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Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots

Conference days start early, but in Cedar Falls, that just means more time to explore a morning scene that’s equal parts energizing and delicious. Whether you’re grabbing something quick before a session or sitting down to connect with colleagues, the local lineup of coffee shops, breakfast diners, and donut stops has you covered.

Coffee First, Always


Let’s be honest...everything starts with coffee. Luckily, Cedar Falls has no shortage of spots to get your fix.

For a local favorite, Sidecar Coffee delivers expertly crafted drinks in a laid-back, modern space. If you’re after something cozy and classic, Cup of Joe is a go-to for a strong cup and friendly vibe.

Looking to try something different and new? Sarah's Crafted Coffee & Cocktails, The Vibe, and Jesse's Java House bring that local charm, while Reader's Cup pairs your morning brew with a bookstore atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful start.

Quick and Familiar Favorites

Scooter's Coffee and Starbucks make it easy to stay on schedule without sacrificing your caffeine routine.

 

Donuts Worth Waking Up For

Sometimes, coffee needs a co-star and in Cedar Falls, donuts rise to the occasion.

ICON Donuts is known for creative flavors and eye-catching designs that are as fun as they are delicious. For something classic, Dunkin' Donuts has your go-to favorites ready to grab and go.

And if you’re in the mood for something bold, Hurts Donut Company brings oversized, over-the-top creations that turn breakfast into an experience.

 

Hearty Breakfast, Done Right

When you’ve got a full day of sessions ahead, sometimes you need a proper sit-down meal.

Start with J's Homestyle Cooking, where comfort food classics and generous portions feel like home. Patton's Diner and Gravy's Diner serve up all the breakfast staples you’d expect; done right and served fast enough to keep you on schedule.

For a slightly more elevated start, George's Local offers a fresh take on breakfast and brunch, making it a great choice for meeting up with colleagues or easing into the day.

Make the Most of Your Morning

One of the best parts about mornings in Cedar Falls is how easy it is to explore. Many of these spots are just steps from each other in the Cedar Falls Downtown District, making it simple to grab a great meal, sweet treat, or seasonal latte and still make it to your first session on time.

Because here, breakfast isn’t just a routine, it’s part of the experience.

 

Places Featured

Hand holding coffee with foam with a leather seat and a stone wall behind

Jesse's Java House

50s style exterior sign that says Gravys Diner with a yellow and checkerboard backdrop

Gravy's Diner

exterior restaurant sign that says J's Homestyle Cooking in white lettering

J's Homestyle Cooking

exterior brick building with blue facade and a green vertical business sign that says Cup of Joe going into a large coffee cup

Cup of Joe

exterior green circular business sign of the starbucks mascot of a mermaid or siren

Starbucks

hands holding a drink holder with an iced coffee, a hot coffee cup, and a soda with a Dunkin bag also balanced on the holder

Dunkin' Donuts

Exterior brick building with a exterior sign that says ICON DONUTS Coffee and Sweetery

ICON Donuts & Sweetery

Brick building with large windows and Hurts Donuts Co in large white lettering above the door.

Hurts Donut

exterior white building with a cone and a scoop of ice cream on the building and a sign on top of the building that says Coffee and Ice cream

The Vibe Coffee & Ice Cream

Large Scooter's Coffee sign in front of a drive through with a black car at the window

Scooter's Coffee

exterior building with a green facade and pillars with the words Sarah's crafted coffee + Cocktails

Sarah's Crafted Coffee + Cocktails

exterior image of three ladies having a conversation sitting outside on a patio around a fire pit on a sunny day

George's Local

Exterior image of a blue treble clef public art piece in the foreground and a building in the background with the restaurant name on the building.  Patton in red lettering

Patton Bar & Diner

exterior brick building with green facade and two windows.  The business name Reader's Cup in white lettering on the green facade and a small orange table and chairs in front of building

The Reader's Cup

exterior neon business sign that says Side Car Coffee in red neon lettering and a orange scooter and sidecar above the business name

Sidecar Coffee Shop

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