Visited February 14. Google hours state open Fridays but sign on door says closed since December 21. Please mark your business as ‘temporarily closed’ if you aren’t open.

Hard to find! Directions sent me to the wrong side of the building. Entrance is on on the corner of 5th St & Walnut St.

Went there on a saturday. staff treated us so nice. this place has an awesome atmosphere.

Service is always prompt even when they have a full house. It has a great atmosphere.

I didn’t mind the original Sidebar, but I do think things have improved a lot since it’s become the Mars Sidebar. I’ve had good experiences with the staff, and I like that they’ve had interesting or seasonal drinks whenever I’ve been, as well as a good selection of pastries and snacks. The seating is comfortable, and it’s a convenient location off the skywalks if you work downtown, or also great if you want to grab coffee during the farmer’s market without dealing with the crowds and craziness of Java Joe’s. Their espresso is also much better in my experience.

Great coffee in a very clean, beautifully designed location. Staff is friendly and every drink Ive had has been great. I wish there were more vegan options on the food menu, but the hummus + pita option is delicious. Hopefully theyll expand their menu a bit in the future.

Great place to stop for a morning pick-me-up. They have a limited staff so depending on how busy they are it can sometimes take longer to get your drink than going to Starbucks. Luckily the quality is more than worth the wait.

In my opinion, Mars has the best coffee in downtown Des Moines. The Mars Blend is my go to for a plain cup of coffee. The sputnik or honey lavendar latte are my favorites when Im in the mood for something spunky.

Enjoyed the tea! Very relaxing place. Good service!

While their coffee is really good especially the Sputnik, the service is not good. I have been to this location a few times and the service is so slow. I am all for creating my drink with love, but waiting 10 minutes for a drink to be made when you are the only person in line is daunting. The few times I have gone down there to order and the employee working is not helpful, lacks a friendly smile and simply doesnt even speak when I approach the counter. It is frustrating and/or awkward when standing there waiting for someone to help you and you have to initiate the conversation to get your order placed. While I will still go there to get my favorite drink, I will dread having to ask for someone to help me.

Awesome service and an equally calm and soothing atmosphere. During the day is pretty slow and low key and a great place to watch traffic or read a book.

Love this place! Great place for meetings and collaboration and getting stuff done!

Great coffee. Great atmosphere. Great service

Great way to meet people and some coffee while discussing.

Great mood, friendly service. REALLY good hot chocolate.

Tasty coffee and food close to the convention center. The struggle finding it is worth it - once you find it, you’ll remember it - though as another reviewer helpfully notes, it’s in the Capital Square building and its entrance is closer to 5th and Walnut, rather than Locust, though you can get to it from the 5th and Locust entrance.

Best place in Des Moines for a cup of coffee, try ordering a Macchiato, you will love it

Coffee is amazing. They close whenever they want which is frustrating when I want to get coffee in the evening.

Great location with exceptional service and the coffee itself is among the best in central Iowa.

I COULDNT AFFORD? NOT EVEN A SMALL CUP OF COFFEE 2 TRY

Great coffee and location down town

I didn’t mind the original Sidebar, but I do think things have improved a lot since it’s become the Mars Sidebar. I’ve had good experiences with the staff, and I like that they’ve had interesting or seasonal drinks whenever I’ve been, as well as a good selection of pastries and snacks. The seating is comfortable, and it’s a convenient location off the skywalks if you work downtown, or also great if you want to grab coffee during the farmer’s market without dealing with the crowds and craziness of Java Joe’s. Their espresso is also much better in my experience.

Best coffee drinks ever !!

My chai latte was delicious!

Expensive, well-designed atmosphere, good deal on day old pastries.

Great espresso and friendly service!!!

Great staff and coffee

Great staff and wonderful coffee!

Its okay. Maybe a dollar overpriced but then again I dont know the price of rent in the East village.

Great coffee

It is what it is