Our Alumni Board group had our team dinner here last Thursday. The Coffee Shop closed anyway at around 5 PM, so we had the whole place to ourselves starting around 6 PM. This was a nice private setting, with great laid back service, and some really good pre-ordered burgers (among other choices). A couple appetizers and dessert helped bookend a fine evening out among friends. read more

Coffee shop in the heart of downtown Iowa City and easily one of my favorite study spots! I love how big the space is. It can accommodate a lot of students without ever feeling cramped, and there are tons of outlets which is always a huge win when you're studying. It's the perfect place to get work done alone or catch up with friends over lunch. I haven't tried a ton from the food menu yet, but the Caesar wrap is so good. They also have one of the best iced matcha lattes in Iowa City. The staff is amazing too. Everyone is so nice, cheerful, and genuinely helpful, which makes the whole place feel really welcoming. The music is always great, the space is decorated so nicely, and I love the pencil wall. The bathrooms are clean and well kept, and they really have everything you could possibly need. They even offer a student discount, which makes it an even better spot for college students. Definitely one of my favorite places to go in Iowa City! read more

person who checked us out was incredibly rude and forgot about our order. when we went up to ask about it he was on his phone and ignored us and walked into the back. and came out with an order for someone who ordered 20 min after us. worst experience ever read more

We went here earlier today and while the ambiance was great, the service was terrible. The drinks were okay, pretty average for a coffee shop. read more

Good food, good drinks, wished more of their drinks had a decaf option tho- especially that ch... 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- read more

Really attractive space, and the food I had was stellar: one of the best avocado toasts I've ever tried. Solid coffee too (I had the lavender miel, but in cappuccino format at my request, rather than their standard latte). The price of the toast was a little steep, but I thought it was fair given the quality. read more

Tucked away, we almost missed this gem. Outstanding food and service. The decor - especially the pencil wall - is really special. Menu highlights for us were the grilled cheese w/tomato bisque, the spicy pork sandwich & the corn salad. Great coffee too. read more

Poindexter hosted a storytelling fundraiser event. The cafe staff was very accommodating and friendly. I only had a glass of wine so I can't speak to the food but everything else about the venue was delightful. read more

Great cafe experience. We ordered Americanos which were perfect. They offered Chaga as an option to add to the coffee which was a fun and tasty touch. The baristas were friendly and accommodating. The space was funky and inviting. Did not try the food but it looked appetizing. Recommend. read more

While it is called Poindexter-- it is not boring. It is a spot to be studious in, sure. And I'd never describe it as inept. Poindexter Coffee has got it going on. Whether you want to sit quietly and get shit done... or have a social call with a friend or two over a cup of joe. What a spacious, well located coffee shop. I've adored the number two pencil covered walls since day one. Such a cool touch. (fun fact) Did you know they glued each up one by one?!?! Ok. No they didn't. But I had you going there for a second. I love that they're not trying to do too much. They've got the coffee essentials-- which seemed priced accordingly? There is mad cereal and lighter options like; oatmeal, parfait and baked goods. Plus, a plethora of breakfast sandwiches and even a lone lunch option. (They even offer kombucha and a smoothie?!) Service here has always been friendly but not very fast. Which is my biggest knock. Parking is legit, with the ramp being right next door. (First hour free.) This coffee shop is without a doubt Iowa City's must-have for a big group. If you've got a big test coming up and need several seats for your studying... this is your spot. For a coffee shop living in a hotel... Poindexter Coffee is pretty legit. read more

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Absolutely awful! The coffee was bitter and the cinnamon roll was dry and old. Big disappointment, especially when staying so close at the Graduate. read more

What an awesome coffee spot! We came here on a Saturday morning to grab some coffee and a quick bite to eat. The theme inside was so unique and we asked the friendly staff about the walls, which are lined with pencils. What incredible art and presentation. The atmosphere was quiet and spacious enough for studying. Lots of seating and dim light. I got a cappuccino; smooth and bold in taste. Their scramble buns were just as delicious. Fresh tasting ingredients and soft scrambled eggs in between fluffy, airy brioche. The flavor was well balanced, not too salty or overwhelming. I'm definitely coming back for more. read more

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I got a drip coffee & everything bagel w/ cream cheese. The coffee was fine. The bagel was fine. I was given maybe 1oz of cream cheese to spread on my bagel. To me, that's a disappointing amount of cream cheese. At that ratio, it's almost all bagel, not much cream cheese. My girlfriend ordered a side of eggs and a side of bacon. The bacon portion seemed generous and was middle of the road in terms of quality. The eggs looked and tasted disappointing. Gray, clumpy, somewhat steamed & gelatinous. If you're staying at the Graduate and you're looking for breakfast, I don't think you have to look too much further away to find something better. read more

Come here for the atmosphere! I love the pencil lined walls and amazing furniture. The design and fun vibe makes this place the new hot study spot in town. They have a classic drink menu with espresso and coffee options. Their hot chocolate is delightful. There are also games to play if you just want to hang. They have warm breakfast items and a huge avocado toast. You can also order at the restaurant next door where the food is great. I also love how they have kombucha on tap! Personal kudos to the friendly staff at the graduate hotel next door who were able to recover my cell phone after closing hours here. read more

Poindexter Coffee - a group of people sitting at tables - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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The side salad was way to big and didn't come with ranch packets for free or not for an unessery charge for no reason and the cheeseburger was way to expensive and greasy. read more

I love EVERYTHING about Poindexters....after touring Iowa City, Coralville ad North LIberty coffee shops for 2 years, I"ve finally landed my java home. There are 175,000 things I love about Poindexters (one for every pencil lining their 5 walls, but here are my favorite 5: 5) LOCATION - smack dab in the middle of the PED MALL. Such a great and fun place to next when I have to work. 4) BEST WORK SPACE..they anticipate all of your needs with A+ lighting, outlets, huge tables, and different kinds of seating. They even have a mug full of sharpened pencils on every table! 3) COFFEE- is among the best in the region. The only thing to make it even better is FAIR trade instead of FREE trade. 2) STAFF - most dyanmic and fun barristas in town. Better yet, the manager ASHLEY is the bomb.com. She's tremendously productive, creative and a unicorn manager for the Graduate. She is super friendly and skilled and helps me problem solve crazy challenges. like how to make a balloon arch! 1) POINDEXTER INVESTS in the COMMUNITY. I"ve been coming here regularly for the past month, and have observed programs to support women in science, domestic abuse victims, a lost student, and 3 students who were involved in a fatal accident. Poindexter is always willing to help out the community and this is my favorite part Iowa City's best coffee shop! read more

Super nice baristas and even nicer pours! They have a bunch of delicious food options too! Great place to do some work in between class. Love the pencil walls too, can't imagine how long it took to build em. Overall a great coffee shop, wouldn't hesitate to come back! read more

Poindexter Coffee - Cortado and blueberry danish - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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You know that pencil? They line the walls and table. Ticonderoga. Poindexter is a really cool cafe. I worked here for around four hours, which is something that isn't too easy to do in most Iowa City coffee shops. The atmosphere is really what sells it (although the drip coffee isn't too bad either), and the multitudinous seating makes for a pleasant experience no matter the occasion. Outlets galore! It's kind of funny that they base the entire place off the "UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE!!!" thing, but to be honest, I feel like IC should do that more often. Why not boast when you have the right to? Like most places in town during the dead of winter break, the cafe was mostly empty, so I can't really say much about the typical state of noise/busyness. I can say that they play hip/hop rap -- think Anderson Paak and old Kanye. Good stuff. read more

Came in here while staying at The Graduate. 5 stars are for a very good specialty coffee, great staff and decor. Gotta love the walls covered with actual pencils, and the coffee mugs filled with pencils. I checked, and all were sharpened. Very clever. I will be back. read more

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If you're on the hunt for a study spot downtown that isn't swarmed with undergrads, get excited. Poindexter fits the bill. I was surprised when I walked in and saw a big empty room, but once I turned to the side, I saw a number of people in the booths in the room's corner. Still though, when you're used to jostling for a spot at Java House, it was refreshing. They have a variety of seating options, so depending on whether you're staking out a place to write the Next Great American Novel or you're working on a group project, they've got you covered. Their menu is pretty standard, so they have the basics in terms of coffee beverages. I thought the prices were a little higher than I'd prefer, but I feel like that's just how it is downtown. A few things I didn't like: my coffee (bad sign, I know, but bear with me). I ordered a cold brew because, if we're being honest, I have a limited budget and it was a cheaper option. It was acidic. Like, can barely finish it acidic. Cold brew is supposed to sidestep the drip coffee acidic taste issue, but this cup failed to do so, to put it nicely. Plus, even though I was going to enjoy it at the cafe, it was served in a plastic cup with a straw. Now, I know that's how Starbucks does it, and it'd add another cost to clean reusable mugs for beverages, but Prairie Lights and Java House have it, so I know it's doable. I felt really, really guilty ordering a cold drink and wouldn't have done so if I knew it'd require so much one-use plastic. Taste-wise, my friend ordered the white mocha and loved it, so the taste just might be a cold brew thing. The plastic, though, is very much a "needs to be re-evaluated" thing, especially in a town that does a nice job overall trying to cut down on waste. Finally, there's the location. I think this place will get a lot more popular once Ped Mall construction is completed (right now it's kind of difficult to get there), as it's a great location, tucked into the bottom floor of The Graduate hotel. If you're staying at the hotel, it's not the worst way to start your day! read more

This coffee shop is my new fave! I love everything about the atmosphere; they have friendly baristas, freakin' amazing music playing, games and pencils on every table, rad decor, and pencils on the walls?!? I love it all..especially the coffee! read more

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Not paying enough for your university education? Why not stop by for coffee and light food at really, really high prices? I hand it to them for playing some very good old school hip hop when I visited, though. read more

The Graduate is still under construction, but this coffee bar inside the hotel is open for business with friendly, skilled baristas. The iced latte and muffin I got were both excellent. And if that's not enough, the place itself is so freaking cute that it's worth a trip. The pencil-covered walls are just BEGGING you to take a selfie in front of them. Come check it out while you can still get a seat! read more

What a cool place to have a cup of coffee and relax! If I were a student here I'd definitely come to study here has well as its quiet and has lots of spots for plug-ins and usb charging. The coffee was good, the staff friendly, and the pencil walls were a great touch! Enjoy!! read more

Want to know a really good business strategy in a college town? Offer free breakfast sandwiches on your grand opening. I definitely came for that, but have stayed for the iced vanilla lattes and atmosphere. This is one of my favorite places to study because HELLO they have PENCILS literally EVERYWHERE and also it's super quiet. Big fan. read more

This place is very interesting in my option. The coffee was okay, the seating wasn't very comfortable, and there is not much for pastries. However, on the plus side the staff is very friendly, there are healthy options to choose from, and there is even a cereal bar which I think is really cool. read more

My daughter, a University of Iowa student, visited on her last day of class which was on 5/10/19. She made a breakfast & coffee purchase in the amount of $11.95. A couple days later her bank account showed she was charged twice for the same purchase. She has contacted the Food & Beverage department over multiple days and has also left messages along with her phone number for someone to call her back. No one answers the phone & they have not returned her calls. They either don't care or do not know how to return phone calls. She will not be making any purchases in the future at this establishment. Check to make sure you don't get overcharged! read more

Nice Iowa city treasure. Cool spot to hang out and chat or get some work done. The pencils on the wall are an unique and fun feature!

The staff here were so incredibly rude when we took our order, and took over half an hour to serve our food after stating it would take less than 5 minutes. We had come here two days in a row (out of convenience) and got two different forms of "hash browns" each day, one being fried potatoes; and these took even more than the stated half an hour because they forgot to make them. Most of the food was mediocre, especially for the high price. I'd say the only up were their premade muffins. Overall, I cannot stress enough how rude the staffs' attitudes were, but I will not describe what they said and did in detail; I will not be coming here again. read more

Place is pretty cute and right downtown. Got a latte. It was not very good and tasted burnt. Will continue to go to my usual place instead

My favorite coffee shop in town, I love the creative decoration, varieties of seating (tables, desks with focus lighting and kinda comfy coachs) and also electricity outlets evevry where and within reach Cons: Bit pricey There are plenty of staff doors in each corner and workers from the coffee shop, hotel and constructions are constantly moving through them which makes it quite noisy! read more

15 minute wait for a drip coffee. Its quicker to go to the store and brew your own. Do not go here unless you have a lot of time to kill and are not thirsty for coffee. read more

Extremely slow service, coffee was ok at best and took forever. Workers truly didn't seem to have any interest in customers.

The kitchen uses SPOILED and EXPIRED ingredients to make their food!!!! They also make you pay an arm and a leg for an average coffee in a college town known for its coffee shops. You'd be better off going to bread garden where they actually follow regulations and have amazing and AFFORDABLE coffee. read more