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Inside
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Outside
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Review Highlights
“5 Stars for the personable owner, Blake, and awesome customer service (which I find are hard to find nowadays).” in 3 reviews
“The owners travel the county buying records to sell in this quaint downtown coffee house.” in 2 reviews
“I only get to check it out when I head to Des Moines or Omaha, so I always budget a pit stop into Ames to see what they have.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Business owner information
Ben H.
We are a full coffee shop, serving espresso, lattes, capuccino, mochas, and of course a variety of drip coffees. Theres fresh pastries, breakfast tacos (served all day). Smoothies, Italian Sodas, and Teas. The other half of the buisness is vinyl- we have thousands of vinyl records for sale. From Rock to Blues, Jazz to Country. Everything is here. Theres even a listening booth to sample before you buy.
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Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
36 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
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1 star
- Mike B.Hugo, MN0122Feb 3, 2024
Coolest Coffee Shop in IA?
Don't know, haven't been to them all, but definitely the coolest in Ames.
Blake will serve you up a dbl espresso with a shot of scintillating conversation on the side. Ask him about fishing in CO or his fave vinyl.
Better yet, have him recommend a couple vintage LPs and add to your collection on the way out.Helpful 2Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - Todd H.Ames, IA1926Apr 16, 2024
Best coffee in Story County - and yes I've tried them all. Great atmosphere, great music, great staff.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Catrina H.Brunswick, OH372317Mar 8, 2024
Fantastic coffee and the sweetest gentleman serving us! We purchased a few albums as well! Definitely a great spot to stop!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - dailee n.IA, IA0116Oct 31, 2023
Such a cute underground coffee shop! The owner pays attention to every customer and has a conversation which gives the cafe a special charm. The beans are super good, and most of the syrups are pretty good! I like to go study there or meet friends!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - T G.Ames, IA116Dec 19, 2023
Basement location, vinyl, good coffee, cool proprietor! Visit this place. Visit this place!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Ani K.Ames, IA02715Mar 23, 2023Updated review
UPDATE : Everybody's so creative !!!! Including me.
This coffee shop has a really unique vibe, kind of like a music based hipster thing going below street level. Unfortunately, it's not *my* vibe. I feel weird in places like this. They aren't doing anything wrong at all. Im just not into music like that I guess and I am definitely not a "cool" person and I kind of feel like you have to be to be here. The owner is totally and completely accepting of trans, he is super nice and friendly and will talk to you like a friend, restrooms are neutral (wait, are they? On 2nd thought im not sure, but nobody here would care anyhow which you use). I have been here like 3 or 4 times. The lattes are good. I would give this place a 3.7, for the right person a 5.0 but I'm not that person. Please do give them a try!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0Feb 16, 2020Previous reviewThis coffee shop has a really unique vibe, kind of like a music based hipster thing going below street level. Unfortunately, it's not *my* vibe. I feel weird in places like this. They aren't doing anything wrong at all. Im just not into music like that I guess and I am definitely not a "cool" person and I kind of feel like you have to be to be here. The owner is totally and completely accepting of trans, he is super nice and friendly and will talk to you like a friend, restrooms are neutral (wait, are they? On 2nd thought im not sure, but nobody here would care anyhow which you use). I have been here like 3 or 4 times. The lattes are good. I would give this place a 3.7, for the right person a 5.0 but I'm not that person. Please do give them a try!
- Anne B.New Orleans, LA04Feb 9, 2023
This place is rad. Honestly one of the cutest gems of Ames. Great coffee and fun records. Some of the records are definitely in used condition though, but that adds to the charm.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Makayla M.Ames, IA0116Jul 8, 2023
All of the drinks are great and there are unique flavors you can't find anywhere else in Ames. The environment is epic with all different types of vinyl playing all day long. The owner, Blake, is friendly, kind, patient, and helpful. There's a variety of drinks as well as vinyl and art to explore. Highly recommend!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - S J.Santa Fe, NM1291Sep 24, 2021
Ok so I will never stop going to cafe vinyl. the owner is the nicest person you'll ever meet and has amazing stories to tell. Vibes are immaculate and there are tables to study and do work. The specialty drinks are simply amazing. if you don't like a drink they will let you exchange it for another one you do at no extra cost. That had never happened to me before, I like everything they make.
They sell vinyl records of corse. Makes me want to get a record player! I think they make the best Chai latte in Ames.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Donnie F.Ames, IA04Apr 23, 2022
First time there today and really enjoyed the barista. He was a super nice guy and the coffee was awesome. Only complaint is the music was to loud for my liking but will for sure be back!!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0
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