The Encounter Cafe

Great atmosphere for some highly caffeinated collaboration, or just waiting for the bus.

I tried their seasonal chicken sandwich and it was yummy. They have a big and lively space for sitting. I just wish they had more vegetarian options in their menu.

Awesome breakfast! We've been there a few times and everyone has lived their meals. The coffee is wonderful and the cinnamon rolls are delicious! The staff is very kind, friendly and helpful. Well be back next time we are in Iowa City!

I have had fantastic experiences here! The workers are extremely friendly and go out of their way to help you. They are doing an excellent job with their service. Additionally, the atmosphere of the cafe is very fun and fresh, a great asset for downtown. It's a definitely a place you enjoy being. Most importantly, the food is delicious, fresh, and very well presented.

Very homey cafe with lots of space and a great menu. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. They have good Gluten Free options and take extra care if it is an allergy.
The building is spacious with a good amount of seating. It is always clean. There are lots of windows so it gets a significant amount of sun inside (in a good way), so don't worry about it being to dark to do any work. Music is kept to a minimum, so it's not too noisy outside of people talking.
Their coffee is too notch and their food menu and baked goods are great as well. Great spot to stop for brunch/lunch if you're in the area.

I was looking for a good breakfast and found this place. The pancakes are so fluffy! Next day I had a sausage egg and cheese on an English muffin and it was bigger then I expected! If I'm ever in Iowa City I will definitely come again!

Food is always incredible, and the service is so personable. Such a great atmosphere and clean place. Would highly recommend!

So FREAKING good! Highly recommend the pretzel with cheese (especially when it comes fresh out of the oven, it makes your eyes roll back) mmm mmm mmmmmmm! The flavors are melting on my tongue! Also the dirty Chai latte…SPECTACULAR. The best in town. Maybe the world. Also also I’ve never a moist scone….until now! The chocolate espresso…I like it, Picasso 😍 the cinnamon rolls…to DIE for 👌

I spent many lunch breaks here this past summer and always loved it! What really makes the place great, in my opinion, is the atmosphere (but also the food). The vibe of the place is lively, yet comfortable; great for chatting with friends or reading a book. The staff is super friendly and warm, and the coffee is great! Not to mention that french toast .... seriously amazing. Check this place out!

I have been here once for a work meeting and am eager to go again on my own time. It has a cozy open atmosphere. The black coffee was good. The soup was delicious. I noticed some comments about the slow service. While the service was slower than a fast-food place like Panera it was good for a coffeehouse. I appreciated having time to sit and talk before our food was served, something that is becoming increasingly rare as restaurants do their best to "turn tables".
Two things to note: (1) The calories/nutritional content of the food was not displayed. (2) There are Christian religious undertones.
All in all it is a great little place and will be a welcome reprieve from the unforgiving Eastern Iowa winter.