Java Joes Coffeehouse

Des Moines, United States

3.5

Open now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 515-288-5282
Website:
www.javajoescoffeehouse.com
Address:
214 4th St, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
690 ftDes Moines passenger depot
0.6 mi9th & Crocker NB
0.7 mi9th & Crocker SB
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Bussiness info

Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Wi-Fi
Free
Good for Working
Yes

Today

Today 6:30 am – 12:00 am
Open now
Local time (Des Moines) 11:59 AM Friday, June 13, 2025

Business hours

Monday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday 6:30 am – 11:00 pm
Friday 6:30 am – 12:00 am
Saturday 6:30 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 6:30 am – 10:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Coffee beans roasted on site, homemade pastries, premium hand dipped ice cream, homemade frapps & specialty drinks, superb espresso drinks, great breakfast served daily, homemade soups, fresh cold and grilled sandwiches, vegetarian & gluten free options, large space next door for meetings, events & local musicians, very active in the Downtown Des Moine’s Farmer’s Market in May through October.

History

Established in 1992.

Building dates in the 1800’s, original interior includes brick wall and wood floors. Java Joes is the Original Micro Roaster in the Des Moines area. Premium quality coffee beans are imported from around the world. Located in the heart of the downtown Court Avenue district, it is a destination to locals and tourists. During caucus season, it is not uncommon to see political figures in for a cup of fresh joe.

Meet the Business Owner

Amy B.

Business Owner

Amy was raised around entrepreneurs. Her father and 4 other siblings have owned their own businesses. She enjoys serving her customers premium products with a smile and will sit and chat over coffee if time permits. Her four children can also be found working at the coffeehouse. Her favorite drink is Java Joes’ mocha latte.

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20 reviews of Java Joes Coffeehouse

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Waukee, IA
I’ve been on a mission to try different coffee shops lately and this is one of them.
This place offers a lot of options. Some of those options are milkshakes, and food items. I personally like to test every coffee shop with a frozen frappuccino because they taste awesome and more goes into making one than simply poring a coffee. :) First thing I noticed was that they grouped frozen frap with milkshakes, causing the price of a small to be $ 4.50 and large $ 6.50. $ 6.50 is a ridiculous price for a frap by any standards. I ordered a medium for $ 5.50. Although I feel like it was too expensive, it tasted very good and the staff was great.
Overall I like the atmosphere, the frap was great, and it is nice to have milkshake options, but I would have liked a lower price for frappuccino options.
Place rating: 2
Polk City, IA
The coffee was fine but if you’re considering going for the kids room, don’t. It was very messy (old dirty puzzle pieces and blocks everywhere, pieces of toys missing and things blocking the entrance) and the toys looked like they hadn’t been cleaned in years. They were all visibly dirty. We are usually not too picky because kids are messy but this just looks to have been abandoned. Good idea but no maintenance.
Place rating: 3
Spencer, IA
I love java joes for their excellent selection of coffees lattes and the like, in addition to the historic setting of their shop. It unfortunately seems that most days the coffee is served with a healthy dose of negativity from the staff. It still doesn’t stop me from coming here, so 2 stars for service, 5 stars for product.
Place rating: 5
Ladera Ranch, CA
Great place. Excellent service. Open when most others aren’t. Will be coming back the next time I hit up Des Moines. Lots of variety and even recommended a sushi joint next door.
Place rating: 2
Des Moines, IA
Despite their pricy, yet unsatisfying drinks, the only other thing that’s consistent is their horrific WiFi and the loud amateur venues they put on next door
Place rating: 5
West Des Moines, IA
My favorite place to have coffee with someone in Des Moines
This place is cool because it has a unique feel to it that you can’t get at Starbucks. The décor and atmosphere puts this place over the top.
Place rating: 4
Des Moines, IA
I’m not sure how I haven’t rated this eclectic little place until now, but there you are. Do I come here mostly because it’s convenient for me? Yes. Java Joes is right off of court avenue, and exactly on my way to the courthouse from my office, so naturally I stop in quite often. However, I still think you’re missing out if you pass by this place. Huge selection of coffee, tea, warm drinks, cold drinks. The coffee is not my favorite (see my Mars review), but it’s easily the best coffee downtown after that. They also have food– freshly made artisan donuts, muffins, bagels, soup, sandwiches. During the day it’s pretty clear in there– feel free to drop in and study or read a book for a bit, or even gather for a meeting. In the evenings it gets a bit busier, so don’t expect to be able to study/​read after work hours. They have a room with a small stage that isn’t generally open that you can rent for special events. It’s located right next to Vaudeville Mews and the Royal Mile. Normal prices for coffee that isn’t from McDonald’s. Must pay with cash if you don’t spend over $ 3.00. Stop in, sometime. You’ll like it!
Place rating: 4
Elgin, IL
It’s a great place to hangout with friends. Good décor and well laid out. It seemed quite busy in the evening. We grabbed couple of coffees which were great along with Hummus & pita — which was awesome too, so much so we ordered a second plate. (there is probably enough for 3 people to share for a light bite).
Ice cream was so-​so but the ambiance really drew me to the place even more. The service was good as well.
Place rating: 2
Wheaton, IL
I get the quaint vintage feel here… BUT it is more like dirty, hasn’t been cleaned in a decade feel. The coffee wasn’t anything memorable. They have this little kid cut out room that seems like a great idea BUT everything in their is dirty, dusty or covered in something. NOPE!
Maybe I am missing something but I have gone a couple times and each time I am reminded why I shouldn’t go back.
Place rating: 2
Maplewood, MN
Got a really good quesadilla, however, the high school kid working made it seem like we were bothering him by placing orders.
Place rating: 4
Irvine, CA
Great space to hang out with friends, have a meeting or go alone to work from your computer, read or write.
A group of locals were playing music next door and in order for you to go into that room, you had to pay an admission fee of $ 7. But it was fun listing to them while waiting in line to order coffee.
The place has a high ceiling, which makes the interior and the décor more interesting.
They have great coffee beans from all over the world. I bought some (El Salvadore and Nicaraguan) and had them grind it for me. The staff was very helpful in giving me information and helping me choose the kind of coffee I like.
Highly recommend. Wish I lived in Des Moines and could go to this place often!
Place rating: 4
Pasadena, CA
I had the smothered hash browns with eggs added around $ 8.50. It was one of the better hash brown and eggs I’ve had. The potatoes were crispy and cooked perfectly.
Like other reviewers said the employees appear to be grumpy and ambivalent. But just tip what you think they deserve!
Place rating: 2
Wellington, New Zealand
I so frequently seem out of step with other reviewers — I can only give Java Joes 2 Stars. One for the very sweet children’s corner with books and toys, and secondly the décor is a bit lively and unique and connected to a little Theatre. But I’m here for coffee and food — not décor — so
Let’s look at those.
The service was surly and disdaining. I gave them a 30% tip to more than cover my slightly annoying request for coffee with hot milk on the side. The coffee was meh (served in styrofoam cups) and the food was below average. I had oatmeal which was undercooked and submerged under so much milk. It was unseasoned and came with little plastic dishes on the side. C’mon people — I’m dining in. Why do I get takeaway cups and plastic side dishes? Don’t be lazy and cheap. Wash some dishes — for the environments sake, and for the pleasure of your guests.
Place rating: 3
Providence, RI
I always try to find a cool coffee shop in my travels being a coffee guy that I am… Was nice to find this place downtown.
I like that when you walk in the door, immediately on your left is a coffee roaster.
The prices are a bit high here, but the drinks are good and the baristas are nice.
They offer a menu of items, but I have only opted for a breakfast bagel one morning and a bagel with cc the other.
Place rating: 5
Littleton, CO
Fantastic cup from here, not to mention the great Roasting demo provided by Jessie! I’ve been to coffee shops all around the world, and these guys take their coffee just as seriously. Highly recommended!
Place rating: 4
Toledo, OH
Service was good. The coffee wasn’t amazing, considering they roast their own beans, but still ok. Worth stopping by if you’re in the area.
Place rating: 4
Westmont, IL
In town with da wife for our anniversary, and noticed this place while walking around the very excellent and very huge farmer’s market on Saturday morning (today). Ran into it a little later in the day, and thought we’d just drop in for something small. Turned out to be very fortuitous.
Salad was good, nothing amazing. But the guac and tomato cheesy melt was INCREDIBLE. Service was very prompt. And then we finished with a couple of their homemade doughnuts that were unusual and fantastic. Kinda hipster look to the place. They have a little playroom, in case you walk in with little ones. A spot for live music as well. The bathrooms were a little frightening, but hilariously decorated with graffiti.
Place rating: 3
Spokane, WA
I don’t see what all the hype is about this place. It has a fairly large and open space with plenty of seating, but sound really travels inside so it can get pretty loud. I can see why people like it, but it just wasn’t for me.
Maybe I came in too late in the morning but I was kind of disappointed in the pastry selection. The sandwich menu looked alright though. I think what rubbed me the most about this place was how it seemed like I was rushed through the ordering line even though I was the only person in line. Definitely no small talk, the staff was all business. For me coffee at a shop is a relaxing experience, and I just didn’t get that here.
Place rating: 4
Des Moines, IA
Java Joes has tons of seating and located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. With its couches, tables, and long interior, one cannot help be feel comfortable here for business meetings or just studying with friends.
The best part about this place is the location, especially during the summer farmers market. More than once I’ve stopped in here for a cold or hot coffee. Service is friendly and very accommodating. The atmosphere is also quite lively, with weekly events listed and live music.
Their mochas I would compare to Scooters more than Starbucks or Caribou.
Place rating: 4
Des Moines, IA
We stopped in on a chilly and busy Farmers’ Market Saturday. There was a line from the counter to the rear of the restaurant.
The line moved quickly and we were with beverages and at our table (yes, there were several free!) in just a few minutes. Several customers turned around and left at the sight of the line but we were happy we stayed. Perhaps the team there could benefit from a line manager who could give reasonable expected wait times.
My coffee and his were both exactly what we expected. Delicious and strong. Enjoyable experience on a busy day!