Northern Vessel — Restaurant in Des Moines

If you think Disney World is the happiest place on earth, then you clearly haven’t been to Northern Vessel for a Cold Brew!

Better customer service than the most prestigious Michelin star restaurant, NV does it right. The coffee is expertly crafted, the employees and I do mean EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE, smiles and interacts in a way that makes you want to come back over and over again. Truly the brightest spot of most of my mornings.

I know what you’re thinking, is this place stuffy and full of coffee snobbery; no sir. It’s a super chill environment where people bask in the huge windows (when a KIA hasn’t parked there, iykyk) and chat with their friends, you’ll see business professionals sitting at the shared workspace typing away, and young families that pop in and out for their much needed caffeine break.

Feeling peckish? Worried that all they have to eat is some crusty vegan/gluten-free/taste free baked treat that looks and tastes like sidewalk chalk that was made in some random hipsters home kitchen? Have no fear! They serve up the best donuts from an actual donut shop, no random cat hair in your scone here, and I highly recommend the cherry cake donut, it’s the best (although I do wish they had a double chocolate donut as those are my actual favorite)

All this to say if you want a great coffee, a good doughnut, and incredible customer service you can’t go wrong at Northern Vessel, otherwise I hear there’s new chain coffee shop opening up nearby where you can actually taste mediocrity and tears of the people that are unfortunate enough to...

My faith in humanity was a little restored today. I went in to get a coffee for a friend of mine who was sending her oldest kiddo off to college. Now this friend appreciates a good/quality cup of coffee and so naturally I thought of Northern Vessel because I had enjoyed an amazing cup there a while back. So, I went in and just decided to order whatever sounded cool.... and I ended up ordering two cortados. Now, if you know what that is, you're 1. one step cooler/ahead of me and 2. know it's not your typical cup of coffee! They just invited me in, made the bougie coffees for me and didn't bat an eye. I've been in swanky niche coffee shops before and not known how to order or what to ask for and was made to feel very stupid or less than because I didn't know what a "fill in the blank" was.... Not only did they make beautiful tiny cups of AMAZING COFFEE, they made sure I had the full experience and added the tiny cups of sparkling water on the side.... WHO KNEW?! I also got donuts there and they were so sweet and polite and again, made me feel like I was the most important person there! Wow! The drinks/food, the atmosphere and most importantly the service was incredible! Thank you to the staff at the shop today around 9:45am for making a slightly frumpy midwest mom that really had no idea what she was ordering feel like I was exactly en pointe and had the knowledge of a seasoned bougie coffee shop goer! I will definitely be back and will tell all my coffee loving friends to go and bring all...

These people know what they're doing, my goodness. This is a MUST if you're a coffee connoisseur (or simply want to see some exceptional entreprenurship at work) visiting Des Moines! The coffee is TOP tier and the service is unmatched.

The drinks: You can't go wrong, but my favorites are mocha, cortado (insanely good + stunning presentation), & CBL is a must-try.

The shop: The baristas truly live out the "hospitality is color" mindset. Service is exceptional. You feel so cared for & yet I'm through a long NV line faster than any drive-through with an accurate order in record time. The shop is spotless and perfect for either catching up with a friend or putting in the work. It just feels inspiring as it's a hub for culture & connection & creating in DSM.

Farmer's market, specifically: get a CBL (cold brew latte) before they sell out. Don't worry about joining a long line - they'll have it in your hands in no time. It is straight up delicious and legendary for a reason.

Events: The cart is probably retired with the big waves of momentum for NV, but if it ever comes back -- guests LOVED (what an understatement) NV caffeinating our wedding. The menu was impressive & thoughtful. A huge part of guests feeling welcomed. Asked so often who did the coffee. Again: top tier.

I'll stop...