Not only is breakfast the most important meal of the day, but it’s also a great way to get to know a new city. There are lots of things to do on a weekend getaway to Des Moines and enjoying a hearty breakfast should be as exciting as everything else you have planned.
While Casey’s breakfast pizza is a statewide favorite, there are lots of other options when it comes to breakfast and brunch in central Iowa. Whether you enjoy a simple pastry or a bottomless mimosa brunch to start your day, you’ll want to wake up hungry to visit one of these eight great places for breakfast in Des Moines, Iowa.
5 Borough Bagels
If bagels are your breakfast food of choice, you won’t want to miss out on 5 Borough Bagels. This New York-style bagel shop is always bustling and offers a wide variety of bagels, housemade cream cheese and breakfast sandwiches, among other delicious options.
5 Borough Bagels also has a full coffee bar in addition to a menu of specialty drinks that changes seasonally.
5 Borough Bagels, 13435 University Ave., Suite 300, Clive, Iowa
Coaches Kolaches
While the word “kolaches” might immediately make you think of the round, fruit-filled Czech pastry, Coaches Kolaches brings a taste of Texas to the Midwest. In addition to the more traditional fruit pastries, Coaches Kolaches also offers a savory pastry option that resembles a stuffed roll.
These soft doughy pastries are filled with a variety of mixtures of eggs, cheese, meat and veggies. From an option with breakfast sausage to one with steak and eggs and even the occasional brisket feature, Coaches Kolaches has the perfect handheld breakfast option for everyone.
Coaches Kolaches, 8527 University Blvd, Suite 1 Clive, Iowa
Drake Diner
Opened in 1987, the Drake Diner has been a Des Moines landmark for more than 30 years. This ‘50s-inspired diner is known for its hearty portions and all-day breakfast—making it the perfect place to satisfy a craving should you want pancakes at 9 p.m.
With a large menu and plenty of seating, the Drake Diner is the perfect kid-friendly spot to grab an early bite to eat any day of the week.
Drake Diner, 1111 25th St., Des Moines, Iowa
Eggs and Jam
Eggs and Jam makes breakfast fun—no matter the occasion! This ‘90s hip hop inspired eatery has walls covered in graffiti-style murals alongside dozens of cleverly named dishes like the You Can Touch This and Yo Homes to Bel Air.
Eggs and Jam also has an extensive bar menu with fun twists on favorite brunch cocktails including mimosa flights, bloody marys and more.
Eggs and Jam, 1907 EP True Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa
La Mie Bakery
If you’re looking for a place to grab a fresh-baked pastry in Des Moines, La Mie Bakery is the place for you.
This French-inspired bakery serves a variety of breakfast items as well as grab-and-go sandwiches, but where La Mie really shines is with its baked goods. From flaky croissants and sugar-coated scones to gooey chocolate eclairs and sticky caramel rolls, this selection of sweets is sure to make your mouth water.
But be sure you get there early! Especially on the weekends, La Mie favorites tend to sell out quickly.
La Mie Bakery, 841 42nd St., Des Moines, Iowa
Looking for donuts? Here are 8 popular donut shops in Des Moines
St. Kilda
Home to Des Moines’ most instagrammable avocado toast, St. Kilda is an Australian-style restaurant with modern twists on classic dishes, fresh-baked pastries and artisanal coffee drinks.
In addition to its photo-worthy toasts, the eatery also offers a variety of eggs, breakfast sandwiches and more. Now with two locations in the metro, St. Kilda is the perfect place to take a breakfast meeting or enjoy a weekend brunch.
St. Kilda Collective, 333 5th St., West Des Moines, Iowa
St. Kilda Cafe & Bakery, 300 SW Fifth St., Des Moines, Iowa
Related post: St. Kilda is so good, they made the must-try restaurant list of all of Des Moines!
University Library Cafe
There’s no better place than the University Library Cafe to meet up with friends for a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast. While this tiny eatery in the Drake neighborhood has an impressive selection of craft beers on top, their breakfast is also worth the wait.
If nachos are your jam, you won’t want to miss out on the restaurant’s Breakfast Nachos, which are piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, onion and peppers then topped with a mouthwatering cheese sauce.
University Library Cafe, 3506 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309
Waveland Cafe
If you’re in the mood for a classic diner breakfast, look no further than the Waveland Cafe. This iconic Des Moines eatery is known for its long line, tradition for attracting political candidates (and national media) and its out-of-this-world hash browns.
In addition to its original location in Des Moines, the Waveland Cafe also has a sister location in neighboring Booneville.
Waveland Cafe, 4708 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
About the Guest Blogger
Megan Bannister is a freelance writer and blogger at Olio in Iowa based in Des Moines, Iowa. When she’s not sampling and writing about food, Megan enjoys visiting unique destinations, roadside attractions, and “world’s largest” things across the Midwest and beyond.
Her book, “Iowa Supper Clubs,” highlights classic eateries past and present from around the state.
Lea
Saturday 10th of July 2021
I’m not sure why Booneville Bar and Waveland West wasn’t mentioned with Waveland Cafe because it is definitely well worth the recognition as well. Same menu as the Waveland Cafe breakfast menu, plus mimosas, screwdrivers and Bloody Mary’s made with our own Bloody Mary recipe! Great low key location and atmosphere! It’s a great spot for Saturday and Sunday brunches, family outings or catching up with a group of friends!