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Java Joes is nestled into a building whose diverse history perhaps predicted the eclectic
look and feel of the coffeehouse that now resides here. Built in 1875, the building first
held A. Ricks, a popular Des Moines eatery. Over the years, the space has housed a
number of saloons, a cigar shop, a theater, Amends Meat Market and a billiard parlor. A
visit to our coffeehouse reveals an interior filled with artifacts that represent a mosaic
of the area's history from the KRNT Theater's copper domes to the huge neon letter,
spelling Coffee and Tea, from the Stoner Sign Company.
Most mornings of the week you can walk into Java Joes and find our roastmasters turning
green beans into the rich oily beginnings of irresistible coffee. Walk a few feet further
and you'll find glass jars brimming with freshly roasted beans, all marked with their
roast dates and most less than a week old. You can pick up a pound of your favorite beans
to take home. Java Joes carries a large selection of freshly roasted beans as well as the
accessories, from grinders to espresso machines, necessary to make a great cup of coffee
or espresso at home. You can also order by phone or on-line and have Java Joes Coffee delivered to your home or
office via UPS.
Java Joes fits the tradition of true coffeehouses where culture is created and takes on a diverse life of its own. Music is featured Tuesday through Saturday evenings. You'll find groups ranging from Romantic Punk Balladeers to Irish Jam Sessions and Jazz. And, of course, a lot of Folk music both new and traditional. We have several ongoing monthly events: Tuesday night has become a night we turn over to the local community. On the 2nd Tuesday of each month we host Irish Jam Night with traditional Celtic Music. Literary Night, on the 3rd Tuesday, features open readings by area poets. Then there's Friday & Saturday nights --- without fail some artist will be entertaining from our stage. First and Third Sundays of every month we feature the Community Jazz Center's Jazz Jam or Big Band from 2-4pm. Finally, the First Wednesday of every month we host several 15-minute-performances on Open Mic Night.
The Artist's Emporium
Before Java Joes, there was the Artist's Emporium. It has become an integral part of
our coffeehouse. The Emporium was started by the Metro Arts Alliance and the Court Ave.
Association; it is now run by the Des Moines Art District. Each month brings a new display
of works for sale by Iowa Artists in a wide variety of mediums and styles. The Artist's
Emporium is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Specific hours are posted on location. Call
for further information at 515/282.3180. 
