You’re walking down East 14th Street in Des Moines and you see it. The sign is simple. Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse doesn’t try too hard to grab your attention with neon or flashing lights, but there’s usually a line of cars or a cluster of locals hanging out near the door. It’s a vibe. Honestly, in a city where every third building is becoming a high-end bistro or a generic chain, finding a place that feels like a real neighborhood anchor is getting harder. This place is different. It’s not just about the caffeine hit, though that’s definitely a huge part of the draw. It’s about that specific Des Moines energy—unpretentious, a bit gritty, and surprisingly high-quality.
Most people mess up and confuse this place with the arcade bar downtown. Let's clear that up right now. This isn't the place with the giant Mario statue and the basement full of pinball machines. That’s Up-Down (with the hyphen). This is the eatery. No joysticks here. Just solid food.
What Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse Really Gets Right
Coffee is a competitive sport in Iowa. You've got the giants, the local roasters, and the drive-thru spots that basically serve sugar-water. Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse sits in that sweet spot where the beans actually matter but you don't feel like you need a PhD in chemistry to order a latte. They lean into a menu that covers the basics—drip, espresso, cold brew—but they do it with a consistency that’s rare. Have you ever gone to a shop three days in a row and gotten three different-tasting Americanos? It’s annoying. That doesn't happen here. They’ve dialed in their extraction process.
The food, though? That’s the sleeper hit.
A lot of coffeehouses treat food as an afterthought. You get a dry muffin wrapped in plastic or a "breakfast sandwich" that was clearly frozen an hour ago. Not here. We’re talking about actual kitchen work. Their breakfast burritos are massive. Like, "I need to sit in my car for ten minutes before driving" massive. They don’t skimp on the chorizo or the potatoes. It’s the kind of fuel you need if you’re heading to work or just trying to survive a Saturday morning.
The Atmosphere Factor
Walking inside, you notice the lack of corporate polish. It feels lived-in. There are local flyers on the walls, people typing away on laptops, and retirees arguing about the weather. It’s a community hub. The seating isn't always "ergonomic" in that fancy office chair way, but it’s comfortable enough to lose an hour in. The lighting is low-key. No harsh fluorescent bulbs making you feel like you’re under interrogation while you try to enjoy your muffin.
The Menu Breakdown (And What to Avoid)
Let’s be real for a second. No place is perfect. If you go to Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse during the peak morning rush, you’re going to wait. It’s popular. The staff moves fast, but quality takes a minute. If you’re in a "I need to be at my desk in four minutes" panic, maybe stick to the drip coffee or come back when things settle down.
- The Classic Breakfast Plate: It’s eggs, meat, toast. Simple. But they season the potatoes properly, which is a low bar most places still fail to jump over.
- The Signature Lattes: They do seasonal stuff. Sometimes it's a bit sweet for the purists, but the flavor profiles are usually creative without being weird.
- The Pastry Case: It varies. The scones are usually a win, especially if they’re fresh.
Wait times can fluctuate wildly. On a random Tuesday at 10:00 AM, you might be the only person in line. Saturday at 9:30 AM? Good luck. Bring a book or a fully charged phone. It’s worth the wait, but only if you aren’t on a razor-thin schedule.
Why Location Matters on the East Side
The East Side of Des Moines has a reputation. It’s the "working man’s" side of town. While the West Side gets the fancy malls and the suburbs, the East Side keeps the soul of the city alive. Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse fits this identity perfectly. It’s located near residential pockets and small businesses. It serves the people who actually live there, not just tourists looking for a photo-op.
There’s a sense of loyalty here. You see the same faces. The baristas usually remember your order after a few visits. That kind of "Cheers" energy is what keeps local spots alive when the big chains try to move in. It’s about the relationship.
Comparing the Coffee Scene in Des Moines
Des Moines is punching way above its weight class in the culinary world lately. You’ve got places like Horizon Line or Zanzibar’s that are iconic for different reasons. So, where does Up Down fit?
- Horizon Line is for the coffee nerd. It’s minimalist, experimental, and very precise.
- Zanzibar’s is the classic, old-school institution on 4th Street with the roasting smell that hits you a block away.
- Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse is the everyday hero. It’s the place where you can get a full, hot meal and a great cup of coffee without feeling like you’re at a high-end fashion show.
It’s more accessible. You can show up in sweatpants or a suit and no one cares. It bridges the gap between the "third-wave" coffee movement and the classic American diner. That’s a hard balance to strike. Most places lean too far one way—either too snobby or too low-quality. Up Down stays right in the middle.
Addressing the Name Confusion Again
Seriously, don’t show up here with a bag of quarters expecting to play Galaga. People do it. I’ve seen it. The staff is polite about it, but you can tell they’ve explained the difference ten thousand times. If you want the arcade, go to the East Village. If you want a killer breakfast burrito and a latte that actually tastes like espresso, stay right here.
The "Up Down" name in this context refers more to the ups and downs of the daily grind. It’s a place to reset. Whether you’re starting your day (the "up") or winding down after a night shift (the "down"), the name fits the utility of the space.
Expert Tips for Your Visit
If it’s your first time, don’t overthink it.
First, check the specials board. They often have limited-run food items that aren’t on the printed menu. I’ve seen some breakfast tacos there that were genuinely life-changing. Second, if you’re a coffee purist, ask what they’re currently brewing for their drip. They often rotate beans, and some are much bolder than others.
Third, look at the seating in the back. A lot of people congregate near the front window, but there are usually quieter corners if you’re trying to actually get some work done. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, which makes it a solid "third office" for the remote work crowd.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Kinda. It’s not a playground, and it can get tight when it’s crowded. But the staff is cool and the food menu has plenty of stuff that picky eaters will actually touch. It’s more of a "bring the family for breakfast" spot than a "let the kids run wild" spot. Respect the space, and the space respects you.
The Verdict on Up Down Eatery and Coffeehouse
Is it the "best" coffee in the world? Maybe not if you’re a world-class taster who only drinks pour-overs from specific mountains in Ethiopia. But for 99% of us, it’s fantastic. It’s consistent. It’s friendly. It feels like Des Moines.
The food is the real differentiator. Most coffee shops fail the food test. Up Down passes it with flying colors. The portions are fair for the price, and the ingredients feel fresh. In an era of shrinkflation and rising costs, getting a meal that actually fills you up is a win.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit:
- Arrival Time: Aim for before 8:00 AM on weekdays to beat the commuter rush, or after 1:00 PM for a quiet afternoon session.
- The "Must-Order": Get the breakfast burrito. Even if you aren't starving, it saves well for later. It’s the hallmark of the kitchen.
- Parking Hack: The lot can get cramped. If it's full, check the side streets nearby; usually, there's a spot within a one-block radius that’s easier to get out of.
- Know Your Order: If you’re picky about milk alternatives, they usually carry oat and almond, but it never hurts to double-check what’s in stock as supply chains can be wonky.
- Support Local: Check out the community board near the entrance. It’s one of the best ways to find out about local shows, yard sales, or community meetings in the East Side area.
The next time you're driving through the East Side and need more than just a caffeine jolt, pull over. Skip the drive-thru chain down the street. Support the place that actually puts effort into the seasoning on your potatoes and the pull of your espresso. It’s the small, independent spots like this that keep the local culture alive. Stop in, grab a heavy burrito, find a corner, and just exist for a bit. That's what a good coffeehouse is actually for.