The Waukee Brief
Waukee's coffee scene is still small compared with the metro, but it has a genuine anchor: an independent shop that regulars build their morning around, plus the reliable drive-thru and grab-and-go options for the days you are running late. Here is the field.
The Coffeesmith at 770 SE Alice's Road is Waukee's standout, started by a native Iowan couple focused on handcrafted espresso and a real regulars' community. It is a genuine local third place, the kind of shop people choose over a drive-thru chain. Popular orders include a rosemary brown-sugar latte and a loaded breakfast croissant.
The Waukee Brief will be a free weekly email with new openings, deals, and what's happening around town. We watch so you don't have to.
Waukee is growing fast, and the national drive-thru coffee chains are following the rooftops out Alice's Road and Hickman Road. We flag new coffee openings in the weekly Brief as they land.
For coffee and a proper plate, Littleleaf Luncheonette in Old Town is the move: a from-scratch breakfast and lunch spot in a restored century-old storefront, and one of the highest-rated tables in town. The Coffeesmith also does made-to-order breakfast croissants if you just want a bite with your cup. See the full Waukee breakfast guide for more.
New coffee shops open in Waukee as the town grows. Tell us the one we should add and we'll feature it in the weekly Brief.
The Coffeesmith, an independent shop at 770 SE Alice's Road, is Waukee's local favorite, with a 4.7-star rating, handcrafted espresso, and made-to-order breakfast croissants. For a fast cup, Caribou Coffee inside the Hickman Road Hy-Vee has a drive-thru and indoor seating. For coffee with a full breakfast, Littleleaf Luncheonette in Old Town is the sit-down pick.
Yes. The Coffeesmith on Alice's Road is the standout independent, started by a native Iowan couple whose focus is handcrafted espresso and building a regulars' community. It is the kind of local third place people build their morning around instead of a drive-thru chain.
The Coffeesmith on Alice's Road has wood tables, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits reading, working, or meeting up. Littleleaf Luncheonette in Old Town is another sit-and-stay option that also serves food.
Yes. Caribou Coffee inside the Hy-Vee at 1025 E Hickman Road has a drive-thru plus indoor seating. The Coffeesmith is primarily a sit-down cafe, and Taste of New York Pizza on Alice's Road also runs a drive-thru if you want a quick bite alongside.
As of mid-2026, The Coffeesmith lists hours of about 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday. Hours change, so confirm before you drive over.