The High Ground Cafe

I had the staff pick, Campfire iced mocha! It was delicious! Also, the posters in the window and little LGBTQIA affirming touches made my heart happy! Thank you!

This is a TOP-NOTCH cafe. I'm talking next level stuff. If you're looking for beer, you better believe that they have it! They even have that one "two-hearted ale" or something, which I'm pretty sure was ranked the BEST BEER OF ALL TIME. If you don't believe me, check it out! (Actually now that I'm thinking about it, I'm p sure that it's just the best IPA of all time.) Either way, the REAL STARS of this establishment are Megan and Quintin. First of all, let me just tell you that my Schoolboy Q looks EXACTLY LIKE ME. Kind of crazy, right? So, he's super funny and nice, and then Megan just comes in scoring the kindness points THROUGH THE ROOF. If they aren't paid at least a living wage of $15/hour, that would shock me, because they are THE BEST BARISTAS OF IOWA CITY. PERIOD. No doubt. Honestly. Okay, stellar. Anyway, I'm out. I hope you all have a great evening. Thanks for reading. You're the best! Stay golden. #letsdansky

Very niche and exciting cafe. They have great food, and a super interesting coffee+beer dynamic going on. The staff are super friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming and peaceful. I could definitely imagine myself spending a whole day reading or doing work in here. The staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful. If you’re visiting Iowa City for a day or two like I was, I definitely recommend trying this place out. I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

First things first: the banana bread here is to die for—hearty and moist and flavorful. That said, lots of other things make this cafe a treat—great sandwiches, beer, tea, and Italian soda served with lots of natural light and plenty of space for writing, studying, or just hanging out.

Local guide tip: this cafe is rarely overrun with undergrads, even during the school year—which makes it a preferred spot for locals and grad students.

(I’m not a coffee drinker so I can’t speak to that, but they do serve Kickapoo coffee, which lots of folks love.)

My goodness. This place has an amazing atmosphere! Good sandwiches and pastries. Good tea and beers (alcoholic and ginger). If you want to study somewhere this is the place to be. Great cafe music, FREE WIFI, and it's never that busy.