Coffee Emporium

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.

Love the variety at Coffee Emporium! The atmosphere is great as well. Stop by and give them a try today. You will not regret it!

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.

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

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.

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.

Great place, amazing coffee overall a great place I fully recommend this place.
Great staff , friendly environment

Great coffee, great food (they serve breakfast), great atmosphere and great lemonade

Bad costumer service. I was charged twice for the same concept, and they still don't fix this problem.

Friendly staff, great food, amazing atmosphere!