Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure
If you're in the Des Moines area and looking for a casual yet vibrant spot to enjoy a hearty meal, Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure should be at the top of your list. Located at 2723 Ingersoll Ave, this charming restaurant offers more than just a great cup of coffee — it’s a place where delicious food and good vibes come together perfectly.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast or hanging out with friends, Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure has something for everyone. The atmosphere is casual, with moderate noise, making it an ideal place for groups, families, and even dogs (yes, they’re welcome!). You can also enjoy your meal on their spacious outdoor seating area when the weather’s nice — it’s a relaxed spot for enjoying the day.
The menu is full of mouth-watering dishes that will have you coming back for more. Popular choices include the Steamed Eggs, which are a fluffy and savory delight, and the Cafe Zanzibar, a flavorful dish that blends coffee with breakfast ingredients in the best way possible. If you’re looking for something with a little more flair, the Linda Special is a must-try, offering a unique twist on classic breakfast favorites. Don’t miss the Eggs Expresso, a perfect combination of rich espresso flavors and eggs that will wake up your taste buds. And of course, the Breakfast Sandwich is a crowd favorite, packed with all the ingredients you love.
What really makes Zanzibar’s stand out is its friendly and welcoming vibe. The restaurant is great for groups, making it a perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a casual meal with family. Plus, the casual setting is ideal for kids, so you don’t have to worry about a thing when bringing the little ones along.
In short, Zanzibar's Coffee Adventure is more than just a coffee shop — it’s a community gathering spot where good food, good company, and good vibes come together. Whether you're grabbing a bite before work or hanging out with friends, you’re in for a treat!
Reviews
Amazing place! Wonderful service and delicious coffee! Look no further for coffee and a great breakfast sandwich!
Mocha Mex was amazing! Best mocha ever had. Regular coffee was perfect, too. Enjoyed it alot
The place was buzzing and I was lucky to find an open table. The tables are inches apart from another so you can't be the claustrophobic type. I had just spent 30 minutes photographing outdoor sculptures at the DM Art Center and was chilled to the bone. Placed my order at the counter. Sat at my little round table waiting for my order about ten minutes. The sandwich and drink were brought to my table and both were fantastic! I didn't know an egg sandwich could taste so heavenly. The hot chocolate was served in a tall clear glass mug with a handle and topped with lot of whip cream. The temperature was perfect. Walked in frozen and moody, left feeling fully thawed, refreshed and pampered. I can recommend going here.
Zanzibars...i think they opened in 1993 after the flood....To some of the nicest people around... I grind their coffee everyday.... Julie is probably one matriarchs of independent coffee shops that are small business owners.... She was way before Starbucks was opened in 2002 in Des Moines.... Maybe the only older owners would be the the Coppola's the original owners of Java Joe's ... the new owners of the Java Joe's name closed the original shop and all others in Des Moines and moved to Ankeny... And the owners of friedrichs chain (Gary and Colleen Meyer) opened 1991, so Zanzibars has been serving Des Moines for 30 years still owned by of the nicest people- Julie ...maybe the oldest coffee shop in Des Moines that has had the same owner throughout? ...I hope you'll support a long time independent Business woman in her coffee shop... not only nice people work there but outstanding great coffee and a commitment to Fair Trade coffee...she actively searches out small farms and some are cooperatives that are run by women. .... I just had some wonderful Kenyan AA coffee from Zanzibars, of course I buy whole beans and grinded at home and have there for a years but this particular batch of coffee was so smooth it's kind of a dark roast almost no acid at all. Julie still displays local artists in her coffee shop and has for years and years on a rotating basis. They also have a nice eclectic breakfast menu and pastries. They do have coffee that's light roasted some even they call first crack and they have the syrups that they add to the coffee but they measure the amount in each drink so you'll get a consistent taste every time. They also have special holiday blends! The other thing I do there is by half pounds of coffee and give them to friends. So shop local during the Christmas season and give your friends some great coffee or enjoy some yourself. #zanzibarcoffee #smallbusiness #Freetradecoffee #locallyowned
I've met people here for work a few times and it's usually steadily busy, even late in the morning. The staff are always very welcoming. The menu has something for everyone. The seating is limited and I didn't notice many outlets, so you might choose a different cafe if you're planning to plug in a computer and work/study while you enjoy your beverage or pastry. Zanzibar's seems to cater more to the chatting pairs or book reading cafe crew. Great little community cafe!