Plain Talk Books & Coffee

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	602 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Phone:	+1 515-243-0815
Site:	facebook.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 9AM–4PM Closed

Location

Photos 60

Reviews 10

Rob Heathers

The prices on the books arent accurate, so itll be a surprise once you get to the cashier (not always a good surprise). Some of the books have the price written on the inside, some have tabbed-notes inserted, some both contradicting each other and some have no prices at all. It takes too long to ring up the books. Too much emphasis on the food and coffee (supposedly theyre going to have ice cream next summer, too) makes the book shopping aspect less enjoyable. The upstairs area isnt properly marked, so you dont know what belongs to the bookstore and which to the Optimae company it shares the building with. However, you have to go upstairs since the employees on the main floor are too damn boisterous to enjoy browsing the bookshelves. I waited 6 years to try this place out; I had made attempts to go here in the past but the East Village is such an abysmally plastic part of town its hard to enjoy the remaining indie shops. This wasnt worth the wait; overall the place is trying to be too many things without doing much very well. I was already regretting buying my stack of books and supporting this business before I had signed the credit card receipt, but I didnt have the nerve to leave midway through the transaction. I want to support an independent bookstore, but this place isnt worth the hassle. Its less a bookstore and more a smug joke.

joe sanchez

This place always looks busy and has queues. However, the staff work hard and tables turn over quite quickly so you dont have to wait long. The atmosphere is great and there are a good range of coffees. The hot chocolate is served at a perfect drinking temperature and it was excellent. The cakes all looked amazing so it was..

Kelli Lydon

A really nice cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich made fresh by friendly folks is a great way to start the day.

Andrew Bassman

Excellent service, coffee and book selection by an outstanding company doing an awesome service for the community

Chris Gordon

Poor service. Terrible selection on coffee. Not even any decaf. Look elsewhere for your caffiene fixes.

Natalie Bensley

Affordable fresh and a great place all around!!!! Service is great and the atmosphere is perfect.

Justin S

Wonderful place, coffee and sandwiches. Happy staff, cool art on display and music events.

Joseph Evans

Good selection of books, outdoor seating, and great coffee. Plain Talk does it right.