Where my coffee lovers at? I see you. That delightful cup of joe that you crave as you wake from your slumber, the cup that keeps you going, the cup that sometimes is the only thing you have to look forward to on a crazy day of motherhood! I love my coffee. I need my coffee. And let’s be honest, some days I’m in pure survival mode (hello, toddler tantrums and teenagers with attitude!), meaning my days are fueled by coffee, AKA Mom Fuel.
Cedar Rapids has some really special coffeehouses! We have a lot of chain coffee shops in our area, but today I’m breaking down some of our locally-owned options, which in my opinion are the best options, hands down. All of these coffee shops are filled with character and are perfect if you need a little time to yourself, or for a meet up with your favorite ladies, or picking up fuel to go! Many of these shops are kid-friendly, with delicious food and menus that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Cedar Rapids Coffee Shops to LOVE
*Operating hours do change from time to time. Be sure to check with each coffee shop to confirm before visiting!
The Early Bird Coffee Cafe
316 Second Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday: 6:30AM – 4:00PM
Friday: 6:30AM – 2:00 PM
CLOSED Saturday & Sunday
The Early Bird has flavorful and fresh coffee. All of the coffee, espresso, and tea are brewed using Intelligentsia, a high-quality coffee. So, it’s no wonder people flock to The Early Bird (see what I did there? 🙂 ) when they’re needing a caffeine fix! If you’re not a coffee drinker, they also have a yummy and healthy smoothie bar with fun names like the Funky Monkey and Berry Birdie Blast. The Early Bird also has a breakfast and lunch menu with a variety of options including made-from-scratch soups!
The Blue Strawberry Coffee Company
118 Second Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 6:30AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: 7:00AM – 2:00PM
CLOSED on Sundays
The Blue Strawberry is known for both it’s coffee and food! The coffee house and eatery features coffee varieties that are roasted in-house. The Blue Strawberry is cozy and comfortable and is the perfect place for studying (free WiFi!) or having a catch up session with your girlfriends! Their gourmet sandwiches are incredible and don’t forget dessert!
Brewhemia
1202 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00AM – 6:00PM
Friday: 7:00AM-7:00PM
Saturday: 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Brehemia is a cafe and bar located in the Bohemia District. If you’re looking for a place to have good conversation, a place to “wow” your colleagues or out-of-town guests, or some “white noise” to help keep you focused on your studies, this cafe is where you need to be. Not only will the new location leave you swooning, the coffee and food are amazing!
The drinks are always perfect. I love the cold brew and dirty chai! The Aesops Breakfast Bowl is my jam! There are a variety of fresh foods to choose from on the menu that I can’t wait to try, but I just can’t quit that breakfast bowl! My husband goes for the quiche, which he devours in 2.5 seconds. I can’t blame him–it’s perfect. Heading into the evening hours, Brewhemia becomes even more intimate (perfect for date night!). Expect good conversation along with an excellent craft beer and wine selection. Check out their events calendar too! They have lots of fun events, like Whiskey Friday and beer pairings.
Coffee Emporium
220 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 6:00AM – 4:00PM
Closed Saturday & Sunday
The Coffee Emporium offers traditional and specialty beverages. You can purchase fresh ground whole bean coffee to take home, and on Thursdays they offer 10% off your fresh grounds purchase! Coffee Emporium has hot and cold sandwiches, fresh soup, and salads. Be sure to check out the artwork on the walls as some are available for purchase, with proceeds going to charity!
Wit’s End
630 10th Street, Marion
Hours of Operation:
Monday: 7:00AM – 12:00PM
Tuesday-Saturday: 7:00AM – 2:00PM
Closed on Sundays
If you’re looking for a coffee house that’s charming and quirky, Wit’s End in Marion is the spot for you to get your fuel for the day! Wit’s End is filled with quirky knick-knacks, books, and eclectic art and decor. The atmosphere is bright, uplifting, and full of color and character. Don’t miss out on their delicious scones (so many flavors to choose from that change daily) or coffee cake, which pair excellently with their coffee made from Arabica beans. Be sure to grab their seasonal sour cream pumpkin coffeecake! You’re welcome.
Aurora Coffee Co
905 29th Avenue, Marion
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 6:00AM – 9:00PM
Saturday: 7:00AM – 9:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Aurora is located in Marion (near Linn-Mar high school), opened by a husband and wife who recently retired from 27 years of military service! They love to meet fellow Veterans and offer a 10% Veterans’ discount on any menu item. The baristas and service are always fantastic. The drinks are absolutely delicious, and if you’re not a coffee drinker, they have a great selection of teas that are equally as delicious. Aurora’s doors are open later than most coffee shops, which makes it a great place to decompress from a long day at work!
Java Creek Cafe
588 Boyson Rd NE, Cedar Rapids
Hours of Operation:
Monday & Tuesday: 6:00AM – 9:00PM
Wednesday-Saturday: 6:00AM – 10:00PM
Sunday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM
Java Creek is a cafe that has delicious coffee and food and a cozy atmosphere. You can hangout by the fireplace while you sip on a beverage or stop in for exceptional food. They have a variety of menu options that feature fresh and seasonal ingredients. In the evenings you can often catch live music while you you dine or enjoy a cup of coffee, so be sure to check out their Events Calendar!
Mr. Beans
1080 E Post Rd, Marion
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 7:00AM – 8:00PM
Saturday: 7:00AM – 4:00PM
Fresh ingredients and quality food and service makes Mr. Beans a great spot to grab some grub. I’ve heard a lot of buzz around their Smoked Turkey and Granny Smith Apple specialty sandwich and the Pretzel Roll! Mr. Beans also has a menu for “Beanies,” aka Kiddos! Along with their tasty food selections, they have good coffee and espresso drinks. Don’t you dare leave without one of their fresh baked sugar cookies!
Brewed Awakenings
1271 1st Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
St. Luke’s Hospital
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 6:30AM – 6:30PM
Saturday: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Closed on Sundays
Brewed Awakenings offers good coffee, fresh baked goods, and fresh lunch options. The cafe uses PT’s Coffee Roasting Co, a roasting company that slowly roasts the beans they received from farmers. Their lunch menu consists of comfort sandwiches, fresh salads, and specialty sandwiches. There’s even a kids’ menu featuring grilled cheese and a Nutella & jelly sandwich. Brewed Awakenings has two locations, one located near Coe College and another in St. Luke’s hospital. Brewed Awakenings is a comfortable place for meetings, grabbing a bite to eat, or a quick espresso.
Roasters
Hours of Operation:
Thursday & Friday: 10-8
Saturday: 10-6
Sunday: 10-4
Closed Monday-Wednesday
Roasters Coffee House is located inside of the Newbo City Market, a market filled with local and home-grown goodies. The atmosphere is alive and buzzing. You can catch a caffeine buzz at Roasters with some of the most delicious beverages. The owner of Roasters has perfected her craft by learning the entire process of growing beans and roasting them. You’ll find the smoothest espresso, perfectly curated espresso drinks, and I hear Roasters’ decaf is unlike any other! If you’re looking for something unique to try, order up the lavender latte, matcha or cayenne Mayan macchiato.
I’m certain you can find a favorite on this list of local coffee shops! Do you have a favorite that isn’t listed here? Please share your favorite coffee shop with us – I love to try new ones! You’ll often find me out with my coffee shop sidekick (check him out below) getting my daily fix and maybe indulging in a sweet treat. Coffee shop hangs are simply the bee’s knees.
