Ritual Cafe
1301 Locust St,Ste D, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Ritual Cafe Menu
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Address :
1301 Locust St,Ste D
Des Moines, IA, 50309 - Phone (515) 288-4872
- Website https://www.ritualcafedsmiowa.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 7:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 7:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes
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Nick G.
What a great spot! Came to Des Moines with really no expectations, and was excited to locate a cool, relaxed, artsy, local coffee shop to hang out and do work at. As others have said, the Mayan Mocha is excellent (can't speak to any other drinks there as it's the only thing I ordered). Had a couple hummus-based food options that were delicious. Was a good place to hang out and do some work, with a nice variety of seating options. Only qualms were that there weren't that many outlets, and that I couldn't get the internet to work (both are pretty critical in a place like this).
(4)Rita I.
The atmostphere is great! I love the little vibe it gives. Aside from the street parking. the baristas were nice, quick and friendly. Would definetly go back.
(4)Zane S.
I stopped by last Thursday because no lunch makes me angry. I had bought Ritual's coffee before, but this was the first time I tried their food. The Hummus Sandwich was delicious. I would easily come back for it, despite not being vegetarian. Also a welcoming environment for a meeting or just to be left alone and get some work done. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Cynthia M.
Delicious Cafe Miele, Free WiFi, & relaxing environment with a pretty view of a park and buildings. Enjoyed getting to work in here for an afternoon.
(5)Shing Yiing O.
This was my 2nd time here at Ritual Cafe.. First time was a year ago... Was driving around with my friend around downtown Des Moines to have a good breakfast... So we found RITUAL!!! I remembered I ordered hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin the first time I came here.. I love COFFEE!!! but decided to order a hot chocolate because I have to visit a company after breakfast and I did not want my breath to smell like coffee... I love the hot chocolate.. The temperature of the drink was hot enough for me to enjoy... The blueberry muffin was normal... My friend was craving for a hot breakfast... she ordered a quiche.. That was my first time trying a quiche... I remembered I took 2 bites and I am already in love with it... Since it was a year ago and I remembered how it tasted.. it must be really good and therefore... how can I not give them a 5 rating?? So I stopped by this morning to get a cup of coffee... Looking at their specialty... MAYAN MOCHA!!! Mexican coffee... with chocolate, steam milk.. cinnamon (if I am not wrong)... MMmmmm.... I love my breakfast.. with homemade banana bread that baked by myself.. :D You can taste the chocolate and the coffee... well blend... I just love local coffee shop compare to Starbucks... (well.. I don't hate starbucks.. they are just too common.. I like trying something new.. :)) I don't think I have a chance to stop by here again... I would love to find some good local coffee shop in NYC in the future... NEW YORKERS!! Any recommendation????
(5)Adam W.
I want to get something out of the way here quick: the service here is atrocious. I'm not the sort to complain about stuff like that, but man -- unnecessary, unapologetic rudeness, the minute I walked in the door. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about the good stuff, which is pretty much everything else. I had the veggie quiche, which was fantastic. Really rich in flavor, not too heavy -- it was great. You can't top the decor, either. Layers and layers. I spent a lot of time taking pictures (I probably should've asked first, but after the employees started glaring at me, I really didn't care to), and I'd find something new every time I got done. If they could put a pin in the employee attitudes, this place would really be a must-stop. As it stands, it's a really cool place to sit, have coffee and quiche, and get snarled at.
(3)John S.
My wife and I had a Saturday lunch date here. We both had excellent sandwiches and we are picky about vegetarian sandwiches. I had a po boi and she had the tempeh. I would love to visit and try more of their menu.
(4)Courtney C.
This place is awesome! I wish we got to spend more time in here but we hit up Ritual Cafe after eating at Proof and waiting for our Uber driver. They have the most flavor add-ins that I think I've ever seen at a coffee shop. I wish I would have tried one but since we were in a hurry, I stuck with my usual. A dirty Chai (can't remember what their name was for it.) it was so good! The guy working the counter was nice too. There were some people hanging out on laptops and I think they were also setting up for some kind of music or open mic night. It looks really cool in here with all the decor and bumper stickers. If I lived in the area, I'd make it my new chill spot.
(5)Ed S.
This is a great coffee shop and a nice place to get lunch. They have a lot of non-coffee drinks available as well. The owners are amazing. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. It's a great place to have groups or community meetings. A good place to meet like-minded people.
(5)Marvic R.
I will never get tired of their Mayan mocha. I get the triple Mayan with whip cream (seriously who doesn't want whip cream anyway) but they would still ask you just in case you happen to that kind the live on the other side of the fence with snakes as a pet. Lol!The Mexican chocolate they used tasted like "Tablea" which is very common in Philippines. You'll get to taste that vey dark chocolatey taste. A little bitter, sweet but not the typical diabetic comma sweetness that you'll get in some coffee. They also provide gift cards and punch card which would really work for regular customer coz you'll get a free coffee. And if you working towards the free coffee, never miss the double punch Tuesday!! And Monday you get free shots. (Exactly what you need for Monday, right?) The very nice manager suggested to get the reloadable card since they seem to notice that always come in and rushed out of the door. She just don't want me standing there dealing with a bunch of paper work . I've been going to this place for more than a year now and I would never get tired of this place. I love the art work and they change it every now and then. People are so warm and welcoming and I'm not the one to say have a good day first thing but coming here almost everyday, it'll come out naturally. If my husband gets me coffee downtown, he'll come here to get it for me or when I get mad, this is make-it-up coffee. I've come here with the daughter to have breakfast and she likes the games and book they have sitting by the corner shelves. If I have all the time in this world, I will come here and just sit and let the time flies. I've been telling my co-worker about this place and I've seen one of the big bosses come here and sit for hour every morning. They also have a live local band that plays on Friday afternoon (not sure) and I'm sure if you ask the baristas they'll be able to help you. When I go out of town my husband drops me off here to get my coffee since he knew I wouldn't like Starbucks or anything they have at the airport. I love this place and this is how I support the local business (if it has to do with coffee, I'm all for it) Best coffee shop ever in Des Moines!
(5)Jen H.
I came in to try the Mayan Mocha, and I'm glad I did! Rich and smooth, a perfect way to start my day. I also got a carrot and ginger muffin that I'm excited to eat while I'm on the road. The ambience is trendy and fun, a neat clash of Eastern culture and western art. It's very apparent that the owners and staff care about this place, and want the customers to care too. The service here was professional and friendly. Overall, a fantastic find. Des Moines has some great things to offer the world, and I'm planning on coming back!
(5)Karin L.
Out of all the places on my list to frequent when I visit Des Moines - Ritual Cafe definitely tops the list. The Horchata Lattes are what intrigued me and initially coaxed me into this cafe -- and after one taste of the Mayan Mocha I never wanted to leave! My favorite thing about this cafe which makes me prefer it to others in the area is the atmosphere. Friendly diverse crowd at Ritual Cafe and if I stay long enough I can usually drum up a conversation with the most interesting people you might meet in Des Moines.. Seems like they always have some type of live music available thoughout the week, and local artists display their work there (And no, it's not your typical crappy coffee house artwork, actually something decent to look at here). If you're a cool open minded person who likes good company and good coffee - this is the spot for you!!
(5)Aimee K.
Looking for really (reeeaaaally) great coffee in Des Moines? Look no further than Ritual. A friend and I stopped in for coffee and breakfast and we were so pleased with the caffeine situation. Both black coffee iced and hot were really excellent. There's nothing better than a local cup of coffee inside of a charming coffee shop! This place was friendly, welcoming, and full of people doing work and catching up. The food wasn't super great for us... I had the quiche (tomato, basil, and goat cheese) and my friend had the breakfast burrito (which was actually two smaller burritos together.) The salsa was good, but the food was mediocre. I'll have to come back to try their lunch. This was a great stop during two days in Des Moines... I'll be back again!
(4)Jordan O.
The good: this place has Mayan mochas, a diverse food selection, and a large seating area. The bad: the service never seems very friendly or warm like you get at Caribou or Starbucks. It's a small thing but something I notice as a customer every time. There are little things too like paying for parking which adds 1-2$ every time you want a coffee or the 4$ minimum spending for credit cards... My drink was 3.98 and they up charge. It's a small gripe, but annoying nonetheless. The ugly: the atmosphere is very hippie, earthy, with smells from aroma candles or something. All the artwork on the walls is also quite odd. Ritual is a coffee shop for a unique crowd, not necessarily somewhere you take your business colleagues or go to do work. I think with some work, I could be a great coffee shop, but without making any adjustments, honestly it's just easier to get a better, cheaper, friendlier cup of coffee somewhere else.
(3)Tim Y.
I went to Ritual Cafe because I looked up "Best Coffee Shop Des Moines" on Google and Google paused for a moment, because no one has ever searched for that phrase, then spit that out at the top. Ritual cafe is a nice place to chill out in the middle of Des Moines. Is it the best coffee shop in that town.... eeehhhhh that's debatable, but is it a great place to chill in with decent coffee and is it run by the coolest people I met in Des Moines? Yes. If you're in the area and need coffee or a quick bite to eat... or a great spot to work on your laptop, this is it.
(4)Bill L.
Just walking around downtown Des Moines last week and we were thirsty so we decided to pop into this awesome looking place for a quick thirst quencher. The decor is very vintage and retro, it has a look of a hip local coffee shop. It is definitely not your chain Starbucks or Caribou coffee, it has much more character! I definitely wish I actually tried their coffee or food items, but we only got their Italian sodas as a quick thirst quencher. We got the coconut and peach flavor, both were incredible and refreshing! There were plenty of seating options and the atmosphere was very casual and relaxing! We stopped by again a week later and had a few of their food items. We got the Cheese and Broccoli quiche as well as their 4 Cheese sandwich! The quiche was okay, but the sandwich was very very good, cheesy and tasty! The staff members were friendly and the view of downtown was nice with the option to people watch out of the windows as well! You will definitely see me returning here again!
(5)Jewel P.
This place is pretty cool. I stopped by for afternoon coffee but the smoothies caught my eye. I ordered a Active Evolution smoothie which has cherry and raspberry juice blended with some other good for me things. It was delicious. Its nice to have places in Des Moines that offer a healthy alternative choices for food. Besides coffee and smoothies they have a full vegetarian menu and lots of treats as well for your sweet tooth. And if you are looking for a cold brew or wine with your food they offer that too.
(5)Kim S.
Wow! Sign up with yelp through their app and get free coffee in support of local businesses. Such a friendly place. Really enjoyed atmosphere
(4)Brittany S.
Okay, so they may not sell vagina pillows or demand all gender-neutral word usages but this place could not remind me of the famous Portlandia bookstore, Women & Women First, more. Why? Well, the gentle and warm vibe of the staff for one. The earthy decor with liberal signage adorning the walls. I love it, don't get me wrong. I mean c'mon, look at the 5 rosy stars I'm dishing out. Why should you pop in here for a meeting, drink or study session and not somewhere else? 1.) four words: homemade spicy mango jam. Must must must. Pair it up with egg breakfast topped with chives and cheese and you have a perfect morning; 2.) despite the frigid Des Moines air outside, this place is as toasty as all get out. The ample seating doesn't hurt either; 3.) Mayan Mocha: chocolatey/spicy bliss - I'm not a coffee drinker but this one seemed too good to pass up; 4.) they also sell beer. Day drinking and work? Okay. I guess. Can't beautiful my next visit when in Des Moines!
(5)Jason S.
I need to eat here sometime! I've had drinks here before (delicious) and a snack (brownie) but no food. They do have veggie-friendly food. I really dug the chai tea I had. They have live music at times too. A real chill place in the Western Gateway.
(4)Brittain K.
Closed... says open til 10, actually closed at 7pm...drove 20 minutes to get here... Would have checked website, except it doesn't work...
(2)Patrick T.
Fantastic spot for a coffee, an art show, a meeting, a vegan cupcake, or to hear some music. This place has been a staple in downtown Des Moines for years now. One of the few places in town where most of the menu is Veggie friendly. I love the daily vegan cupcakes and wraps they have to choose from. Also fantastic smoothies and coffee. The first time I came here was years ago, to play a show and as a musician it's the perfect environment to play acoustic music, it's a nice little listening room and the crowds are always super respectful and fun. The owners and staff are fantastic as well. If you are visiting Des Moines grab a coffee or a cupcake from Ritual and sit on the Library grounds or walk around the sculpture park! You won't disappointed.
(5)Rob S.
I'd say best coffee in town with really good vegetarian food. Awesome atmosphere with rotating art from local artists. Always go local when you get coffee it's better than Starbucks. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Todd M.
Nice place. The art is very cool. Not much of kid-friendly foods but we managed. The "side" of coleslaw was laughable as a side but the main entree was good. The smoothies were awesome and great for a drink while you wander through the sculpture garden around the corner.
(4)Chris B.
Ritual is probably my second favorite cafe/coffee spot in town (behind Zanzibar's). I have yet to be disappointed by any of their drinks (coffee-based or not) or their food (from muffins to sandwiches). It is a cool little spot that definitely has established its own vibe. Plus it is a good place for a lot of experiences, including various different live performances. I will admit that about half of the time that I go there, I stand around and carefully think about what I want and then right before the words leave my mouth, I just order a beer instead (usually Snapshot).
(5)Jsca N.
Cute cafe with a nice big drink menu including smoothies with various super foods blended in. Friendly staff to help you out when ordering. There's quite a bit of seating room, including some comfy looking couches. Free wifi with password. Try the horchata latte for something a little different.
(4)Curt B.
Nondescript front you could easily drive by. However the decor inside is warm and inviting in a down to earth style. Staff was friendly and displayed a lot of knowledge of their products. Latte was fantastic as was the vegan friendly "oat bar." Quiet inside, easy for a friendly conversation (Saturday @ 6:30PM)
(4)Dustin D.
Awesome place to get coffee or pastries. The Ritual Roast is always good but my favorite are the hempnut chocolate chip cookies. The owner makes them herself and without exaggeration they are as good a cookie as you will find anywhere. They also have full meals like the vegan breakfast burrito which is a 5 star by itself!
(5)Britt S.
I cant wait to try you guys out. But please change your information on Yelp. You are not the only place in all of DSM that offers a vegetarian menu. New World Cafe is all vegan!
(4)Justin B.
Get the Mayan Mocha. You will not regret it. It's not a super sweet, syrupy mocha like a lot of places. The light sweetness compliments the coffee well. The breakfast burrito is tasty as well. The veggie sausage tastes incredible, and the salsa is top notch.
(4)Ri T.
I love coming into this cafe. It has such a relaxed atmosphere and it doesn't get too loud. It is the perfect place for some quiet study or catching up with friends. The coffee, pastries, and smoothies that I have tried have all been great.
(5)Sumita B.
The Mayan mocha hot or iced is awesome. The mocha bianca is another awesome choice. They also have some unique coffee such as cafe su da (Vietnamese iced coffee). The chocolate chip hemp cookies are awesome. The cookies are very soft and chewy.
(5)Myke C.
From the first time I ordered a red-eye from Cafe Ritual, I was hooked. It became a daily spot for a mid morning coffee. The atmosphere is earthy, quiet, and relaxed. The staff are friendly and always ready to help and explain the items on the menu. The food is delish and the coffee is wonderful. I absolutely adore this place, and they have little, intimate concerts regularly (however, I've never gone to one).
(5)Bethany W.
As far as local coffee shops go, you can't find much better than Ritual Cafe. The service is awesome, the coffee is DELICIOUS (try the Mocha Bianca! YUM!), and the overall atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. This is a great stop for anyone with an appreciation for the arts. Beautiful artwork covers the walls, and you can bring it home with you for a price! They are super "green" and use actual cups, they are extremely LGBT friendly, and have options for all types of diners, vegan, vegetarian, and others! Love it!
(5)Sarah G.
My favorite thing about Ritual Cafe is...everything! The eclectic decor, the natural light, the plants all lend an ambience of welcoming calm. No matter how stressed out I am, when I walk through the doors I feel relaxed and peaceful. Of course it's not just about the atmosphere! They have a variety of specialty coffee drinks, the best in town in my opinion, as well as an entirely vegetarian menu (for those of you who can't out don't eat dairy there are plenty of vegan options as well!). If coffee isn't your thing they have loose leaf teas and Italian sodas. Their hemp smoothies are delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day, and if you just need a quick snack they have a small assortment of pastries and bars. No matter what you choose your taste buds will thank you! Even if you're a dedicated meat-eater, give it a try. I've brought friends who swore they HAD TO HAVE meat at every meal who absolutely loved it.
(5)Mikaela F.
I wish I'd discovered this gem sooner. I love the location and atmosphere. The coffee is great, the food is delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Tiffany N.
Ritual Café has such cool art. And I hear they also have pretty cool music acts. There weren't any musicians playing the morning I was there, but based on the music they played in the background I could definitely see it being true. They serve all vegetarian and vegan fair and the food is pretty dang good. I had a piece of quiche (broccoli and cheddar) and it was well done. There aren't a ton of seats, but it was never full while I was there so it seems like a good spot to stop into. And not only were the people working there nice you know they have to be pretty cool because the Wi-Fi password is "too legit to quit." Hey, hey.
(4)Christina L.
Loved the atmosphere and the people here are very friendly. Also this place wasn't bustling, which I like as it kept the atmosphere mellow and calm. I'm sure it gets busier during other times but I was parked in a corner mid-morning and barely saw a soul come in and out which was just fine for me. Wasn't too wowed by the oatmeal, but liked the atmosphere enough I would/will come back anyways. The chai didn't taste like concentrate and had a great head of foam on it. Also, this may not matter to some but the cup it was served in felt awesome in my hands. Big wide handle I could get my fingers through, and a nice medium height. I picked it up from the counter and immediately thought "woah, I really like this cup". It's a small detail but I enjoyed it, so perhaps others will too.
(5)John T.
High quality food. Excellent, friendly, efficient staff. I had the Active Evolution smoothie, and the grilled humus Panini. Great food, and great value-for-dollar. The atmosphere is sort of common for whole and natural foods places, sort of college-ish, but very relaxing.
(5)Richard S.
Two vegans walk into a "vegetarian cafe"...they leave totally bummed out. I'll make this quick and simple...unhappy. Driving through town, we were excited to see a review raving about a "hearty vegan breakfast". Well, that doesn't exist at all on the menu and when we asked if there was anything remotely close to a vegan breakfast, we were told oatmeal was it...at an "all vegetarian" place mind you. We were kind of hoping for something a little more appetizing and/or creative. Ended up getting an $8 bagel with hummus at 7am. My girlfriend had a coffee that was downright terrible. When she asked for a hot water, she was told she has to be charged for a tea as well which I thought was just insane given our situation. I hate writing reviews about a place that has good intentions but this place just sucked. And what vegetarian cafe doesn't have tofu? If you're vegan and passing through town, I'd recommend the closest whole foods or pretty much any vegan fast food hack we've all come to be burned out on. Sad but true. Try again ritual cafe.
(1)Amira K.
Ritual is great for its atmosphere, selection of vegan pastries and food, and amazing drinks. I love the vegan hemp chocolate chip cookies and you must try their flavored lattes/chai. It's a casual cafe -- great for a business meeting, doing homework, or catching up with a friend. The baristas are friendly and attentive.
(5)Adam F.
Menu is all vegetarian. Love the food. Coffee is good but not great.
(4)Jane V.
The people are friendly and the food is delicious (I had a quiche). It has some sandwiches which my friends liked. Plus, it has a great atmosphere!
(5)Aeon G.
My favorite local Des Moines coffee shop when it comes to different drinks. I recommend the cafe miel with almond milk, the horchatta latte, or a sua da as something to please your sweet tooth.
(5)Thao P.
Oh Ritual... This is one of my FAVORITE places in Des Moines. Ritual has a soft spot in my heart because I've been going here since the first year it opened. It also is the most LGBT-friendly cafe/dining place. The atmosphere is very ambient and liberal. All types of people are welcome here. The location is great due to its close proximity to businesses, public library, and at being in the core of downtown. Parking usually is never too hard to find. Food and drinks are superb! They are all organic and locally grown-- Even better-- vegetarian. Food: All the vegetarian entrees are fantastic. I recommend the 4 Cheese Panini, Hummus and Bread Plate, and Quiche. They are to die for. The 4 Cheese Panini is oozing with delicious cheeses and crunchy grilledness. The hummus is homemade and fantastic. They also have YUMMY pre-wrapped organic brownies, pastries, and bars by the cashier. Drinks: This is where they really shine. The signature Mayan Mocha is a popular favorite with its Mexican spices. What's unique is that this place serves Cafe Sua Da, which is Vietnamese Iced Coffee! I have never been to an American place that serves Vietnamese Iced Coffee. They get their coffee mix from A Dong nearby, which is great. The Italian sodas and iced green tea are my personal favorites.
(5)Frankie M.
They have a yummy vegan peanut butter granola bar. The vibe in this place is very quiet and pleasant.
(4)Drew K.
Had the Horcata Latte, it was ok, but overally disappointing. Haven't had their coffee yet though.
(3)David G.
What a lovely café! The staff are very friendly and the food made a great lunch and I stayed to work for a few hours. I enjoyed a spinach, mushroom and cheese quiche that was perfectly prepared and a small side salad. The chai was good and the café au lait was also good. I think they offer live music in the evenings.
(5)Julia A.
Best Cappuccinos in town!
(5)Brooke P.
Horchata Latte. That is all I have to say. Get it, and enjoy it.
(4)Becca J.
Good place to go with either a group of friends of a special someone! ;] Will be a returning customer!
(4)Natalia P.
Just found this place while eating at Proof restaurant next door. Really impressed! Mayan mocha was delicious with soy milk and atmosphere is relaxing. The wait staff is friendly. Bob Marley theme abounds. I will have to come back for Friday live music.
(5)Benny M.
Driving to Illinois from Colorado and was pumped to see a coffeeshop mentioning using organic products and the wife was craving a latte so I drove down from i-80 after crossing the wasteland that is Nebraska and western Iowa. VERY disappointed to find out they use Anderson Erikson milk and styrofoam cups WTF?? Hate the thought of very hot liquid being poured into something so toxic. Ended up getting two Americanos that were decent and the place had a cool ambiance so I'll give it 2 stars for that. Guess I'm spoiled in Boulder where just about every coffeeshop uses local hormone free milk and compostable cups.
(2)Kristin S.
Staff is always super friendly, the coffee is always wonderful (and affordable) and the food is to die for! They can also make great suggestions for smoothies and teas depending on what you need... hung over? tired? Whatever the issue, they seem to have just the thing.
(5)Kedar D.
This is a decent coffee shop located in a cozy part of Des Moines, not far from the center of downtown. I like that it's near the library. Note that the entrance is on 13th Street, not Locust. The food options here are unspectacular (think hummus sandwiches with cucumbers), though they do have one tempeh sandwich. If they added some cajun tofu steaks or seitan burgers, there might be more to write home about. I like that they have loose leaf teas and a wide selection at that. They only had two vegan desserts, though, and so I picked the last peanut butter cookie. It was tasty, but crumbled into bits and pieces and was difficult to eat. On a whole, this is not a bad place, and a good enough spot for tea, a small snack and a conversation with a friend. It's not worth going out of your way to come here, though.
(3)Justin B.
I found RC because a friend recommended our meeting take place here. The atmosphere was set well with the music selection and the "artsy" vibe. The staff was friendly, attentive, and the Chai I ordered was incredible! (I have had many a bland Chai) On top of the already good experience they also accepted my AMEX. Their business plan includes more than just "buy local." They actually give you a great product! It is so good to see a local coffee / cafe that actually gets it. Score!
(5)Rand H.
I really love this place (and not JUST because I've been afforded the opportunity to perform here, but let's add "awesome live music") to the litany of praise. Great food. If you are a cheese lover, order The Jess, a wonderful panini with four cheeses, artichoke hearts, and other good stuff. Good coffee, coffee based drinks, and chai as well and the folks who work here are a real delight: friendly, courteous, humorous, and eager to engage in conversation.
(5)Sally J.
My favorite little coffee shop in Des Moines.
(5)Sarah B.
Very pleasant hipster coffee shop that made me super homesick for San Francisco. Free wifi? Check. Extensive tea menu? Check. Vegan, gluten-free baked goods that no one ever orders? Check. The staff are super nice, and the space is big and bright and relaxing. Plus it's very close to the Des Moines Sculpture Park, and there's lots of cheap meter parking nearby. We ended up camping out here for a whole afternoon of our road trip just because we were enjoying the ambience so much.
(5)Bethany C.
In town from Boston for a wedding we stopped here for an early lunch before taking the bcycles out for a ride. I ordered the grilled hummus panini which was in essence so delicious I was enraptured by the zesty collage of garden fresh flavors well after devouring the sandwich declaring it "the best sandwich I'd ever eaten!" The friendly service confirmed I was in warm hands.
(5)Mike M.
Great atmosphere! I was excited to find a cool chill spot to eat a hearty vegan breakfast. The coffee is pretty decent and the staff is super friendly. I was a bit disappointed that not all of the products were organic, namely the fruit in their smoothies. I dined on Grateful Oats 2 mornings in a row, which was oatmeal, soaked in a mild chai almond-milk and topped with hemp granola. The chai was a nice touch and very subtle. I love the concept and direction of this place, I believe it would be awesome if Ritual would steer towards more fresh made products, ditched the microwave and carried only organic product.
(4)Bryan M.
so happy to find a local coffee shoppe! nice place to grab something to drink and/or eat. very good latte and banana peanut butter muffin.
(5)Trish T.
This is the kind of place with the rainbow flag hanging out front with lots of random posters in the windows, but this straight person who doesn't like politics felt right at home. I would go every morning before I had to set out on my work adventures in Des Moines. LOVE THIS PLACE. Coffee is super yummy and they make this amazing oatmeal with honey and craisins. I see they also serve my fave Fat Tire, but I was never able to get back after the early morning hours. They had chairs and tables and couches and encourage recycling.... truly a place after my own little heart.
(5)Ricky Q.
Mayan mocha is the best! A little spendy to do often but on special occasions it's great!
(4)Jessica J.
Friendly faces, great coffee, and comfy seating. What more could you ask for in a coffee shop? The toddy coffee is the best I've had in DSM, even if the owners still won't tell me what beans they use! The added bonus of delicious home-baked treats and vegetarian breakfasts and lunches make it that much more awesome.
(4)David W.
If you enjoy artsy coffee shops, this is for you. Great drinks, good food, nice atmosphere, good location, and a very friendly wait staff. Although very liberal looking, no views are pushed on patrons. I will frequent this place at every chance I get.
(5)Amy B.
These girls are the sweetest coffee savvy mamas to walk the face of the earth!! They offer a wholesome menu of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, make amazing drinks and the shop itself is a place where you can really kick back and relax. The local artwork rotates and is always great, and if you're looking for some chill live music, check their calendar for the next show. St*#bucks? I think not!! I like GOOD coffee, thank you.
(5)Jill S.
On a recent cross country trip we passed through Des Moines and stopped into Ritual Cafe after finding it on Yelp. I absolutely loved it! My husband & I both ordered the tempeh sandwich and they were to die for! I ordered it with the sundried tomato sauce & he ordered it with the BBQ sauce & we shared. Neither of us could decide which was better. Add to that a delicious mocha, friendly staff, excellent vibe and you've got yourself a winner. If I lived in Des Moines this would definitely be my spot. I highly recommend it!
(5)Ricky T.
Great food and great coffee! also if you are there on a weekend night also might be able to check out a live acoustic act. Great place all around!
(5)Allison F.
As a vegetarian who wanted something other than a salad, this place was amazing! And, as a plus, my soy chai was outstanding! Definitely recommend it!
(5)Mike J.
Coffee was fine. Attitude was not. The friendly staff everyone here talks about must have had the day off when I was there.
(1)Mia R.
Star rated based on what it is, an extremely casual, vegitarian place. Address here is wrong, it is on 13th St, I think, between Grand and Locust. That is just around the corner from where it says here. Excellent vegitarian food, very friendly staff, clean, comfortable and cheap/reasonable prices. Not a huge menu of food, but certainly enough to satisfy me. The only word of caution is that the staff and patrons are on the liberal side of politics and it is a gay-friendly place. For those who are not, they do NOT press their views, but some people freak out by meer association. Probably not a place where you will see neo-Nazis.
(5)Wesh W.
A good cup of real coffee & vegetarian eating to boot? You betcha! Nice place run by nice folks. You'll feel welcome.
(5)Smith Von Q.
A little haven, a sanctuary of coolness, great food, nice people, interesting ideas, good coffee, wonderful music, and calm. Des Moines is lucky to have it. It's like a slice of Berkeley without the attitude. The soups are amazing as is all the other food; but the best part is, when I walk through the door, I always feel the stresses and conflicts of the 21st century slipping from my shoulders. Then I sit down with my cup of coffee and listen as my soul takes its first breath in days.
(5)Chris B.
Ritual is probably my second favorite cafe/coffee spot in town (behind Zanzibar's). I have yet to be disappointed by any of their drinks (coffee-based or not) or their food (from muffins to sandwiches). It is a cool little spot that definitely has established its own vibe. Plus it is a good place for a lot of experiences, including various different live performances. I will admit that about half of the time that I go there, I stand around and carefully think about what I want and then right before the words leave my mouth, I just order a beer instead (usually Snapshot).
(5)Mia R.
Star rated based on what it is, an extremely casual, vegitarian place. Address here is wrong, it is on 13th St, I think, between Grand and Locust. That is just around the corner from where it says here. Excellent vegitarian food, very friendly staff, clean, comfortable and cheap/reasonable prices. Not a huge menu of food, but certainly enough to satisfy me. The only word of caution is that the staff and patrons are on the liberal side of politics and it is a gay-friendly place. For those who are not, they do NOT press their views, but some people freak out by meer association. Probably not a place where you will see neo-Nazis.
(5)Wesh W.
A good cup of real coffee & vegetarian eating to boot? You betcha! Nice place run by nice folks. You'll feel welcome.
(5)Aimee K.
Looking for really (reeeaaaally) great coffee in Des Moines? Look no further than Ritual. A friend and I stopped in for coffee and breakfast and we were so pleased with the caffeine situation. Both black coffee iced and hot were really excellent. There's nothing better than a local cup of coffee inside of a charming coffee shop! This place was friendly, welcoming, and full of people doing work and catching up. The food wasn't super great for us... I had the quiche (tomato, basil, and goat cheese) and my friend had the breakfast burrito (which was actually two smaller burritos together.) The salsa was good, but the food was mediocre. I'll have to come back to try their lunch. This was a great stop during two days in Des Moines... I'll be back again!
(4)Jordan O.
The good: this place has Mayan mochas, a diverse food selection, and a large seating area. The bad: the service never seems very friendly or warm like you get at Caribou or Starbucks. It's a small thing but something I notice as a customer every time. There are little things too like paying for parking which adds 1-2$ every time you want a coffee or the 4$ minimum spending for credit cards... My drink was 3.98 and they up charge. It's a small gripe, but annoying nonetheless. The ugly: the atmosphere is very hippie, earthy, with smells from aroma candles or something. All the artwork on the walls is also quite odd. Ritual is a coffee shop for a unique crowd, not necessarily somewhere you take your business colleagues or go to do work. I think with some work, I could be a great coffee shop, but without making any adjustments, honestly it's just easier to get a better, cheaper, friendlier cup of coffee somewhere else.
(3)Bill L.
Just walking around downtown Des Moines last week and we were thirsty so we decided to pop into this awesome looking place for a quick thirst quencher. The decor is very vintage and retro, it has a look of a hip local coffee shop. It is definitely not your chain Starbucks or Caribou coffee, it has much more character! I definitely wish I actually tried their coffee or food items, but we only got their Italian sodas as a quick thirst quencher. We got the coconut and peach flavor, both were incredible and refreshing! There were plenty of seating options and the atmosphere was very casual and relaxing! We stopped by again a week later and had a few of their food items. We got the Cheese and Broccoli quiche as well as their 4 Cheese sandwich! The quiche was okay, but the sandwich was very very good, cheesy and tasty! The staff members were friendly and the view of downtown was nice with the option to people watch out of the windows as well! You will definitely see me returning here again!
(5)Courtney C.
This place is awesome! I wish we got to spend more time in here but we hit up Ritual Cafe after eating at Proof and waiting for our Uber driver. They have the most flavor add-ins that I think I've ever seen at a coffee shop. I wish I would have tried one but since we were in a hurry, I stuck with my usual. A dirty Chai (can't remember what their name was for it.) it was so good! The guy working the counter was nice too. There were some people hanging out on laptops and I think they were also setting up for some kind of music or open mic night. It looks really cool in here with all the decor and bumper stickers. If I lived in the area, I'd make it my new chill spot.
(5)Allison F.
As a vegetarian who wanted something other than a salad, this place was amazing! And, as a plus, my soy chai was outstanding! Definitely recommend it!
(5)Mike J.
Coffee was fine. Attitude was not. The friendly staff everyone here talks about must have had the day off when I was there.
(1)Smith Von Q.
A little haven, a sanctuary of coolness, great food, nice people, interesting ideas, good coffee, wonderful music, and calm. Des Moines is lucky to have it. It's like a slice of Berkeley without the attitude. The soups are amazing as is all the other food; but the best part is, when I walk through the door, I always feel the stresses and conflicts of the 21st century slipping from my shoulders. Then I sit down with my cup of coffee and listen as my soul takes its first breath in days.
(5)Ed S.
This is a great coffee shop and a nice place to get lunch. They have a lot of non-coffee drinks available as well. The owners are amazing. The staff is generally friendly and helpful. It's a great place to have groups or community meetings. A good place to meet like-minded people.
(5)Jewel P.
This place is pretty cool. I stopped by for afternoon coffee but the smoothies caught my eye. I ordered a Active Evolution smoothie which has cherry and raspberry juice blended with some other good for me things. It was delicious. Its nice to have places in Des Moines that offer a healthy alternative choices for food. Besides coffee and smoothies they have a full vegetarian menu and lots of treats as well for your sweet tooth. And if you are looking for a cold brew or wine with your food they offer that too.
(5)Kim S.
Wow! Sign up with yelp through their app and get free coffee in support of local businesses. Such a friendly place. Really enjoyed atmosphere
(4)Marvic R.
I will never get tired of their Mayan mocha. I get the triple Mayan with whip cream (seriously who doesn't want whip cream anyway) but they would still ask you just in case you happen to that kind the live on the other side of the fence with snakes as a pet. Lol!The Mexican chocolate they used tasted like "Tablea" which is very common in Philippines. You'll get to taste that vey dark chocolatey taste. A little bitter, sweet but not the typical diabetic comma sweetness that you'll get in some coffee. They also provide gift cards and punch card which would really work for regular customer coz you'll get a free coffee. And if you working towards the free coffee, never miss the double punch Tuesday!! And Monday you get free shots. (Exactly what you need for Monday, right?) The very nice manager suggested to get the reloadable card since they seem to notice that always come in and rushed out of the door. She just don't want me standing there dealing with a bunch of paper work . I've been going to this place for more than a year now and I would never get tired of this place. I love the art work and they change it every now and then. People are so warm and welcoming and I'm not the one to say have a good day first thing but coming here almost everyday, it'll come out naturally. If my husband gets me coffee downtown, he'll come here to get it for me or when I get mad, this is make-it-up coffee. I've come here with the daughter to have breakfast and she likes the games and book they have sitting by the corner shelves. If I have all the time in this world, I will come here and just sit and let the time flies. I've been telling my co-worker about this place and I've seen one of the big bosses come here and sit for hour every morning. They also have a live local band that plays on Friday afternoon (not sure) and I'm sure if you ask the baristas they'll be able to help you. When I go out of town my husband drops me off here to get my coffee since he knew I wouldn't like Starbucks or anything they have at the airport. I love this place and this is how I support the local business (if it has to do with coffee, I'm all for it) Best coffee shop ever in Des Moines!
(5)Jen H.
I came in to try the Mayan Mocha, and I'm glad I did! Rich and smooth, a perfect way to start my day. I also got a carrot and ginger muffin that I'm excited to eat while I'm on the road. The ambience is trendy and fun, a neat clash of Eastern culture and western art. It's very apparent that the owners and staff care about this place, and want the customers to care too. The service here was professional and friendly. Overall, a fantastic find. Des Moines has some great things to offer the world, and I'm planning on coming back!
(5)Karin L.
Out of all the places on my list to frequent when I visit Des Moines - Ritual Cafe definitely tops the list. The Horchata Lattes are what intrigued me and initially coaxed me into this cafe -- and after one taste of the Mayan Mocha I never wanted to leave! My favorite thing about this cafe which makes me prefer it to others in the area is the atmosphere. Friendly diverse crowd at Ritual Cafe and if I stay long enough I can usually drum up a conversation with the most interesting people you might meet in Des Moines.. Seems like they always have some type of live music available thoughout the week, and local artists display their work there (And no, it's not your typical crappy coffee house artwork, actually something decent to look at here). If you're a cool open minded person who likes good company and good coffee - this is the spot for you!!
(5)Brittany S.
Okay, so they may not sell vagina pillows or demand all gender-neutral word usages but this place could not remind me of the famous Portlandia bookstore, Women & Women First, more. Why? Well, the gentle and warm vibe of the staff for one. The earthy decor with liberal signage adorning the walls. I love it, don't get me wrong. I mean c'mon, look at the 5 rosy stars I'm dishing out. Why should you pop in here for a meeting, drink or study session and not somewhere else? 1.) four words: homemade spicy mango jam. Must must must. Pair it up with egg breakfast topped with chives and cheese and you have a perfect morning; 2.) despite the frigid Des Moines air outside, this place is as toasty as all get out. The ample seating doesn't hurt either; 3.) Mayan Mocha: chocolatey/spicy bliss - I'm not a coffee drinker but this one seemed too good to pass up; 4.) they also sell beer. Day drinking and work? Okay. I guess. Can't beautiful my next visit when in Des Moines!
(5)Jason S.
I need to eat here sometime! I've had drinks here before (delicious) and a snack (brownie) but no food. They do have veggie-friendly food. I really dug the chai tea I had. They have live music at times too. A real chill place in the Western Gateway.
(4)Brittain K.
Closed... says open til 10, actually closed at 7pm...drove 20 minutes to get here... Would have checked website, except it doesn't work...
(2)Patrick T.
Fantastic spot for a coffee, an art show, a meeting, a vegan cupcake, or to hear some music. This place has been a staple in downtown Des Moines for years now. One of the few places in town where most of the menu is Veggie friendly. I love the daily vegan cupcakes and wraps they have to choose from. Also fantastic smoothies and coffee. The first time I came here was years ago, to play a show and as a musician it's the perfect environment to play acoustic music, it's a nice little listening room and the crowds are always super respectful and fun. The owners and staff are fantastic as well. If you are visiting Des Moines grab a coffee or a cupcake from Ritual and sit on the Library grounds or walk around the sculpture park! You won't disappointed.
(5)Rob S.
I'd say best coffee in town with really good vegetarian food. Awesome atmosphere with rotating art from local artists. Always go local when you get coffee it's better than Starbucks. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Todd M.
Nice place. The art is very cool. Not much of kid-friendly foods but we managed. The "side" of coleslaw was laughable as a side but the main entree was good. The smoothies were awesome and great for a drink while you wander through the sculpture garden around the corner.
(4)Tim Y.
I went to Ritual Cafe because I looked up "Best Coffee Shop Des Moines" on Google and Google paused for a moment, because no one has ever searched for that phrase, then spit that out at the top. Ritual cafe is a nice place to chill out in the middle of Des Moines. Is it the best coffee shop in that town.... eeehhhhh that's debatable, but is it a great place to chill in with decent coffee and is it run by the coolest people I met in Des Moines? Yes. If you're in the area and need coffee or a quick bite to eat... or a great spot to work on your laptop, this is it.
(4)Jsca N.
Cute cafe with a nice big drink menu including smoothies with various super foods blended in. Friendly staff to help you out when ordering. There's quite a bit of seating room, including some comfy looking couches. Free wifi with password. Try the horchata latte for something a little different.
(4)Curt B.
Nondescript front you could easily drive by. However the decor inside is warm and inviting in a down to earth style. Staff was friendly and displayed a lot of knowledge of their products. Latte was fantastic as was the vegan friendly "oat bar." Quiet inside, easy for a friendly conversation (Saturday @ 6:30PM)
(4)Dustin D.
Awesome place to get coffee or pastries. The Ritual Roast is always good but my favorite are the hempnut chocolate chip cookies. The owner makes them herself and without exaggeration they are as good a cookie as you will find anywhere. They also have full meals like the vegan breakfast burrito which is a 5 star by itself!
(5)Britt S.
I cant wait to try you guys out. But please change your information on Yelp. You are not the only place in all of DSM that offers a vegetarian menu. New World Cafe is all vegan!
(4)Nick G.
What a great spot! Came to Des Moines with really no expectations, and was excited to locate a cool, relaxed, artsy, local coffee shop to hang out and do work at. As others have said, the Mayan Mocha is excellent (can't speak to any other drinks there as it's the only thing I ordered). Had a couple hummus-based food options that were delicious. Was a good place to hang out and do some work, with a nice variety of seating options. Only qualms were that there weren't that many outlets, and that I couldn't get the internet to work (both are pretty critical in a place like this).
(4)Rita I.
The atmostphere is great! I love the little vibe it gives. Aside from the street parking. the baristas were nice, quick and friendly. Would definetly go back.
(4)Justin B.
Get the Mayan Mocha. You will not regret it. It's not a super sweet, syrupy mocha like a lot of places. The light sweetness compliments the coffee well. The breakfast burrito is tasty as well. The veggie sausage tastes incredible, and the salsa is top notch.
(4)Ri T.
I love coming into this cafe. It has such a relaxed atmosphere and it doesn't get too loud. It is the perfect place for some quiet study or catching up with friends. The coffee, pastries, and smoothies that I have tried have all been great.
(5)Sumita B.
The Mayan mocha hot or iced is awesome. The mocha bianca is another awesome choice. They also have some unique coffee such as cafe su da (Vietnamese iced coffee). The chocolate chip hemp cookies are awesome. The cookies are very soft and chewy.
(5)Myke C.
From the first time I ordered a red-eye from Cafe Ritual, I was hooked. It became a daily spot for a mid morning coffee. The atmosphere is earthy, quiet, and relaxed. The staff are friendly and always ready to help and explain the items on the menu. The food is delish and the coffee is wonderful. I absolutely adore this place, and they have little, intimate concerts regularly (however, I've never gone to one).
(5)Bethany W.
As far as local coffee shops go, you can't find much better than Ritual Cafe. The service is awesome, the coffee is DELICIOUS (try the Mocha Bianca! YUM!), and the overall atmosphere is very warm and welcoming. This is a great stop for anyone with an appreciation for the arts. Beautiful artwork covers the walls, and you can bring it home with you for a price! They are super "green" and use actual cups, they are extremely LGBT friendly, and have options for all types of diners, vegan, vegetarian, and others! Love it!
(5)John T.
High quality food. Excellent, friendly, efficient staff. I had the Active Evolution smoothie, and the grilled humus Panini. Great food, and great value-for-dollar. The atmosphere is sort of common for whole and natural foods places, sort of college-ish, but very relaxing.
(5)Sarah G.
My favorite thing about Ritual Cafe is...everything! The eclectic decor, the natural light, the plants all lend an ambience of welcoming calm. No matter how stressed out I am, when I walk through the doors I feel relaxed and peaceful. Of course it's not just about the atmosphere! They have a variety of specialty coffee drinks, the best in town in my opinion, as well as an entirely vegetarian menu (for those of you who can't out don't eat dairy there are plenty of vegan options as well!). If coffee isn't your thing they have loose leaf teas and Italian sodas. Their hemp smoothies are delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day, and if you just need a quick snack they have a small assortment of pastries and bars. No matter what you choose your taste buds will thank you! Even if you're a dedicated meat-eater, give it a try. I've brought friends who swore they HAD TO HAVE meat at every meal who absolutely loved it.
(5)Mikaela F.
I wish I'd discovered this gem sooner. I love the location and atmosphere. The coffee is great, the food is delicious. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(5)Tiffany N.
Ritual Café has such cool art. And I hear they also have pretty cool music acts. There weren't any musicians playing the morning I was there, but based on the music they played in the background I could definitely see it being true. They serve all vegetarian and vegan fair and the food is pretty dang good. I had a piece of quiche (broccoli and cheddar) and it was well done. There aren't a ton of seats, but it was never full while I was there so it seems like a good spot to stop into. And not only were the people working there nice you know they have to be pretty cool because the Wi-Fi password is "too legit to quit." Hey, hey.
(4)Mike M.
Great atmosphere! I was excited to find a cool chill spot to eat a hearty vegan breakfast. The coffee is pretty decent and the staff is super friendly. I was a bit disappointed that not all of the products were organic, namely the fruit in their smoothies. I dined on Grateful Oats 2 mornings in a row, which was oatmeal, soaked in a mild chai almond-milk and topped with hemp granola. The chai was a nice touch and very subtle. I love the concept and direction of this place, I believe it would be awesome if Ritual would steer towards more fresh made products, ditched the microwave and carried only organic product.
(4)Christina L.
Loved the atmosphere and the people here are very friendly. Also this place wasn't bustling, which I like as it kept the atmosphere mellow and calm. I'm sure it gets busier during other times but I was parked in a corner mid-morning and barely saw a soul come in and out which was just fine for me. Wasn't too wowed by the oatmeal, but liked the atmosphere enough I would/will come back anyways. The chai didn't taste like concentrate and had a great head of foam on it. Also, this may not matter to some but the cup it was served in felt awesome in my hands. Big wide handle I could get my fingers through, and a nice medium height. I picked it up from the counter and immediately thought "woah, I really like this cup". It's a small detail but I enjoyed it, so perhaps others will too.
(5)Richard S.
Two vegans walk into a "vegetarian cafe"...they leave totally bummed out. I'll make this quick and simple...unhappy. Driving through town, we were excited to see a review raving about a "hearty vegan breakfast". Well, that doesn't exist at all on the menu and when we asked if there was anything remotely close to a vegan breakfast, we were told oatmeal was it...at an "all vegetarian" place mind you. We were kind of hoping for something a little more appetizing and/or creative. Ended up getting an $8 bagel with hummus at 7am. My girlfriend had a coffee that was downright terrible. When she asked for a hot water, she was told she has to be charged for a tea as well which I thought was just insane given our situation. I hate writing reviews about a place that has good intentions but this place just sucked. And what vegetarian cafe doesn't have tofu? If you're vegan and passing through town, I'd recommend the closest whole foods or pretty much any vegan fast food hack we've all come to be burned out on. Sad but true. Try again ritual cafe.
(1)Amira K.
Ritual is great for its atmosphere, selection of vegan pastries and food, and amazing drinks. I love the vegan hemp chocolate chip cookies and you must try their flavored lattes/chai. It's a casual cafe -- great for a business meeting, doing homework, or catching up with a friend. The baristas are friendly and attentive.
(5)Adam F.
Menu is all vegetarian. Love the food. Coffee is good but not great.
(4)Jane V.
The people are friendly and the food is delicious (I had a quiche). It has some sandwiches which my friends liked. Plus, it has a great atmosphere!
(5)Aeon G.
My favorite local Des Moines coffee shop when it comes to different drinks. I recommend the cafe miel with almond milk, the horchatta latte, or a sua da as something to please your sweet tooth.
(5)Thao P.
Oh Ritual... This is one of my FAVORITE places in Des Moines. Ritual has a soft spot in my heart because I've been going here since the first year it opened. It also is the most LGBT-friendly cafe/dining place. The atmosphere is very ambient and liberal. All types of people are welcome here. The location is great due to its close proximity to businesses, public library, and at being in the core of downtown. Parking usually is never too hard to find. Food and drinks are superb! They are all organic and locally grown-- Even better-- vegetarian. Food: All the vegetarian entrees are fantastic. I recommend the 4 Cheese Panini, Hummus and Bread Plate, and Quiche. They are to die for. The 4 Cheese Panini is oozing with delicious cheeses and crunchy grilledness. The hummus is homemade and fantastic. They also have YUMMY pre-wrapped organic brownies, pastries, and bars by the cashier. Drinks: This is where they really shine. The signature Mayan Mocha is a popular favorite with its Mexican spices. What's unique is that this place serves Cafe Sua Da, which is Vietnamese Iced Coffee! I have never been to an American place that serves Vietnamese Iced Coffee. They get their coffee mix from A Dong nearby, which is great. The Italian sodas and iced green tea are my personal favorites.
(5)Frankie M.
They have a yummy vegan peanut butter granola bar. The vibe in this place is very quiet and pleasant.
(4)Drew K.
Had the Horcata Latte, it was ok, but overally disappointing. Haven't had their coffee yet though.
(3)David G.
What a lovely café! The staff are very friendly and the food made a great lunch and I stayed to work for a few hours. I enjoyed a spinach, mushroom and cheese quiche that was perfectly prepared and a small side salad. The chai was good and the café au lait was also good. I think they offer live music in the evenings.
(5)Julia A.
Best Cappuccinos in town!
(5)Brooke P.
Horchata Latte. That is all I have to say. Get it, and enjoy it.
(4)Becca J.
Good place to go with either a group of friends of a special someone! ;] Will be a returning customer!
(4)Natalia P.
Just found this place while eating at Proof restaurant next door. Really impressed! Mayan mocha was delicious with soy milk and atmosphere is relaxing. The wait staff is friendly. Bob Marley theme abounds. I will have to come back for Friday live music.
(5)Zane S.
I stopped by last Thursday because no lunch makes me angry. I had bought Ritual's coffee before, but this was the first time I tried their food. The Hummus Sandwich was delicious. I would easily come back for it, despite not being vegetarian. Also a welcoming environment for a meeting or just to be left alone and get some work done. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Cynthia M.
Delicious Cafe Miele, Free WiFi, & relaxing environment with a pretty view of a park and buildings. Enjoyed getting to work in here for an afternoon.
(5)Shing Yiing O.
This was my 2nd time here at Ritual Cafe.. First time was a year ago... Was driving around with my friend around downtown Des Moines to have a good breakfast... So we found RITUAL!!! I remembered I ordered hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin the first time I came here.. I love COFFEE!!! but decided to order a hot chocolate because I have to visit a company after breakfast and I did not want my breath to smell like coffee... I love the hot chocolate.. The temperature of the drink was hot enough for me to enjoy... The blueberry muffin was normal... My friend was craving for a hot breakfast... she ordered a quiche.. That was my first time trying a quiche... I remembered I took 2 bites and I am already in love with it... Since it was a year ago and I remembered how it tasted.. it must be really good and therefore... how can I not give them a 5 rating?? So I stopped by this morning to get a cup of coffee... Looking at their specialty... MAYAN MOCHA!!! Mexican coffee... with chocolate, steam milk.. cinnamon (if I am not wrong)... MMmmmm.... I love my breakfast.. with homemade banana bread that baked by myself.. :D You can taste the chocolate and the coffee... well blend... I just love local coffee shop compare to Starbucks... (well.. I don't hate starbucks.. they are just too common.. I like trying something new.. :)) I don't think I have a chance to stop by here again... I would love to find some good local coffee shop in NYC in the future... NEW YORKERS!! Any recommendation????
(5)Adam W.
I want to get something out of the way here quick: the service here is atrocious. I'm not the sort to complain about stuff like that, but man -- unnecessary, unapologetic rudeness, the minute I walked in the door. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about the good stuff, which is pretty much everything else. I had the veggie quiche, which was fantastic. Really rich in flavor, not too heavy -- it was great. You can't top the decor, either. Layers and layers. I spent a lot of time taking pictures (I probably should've asked first, but after the employees started glaring at me, I really didn't care to), and I'd find something new every time I got done. If they could put a pin in the employee attitudes, this place would really be a must-stop. As it stands, it's a really cool place to sit, have coffee and quiche, and get snarled at.
(3)John S.
My wife and I had a Saturday lunch date here. We both had excellent sandwiches and we are picky about vegetarian sandwiches. I had a po boi and she had the tempeh. I would love to visit and try more of their menu.
(4)Benny M.
Driving to Illinois from Colorado and was pumped to see a coffeeshop mentioning using organic products and the wife was craving a latte so I drove down from i-80 after crossing the wasteland that is Nebraska and western Iowa. VERY disappointed to find out they use Anderson Erikson milk and styrofoam cups WTF?? Hate the thought of very hot liquid being poured into something so toxic. Ended up getting two Americanos that were decent and the place had a cool ambiance so I'll give it 2 stars for that. Guess I'm spoiled in Boulder where just about every coffeeshop uses local hormone free milk and compostable cups.
(2)Kristin S.
Staff is always super friendly, the coffee is always wonderful (and affordable) and the food is to die for! They can also make great suggestions for smoothies and teas depending on what you need... hung over? tired? Whatever the issue, they seem to have just the thing.
(5)Kedar D.
This is a decent coffee shop located in a cozy part of Des Moines, not far from the center of downtown. I like that it's near the library. Note that the entrance is on 13th Street, not Locust. The food options here are unspectacular (think hummus sandwiches with cucumbers), though they do have one tempeh sandwich. If they added some cajun tofu steaks or seitan burgers, there might be more to write home about. I like that they have loose leaf teas and a wide selection at that. They only had two vegan desserts, though, and so I picked the last peanut butter cookie. It was tasty, but crumbled into bits and pieces and was difficult to eat. On a whole, this is not a bad place, and a good enough spot for tea, a small snack and a conversation with a friend. It's not worth going out of your way to come here, though.
(3)Justin B.
I found RC because a friend recommended our meeting take place here. The atmosphere was set well with the music selection and the "artsy" vibe. The staff was friendly, attentive, and the Chai I ordered was incredible! (I have had many a bland Chai) On top of the already good experience they also accepted my AMEX. Their business plan includes more than just "buy local." They actually give you a great product! It is so good to see a local coffee / cafe that actually gets it. Score!
(5)Rand H.
I really love this place (and not JUST because I've been afforded the opportunity to perform here, but let's add "awesome live music") to the litany of praise. Great food. If you are a cheese lover, order The Jess, a wonderful panini with four cheeses, artichoke hearts, and other good stuff. Good coffee, coffee based drinks, and chai as well and the folks who work here are a real delight: friendly, courteous, humorous, and eager to engage in conversation.
(5)Sally J.
My favorite little coffee shop in Des Moines.
(5)Sarah B.
Very pleasant hipster coffee shop that made me super homesick for San Francisco. Free wifi? Check. Extensive tea menu? Check. Vegan, gluten-free baked goods that no one ever orders? Check. The staff are super nice, and the space is big and bright and relaxing. Plus it's very close to the Des Moines Sculpture Park, and there's lots of cheap meter parking nearby. We ended up camping out here for a whole afternoon of our road trip just because we were enjoying the ambience so much.
(5)Bethany C.
In town from Boston for a wedding we stopped here for an early lunch before taking the bcycles out for a ride. I ordered the grilled hummus panini which was in essence so delicious I was enraptured by the zesty collage of garden fresh flavors well after devouring the sandwich declaring it "the best sandwich I'd ever eaten!" The friendly service confirmed I was in warm hands.
(5)Bryan M.
so happy to find a local coffee shoppe! nice place to grab something to drink and/or eat. very good latte and banana peanut butter muffin.
(5)Trish T.
This is the kind of place with the rainbow flag hanging out front with lots of random posters in the windows, but this straight person who doesn't like politics felt right at home. I would go every morning before I had to set out on my work adventures in Des Moines. LOVE THIS PLACE. Coffee is super yummy and they make this amazing oatmeal with honey and craisins. I see they also serve my fave Fat Tire, but I was never able to get back after the early morning hours. They had chairs and tables and couches and encourage recycling.... truly a place after my own little heart.
(5)Ricky Q.
Mayan mocha is the best! A little spendy to do often but on special occasions it's great!
(4)Jessica J.
Friendly faces, great coffee, and comfy seating. What more could you ask for in a coffee shop? The toddy coffee is the best I've had in DSM, even if the owners still won't tell me what beans they use! The added bonus of delicious home-baked treats and vegetarian breakfasts and lunches make it that much more awesome.
(4)David W.
If you enjoy artsy coffee shops, this is for you. Great drinks, good food, nice atmosphere, good location, and a very friendly wait staff. Although very liberal looking, no views are pushed on patrons. I will frequent this place at every chance I get.
(5)Amy B.
These girls are the sweetest coffee savvy mamas to walk the face of the earth!! They offer a wholesome menu of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, make amazing drinks and the shop itself is a place where you can really kick back and relax. The local artwork rotates and is always great, and if you're looking for some chill live music, check their calendar for the next show. St*#bucks? I think not!! I like GOOD coffee, thank you.
(5)Jill S.
On a recent cross country trip we passed through Des Moines and stopped into Ritual Cafe after finding it on Yelp. I absolutely loved it! My husband & I both ordered the tempeh sandwich and they were to die for! I ordered it with the sundried tomato sauce & he ordered it with the BBQ sauce & we shared. Neither of us could decide which was better. Add to that a delicious mocha, friendly staff, excellent vibe and you've got yourself a winner. If I lived in Des Moines this would definitely be my spot. I highly recommend it!
(5)Ricky T.
Great food and great coffee! also if you are there on a weekend night also might be able to check out a live acoustic act. Great place all around!
(5)