Stopped in to grab a couple of coffees, a scone and a cinnamon roll. The Encounter Cafe is literally 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. read more

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I stopped here twice on a recent work trip as it was close by to the hotel I was staying in. It really lives up to the other reviews that describe it as a cozy atmosphere with fresh food. The first day I had baked oatmeal with yogurt and it was a huge portion size that was very similar to coffee cake. The next day, I ordered the avocado toast and was surprised to see it come out, layered with egg and bacon and fresh tomato. Their lattes were delicious without being overly sweet. So glad I found this place during my trip. It is worth the stop. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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

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Weird experience and over priced... first the cost on one pancake that they call "big" is crazy compared to other places. This is a normal sized pancake for most breakfast places. The menu called it a half or a full; which means one or two pancakes. One is about $9 bucks. We get a stack of 3 better pancakes for the same cost from other places. The bacon was about $5 for two pieces of overcooked bacon. Also, my husband wanted their version of a breakfast platter. He asked to add cheese and onions to the hash browns. They said they could only do that if he added an additional order of hash browns to the platter and then added the extras to that. OR he could order each item a la cart from the platter. Why is it that difficult to add cheese and onions to hash browns? He ordered a la cart and it was twice as much for each item. The menu prices from the pictures on Yelp are outdated. I would go somewhere else for breakfast. Also, because they only take orders at the front counter and not from tables, the lines in the morning can get pretty bad while people look over the menu if they want more than coffee. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Hashbrowns, sausage, eggs - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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Great food and coffee My place for breakfast while working in Iowa city Will recommend read more

The Encounter Cafe - The ultimate skillet and drip coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

The food was so good! The staff were friendly and attentive. Relaxing, beautiful setting..very spacious. Just about any seating choice you could want..highly recommend. Thank you read more

Tried coming on a Saturday but the line was very long and slow. I came back on Friday around noon and got a cinnamon roll to-go which was immediately ready and there was only 1 person in line ahead of me. It did not disappointment! I put my hand next to it for comparison. It was huge and filling! The frosting was also delicious, almost a maple flavor to it. It was room temperature so after about 10 seconds in the microwave, it was warm and gooey. One of the best I've had and well worth the price (around $5)! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Cinnamon roll - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

A Iowa City must try! Went on a saturday where it was super busy but worth the wait. The food is fresh and made with high quality ingredients. The staff is very friendly and cafe is huge with lots of seating. read more

The Encounter Cafe - sausage, egg, cheddar croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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We visited for a yummy brunch and we were not disappointed. The servings were generous, great coffee bar and loved the location. We got baked goods and breakfast items. Both were tasty!! read more

The Encounter Cafe - The kitchen - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Every thing went very well, except I got a bit cool while eating. Ambiance was wonderful, everyone was polite, friendly and willing to be of service to all their customers. read more

This was the best breakfast I ever had. I've eaten a lot of pancakes in many places, but theirs takes 1st place. The kitchen is spotless and the service is on point with very friendly staff. I'm looking forward to visiting this place again! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Greek omelet, American breakfast, pancakes. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

We had lunch here for a group of 4 . The place is nice. They have some nice choices. We wished they could do avocado toast for lunch but it's only on the breakfast menu. The place wasn't busy but it took over 20 minutes to get our food. 3 out of 4 of us had paninis. I think they have only one of those panini grills. 3 would take a while. We came back the next day for breakfast and there was a big line so we left. Business must be good! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Chipotle bacon chicken panini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Loved the pumpkin spice chai latte! The breakfast sandwich was good too. It took a while for the sandwich to come up, but I had reading to do so it worked out. Nice people. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Pumpkin spice chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

I can now get why we had to what in the long line. The food was to good and healthy too! Don't forget about those cinnamon rolls we literally had to get two! For our big family their seating was definitely great , now let's talk about these employees they were very accommodating. I say when in Iowa this is a place you should go too read more

The Encounter Cafe - Another amazing food choice very fluffy - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Wonderful little spot with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Even though it was packed, they had my food and coffee out in about 30 minutes. I ordered a cheese omelette with spinach and tomatoes and a seasonal St. Patty's Day cold brew both were delicious. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Great food in a college town. Didn't expect to find this place among the usual chain restaurants now found across America's large college campuses . The staff was friendly and service was prompt despite the large number of students. Wide selection of dishes, to include many delicious baked goods. Casual college atmosphere and ambiance. Well worth the trip. read more

Really great service and food. Honestly can't be beat in a college town! It is always clean and reliably a great breakfast.

I did not try the famous bakery side of the house. One of my dining companions did though and her cinnamon roll looked yummy! I ordered the veggie omelette. The ordering process was very slow. I'm not sure if the lag was unprepared people in line or a slow cashier. My omelette was disappointing. The ingredients were not mixed with the egg at all, just folded inside an overcooked egg -like a taco. And, just like a taco, the ingredients all fell out when you tried to cut a piece and eat it. Plus the flavors never mixed. Didn't care for it and I'm pretty egg forgiving. read more

Stopping in for some pastries and freshly made food. What a find! Located in Downtown Iowa, City, and nearby to several hotels, The Encounter café is clearly a favorite for visitors and Local's alike. Metered street parking and nearby parking garages offer a number of access options if you're not already on foot. The restaurant is large, immaculate, and has a cozy farmhouse decor that is very welcoming. This restaurant does not offer table service, but order at the counter and everything is brought out for you. Serve your own coffee, of many flavors, and fruit infused water readily available. Everything is freshly made to order with the exception of the pastries that are available until they sell out, so come early or lose out! Pricing is on par for what you would find out similar type restaurants. Kitchen staff is clearly managed by us team of Amish women that run a tight ship. We were amazed at how quickly we got our food given that there were so many people coming in and out on a regular basis. I definitely expect to be back at this restaurant the next time I'm in this area. Recommend you check out the Encounter Cafe if you're looking for a great start to your day. They are open Monday through Saturday and close at 1 PM. Check their website for changes . read more

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The Encounter Cafe is a staple in Iowa city! The staff put quality into all the food and drinks. Their coffees are AMAZING!! I love the creative seasonal flavors that change frequently. I wish there were more sugar free options. The cafe gets very busy on the weekends but it is well staffed and is efficient at handling large crowds. My favorite order is the garden turkey omelette, they even offer gluten free bread/toast. I enjoyed the baked oatmeal which is a popular item, but it is too sweet/rich for the large serving it comes as. read more

We went here around 12:30 one day and the line moves a little slowly but honestly the food was terrific. Our party had a Greek omelet, the skillet breakfast and the Belgian waffle. I made the mistake of NOT getting strawberries and cream on the waffle---won't make that mistake again. The portions were large and we also ordered sides of bacon and sausages. The chai lattes were very hot and tasty. Next time I will get a cinnamon roll because those things looked amazing. The staff was super friendly and the place was clean. Lots of students working and while it was a little noisy it wasn't bad read more

It was super, very friendly and helpful staff. Ordering was easy, service was quick. Food was delicious. We went over to where they were making cinnamon rolls, so big, so soft, so good. read more

Great breakfast. Good service. Pecan roll was so loaded with Carmel and pecans. Parking limited.

There is nothing negative to say about this business. It has an inviting and tastefully decorated interior with lots of tables and seating. It may actually be the cleanest coffee cafe I've been in! The staff get a very high mark for doing their job. As I waited for my hazelnut latte, I watched food & coffee orders being prepared. All the ladies were smiling while working and no one was just standing around. By the way, my latte was perfect! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Front counter and menu boards - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

Lovely staff, lovely service, good food, everything far as I could observe is really good.. However my only concern is a lack of Matcha flavor and lack of Soy-Milk, their other options were okay, but.. for personal reasons, those things, especially the soy option, can mean alot ^^; But given that's my only real problem, I'd definitely still recommend it! As well as bring others there too- it also has free wifi, water w lemon slices, as well as as other little things- it's just very lovely Right now I'm enjoying the privacy of this booth too! Very nice place to relax in ‍ (I took a picture too, of my chocolate croissant, I had a sandwich too that was really good, but I'd already eaten that! lol!) read more

The Encounter Cafe - Chocolate croissant and a lavender-honey iced latte w almond milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

During 2023 Homecoming Saturday morning, I met a University department head here for breakfast. This Cafe (and Bakery) is located just a half block from where I was staying (Element). Maybe I could have had a better free breakfast at the Hotel, but after finishing my breakfast sandwich at The Encounter Cafe, I doubt it. When I first walked in, I noticed a Christian-themed book display and began to wonder. And after taking a longer look at this upbeat, friendly, roomy, and well lit space, I realized that this place looks to be owned and operated by Mennonites. That was partially a reason to watch my language. :) There themes of fresh ingredients, made from scratch, and family/friends certainly rang true during my visit. There's actually 2 sections to this place: A breakfast counter with seating and a bakery (with more seating) just down the hall. My Professor and I enjoyed our food and had a pleasant and relaxing conversation over our delicious selections and excellent coffee. I'm sure to be back the next time I'm in Iowa City. read more

The place was clean and had a great ambiance! The service was exceptional the food (omelets) were a bit bland and could use a bit more seasoning but still tasted fresh and good. read more

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Amazing great coffee, all natural and inexpensive breakfast. Great ambiance and service. Will be back! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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BEST CINNAMON ROLL IN IOWA CITY!!!!! Highly recommend. Super cozy cute cafe located in the heart of downtown Iowa City :) Service is usually really good. They can be quite busy with brunch times on the weekend so get there early! One of the best breakfast places in Iowa city. Highly recommend. read more

We had lunch here. It's very close to our staying at the Hyatt. My husband had the Chicken Caesar salad. It was large and tasty. I ordered the Turkey panini. I loved the avocado on it. It's a very pretty, comfortable setting for lunch. Note that currently it closes at 2:30 pm. We plan on stopping tomorrow morning to get bakery items. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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Come in. Place your order. Pay. Pick a seat and put the number on it. I hate tipping before I am served but you pay first. Get your own water and coffee. That's fine but we weren't given coffee mugs. Had to go back up and cut the line to ask for mugs. Different cashier, was apologetic. People in line were nice about it. Shouldn't have had to. Food took about 30 minutes. They were busy when we got here. Omelet is huge, very good. Tastes fresh. Sandwich was good. Would have left 4.5 stars if I could. Good food. Annoyances were missing giving us mugs and tipping in advance. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Garden turkey omelet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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This place was yummmmmy! I got their SEG breakfast sandwich on a croissant it was it lovely. I also added their chipotle sauce on it and I highly recommend this to any other chipotle sauce lovers out there. The service was soooo outstanding. Very friendly, chatty, and helpful. Outside of the sandwich, I also got hash browns and an iced latte. The hasbrowns were good, nothing crazy. The latte was...so so. It was on the bitter side and not as rich as I typically prefer with my lattes. There is plenty of seating inside, but this place does get super busy and is first come first serve. read more

I've had brunch here several times and I figured I might as well post my review. The staff are really kind people. It's always been super busy when I've come in, but the food has always been good! It's a very homey vibe. A great place to do homework or read a book. I'd recommend going when there isn't a crazy line though read more

Amazingly good food and great service! My daughter said the pretzels were the best she's ever had (in her 7 years of life). I agree (in my longer than 7 years of life) that it was a pretty tasty pretzel. We also had the paninis - grilled cheese (amazing), philly steak (so good) and chipotle chicken (tasty). The blackberry latte was super tasty. Desserts: Cinnamon roll is a must! As our the super soft, large chocolate chip cookies. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. We were even sent home with some extra goodies as it was the end of day and they didn't want them to go to waste. Yes, please! read more

The Encounter Cafe - Strawberry banana smoothie and blackberry latte (special) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

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Should you find yourself in Iowa City, the Encounter Cafe definitely has our endorsement. It's a cute place making good food with fresh, local ingredients. We rolled in for breakfast, ordered at the counter then delivered to the table. Try the cinnamon roll! read more

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One of my favorite breakfast and coffee shops in Iowa City. Fast service in a very busy place. Worth the wait.

Love the new eggs Benedict! Great addition to the menu! The line is always long, and for good reason! If you wait it out, you will thank yourself later! read more

Great service, good food, super duper friendly staff!! Was a little loud in the eating area, but it's easy enough to walk your breakfast over to the bakery/coffee shop for more mellow vibes. Its popular! So there may be a line when you get in. Don't worry though, if went by much faster than you may expect! read more

I was very excited to try out The Encounter Cafe but was ultimately let down by the service and atmosphere. I ordered an iced chai with a sausage egg and cheese for dine-in with a friend - the drinks came out quickly but we had to wait upwards of 40 minutes for our breakfast sandwiches which we received only after reminding kitchen staff. I understand that mistakes happen but no type of compensation or apology was offered. Compared to other dining experiences I have had in the area, I did not feel very welcome or cozy in The Encounter Cafe. The drinks were great but I would have received faster and more personable service from a drive thru. read more

The Encounter Cafe - Sausage, Egg, and Cheese. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Iowa City, Iowa

The omelets here are the absolute best I've ever had and humongous. They're made on a flat skillet with a load of fresh veggies and even cherry tomatoes. There are a lot of other dandy places to choose from where blue birds fly. And then, there's the Encounter Cafe which in my opinion surpasses them all. Never change, loved the ambiance and delicious meal. Yes, there's a long line of customers but that's the price of admission to an amazing meal. read more