By Melissa Peterson
It seems that a coffee date is a great first step in most relationships—from a first date to an introductory business meeting—these are all great choices for your next get-together in Council Bluffs. From straight black to vanilla soy latte, we have the perfect place for you. We’re betting at least one of these stops isn’t currently on your radar.
Here are 11 places to grab a cuppa joe for your next meetup.
Bella’s Bakery & Café
Located within Ameristar Casino, Bella’s Bakery offers a casual atmosphere and friendly service. Bella’s Bakery & Café is a great place to catch a game or meet friends. Bella’s is open until 11 p.m. on most evenings so it's a great option after a trip to the casino or for you night owls.
J's Coffee & Donuts
Located inside the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, J's Coffee & Donuts serves up your favorite quality coffees, teas, Lotus refreshers, flavored lemonades, and mini donuts!
JB’s Café – Horseshoe Casino
If you are looking for an upscale option for your coffee stop, check out JB’s Café in Horseshoe Casino. The casual dining restaurant features signature sandwiches, soups, salads, and burgers in addition to pecan rolls, pastries, and cookies.
Legend’s Café
Formerly Duncan’s Café, Legend’s Café serves many of its predecessor’s most popular recipes. A favorite local breakfast spot and a great place to meet a friend for coffee with plenty of seating.
Main Street Café
This café serves up some classics in a warm, inviting atmosphere. With plenty of seating, Main Street Café is a great place to meet for a hearty breakfast in the heart of Council Bluffs at 102 S. Main St.
Panera Bread
From hosting a large group of friends or grabbing a personal table to do some work, Panera Bread at Metro Crossing is a great option. While you're sipping your coffee, order one of their great bagels (like my favorite asiago cheese), pastries, or enjoy a cup of warm soup with salad for lunch.
Scooter’s Coffee
Choose from one of three locations in Council Bluffs (all with a drive-up option) to grab a “Caramelicious®,” Scooter’s Coffee’s signature drink. Created in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1998, the company’s name was inspired by one of the co-owners’ daughter’s nickname, “Scooter.” This is my personal favorite for a quick coffee in between meetings.
Starbucks
With four locations in Council Bluffs (two with a drive-up option), you can grab a coffee at one of the most well-known coffee shops in the world with a friend and help make the world a little better. Starbucks mission is to inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.
Sugar Makery BitterSweet Dessert Bar
The Sugar Makery BitterSweet Dessert Bar is your one-stop-shop for all things salty and sweet! They offer ice cream, candy, fudge, chocolates, popcorn, sodas, and a coffee bar. Stop in for a cup of joe and a delicious treat.
The Hub Pizza & More
In addition to hosting The Hub Fly Zone, Jumping Monkey’s Childcare, and the Elite Cheerleading club, parents and grandparents can grab a cup of coffee while their children play at The Hub. The Hub offers The Grind fresh ground coffee and delicious food to the parents of sweaty, energetic children.
Village Inn
Known for their pies, there are two Village Inns located in Council Bluffs (Rue and West Broadway). Enjoy a hearty breakfast (like the Tres Huevos Rancheros) with your cuppa joe followed by a slice of pie.
Melissa Peterson currently serves as the Director of Marketing for TS Bank and its holding company, TS Banking Group. In her spare time, she is very active in the community and is currently involved with PACE, CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs, ISU West Pott. Extension, and Impact CB Young Professionals. She recently completed Leadership CB as part of Class 31, the “Breakers.” Melissa also manages a gardening blog, The Blooming Farmhouse, where she writes about life on her farm and raising ducks.
This blog originally included Drips. It was removed as Drips has relocated to Omaha, Nebraska.
This blog originally included Mad Ox Bakery. It was removed after closing in 2019.
This blog originally included Stay Sweet, Nicola’s. It was removed after closing in 2019.
This blog originally included Em & Liv's Hard Bean. It was removed after closing in 2022.
