchase a coffee card. I did so and was happy to commit to Zanzibar in that way. The first handful purchases were fine, they put a mark on my coffee card and charged my debit card for the baked good. However, at my most recent purchase, I was informed of their $5 debit card minimum policy, and I do not carry cash. I attempted to solve the issue with the cashier, but he harshly tapped his finger on a piece of small paper taped to the counter indicating the $5 minimum. I then asked for a refund for the remaining coffees on my card, and he offered me a cash refund. I explained AGAIN that I do not carry cash and that I paid for the coffee card with my debit card, but he said they could only issue cash refunds. He was unable to handle this interaction professionally. He became defensive, rude, and turned his back on me even though I did not raise my voice or cause a scene. I was not rude and I did not make it personal to him. To top it all off, at that exact moment, a different cashier ran another customer's card for a $4 purchase. Even after that was pointed out, they still refused to accept my purchase. If you have been there, then you know the coffee shop itself is a wildly overstimulating environment, and it is very easy to miss a small taped piece of paper on the counter. Unfortunately, the lack of logic in their policies and practices, lack of creative problem-solving, and at least this one worker's shear disrespectful behavior to customers makes it impossible to continue keeping Zanzibar as my primary coffee shop. read more

Great place and atmosphere , coffee was great. Will be back. Des Moines need more places like that read more

I've met people here for work a few times and it's usually steadily busy, even late in the morning. The staff are always very welcoming. The menu has something for everyone. The seating is limited and I didn't notice many outlets, so you might choose a different cafe if you're planning to plug in a computer and work/study while you enjoy your beverage or pastry. Zanzibar's seems to cater more to the chatting pairs or book reading cafe crew. Great little community cafe! read more

Zanzibars...i think they opened in 1993 after the flood....To some of the nicest people around... I grind their coffee everyday.... Julie is probably one matriarchs of independent coffee shops that are small business owners.... She was way before Starbucks was opened in 2002 in Des Moines.... Maybe the only older owners would be the the Coppola's the original owners of Java Joe's ... the new owners of the Java Joe's name closed the original shop and all others in Des Moines and moved to Ankeny... And the owners of friedrichs chain (Gary and Colleen Meyer) opened 1991, so Zanzibars has been serving Des Moines for 30 years still owned by of the nicest people- Julie ...maybe the oldest coffee shop in Des Moines that has had the same owner throughout? ...I hope you'll support a long time independent Business woman in her coffee shop... not only nice people work there but outstanding great coffee and a commitment to Fair Trade coffee...she actively searches out small farms and some are cooperatives that are run by women. .... I just had some wonderful Kenyan AA coffee from Zanzibars, of course I buy whole beans and grinded at home and have there for a years but this particular batch of coffee was so smooth it's kind of a dark roast almost no acid at all. Julie still displays local artists in her coffee shop and has for years and years on a rotating basis. They also have a nice eclectic breakfast menu and pastries. They do have coffee that's light roasted some even they call first crack and they have the syrups that they add to the coffee but they measure the amount in each drink so you'll get a consistent taste every time. They also have special holiday blends! The other thing I do there is by half pounds of coffee and give them to friends. So shop local during the Christmas season and give your friends some great coffee or enjoy some yourself. #zanzibarcoffee #smallbusiness #Freetradecoffee #locallyowned read more

Here's an updated review for Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure, incorporating your new points: Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure: A Local Gem with Superb Flavors and Fantastic Baristas Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure is a true neighborhood treasure that's been satisfying Des Moines coffee cravings since 1993. As a locally owned and operated spot, they take pride in small-batch roasting their beans right on-site, and you can truly taste the difference in their superb flavors and excellent roast. Whether you're a purist who loves a classic cappuccino or prefer something a little cozier like a chai latte, their full-service espresso bar has you covered, expertly crafted by their fantastic baristas. Beyond fantastic drinks, Zanzibar's also offers a limited breakfast menu and an array of sweet treats available all day, perfect for pairing with your brew. What really sets Zanzibar's apart is its unique ambiance and inviting atmosphere. It's an ideal spot to catch up with friends, get lost in a good book, or simply soak in the local vibe while admiring their rotating art display. You're encouraged to stay and savor your experience, which is a welcome change from the grab-and-go pace of many coffee shops. Zanzibar's truly embodies the spirit of a local hangout. read more

Good place to experience but will not be rushing back any time soon. We had a latte and a cappuccino which were good but lacking in some flavor. We were there on a Saturday morning and it was extremely busy, the staff was very nice, and it was fun to be in a busy coffee shop on the weekend! read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Latte and cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Always a good experience coming here! Great coffee and service with a smile. Love that smell!

I like this cafe a lot! They are very knowledgeable and seem very passionate about coffee. They have a lot of different types of coffee bean you can buy to take home, but if you get a drink to-go, l it will be made quick and well too! read more

Amazing place! Wonderful service and delicious coffee! Look no further for coffee and a great breakfast sandwich! read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Amazing service and great coffee! Loved the vibes, especially being from out of state. Kudos!

Ambience cannot be beat. They blend their beans in house and offer many different roasts. Check this place out if you want good service and a relaxed atmosphere. read more

This seems to be the coffee SPOT for Des Moines It was absolutely packed when we got there, and we struggled to find a table. However, we did manage to snag one so we could sit down while enjoying our coffee/food. I got a triple latte which was sooooo good. I did not feel super jittery after though, so maybe I'll advance to something more intense next time lol. I also got their breakfast sandwich which was really really yummy. They gave us sriracha to put on it which was just *chef's kiss*. The inside is very cute as well, but like I said it gets busyyy. And the inside is not super large, so I wouldn't really reccomend working from here...but great spot to chat with a friend. read more

I have no idea how it took us so long to try Zanzibar! We came here after a race downtown and had the absolute best time. The staff is extremely friendly and the ambiance is peaceful and true coffee shop vibes. There's so many plants and local art. We ordered coffees, egg sandwiches, and a cinnamon roll. The coffee is obviously fresh roasted and I am still dreaming about the egg sandwiches. Can't wait to go back! read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Egg sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Just came back from a delicious breakfast and tea/coffee adventure. It was my husband and I's first time in here so we were excited to experience it together. You come in and order what you want then look for seating. Seating is limited so keep that in mind if you are wanting to dine in. They do have a cute spot in the back where you can sit but on a hot day like today unless your not 8 months pregnant and can bare the heat I recommend that spot but we went inside for some cool AC. My husband ordered the cold brew and I ordered the Earl Grey tea with steamed oat milk per the review below me and it was everything ML said. Heaven in a cup! We both ordered the eggs espresso with gluten free toast because of our allergy. I later remembered I saw someone mention their homemade jam so I had a side of raspberry jam and sriacha for my eggs because well I always need spice in my taste buds. Let me start of by saying the eggs were epic! I've never had steamed eggs. Wow! were they delicious, yes and fluffy! The cheese on top just hit the spot too and well my sriacha just matched my soul. I was so amazed by the steamed eggs. I'm the type of person who will sit there making love to my food so excuse me if I am a little extra while I eat. I try to keep it PG. The toast with the raspberry jam was a delight as well. I wonder if they sell the jam? because I made sure to eat the rest of it after I was done spreading some on my bread. It was that good. My hubby loved this spot too. He loved the eggs as well since it was his first time having them cooked that way. I tried his coffee and it was better than any chain coffee spots cold brew for sure. Zanzibar is very affordable. All we got was under 25 dollars not including tip because we did tip. Definitely will be back and recommend this spot to everyone. read more

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The place was buzzing and I was lucky to find an open table. The tables are inches apart from another so you can't be the claustrophobic type. I had just spent 30 minutes photographing outdoor sculptures at the DM Art Center and was chilled to the bone. Placed my order at the counter. Sat at my little round table waiting for my order about ten minutes. The sandwich and drink were brought to my table and both were fantastic! I didn't know an egg sandwich could taste so heavenly. The hot chocolate was served in a tall clear glass mug with a handle and topped with lot of whip cream. The temperature was perfect. Walked in frozen and moody, left feeling fully thawed, refreshed and pampered. I can recommend going here. read more

Coffee was just okay. I ordered a breakfast meal, and only received part of the order. The dining area is pretty small and crowded, making it hard to enjoy my visit. The employees were very kind though. read more

My daughter wanted to grab a coffee from somewhere that was better than Ankeny. I towed her in the truck and headed down here to give it a try. I wrested with the decision to choose between hot and cold. The 110 degree heat index ultimately made the decision for me so I went with a Polar Bear and she grabbed an iced latte. Both were wonderful, but the mildly sweet polar bear won for me. Liked it so much we grabbed a pound of the Ethiopian Guji Kelleuro. Mmmmmm read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Polar bear from iced latte back. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Coffee'Coffee'Coffee'~PrettyPlease. Can you say Coffee? As soon As you walk in the door your senses will be Alerted to Coffee'CoffeeCoffee' yes Please. Gets very busy but the pro Baristas are always on Game. Don't know why but I always go with the Grizzly Bear, Think Capachino Milk Shake, not too Sweet and plenty of Coffee'Coffee'Coffee of Course. My good friend had a Double and did'nt even have to load it with Sugar, Impressive. Next time we'll try the eats and go home with some Roasted Beans...Gets a little Loud with good conversation but Who Cares it's; Coffee'Coffee'Coffee' for Sure!!! read more

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Best coffee roaster in Iowa ! Love their Ethiopian roasts. Superior brewed at home without DesMoines water. read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Beans - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Mocha Mex was amazing! Best mocha ever had. Regular coffee was perfect, too. Enjoyed it alot read more

I haven't had a better cappuccino in Des Moines. The Mexican mocha is a super delicious sweet treat. Not much else to say; if you really like coffee or espresso, definitely go here. They have a ton of options. read more

A must if you're in the area. The coffee is delicious and I personally like the cafe Zanzibar which is not too sweet but still has flavor. Not a ton of room to sit on the weekends, but it's travels well. Staff was so friendly read more

Local coffee shop located on Ingersoll. Friendly and helpful staff. Love the smell of fresh roasted coffee beans when you first walk in. There are a few parking spots out front. Simple pastries and chocolate covered espresso beans for sale. Enjoyed the simple iced coffee. read more

One of the original hard hitters on the coffee shop scene in Des Moines - Zanzibar is a place to go if you just really love coffee! I remember coming here all the time back in high school before all the chain coffee shops moved in and options were limited. Not much has changed since then - but the coffee is still incredible! Great crafted drinks, great atmosphere, and no WiFi -- so sit down, relax, enjoy a cup, and pretend like it's 1990 something again!! read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I love leaving a 5 star review!! Been here a handful of times now and I've been pleased every time. Walking in on a Saturday morning might be intimidating with a full house and long line but it is so worth it. The coffee and food are amazing! So many drinks to chose from! Their house coffees are just as spectacular. I love that you can order drinks with almond and soy as milk substitutions. A dozen different pastries to pick. Their breakfast plates are delectable. Get the Eggs Expresso: two steamed eggs with cheese on an english muffin. Had a friend recommend it, I tried it, and now I'm recommending!!! Service is great! They get busy but they all have great composure handling everyone equally and efficiently with kindness. I like that I can sit down after ordering and they come over and serve me---when they don't really have to! They can call out your name but I like how personable they are by coming over to the table and serving. The environment is shabby: old wood floors, small older tables and chairs. There is "bar" seating at the front and back of the cafe. Coffee bags line the sidewall of the café and coffee accessories occupy the cash register area. This place is the place to come to on a Saturday morning. Almost like another breakfast hotspot like La Mie bakery. Come here to get delicious coffee and food, also expect to see people you know here. read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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First thing's first: I'm in love with the classical music they have playing up in here. It reminds me of those moments in car when I'm feeling extra cool cruising down the road with smooth jazz rolling into my ears. And to top off the cool and cultured vibe, they have a plentiful stash of newspapers at the counter ranging from local to The New York Times. Simple touches like this brighten my day. I'd also like to give a nod to the abundant stash of living plants in the front of the shop - they create a cozy atmosphere that makes it hard to leave. I am not a coffee drinker, but when I'm told by multiple local sources to check out a particular coffee shop, I'll be damned if I don't give said coffee a shot. As was the case with Zanzibar's. The barista recommended that I try the Mexican Macchiato - which was a brilliant recommendation given my novice level expertise and palate. The chocolate, nutmeg and cinnamon worked together to make the coffee taste both manageable and present. In fact, it was so good, I am sitting here at Starbucks drooling and wishing I could have one....now. So, why not the fifth star? Well, dear reader, it all comes down to the lack of internet/wifi found at Zanzaibar's. I had my laptop in tow and was ready for a serious work session that ended up turning into a "get creative and think of work that can be done without the interwebz" session. Crafty I was and lingered I did. My next visit is more likely to be a newspaper scavenging Saturday morn. read more

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Best coffee shop anywhere, no contest. No longer live in DSM but stoped in when I was back in town. Best coffee and service, as always. Haven't found a place half as good even out in LA. read more

Best coffee on our 3 week roadtrip. Really kind staff, excellent dark roast beans, and a fun local vibe. We could have spent hours, and would be regulars if we lived here. read more

Serving up fresh roasts and good company since 1993. Zanzibars was one of the very first local coffee shops in Des Moines, and has long since established itself as the place to start your day on the the Ingersoll Avenue strip. Zanzibars' beans are roasted in-house and expertly brewed. Exceptionally well prepared cafe mochas and (my favorite) iced toddies are to be had here, along with eggs delicately scrambled/cooked to perfection via steamers and a decent selection of pastries. Enjoy! read more

Zanzibars continues to offer a very wide selection of quality beans and their roasting techniques are perfect. Thank you for being our favorite and most beloved coffee location in Des Moines. 5 stars read more

Delicious coffee, quick service,...overpriced breakfast. Seriously, eat before you go because you don't want to spend that much on eggs. However, the quality service and coffee really speak for themselves. The beans are roasted to perfection, and the baristas treat their roasts the right way. Espresso, cappuccino, you name it, they do it exquisitely and then some. Fast, efficient, kind service. My go-to place if I ever return to Des Moines. read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Gorgeous bar area. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Very rare and well deserved treat! While traveling all over the world we are always looking for something local and special. This place has exceeded our expectations - service, food offerings, artisan breads and definitely - incredible coffee selection. Highest marks. Can't wait to be back!! read more

My mom started taking me to Zanzibar's when I was like, 4. Now, I didn't start drinking coffee til around age 12, but regardless, this café has been an important scene in my young life. Did increased caffeine intake starting at a younger age than most dishevel many of the synapses in my brain? Probably yes. Was it worth it? Undeniably. Taste their espresso. You'll agree with me and my porous cerebrum. Des Moines has an inordinate coffee shop presence. There's 1 for every 500 residents (note: this statement was not researched or cited from an empirically valid source, but cmon, it's probably true). Because of all the needless java, there's a lot unavoidable advert for inessential potables. You don't want a bad latte. You want the best latte. It's called the Coffee Adventure for a reason. Also, and this is really important, best scotcheroo west of the Mississippi. Honestly, any other scotcheroo tastes like raw flour to me now. Raw, slightly damp, flour. Go to Zanzibar's. read more

Really great coffee. I had a latte and it was the hottest cup of coffee I've had in a long time. We ate some toasted bagels for breakfast but the eggs looked really good and I wish I would have tried them. I also got a mixed berry scone to go (I know, lotta carbs) but the extra calories were worth it. Ask to get it warmed up. Great service. Very artsy vibe inside. Eat in as a mug is so much better to experience coffee than the usual tippy cup. read more

Pass on food here, unless you are REALLY craving toast. It's just not that good. But the coffee...oh boy. This place has the BEST iced mocha in the metro area. It's like a thick, coffee-bitter chocolate milk and I am here for that. Truly amazing and I love the funky hipster vibe of the place. It feels a little like a secret, which is fun. It's NOT a secret though, given how crowded the small space can become. Give yourself time here, as there is going to be a line. But it's worth it. read more

Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure - Iced cafe mocha. One of the best ones I've ever had! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Cute little place with great food, coffee, and service. A really friendly atmosphere.