The Encounter Cafe

This place is gold! Great, healthy food options, clean wonderful layout, and best of all…tremendous customer service! Aaron (who is I assume the manager today) was warm, welcoming, and helpful to this new customer. I will definitely be coming back!

A lot of times I only write reviews when I'm mad or upset about a product or service I've received. This is one of the cases were I felt obligated to write a positive review. This place is absolutely phenomenal. The food is so so fresh and so delicious, I've yet to have even a slightly messed up order. The atmosphere is fantastic and so inviting. Expect a line and lack of seating around lunch time, purely because of the popularity of the place. The food is well worth it and they have the best and most fresh pretzels you'll ever have.

I don't have much negative to say about this place because i haven't had the chance to eat or order food . After i was waiting at the table for 15 minutes thinking someone was going to come and serve me and my 2 small children And takin order. But unfortunately they don't come to the table and take orders you have you go to the cash register to do your own order. I can't imagine if a single mom of 4 or five walked into this place alone evenif they're not single. It would be nice if they help with the ordering food. The positive things is the place was clean and looking nice

Really cute place, super busy. Good food. We waited a bit to grab a table big enough for 6 of us. Food came out relatively quick since we all ordered separately, counter service. The coffee was good too. Coconut milk latte was so yummy. I had a breakfast sandwich with mushroom egg and cheese. I would recommend trying this out but be prepared to wait for a table! Seat yourself.

Got in and out with my service dog easily. They have just the right number of tables so it’s comfortable to navigate. Ordering at the counter was quick and friendly. It’s fun to watch the care that goes into making your food delicious and beautiful, right down to placing delicate fruit by hand. Every piece of fruit was cut perfectly and every berry was plump and delicious. Food was delivered to our table as it was ready instead of bringing out large trays. Everyone who delivered food made eye contact and made sure we were happy. The prices were reasonable, especially for the quality ingredients and care taken to serve beautiful and delicious food. Highly recommend!

I was looking for a breakfast place and stumbled upon The Encounter Cafe. It is exactly what I was looking for. It had a great atmosphere, great staff, and delicious food (especially the soft pretzels with cheese.) Definitely my new favorite place! Can't wait to come back and try more!

The Encounter Cafe is literally my favorite place on earth; it’s like a home away from home! The food is OUTSTANDING and the drinks are amazing! I always love seeing what holiday specials they come up with; it’s always something flavorful and fun! Everything on the menu is delicious. My personal favorite is the pumpkin pie chai latte, which tastes like pumpkin pie in a mug, and the best part is is that they will continue to serve it out of season, which seems to be the case with a lot of seasonal items; if it isn’t on the menu, just ask, and the staff will try their best to get you what you want, or a close approximation.

The staff here are incredible. Every time I come in, I’m always warmed by their smiles and bright attitudes. I think it’s impossible to feel sad at Encounter. You can tell everyone there loves being there, and you love it too! They are always so personable and nice, and will go above and beyond for quality service, whether it is making sure your order is correct, or taking extra measures for food allergies.

Speaking of which!! The gluten-free menu!! The gluten free muffins are ASTOUNDING, and they have a gluten free substitute for the bread items on the menu (toast, sandwiches, etc). My sister, who cannot have gluten, was able to come in and get French toast, which she had not been able to have in FOREVER. She loved that she was able to get something for breakfast, and how conscientious everyone was in preparing the food.

Honestly, Encounter is the best place in Iowa City. I can spend hours on end there, and as a writer, I often find myself going there to be in a calm atmosphere that sparks my creativity in a way that no other place does. It is a wonderful place in my community, and I appreciate everyone at Encounter for making my day brighter every time I go in. It’s a lovely little pocket of warmth in the world, and I encourage anyone and everyone to visit!

Food Is always fast and delicious and the service is always friendly and efficient. Love this place!! The omelets and iced coffees are my favorite.

Delicious, cute mocha and the skillet scramble was very tasty. Biscuits and gravy a little bland, but very nice atmosphere. I will go back!

Good menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch. Freshly prepared by mennonite staff in an airy modern setting. Most entrees around $10 delicious. Great mocha Frappuccino very strong rich coffee flavor.