Plain Talk Books & Coffee was the perfect way to start our morning in Des Moines! If you love cozy coffee shops with character, this one is definitely worth a visit! Part bookstore and part café, the space is lined with shelves of new and used books, making it easy to grab a coffee and browse for a while. We stopped in for breakfast, and honestly, the bagels and breakfast sandwiches were the highlight! Everything was fresh, the coffee was excellent, and the atmosphere made us want to stay longer but we had items on our itinerary to knock out! I'd highly recommend adding Plain Talk Books & Coffee to your Des Moines itinerary! read more

See all

Nice staff who brought my order to me while I browsed their book selection. Lots of options to choose from for lunch. I got the cheese panini and iced coffee and enjoyed both. Seems like it would be a great place to study or work remote. Would recommend and will visit again. read more

See all

Such a cute spot to grab lunch or a latte! Very affordable! I got the vegan BLT and it was great. I would have liked a little more mayo, but still solid 8/10. My mom got the Sparrow Panini and said it was really good, just a bit on the fatty side with the bacon. 9/10. Our lattes were amazing, honestly better than any other place around. I got the iced Gandalf and my mom had the iced Raven. Both were so good. Love the retro vibe and the little bookstore inside. They also have live music on the weekends. Highly recommend! Buy local coffee over franchise coffee. read more

See all

I hung our here yesterday morning with a nice cup of coffee (free refills), roomy table opportunities, and lots of books over at least a few rooms. I was here to meet my Sister and her husband to go over some estate paperwork related to our late Father. It was a nice and relatively private to do all that. Next time I'm in, I'll make it a point to also grab a bite. read more

I was hesitant to come back after my last experience, but since I was just getting something to go, I gave it another shot. The young man working the counter was really friendly. I lingered by the books as I was waiting on my sandwich. I don't know if it was an owner or a manager, but a man came out and started talking to the person at the counter very disrespectfully. He was yelling at him about how they weren't doing the money and payouts right, and they're missing a ton of money everyday. Then he started yelling at him about the orders they had been placing and how he was just doing this and that wrong. He wasn't giving the kid a chance to talk and kept talking loud over him. It seemed very inappropriate to be having this happen in front of a customer and it made me feel really awkward. I got my ham and egg bagel sandwich and the ham was still kind of cold. They have a good selection of books, but I will not be back. read more

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. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Buffalo grilled cheese - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I love these types of places. I'm glad they still exist. I found a great old book. If it had been earlier in the day, I'd have had a cup of coffee. Staff was pleasant. The next time I'm in town, I'll come in the morning and get a cup of coffee and take my time looking over the nice collection of books they have. read more

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

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. read more

See all

First time here while visiting this part of des moines, we had to wait forever to even order, the idea of the place was cute but the customer service was terrible. I asked an older lady if they did latte art because I was considering ordering a cappuccino instead of an iced drink if they did and I was snickered at and made fun of for my simple question, after getting my food and drink my food was completely cold and not even cooked but at-least the iced latte was ok. (Also had to wait 40+ minutes for cold food) read more

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! read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - The Raven - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Good coffee and atmosphere for this east village shop. The staff was friendly and gave great recommendations. Got coffee pretty quickly and parking in back was easy. The bookshop part is a mix of mostly used and some new books. It's a good option to browse and find versus if you're looking for a specific book. read more

Okay. Two things. This place is really cute. A functional bookstore, and a coffee bar with ice cream! What's not to love? On the other hand I have a really hard time recommending it. We waited SO long for our drinks and food. People were getting upset and leaving. And when it did come the portions were quite small for what we paid. I'm sure we went on a bad day, but that's the only time I've gone so that's my only experience. I'm sure when they're staffed, they're better - but if you're in a hurry maybe factor that in. read more

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

Vegans unite! Great sandwiches and love the vibe of being surrounded by books! We had the vegan BLT with avocado added. It was on a delicious toasted bagel...so good and can't wait to come back! read more

+ 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. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Vegetarian paninis - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Going into this little cafe, it was a pleasant experience as I came on a non-busy day. The sandwich selection had fun interesting names and it would go the same with the coffee that they offered. I had the "Don't cry, Big Bird" which was absolutely hilarious and it tasted great. It for sure filled me up and had me satisfied. I also ordered a specialty coffee and I had the "Giovanni's Room". I think the coffee was too sweet for my taste and it was a bit less enjoyable. When ordering, the man at the counter was so fun to talk to and enlightened my stay. Other than coffee and sandwiches, they also have ice cream that you can pick from, however I did not get any during my stay. While waiting for my food, I played chess to past the time, and when the food did come, it was nice to have a conversation as I ate with my partner. I forgot to mention that there is a variety of games that this place holds and there are so many books to look at. Overall, Plain Talk Books & Coffee is an all in one hang out spot in the Des Moines East Village area. Make sure to bring a friend to experience it with you. read more

Don't eat here. Stopped by to get a sandwich. Sounded great, was actually looking forward to eating it. That was until after I ordered it. One of the people chilling at a table that was coughing up a lung turned out to be one of the cooks and went into the back to make the sandwich. I heard the cook coughing multiple times while making my food. And these weren't regular coughing, it was deep, flem filled coughs. No person who is sick in any way should be in the kitchen making food for others let alone one with a respiratory sickness. I was so taken aback that I just wanted to get out of there. Threw out that biohazard of a sandwich and went somewhere else. Disgusting. read more

I had't been in here since it got remodeled after Covid. I was happy to see that the cafe is completely updated with a complete VEGAN menu!! WHOOHOO. This review pertains to the cafe in the front. I did not checkout the books in the back. Although there could be updates to the space, the coffee and the food are great. I had the vegan tuna melt and my hubby had the vegan bagel breakfast sandwich and it was pretty much the best vegan cafe food I've had in Des moines. Usually I get a dry heavy pancake that is also gluten free, grouped together, like it's the same thing. Anyway, give this place a try, especially if you want a variety of plant-based options. The reason I gave it 5 stars, although the place could use upgrading, is because it was affordable. 2 meals and a large latte for $20!? read more

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. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Joesh - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Building - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

See all

Cute little independent book store that sells local art, local music (vinyl, tapes, cds) and used and new books. They also have a full fledge kitchen and coffee shop that has sandwiches and and other hot and cold items! The staff is super nice and they even have Art Bazars that have local artist showing off art and local music during the bazar. Great place to sit and read, grab lunch, or get a coffee. Not huge so it might fill up fast during lunch, but a great little spot to spend some time with a book in the east village. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

one of the worst coffee places I've ever been too, got the hot chocolate with the dumb name and it tastes like milk that's been watered down. the one guy there was a jerk and played his podcast out loud at full volume the whole time I was there. when I asked him to turn it down he got really mad and left the store for awhile. the only redeeming thing is that the books are pretty cheep. read more

Was on a field trip with students and parents. Around 50 people total. The D line was running late and it was a heat index of 96. A few adults went inside to see if we could get a discount if we bought 50 1/2 scoop ice cream cones. The shop only sells two scoops. (Two scoops for two dollars.) The manager said "no. We will not sell one scoop for one dollar." There was 50 people standing outside that were willing to pay, as well as the adults who would have bought themselves drinks etc. When I asked for the manager, A girl kept walking back and talking to another guy for direction. Probably the owner. We were the only people standing around in the empty lobby with no customers, she said "I am the manager." When I asked to speak to the owner she went back and asked same guy some thing and then came back and said, "He's not available, and he'll never be available if I call, and I'll never be able to speak to anyone but her and Bill has left." Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but it didn't look like the three of them were doing anything since the place was completely empty and I was certain the owner would prefer to make the $50 in 10 minutes as opposed to the zero they made while we were standing outside in the heat waiting for the bus. By the time our bus came, they still had no customers. If you're a person who wants someone to appreciate your hard earned money, don't go there! There were three employees, no customers, and they didn't understand how to scoop a half a scoop of ice cream to make money. (While serving a bunch of adults) Nor did they understand how make a good impression on us. Instead, they turned every student, future customers, and every parent, totally off from ever wanting to go back. Nothing is worse than workers having no sympathy for children standing out in the heat. They simply didn't want to bother with us, that was the message we all got. They were too busy chatting. My vote is no, and I forwarded this review to all of our families. read more

I was in Iowa for the 1st time about 2 weeks ago. I was looking for some coffee,because i didn't want the coffee at my hotel. I googled coffee shops near me. I went to the 1st one and it was closed and i am very glad that it was. I went into Plain Talk and the service was amazing!The coffee was absolutely delicious. I ordered a Hot Vanilla Latte with Oat milk.Yum!I must say that this is hands down the BEST coffee that i had so far.Would definitely go here again.The building is also very beautiful! read more

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

I've only been here once but it wasn't my favorite. I tried The Raven and it just had an off taste. I am hoping I can go back and try something else on the menu as the staff was super nice. read more

The breakfast sandwich I had (sorry, I forget the name of it- had turkey, bacon, egg and avocado) was large in portions and quite tasty albeit a bit greasy. The London Fog was also good. Several tables to work at while eating. read more

Great food! Creamy delicious cappuccino! Great service! Perfect stop for lunch break, downtown. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

My friend, her 18 month old and myself headed to the East Village this morning to go out for coffee. Us two adults got dark brew coffees and pastries. It was a beautiful day, and the back door was open -- So there was a fresh vibe in the small indoor seating area. I really enjoyed the atmosphere -- books on shelves, a newspaper on our table, customers coming in and out and pleasant staff that really felt connected to their community. When I'm ready for my next piece of fiction, I would like to come here and pick something up. It's always fun to have a special day and place linked to the your book purchase. Will come here again for coffee, too. read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Front entrance, looking east - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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

Plain Talk is a great place for a good cup of coffee in the East Village. They serve terrific coffee and sandwiches along with pastries. It's a quiet place with a a couple of tables and about 13 chairs, it's perfect for all your friends. Tons of great books and free wifi! read more

Plain Talk Books & Coffee - Lots of books to read! - Books, Mags, Music & Video Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Very Cool Place!!! Patio seating with a view of the capital! Staff is really NICE and friendly. Music selection was awesome. Great little place with books, records, eats and drinks. Had an AMAZING sandwich with very tasty grilled bread, pesto, and tomatoes and a very good espresso! I will definitely be back soon. Only complaints: I wish they served espresso in espresso cups instead of a paper cup that was too large for it, I wish they offered vegan food options on the menu, and I wish they offered almond milk or anything but soy milk. read more

Cool little hole-in-the-wall in the East Village. This is a favorite lunch and coffee spot for my coworkers and me. Fair trade coffee, great sandwiches, homemade soups. Just a cool offbeat shop with lots of sandwich options for how small they are. Browse used books (donate used books for a free cup of coffee), flip through local band vinyl albums. This shop is a job training site for adults who have disabilities and everyone is always friendly and welcoming. read more

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

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

Plain Talk Books & Coffee is one of the great places in the East Village in Des Moines. They have a great variety of books. The atmosphere is very relaxed. The staff is great and knows their stuff. They have local authors come in a read at times, offering beverages and snacks. Plus, they have a little outside area that's almost hidden and offers a great view of the city and people. read more

I love this place--the location, staff, atmosphere, and coffee. I love the t-shirts they sell and the fact that they have events there. Maine of the books are a bit pricy (I was under the impression that they are used, but a hardcover was full price) and the selection isn't the widest, but it's a lovely bookstore. I can't wait to go back again. read more

The prices on the books aren't accurate, so it'll be a surprise once you get to the cashier (not always a good surprise). Some of the books have the price written on the inside, some have tabbed-notes inserted, some both contradicting each other and some have no prices at all. It takes too long to ring up the books. Too much emphasis on the food and coffee (supposedly they're going to have ice cream next summer, too) makes the book shopping aspect less enjoyable. The upstairs area isn't properly marked, so you don't know what belongs to the bookstore and which to the Optimae company it shares the building with. However, you have to go upstairs since the employees on the main floor are too damn boisterous to enjoy browsing the bookshelves. I waited 6 years to try this place out; I had made attempts to go here in the past but the East Village is such an abysmally plastic part of town it's hard to enjoy the remaining indie shops. This wasn't worth the wait; overall the place is trying to be too many things without doing much very well. I was already regretting buying my stack of books and supporting this business before I had signed the credit card receipt, but I didn't have the nerve to leave midway through the transaction. I want to support an independent bookstore, but this place isn't worth the hassle. It's less a bookstore and more a smug joke. read more