Coffee Emporium

B

2024-05

Was hoping for a specialty latte, no flavor combinations put together on a menu. We got 2 different coffees and they tasted the same

Tollie Kay

2023-12

The guy behind the counter making drinks was picking his nose—like finger all the way up, messing with his nose ring. Then, two minutes later he wiped snot across his face. We politely told the girl to not make our coffees, and we left without our $10 coffee and $2 tip.Side note: I frequent the location in l Tiffin often, and I love them. However, my first experience with the downtown location was disgusting, and I will not be back.

Dennis B

2024-03

…More

Andy Lee

2022-05

stopped here on a cross country road trip. good coffee. they offer vegan and gluten free pastries — although not the best tasting, definitely nice to have the options. the atmosphere is very good, would definitely study here

Michael “Mike the IT Guy” Johnstone

2018-05

Went one morning, wednesday 0730, with a coworker to experience the pour over french style coffee. Since school is out for awhile the shop was quiet and inviting to sit and enjoy a quality cup of coffee. I chose to drink the pour over cream bean, not on the downloadable menu, with a shot of expresso. The chocolate chip cookie purchased assisted in offsetting the bitterness of the coffee. The store is more than a coffee shot and has a robust menu of teas, beers, food, wines and much more. The taste is better than any chain coffee shop I have been too. You get what you pay for and I spent around $7 for my morning. One 16oz cup kept me going for hours, very strong. Friendly service and staff, and I would revisit and try another flavor any day of the week!

Matthew Standland

2023-05

The vibe inside was very warm, welcoming, and relaxed. The lady at the counter was very sweet. I got an Ethiopian pourover that was delicious. I'm looking forward to trying this bag of beans later.

Bijan Kholghi

2023-08

…More

Alex Belzer

2023-07

…More

Laura Volz

2023-05

Very friendly and knowledgeable baristas. Excellent lattes! Highly recommend 😊

Kris Lyon

2023-05

I miss High Ground! I don’t know if they’re under new management or were bought out, but it’s gone way downhill. All of the charm is gone. They close super early now, in a college town, at 6 PM. I had a chai that was watery and flavorless, especially compared to High Ground’s. It used to be cozy and cheerful and they’ve now painted the inside a shade of blue that makes it cold and corporate. Most of the artwork and vibes are gone ad well. This used to be one of my favorite places in Iowa City but I don’t think I’ll go back.

Victoria Kobern

2023-05

Please don't waste your time or money here, it is easily the most overpriced coffee shop in the area. One sandwich with 4 ingredients was $8 and it didn't even come with a side. My latte tasted like straight up milk as well. The staff was friendly and that was literally the only redeeming quality.

Ria Patel

2023-05

The costumer service at this establishment is very disappointing as the employees are very rude and condescending. I went to this location today to help a friend who bought a gift card from this shop while it was called Highgrounds . We went up to the girl working at the register who had curly red hair to ask if we could use the card and if not how to get the money back from the card. Instead of being helpful she points at my friend saying I already talked to you about this and said you can't use the card here while saying she gave her the managers email last time she saw her (she did not give my friend the manager email). After saying that she start making excuses saying that she would not have been able to use the gift card at the old shop anyway because of some blender situation. She was very rude to us even though we were just trying to resolve and issue as my friend spent $30 on the gift card and has not used it at all. After she finally gave us the managers email she proceeded to go up to her coworkers and roll her eyes and talk about us while laughing. She works in the customers service industry and clearly does not know the skills needed to do such a job. We did not raise our voices or say anything rude; we just wanted to get some information. Instead of meeting us with kindness the way we did with her she proceeds to make fun of us for trying to get my friends money back.

Andrew Baur Schoer

2023-05

My favorite coffee shop in Iowa City. Although ownership changed hands, they still have the same amazing staff as before, top-notch coffee (I am a cold brew fiend) and way more seating than any other cafe in town. This is the place, especially if you are a student.

Melanie G

2023-05

I love high ground I come here all the time and I usually have good experiences however, I have a real bone to pick with their pricing. Why does it cost a whole extra dollar excluding tax to get your drink iced? And why do they not inform you of this when ordering? I ordered a drink today and saw the price was $5.85 or something like that so I was expecting to spend around $6 when I checked out it was $7.15 ish simply because I chose to get it iced.

Greg Johnson

2023-05

A long-time Iowa City favorite. Plenty of drinks and food options. Lots of seating.Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetarian options.

Kathryn Tuggle

2018-05

Great coffee and a good place to work on laptops for a while.

Free Stuff

2023-05

This place just changed hands. I used to come in for a weekly gathering, but new ownership is responsible for some serious health code violations (dead flies in syrup bottles and rotted food preparation table) and bad business practices (predatory manager/co-owner, stealing employee tips). I would not continue to support this business

K A-G

2023-10

The barista making our hot cappuccinos did an outstanding job. A perfect coffee, which can be hard to find! I’ll be back!

Andrew Petryna

2020-05

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!

Spencer Owen

2021-05

A charming coffee shop in a trendy neighborhood! They offer a very nice selection of coffee, tea, italian soda, craft beers, wine and much more! I personally love their caprese which looks pricey but once you get it you realize why! I recommend coming here multiple times so you can curate what you like best. Very friendly and helpful staff who know the menu and area well!

Kourtney Rykowski

2020-05

Me and my bf really loved coming here! We didn't get coffee, but the food and drinks we did get were so, so good. I love the selection, and the prices are fair too. I'm not sure of her name, but the girl who ring us up was awesome as well. Overall, it was a great experience.

Kale Nole

2019-05

I usually come to get a latte or plain espresso. It's always rich and delicious. The environment has a cozy feel to it with chalkboard menus and comfy seats by a fireplace. There are also magazines, newspapers, books and board games for entertainment. The staff is knowledgeable about the different tastes and origins of all the different coffee beans they sell. They also have house-made pastries, some of which are vegan and/or gluten free. Overall it's a very lovely and homey place. great for escaping the cold outdoors, to study or just relax. Oh. and they have free wifi.

Kelly Fulton

2023-05

…More

Steven Zeman

2019-05

Food was delicious Ginger Beer very thirst quenching, although it's non alcoholic 🐥who would have known with a name like. Staff was very friendly, clean seemed like they all liked what they were doing. Genuine smiles and very pleasant. I came home to feed and walk the dogs and going back Chad who works there said come back Thursday night is comedy night. Who cant use a bit of comedy in their life.

Kate Steele

2018-05

Good service and wide selection of hot and cold as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. It seems that every table in the cafe wobbles... I splash coffee pretty much every time I go. The restrooms are clean and the local artwork is nice. Great music!

John Pienta

2019-05

One of the best, if not the best local coffee shops I've visited. They clearly know how to brew good coffee and have a wonderful staff who are quite knowledgeable about their impressive beverage selection. Their tea collection is impressive and far beyond typical stores including beautiful exotics like Pu Erh. They also have a nice selection of pastries, sandwiches and salads.

Dorothy Mikos

2018-05

Ordered a London Fog with almond milk, delish. (Little sweet for my taste, but I don't personally sweeten anything, so if you're like me, maybe ask for less vanilla syrup or unsweetened milk.) Seating is a bit crowded and not the most comfortable (no cushions), but it's worth the quietly comforting ambience. Great space for a friendly chat or a study session. I'll definitely visit again.

Katy Brown

2019-05

Wonderful service and delicious coffee. The lavender latte is delicious! They happily made me a cafe miel off menu that was perfect with cinnamon and honey. Great meeting spot or quiet retreat. Parking is always available within the block.

Scott Larson

2024-04

…More

Dina J

2016-05

High Ground is a wonderful coffee shop! Great atmosphere, fabulous coffee, employees are happy and intelligent, food is good, BUT the baked goods are soooooo bad. I do wish they would hire a new baker. We don't need anything fancy, maybe just an edible cookie or two?My friends and I will continue to go there, happily, but we respectfully request a change with the bakery items.