Ah, coffee. Whether you prefer an intense Espresso or a light, creamy Frappuccino, there is something for everyone at your neighborhood coffee shop. But most coffee lovers have a strong feeling about where the best coffee can be found in their neck of the woods – and there’s only one way to find out who’s right! To find the best coffee in Iowa, you won’t have to go far – five of the best coffee shops in the Hawkeye State are all found within a small area of Cedar Rapids, in the heart of the city’s famous Czech Village. You can explore them all on foot on a day trip through the city. Are you ready to take the Cedar Rapids Java Trail and find your coffee happy place? You just might find a few other surprises along the way.
The Cedar Rapids Java Trail combines five of the city’s best coffee shops into one epic, caffeinated day trip!
Self-Generated/Google Maps
- Dash Coffee Roasters
Dash Coffee Roasters/Facebook Your journey starts on the other side of Sugar Creek, at this rustic coffee shop specializing in fine brews and pastries. Dash Coffee Roasters, 120 3rd Ave SW Ste 2, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
The master coffee artists will give you a memorable view along with your coffee, and you can pair it with one of the bakery’s delicious pastries.
Dash Coffee Roasters/Facebook
- Lightworks
Lightworks/Facebook Specializing in single-origin coffee and tea, this coffee shop and bakery is a favorite with vegetarians and vegans. Lightworks Cafe, 501 7th Ave SE Suite B, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
The decadent frozen coffee desserts are always a favorite, and you’ll be able to get a light savory lunch here as well.
Lightworks/Facebook
- Kismet Coffee & Bloom
Kismet Coffee & Bloom/Facebook A combination coffee shop and florist, this is definitely the most unique coffee shop in all of Iowa. Kismet Coffee & Bloom, 1000 3rd St SE Suite 1, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
Amid a beautiful setting, you’ll be able to enjoy coffee brewed with unique floral accents and delicate desserts.
Kismet Coffee & Bloom/Facebook
- Brewhemia
Brewhemia/Facebook A Czech-themed coffeehouse and bakery, Brewhemia is the closest thing you’ll get to a European coffeeshop in Iowa. Brewhemia, 1202 3rd St SE #101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
They’re currently serving an elaborate menu of winter desserts and coffee, which means it’s the perfect time to visit and indulge.
Brewhemia/Facebook
- Sykora Bakery
Davumaya/Wikipedia It doesn’t get much more old-school than this famous bakery, but it’s not just about the bread and pastries. Sykora Bakery, 73 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Sykora Bakery is also known for its lattes, and its coffee menu is one of the most affordable in Iowa.
Sykora Bakery/Facebook
While you’re here, you will definitely want to buy a fresh-baked Kolache - or ten to bring home!
Sykora Bakery/Facebook
Have you visited any of the spots on the Cedar Rapids Java Trail? Let us know about you visit, and tell us your pick for the best coffee in Iowa in the comments section. You can learn more about these coffee shops at the Facebook pages for Brewhemia, Lightworks, Dash Coffee Roasters, Kismet Coffee, and Sykora Bakery. While you’re in the city, why not visit Iowa’s most beautiful library?
Self-Generated/Google Maps
Dash Coffee Roasters/Facebook
Your journey starts on the other side of Sugar Creek, at this rustic coffee shop specializing in fine brews and pastries.
Dash Coffee Roasters, 120 3rd Ave SW Ste 2, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Lightworks/Facebook
Specializing in single-origin coffee and tea, this coffee shop and bakery is a favorite with vegetarians and vegans.
Lightworks Cafe, 501 7th Ave SE Suite B, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
Kismet Coffee & Bloom/Facebook
A combination coffee shop and florist, this is definitely the most unique coffee shop in all of Iowa.
Kismet Coffee & Bloom, 1000 3rd St SE Suite 1, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
Brewhemia/Facebook
A Czech-themed coffeehouse and bakery, Brewhemia is the closest thing you’ll get to a European coffeeshop in Iowa.
Brewhemia, 1202 3rd St SE #101, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA
Davumaya/Wikipedia
It doesn’t get much more old-school than this famous bakery, but it’s not just about the bread and pastries.
Sykora Bakery, 73 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
Sykora Bakery/Facebook
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