this place is great. Great coffee, awesome food. Fun events. They are very in touch with the local art scene, and support a lot of local artists. They have a line of musicians that come through many from out of state. This is the best coffee shop Ive been to. Seriously.

They brew their decaf with the toddy method, which yields a excellent cup of decaf. Their regular coffee is even better.

The only complaint that I can give is I wish at times the entertainment / music was less loud so I can study.

Best damn college town coffehouse and lounge hangout place for all types besides just students. Great alternative music and stays open late. The offering of beer and wine makes it more than under-18 school kid location. Funny the coffeeshop don the street on the corner of 25th died a quick death and the reviewer dissing Mars obviously has no taste.

Great coffee, great staff.

The panini are delicious.

I go there every time I'm in the area.

I love this cafe! It's so great to see employees who care so much about the quality of their product--this is the only place in Des Moines that I have seen (which doesn't mean it's the only) with baristas who can do latte art, which is not only a pretty touch to you drink, it also signifies a correct pour. The recent additions to their food menu are fantastic, as well as their tea menu. I have yet to try something here that I'm dissatisfied with.

Mars Cafe is a very cool place! The staff works double time to make sure you feel welcome and the coffee is GREAT! What a great addition to the neighborhood!! Its a pretty cool to hang out when I have a little extra time to burn, catch up on some recreational reading and see some of the DSM famous people who drop by. Fun place to people-watch and chill out before I have to hit the pavement!

Mars has taken over as my default coffee shop. I'd relate that to the drinks (consistent in quality for coffee, reasonable selection for beer), the food (excellent sandwiches and nachos) or the atmosphere (ok, the building doesn't quite fit in and some choices were questionable, but compromises are made), or maybe the location (fairly central, a little to the north, perfect). But it's probably a combination of all of the above. If I meet up with someone for coffee, it's most likely going to be there.

Luke-warm Latte. YUCK. When I go to a coffee bar, I am looking for HOT COFFEE. My Latte was luke-warm, I must have been there during some sort of mini-rush, two customers ahead of me. There was one guy working the espresso machine and register and you could tell he was frazzled. From someone who worked at a coffee joint for 2 years, they need help. Organization, that's all it takes, get it together Mars Cafe. Oh and on appearance, Vinyl siding? I thought the restoration of the drake neighborhood was to be all brick. How dissapointing. The outside of the building looks way out of place, I felt like I was in a strip mall next to an H&R block, not very trendy which is what it seems like they are trying so hard to be. Maybe the new coffee bar going in at the corner of University and 25th Street will have something better to offer!

My favorite spot to go in Des Moines for coffee. Great atmosphere, great staff. All around greatness!

How fun is this place. I love the idea of a cool little joint that serves sandwiches, desserts, wine, beer and coffee. They have a small stage for performers; I actually just saw a show there (Aeon Grey) and liked the very intimate feel. The staff was friendly, the coffee (and desserts) was good and the place is smoke-free.

I will have to get to the Drake area more often.

Great freshly brewed, strong coffee. Tea was wonderful. One of the best wine and beer selections in Des Moines. The atmosphere is unlike anything I've seen in the Midwest -- it changes from a coffeehouse in the morning to more of a smoke-free lounge at night. This is a wonderful addition to what is fast becoming the hippest neighborhood in Des Moines - the Drake Neighborhood.

WOW... What a hot place!

Had the "traditional" chai there last week. Not sure where that "tradition" came from, but it was the most interesting chai I've ever had. Can't say I've been to India, but I can't imagine Indians drinking from pint glasses. Nonetheless, it was awesome stuff with sweetened steamed milk.

Cool to see a live music stage, though it would have been better to look at with some live music. I'll be back for some bands, for sure.

Love the space theme... amazing that a joint like this is locally owned.

Cool spot. you gots to check it out!

liked it. Nicole owns the joint. Come on Nicole! It is a good place though. kw