Second Love Coffee Roasters

Second Love Coffee is a small-batch coffee roastery with an inviting cafe in downtown Des Moines. With its stylish interior, great music, locally-sourced pastries, and outdoor seating, this cafe is a must-visit. Founded in 2023 by two friends, Philip Mendoza and Scott Braaten, the brand is centered on ethical sourcing from small farms across the globe. They’re also deeply invested in the community, which is their “first love” (hence the business name), donating 2% of each sale to charitable causes.

Highlights:

Ethical, Transparent Sourcing: If you check out the bags of roasted beans or the business’s website, you can read about the farms where the beans are grown. Each is carefully chosen for its mission and fair business practices. The brand also practices radical transparency, telling you exactly how much profit they make on each bag.

Unique Specialty Drinks: The menu gets creative, with specials like a pomegranate pistachio latte and black sesame vanilla.

Rotating Food Menu: Find treats sourced from a variety of local bakeries, such as Little Jaye, famous for its Rice Krispies treats made with Ruffles potato chips. On select days, you can order bagels, baguettes, and more.

Walkable to the Waterfront: Just blocks from the Des Moines Marina, it’s a perfect stop before or after exploring the pier, boardwalk, or farmers market.

The Vibe: Minimalist Charm with Soul
From the great playlist to the friendly service, Second Love Coffee feels like the perfect combination of a big city cafe and a small town gathering place.