What's the vibe?

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    Inside

    8 photos

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    Outside

    6 photos

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    All photos

    17 photos

    Quiet
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working

    Review Highlights

    Location & Hours

    Mon

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Tue

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Wed

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Thu

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Fri

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Open now

    Sat

    • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Sun

    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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    Amenities and More

    About the Business

    Business owner information

    Photo of Ben H.

    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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    Overall rating

    36 reviews

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    • Photo of Mike B.
      Mike B.
      Hugo, MN
      0
      12
      2
      Feb 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 2
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    • Photo of Todd H.
      Todd H.
      Ames, IA
      19
      26
      Apr 16, 2024

      Best coffee in Story County - and yes I've tried them all. Great atmosphere, great music, great staff.

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    • Photo of Catrina H.
      Catrina H.
      Brunswick, OH
      37
      23
      17
      Mar 8, 2024

      Fantastic coffee and the sweetest gentleman serving us! We purchased a few albums as well! Definitely a great spot to stop!

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    • Photo of dailee n.
      dailee n.
      IA, IA
      0
      11
      6
      Oct 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!

      Cute outside seating
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    • Photo of T G.
      T G.
      Ames, IA
      1
      16
      Dec 19, 2023

      Basement location, vinyl, good coffee, cool proprietor! Visit this place. Visit this place!

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    • Photo of Ani K.
      Ani K.
      Ames, IA
      0
      27
      15
      Mar 23, 2023
      Updated 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!

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      Feb 16, 2020Previous review
    • Photo of Anne B.
      Anne B.
      New Orleans, LA
      0
      4
      Feb 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.

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    • Photo of Makayla M.
      Makayla M.
      Ames, IA
      0
      11
      6
      Jul 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!

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    • Photo of S J.
      S J.
      Santa Fe, NM
      1
      29
      1
      Sep 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.

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    • Photo of Donnie F.
      Donnie F.
      Ames, IA
      0
      4
      Apr 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!!

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    5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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