I got to admit, on a very busy Iowa Caucus morning, with NPR even doing Morning edition live from the coffee shop, the coffee shop pumped drinks out fast and with a smile, hundreds of people were rolling through the doors with an always epic line... The staff kept the food and drinks coming out and everyone in the joint was in a good mood.. Lots of locals mingled with the press and everyone seemed to be feeling great! I was impressed how the staff handled the madness and oh yes my latte hit the spot too! Great place to have a meeting. Both indoor and outdoor seating, a nice private room I have been too for a few events as well! Oh yes and also a drive through and big parking lot! Can't really go wrong here! I love the cheek 50's dinner tables, chairs, and booths as well! Great spot! read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Stopped off the highway to get some "good" coffee and support a local shoppe instead of Starbucks, and I have never been so disappointed in my decision. First, they forgot to make my drink. And after I finally got it, it tasted like they dumped 10 packets of sugar in there -- I've never tasted something so disgustingly sweet. Maybe it was to cover up the fact that their coffee tastes like someone pressed Folgers through an espresso machine that hasn't been cleaned in 6 months. The coffee is not even remotely good, and it's clearly not their main focus. This is the complete opposite of "do one thing and do it well." Their menu is too big and everything is bad. My wife's sandwich was made with ends and not heated properly. Do not waste your time or money. read more

Lovely spot with good coffee and great seating. Looked to have areas concusive to small groups gathering together as well as a large open seating area for couples and individuals. I would've preferred to have my Capuchino prepared in a low, wide mug but it came in a disposable cup instead. Nothing unusual about that in this part of the world but such a missed opportunity for a much better experience when not ordering to-go. read more

I always come to Smokey row but today I went and these new kids you are highering trying to be cute not knowing how to do there job I have half of a cup of Carmel now my butt hole is burning & my toilet is about off the hinges, never coming back EVER AGAIN:(.. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

They have very good food. I love the all day breakfast, especially the breakfast casserole. It can get a little noisy sometimes and is usually chilly so bring long sleeves. Overall a great atmosphere. read more

Iconic Des Moines Coffeehouse! I was peckish and ordered their breakfast special: Chicken Pot Pie. It was a creamy chicken pie filling poured on top of fresh, southern style flaky biscuits. It comes in half (1 biscuit) or full orders (2 biscuits). I would have loved it, but the biscuits and the sauce were both on the over-salted side. It was nice and warm on a cold day and the portion was large. It is also an old-fashion malt shop. So, I ordered a strawberry milkshake. It was fabulous! The atmosphere is fantastic with a lot of charm. It is a great place to meet up with friends or have a networking chat over coffee. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Strawberry milkshake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Lunch was perfect just like the times before. The wait in line is longer than the wait for your food. I really like this place. I cant wait to come back again. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Double decker - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I went on a Sunday afternoon. The line was twenty minutes long. While I waited I dreamed about how good the coffee was going to be. But when the dream turned into reality I was sorely disappointed. The coffee tasted horrible. It was the pits. I don't know how you can make coffee taste so bad. Maybe the espresso drinks are better, but I doubt it. They don't give a hoot about the customer here. If they did two cashiers would operate at the same time and the coffee would taste better. The place was full of college aged students doing whatever on their laptops. I don't know how anybody could get any work done in a place like that. It's pretty noisy. In summary, go to Starbucks. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - The longest coffee line I've ever seen in my life. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Smokey Row is a great location to meet friends or for business. Seating is for individuals, couples and groups. Love that they have booth seating, round tables, high tops and outdoor seating. Its on a busy corner so getting out can be a little slow but the location is super convenient right off I235 and near downtown. Staff is always friendly and the coffee is consistently good (I usually opt for a blended drink). read more

I personally thought this was a great place to study: there were plenty of tables and outlets, and the wifi only cut out once. I ordered the tiramisu and a regular coffee. Coffee was reasonably priced and tasted alright. The tiramisu tasted great, but I wouldn't pay $6 for it again. The price seems too high. Overall good selection of food and drinks, and a nice place to sit and study. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Tiramisu ($6) and medium coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Smokey Row is the cool people coffee shop -- right!?! I just always feel when I walk into Smokey Row that it has that vibe. Smokey Row is my favorite coffee shop to stop by at night for an after dinner drink, or for a casual meet up with a friend for some good conversation. There's a good crowd any time of the day, but I especially appreciate that this coffee shop is pretty busy in the evenings. Going to an empty coffee shop at night just makes me want to grab my coffee and go -- this coffee shop has a great vibe and atmosphere that makes me want to stay awhile. Smokey Row is on my way to work and I will stop in the morning to grab a coffee on the way to work, but only if I am not in a hurry. The drive through is packed in the mornings, so usually if the drive through is full I keep driving to somewhere else. I definitely prefer Smokey Row to other coffee shops in the area, and once I get my life in order and leave for work more than 10 min before the time I'm supposed to be there I promise I will stop more often!! read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This is my favorite location to go to. Very eclectic atmosphere and homey feel. They have lots of seats available, but they fill up quickly on the weekends. I don't necessarily go for the coffee anymore, but do love their tea, shakes, and smoothie options. They also have great food. I recommend trying the cheeseburger soup when they have it and their Turkey panini. read more

Some of the best chai I've ever had. The place was way bigger than I expected, kind of loud but but vibes were chill, will def stop by again when I'm in town read more

"Be Strong" I whisper to my coffee most days. I wish I lived closer to Smokey Row cause I would be a regular. Due to unforeseen traffic I rerouted myself to that side of town and was happy to sneak in a quick drive through for a morning jolt. I know inside that they have meeting rooms and tables with places to sit and chill. Five locations around Iowa and the Des Moines location is the only one I have had the pleasure to check out. I have heard live music there once, and they have some fun swag for sale as well. This particular chilly morning I did the drive through. The voice in the box was very sweet and they line moved rather quickly. Got through the line and on my way in just a few minutes. I love the Voodoo Chi , A chi drink with a shot of espresso. The perfect mix if you ask me. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

SO CUTE!!! They had the sweetest music and played my favorite band! I got the Pineapple Upside Down Cake Lotus Drink and it was the best thing I've ever got. 10/10, definitely coming back. I got the best service and everyone was so nice. All the workers seemed so lovely, and I even got a compliment on my nails! Would recommend this to anyone needing a place to study, come to enjoy food, hangout or anything. it also smells so good and I felt very cozy! read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Got the Sunrise Sandwich as well! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

So I had heard great things about this coffee shop and I love supporting small local shops and trying new places. So we went to try this out on a Sunday morning at about 8:30am. I have to say, it was a very disappointing trip. First walking in the floors were extremely dirty. Though I will admit it seemed busy. It was truly disappointing when I walked up the staff was extremely rude. I asked for a kids smoothie, the girl at the front said they don't do those with kind of an attitude. I asked what drinks they have for kids and she said she can put the smoothie in a small cup, but it was the same price. I said it was ok and we would just get the regular size drink. My daughter also ordered a hotdog kids meal. I ordered the biscuits and gravy for myself and was informed they are out. I tried to order a quiche and was also told they are out of the quiche. I then tried to order a chicken pot pie and surprise they were out of that as well.... At this point kind of annoyed. So I went to look at the menu so I could pick out something else and noticed strawberry malts in kids size after being told they don't do shakes or smoothies in kid size. I then ordered cheeseburger soup which was also out. I tried to order a cinnamon roll and once again they were out. After finally ordering a rise and shine sandwiches and chi tea for myself as we are getting ready to sit down they informed me they are also out of my daughter's hotdogs and she has to order something else. We got her the PB&J. It was cute that it came with trinket toys. While the drink was great, and the sandwich was ok. I honestly don't think we will be returning anytime soon. Maybe we will try some of the other locations. I just feel like that is a lot of stuff to be out of on a weekend morning and this store may need some better planning. read more

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Charming environment. Very spacious. Loved the mix of industrial and retro decor. Coffee and energy drinks were delicious!

-noisy - super packed -options upon options when it comes to sweets to pair up with your beverages (biscotti, giant cookies, biscotti, muffins, etc.) -Soup and light eat options -outdoor and indoor seating (larger tables, booths, counters along the windows) -Soda fountain offerings with malts and milkshakes -tea (meh) -for those loving on frilly tea offerings - it appears that their chai is popular with additions like caramel, chocolate, etc. -the redheaded woman at the counter was exceptionally friendly (maybe that's because I have a soft spot for fellow redheads? ;) read more

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On road trip to Detroit we stayed a night in Des Moines. Smokey Row was a great way to start 2nd day of travel. Yummy iced latte... even better sausage sandwich & blueberry scone! Enough caffeine & sugar to give us a jump start on the day! read more

Our favorite part of this coffee shop is its location, right off the interstate (as a real estate team this central location is very helpful) and the big meeting room that you can reserve. We have hosted several classes in this space and the staff has been super easy to work with. read more

It's a nice little spot with a good selection of coffee drinks. Asked for a pain au chocolat and found out their food selection is meager. Staff seems overworked, I was rushed through line, but there was only one person behind me. For a smaller coffee shop I was expecting that warm, cheery atmospheric welcome. Maybe I've become spoiled by the friendliness of Texans. Will return, but won't expect much except a quick stop off the exit for a latte read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Jingle Bell Java and a latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I went whenever I can for a long time. They're coffee is fresh and local. They're food is fantastic. They're requiring masks right now. They have great burgers, soups, salads, cheesecakes, sandwiches. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Glass of Coca Cola - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I used haaate this place, but I gave it another couple shots because I wanted to like it so bad! The last few times I went the employees were super nice and it was a much better experience. I dig it. read more

Pros: The perfect place to meet a friend, study, or just grab a bite to eat. Plenty of tables, even on the busiest of days. Cheap food and drinks. They also have a drive-thru! Cons: Staff is all pretty young and seemingly uninterested, but they're nice enough. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Doesn't look like much, but this chicken pot pie is delicious! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

A cozy coffee shop perfect for hanging out. The coffee, pastries, and ice cream are delicious, but the savory food choices are mediocre. If you're looking to sit and chat with friends or do homework this is a great spot. The seating area is spacious, but on weekends every table is packed! Service is very slow when busy, but that's to be expected. Otherwise great place! Pro tip: Ask for your triple chocolate muffin to be warmed up! Super yummy! read more

Absolutely love this place, I moved to LA and whenever I come visit Des Moines this is a must stop place. I get the chai and the chicken pot pie. So yummy and a cool place to just hang out or get some work done. Staff is extremely nice and helpful too. read more

The environment in this place is friendly and welcoming. The employees are cheery, friendly and helpful. All the sandwiches i've indulged here were delicious and overall very flavorful. I've never had their coffees or drinks but i suspect they would be great too. Lastly their ice cream is rich and delicious and they have a good variety too. The bathrooms are very clean and sterile. And they even have a nice outdoor patio area. I would totally recommend for everyone. read more

Love these coffee cafes‼ Great coffee, food and ambiance‼ I love the service too‼

I am very disappointed with Smokey Row because I made an online order ahead of time and when I show up to pick it up, it turns out they still had not made my food so I had to sit and wait for 30 minutes for my food to be ready read more

Drinks and ambience are on point. Baked goods are fine but nothing to rave about. Breakfast sandwiches and other food offerings (quiche, lunch items) have been pretty consistently disappointing. I love to meet people here when we aren't eating. Great spot for drinks and co-work or a board game. Would be a nice midday first date spot. read more

Smokey row has outdoor seating available and a wide variety of menu items. Kids enjoy the ice cream! read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Ice cream for breakfast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

One of my favorite study places! There's always a spot to sit, the atmosphere is lively and comfortable, and their coffee is delicious. Ask the barista for their recommendation, they won't do you wrong! Smokey Row also has food and ice cream, so it's a fantastic place to meet friends and catch up, or to go for meetings. There's something for everyone, and I have yet to have a bad experience. My only criticism is that their whipped cream tastes like cool-whip, but if you either avoid whipped cream or like cool-whip, you'll be good to go! read more

The outside is definitely not a good representation of the inside. It looks like an old train station waiting area on the outside. When you walk in they have clothing options, coffee options and a ton of seats. There's more room in the back left, it seems like a great place to come work, relax and enjoy some down time/hw/ coffee. WiFi is available here so come and do you work in peace during this corona chaos! This time I visited I didn't get any coffee. I got the sunrise sandwich. Honestly so mediocre. Tasted like a sandwich your hungover brother would make on a Sunday morning. Don't recommended that sandwich at least. I wouldn't expect the other food to be good either. This seems like a great, grab coffee, do work and relax spot. Beware if you order any food options. That's my fair warning but the coffee seems like the thing to get here. read more

I've been served lukewarm coffee one too many times here. If you have low standards and expectations then this is the place for you. Otherwise choose on of the several other better choices in town that put way more care into their coffee. The space is nice. But the decor feels kitschy and inauthentic. I do not recommend this place despite the cool neighborhood it's in. Next time I want a college student behind the counter handing me a bland lukewarm coffee with a blank face I'll be sure and come back. read more

Smokey Row in Oskaloosa is one of my favorite spots so I was excited to try the Des Moines location. However, the Oskaloosa location will stay my favorite. This Smokey Row is always very busy- which is not bad for the business, just tough when you want a nice lunch. It's easier at the quieter locations to pick your food options and decide without a rush. There's so many delicious options so it is a big choice. I always love their Cheeseburger Chowder soup and a tuna sandwich on a croissant. The ingredients always taste fresh and options are full of flavor. Food comes out within a good amount of time but sometimes you can sit and wait a bit. I also recommend any of their bakery items- delicious! Their muffins are my favorite, also highly recommend! I always get a Cherry Coke and the cherry flavor is perfect. Little things read more

That has to be my favorite chai I've tried so far in all of Des Moines. It was rich with spice and so delicious. Good atmosphere. Fun employees. Good place! read more

Convenient for studying for long periods of time because: 1. Free coffee refills 2. A lot of electrical Outlets 3. CHEAP food Unfortunately the brewed coffee is rather weak, the tables are often dirty (bus yourself or you'll be waiting awhile), and the menu is kind of redundant/boring. To be fair, I have yet to try the eye-catching, scrumptious looking pastries in the front case; rice krispie treats as big as your head! And of course, you can't go wrong with ice cream. I've spent a lot of time here because of the aforementioned positives and its convenient location. It is not where I would choose to host an important business meeting, however, it would appear that many groups do so anyway. There are many, many more tables here than other coffee shops so if you hang around a little while you can snag one. Also, there are stamp cards... you know the "Buy ten drinks, get the eleventh free!" kind of thing. read more

I give this place 3.5 stars but will round it up to 4 stars because I really want this local business to succeed!!! When we arrived the entire parking lot was filled! So despite the poor ratings, this place must be doing something right. The pros: delicious coffees, especially the snickers latte!!! yummie sausage, egg and cheese on homemade biscuit sandwich! they offer soy milk (extra charge $0.60) they serve their breakfast menu ALL DAY! The cons: service was really slow They apparently are trying to start up a drive thru service. However, their drive thru intercom didnt work and there was a sign that it would be fixed soon. Or maybe that drive thru service would start soon?! After I had placed my order, someone drove through to the drive thru order window. The barista took the drive thru order and expedited the coffee order before mine even though I had ordered first! Luckily we were not in a hurry otherwise this would have really upset me. I was worried that my order got lost in the queue but after 15 minutes of waiting for my coffee, I finally got it,and it was delicious! read more

This place is so cozy and fun. The environment has many college students studying and business people chilling having some coffee and dessert. Very pleasant atmosphere. Oh to my drink. It is hard for me to rate this place on their coffee as they have a million options including tea, ice cream, milkshakes, and what I had the frozen frappuccino. My frap was awesome. Super smooth and flavorful. They have so many dessert options also. Want to come back again and try some other items. This place is perfect to come and chill at. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Frappuccino was awesome! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Interior decor cuter than a box of kittens? Check. Double latte ordered to stay served in a paper cup? Check. Nice outdoor seating? Check. Free wireless, plenty of work space? Check. OK, so this may be my only stop here... ever, and truthfully, I'm always annoyed when I order to stay and my latte comes in a paper cup when others have a porcelain mug. Normally I wouldn't review a place on one stop. Oh, but what's this? I grab a dark roast, black, to go and a cream cheese muffin that gets perfectly heated. Brilliance. One of those magical moments that happens only once every several months. I take a sip. Stop. Another sip. This... this is a world class cup of joe to go. Why in the *hell* can't I make a cup this good at home, or for that matter, why can't anyone else? The muffin, tender, melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness with just the right amount of sweetness, but not too much. Whoever baked those, you're a genius. Ask for a raise. The cup tooled down I-235, then headed south on I-35 sitting in my drink holder, each sip savored as I prepared to see a whole hell of a lot of cows, plowed fields and orange construction cones. 3 1/2 hours later I pull into my garage in Lawrence, KS, toss the paper cup from my Smokey Row to go in my trash and think, this day started very, very well. Smokey Row lattes? Good, yes. That cup of black joe... world class. read more

Smokey Row Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa