The Cafe

It was okay. It was so dark in the place it was difficult to read the menu. Food was good but a bit expensive for the over all experience.

The best spot for dinner in Ames. Absolutely amazing. Make sure you save room for dessert.

I wish the menu had more options, meal was okay but nothing real outstanding. Just go for the deserts, hard to beat.

One of our favorites. Go just about once a week when we're home. Friendly staff, delicious and healthy food, wonderful drinks (coffee or bar!)/

I am so glad I gave the Korean steak and egg a try! So so so good!! The steak was super tender! Our server was very nice and patient 🧡

Great food. Breakfast. Weekend Brunch.
Menus change monthly, Desserts are a must have.

Tiramisu was delicious. Took a while for the sandwiches to come out, but I'll definitely be back. I didn't get a special drink, just chilled water. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Amazing food and drink, great service, and a must eat if you're in the area. The menu may be small but each dish is quality over quantity!

My husband and I recently moved into town so it was our first time eating here. Staff
is super friendly and excellent and the food is top tier! I’m definitely coming back!

This is my bf and I’s favorite honey hole. We drive here every weekend (& have for about 3 years now) whether it’s to grab dinner, brunch or even just some deli sandwiches. And it’s not a close drive for us. We are convinced at this point that there’s not one bad thing you can get from here, cocktails included. I appreciate their efforts to source things locally & it’s clear they put a lot of work into the food preparation! They prepare most things in-house. They also change their menu seasonally, so it’s not easy to get sick of! Though it’s not a hoity toity, modern-vibed restaurant, it seems someone who leads the operations is a perfectionist and holds high standards on cleanliness, gourmet food & good service. We’re even active Des Moines diners and The Cafe just can’t be beat imo. I’m still giving 5 stars but I have 2 requests: PLEASE bring back online ordering for brunch on Sundays. We run errands frequently in Ames and have to be quick to get back home, so 70% of our business came through online ordering (and we love brunch days the best!) My second request is to bring back the sourdough pancakes!! They were the best freakin’ pancakes in the world! We miss them & crave them more than you will ever know (until now I hope)🥲 Ok, actually, 3 requests: open up another location and don’t change a thing about it. Sincerely, a few of your most grateful patrons❤️