Whether you’re healing from a wild Saturday night or just in fierce pursuit of the world’s crispiest hashbrowns, Des Moines has a brunch spot with your name (and caffeine needs) all over it. Our city’s brunch scene is a joyful mashup of inventive menus, cozy vibes, and enough carbs to keep you satisfied till dinner. Read on to find your next weekend hero—mimosas optional, stretchy pants recommended.
Lachele’s Fine Foods | Smash Burgers & Sunday Brunch
Trade your waffle craving for a burger that’s become a local legend. At Lachele’s Fine Foods the smash burger ritual takes center stage in a glass-front kitchen. You watch each patty sizzle into a crispy-edged, juicy marvel.
Their Sunday brunch menu, offered from 10 to 3, defies tradition. Breakfast options like the Uncle Denny or Big Calvin burger give your morning a bold twist. Golden tater tots demand attention, and rotating specials ensure you never tire of old favorites. Vegetarians and vegans find creative dishes, not just a sad salad.
Inside, sunlit walls and industrial-chic décor create a relaxed yet energetic mood. Servers glide by with perfectly timed pours of ice-cold Boylan’s root beer or a local tap pour. Outside, the patio offers prime people-watching and a gentle breeze. Between bites you might find yourself planning your next visit or simply soaking in that unbeatable burger aroma. One taste here and you might forget why a mimosa ever felt necessary. Brunch menu here, burger dreams await.
Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery | Neighborhood Hangout Hero
For those chasing comfort on a plate, Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery feels like a warm hug. The breakfast poutine piles home fries under savory gravy and melted cheese for an upgrade your kitchen can’t match. Chicken and waffles arrive stacked sky-high, each bite balancing sweet and savory with precision. Stuffed French toast makes no apologies, delivering dessert-worthy indulgence long before noon.
This spot thrives on friendly neighborhood energy. Patio tables frame mild city views, and servers greet you like old friends with genuine warmth. Bottomless $5 mimosas beckon without judgment—you’ll never be shamed for ordering a third round.
Live music and trivia nights add a playful spark to weekend mornings. Reservations minimize parking-lot circling for anyone not keen on the hunt. Once inside, cozy booths and generous plates banish any hint of pretension. No matter the crowd, the atmosphere stays welcoming and relaxed. If hearty portions and laid-back vibes embody your ideal brunch, you’ve found your people. See if you can conquer the menu yourself.
La Mie Bakery | The Pastry Powerhouse
Think eggs on toast define brunch? Think again. La Mie Bakery presents a display of glossy pastries arranged like precious gems behind glass. The pistachio croissant has earned cult status—one bite into its flaky layers will bring carb critics rushing to your table.
Lines form quickly on Saturday mornings, but the wait moves fast. Behind the glass you’ll find vibrant tartines, savory quiches, and omelets so artfully executed they challenge every scrambled egg you’ve ever made.
Whether you follow a vegan diet or avoid gluten, options abound without sacrificing flavor. Casual seating spills from the cozy interior to a welcoming patio. Strollers, laptops, and yoga mats feel at home under the hum of friendly chatter. Parking rarely causes a fuss. Here, brunch tastes as memorable as it looks—and it might just earn you an Instagram-worthy shot. start plotting your pastry strategy here.
100th St. Corner Cafe | The Big Breakfast Standard
Skip fancy spots that charge a fortune for a token plate. 100th Street Corner Cafe embodies the classic diner with honest portions and genuine smiles. Pancakes arrive in thick stacks, burritos brim with savory fillings, and chicken fried steak breakfasts are so generously sized you’ll marvel at every bite.
Prices keep your wallet happy while staff members greet you with true Midwest hospitality. Have a dietary quirk? No problem. The kitchen adapts without a hint of eye-rolling, and coffee flows hot and strong with refills never in short supply.
Even at peak hours the atmosphere remains relaxed and neighborly. Families settle in for shared comfort food while solo diners carve out space for their own hearty feast. This is the kind of spot that feels like home, plates piled high and hearts even fuller. Drool over their full menu here.
Smash Park Des Moines | Brunch For The Easily Distracted
Not content with sitting at a table? Smash Park Des Moines turns brunch into an adventure playground. Start with an acai bowl or hand-breaded pickleballs alongside one of their $3 specialty cocktails. Then choose your game—pickleball courts hum with friendly rivalry while axe throwing lanes ring out triumphant cheers.
Brunch Bingo adds another layer of fun, and bottomless mimosas keep spirits high. Interactive games and shared challenges keep every age engaged until the last drop of your drink. The menu caters to both gluten-free diners and anyone with a Nutella obsession, so you might pair a Caribbean Shrimp Bowl with an over-the-top Bloody Mary.
A sprawling patio and ample seating mean you won’t linger by the host stand. Families, groups, and solo guests all find room to roam and relax without feeling like they’ve stepped into daycare. If your ideal morning blends indulgence with action, this place accomplishes both with effortless flair. go sign up for a game and a mimosa here.
Waveland Cafe | Best Hashbrowns in the Galaxy
Waveland Cafe has been dishing out breakfast favorites for more than four decades, and its legendary Everything Hashbrowns live up to the hype. They arrive piled high and sizzling crisp, just begging for a swipe of the ketchup bottle. This place feels like the love child of your grandma’s kitchen and a small-town gossip hub, with walls covered in local art and timeworn flyers that seem to echo decades of conversation.
You won’t find fancy microgreens or lavender lattes here—just hearty, no-nonsense classics served with extra cinnamon French toast if you’re lucky. Expect to queue up at the door each morning because there is no way to hold your table in advance. Coffee refills flow freely and portions are impossibly generous.
You might even spot a state senator quietly studying the menu. If you’re here on a Tuesday, don’t miss the eggs Benedict. True insiders know it doesn’t show up any other day. Bring an appetite and a curiosity for the family drama that tends to play out a few tables over. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Centro | Italian Brunch with Downtown Flair
Centro reinvents downtown brunch vibes without losing sight of the classics. Portions are generous and the bill won’t inspire sticker shock. Picture pillowy house-made focaccia transformed into a breakfast pizza, piled with fresh local ingredients and golden-edged crust. Espresso here is strong enough to resurrect the most committed night owl. Shaded outdoor seating frames prime people-watching, perfect for anyone who treats brunch as a spectator sport.
The atmosphere hits that sweet spot between dressing up and showing up in jeans; you could arrive solo in a hoodie or bring the entire family. Gluten-free, vegan, or “just a little picky”—the kitchen welcomes special requests with a smile. Even the pickiest eater will find something to savor on this menu. Prices stay fair without skimping on quality. Reservations are available, which means you can skip waiting beside that one loud person on speakerphone. Just remember: Centro serves up its full menu only on the weekend. Plan accordingly and bring your appetite. let the brunch feast begin here.
The Royal Mile | Best for British Comfort Food Cravings
Brunch at The Royal Mile comes with no apologies for its hearty portions. The full English here is a proper feast: eggs, sausage, back bacon, baked beans, and sautéed mushrooms arrive on one majestic plate. No sad triangles of toast in sight.
This spot does British fare better than most London pubs, proving that an overcast sky cannot dull its charm.
Beyond the mainstay, you’ll also find Scotch eggs hand-breaded to crunchy perfection and a potato cake Benedict dripping in whisky cream or banger gravy. Biscuits wrapped in bacon prove that restraint is left at the door. Pair any dish with a pint of British ale or a spiked Bloody Mary.
On sunny days the outdoor patio beckons with picnic tables where “Pawtio” events let dogs share a treat and maybe your sausage. Inside, the pubby glow and leather booths feel like Woodstock for the truly well-fed. Lace up your appetite goggles and prepare to happily collapse into a post-brunch nap. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Eggs and Jam | 90s Hip-Hop Nostalgia Brunch
Stepping into Eggs and Jam feels like crashing a ’90s block party complete with graffiti murals and Notorious B.I.G. booming through the speakers. Plates arrive with personality: the Mimosa Chicken & Waffles doubles as a literal comfort blanket, and the Yo Homes to Bel Air omelet is what Philly cheesesteaks dream of when they grow up. Raspberry whipped cream on the French toast delivers that extra pop of sweetness without apology.
Everything here is Instagram bait: neon accents and clever nods for anyone whose childhood soundtrack featured Salt-N-Pepa and TLC. There’s no reservations, so expect peak weekend energy—lines form fast and conversation buzzes at full volume. Don’t be surprised if your table neighbors cheer each other through every bite. Sip a mimosa flight, order a classic Gin and Juice, or dive into creative coffee cocktails – your morning bar tab just got a plot twist.
Vegan, gluten-free, even the pickiest kid—no one leaves hungry here. Portions are packed with flavor and fun, leaving you pleasantly stuffed and already planning your next visit. Relive your glory days over brunch right here.
The Breakfast Club | Brunch with a Side of Nostalgia
The Breakfast Club wraps you in 80s and 90s nostalgia from the moment you step in. Neon fanny packs would not feel out of place here, and pop icons like Madonna and the Beastie Boys dominate the playlist.
Hash browns arrive laced with kimchi or served alongside buffalo cauliflower bites in the White Hot omelet. If you’ve ever wanted a coffee cocktail at sunrise, this is your moment.
Menu items push the boundaries of breakfast: Jamaican Me Hungry sweet corn cakes come loaded with pork carnitas, while the White Hot sneaks in just enough spice to keep your taste buds dancing. Legendary Bloody Marys and a rotating martini flight offer serious liquid courage before noon. Vegans, carnivores and indecisive friends all leave with happy bellies.
Weekends here feel like a party that spills straight into early afternoon bliss. The vibe is pure unapologetic fun, with energetic servers and enough nostalgia to make any mixtape Monday jealous. The wait rarely feels long, and nobody judges you for refilling your cup again. See what’s on tap for your next throwback brunch.
PerKup Cafe | Homemade Classic Comfort
Skip Instagram-ready rosé towers and go for honest carbs, coffee, and real conversation. At this laid-back cafe, your usual brew is poured before you’ve even hung up your coat. Ordering biscuits and gravy before nine AM feels totally normal here.
Portions flirt with cartoonish proportions. Cinnamon roll pancakes so big they rival your head, and French toast stuffed beyond belief await your appetite. One bite and you’ll understand the term carb coma.
Vegan, gluten-free, or just meat-ambivalent? The menu treats every diet with care, never as an afterthought. Despite steady foot traffic, waits rarely pass twenty minutes—ample time to decide between the hash brown taco or a veggie omelette.
Run by a welcoming family, this spot embraces yoga pants and brunch jumpsuits alike. This is where homemade comfort reaches its peak, morning after morning. See what all the locals are raving about.
G Mig’s 5th Street Pub | Hometown Brunch Heavyweight
Word travels fast in this neighborhood, but the buzz here is absolutely deserved. Tucked into Valley Junction, this pub pairs award-winning dishes with warm, come-as-you-are charm. Jeans, sundresses, or workout gear all fit right in.
Don’t skip the Migsie’s Burrito. Spicy chorizo, jalapeño cheddar, and crispy hash browns cram into a tortilla so hefty it might need its own table. It tastes every bit as wild as it looks.
Gluten-free diners get proper options—no sad toast in sight—while coffee and hangover-friendly eggs keep early risers and late sleepers equally satisfied. Generous helpings marry well with prices that leave your wallet intact.
A tempting lineup of coffees, cocktails, and craft beers rounds out the menu. One visit is all it takes to make this your new weekend tradition. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Early Bird West Des Moines | Modern Diner Indulgence
Expect a sunrise-fueled explosion of playful comfort food. This bright, buzzy breakfast hub hums with energy from the moment the doors open. Walls decked in colorful art set the tone for culinary fun.
The menu runs the gamut from Golden Waffles to downright outrageous creations. Cereal Killer Pancakes piled with Fruity Pebbles and addictive Hash Holes practically beg you to dive in. A trip down memory lane comes courtesy of a PB&J French Toast that hits every nostalgic sweet spot.
Savory fanatics won’t feel neglected—each dish carries a clever twist beneath its familiar face. Cocktails feature house-infused spirits built for morning adventures that leave you smiling, not groaning.
Parking is easy, the playlist keeps spirits high, and yes, a weekend line is part of the ritual. Use the waitlist, plot your next Benedict conquest, and let the brunch games begin. Scope out your next breakfast rebellion here.
University Library Cafe | Supreme Bar Brunch Hangout
Ditch any sense of pretension for breakfast nachos served in a wood-paneled hideaway. Here, comfort is king and everything tastes like a warm hug. Booths beckon you to linger over laughter and large portions.
A craft beer flight before noon? Absolutely. Smothered potatoes and bacon-loaded Texas Melts transform hunger into an art form—and guilt stays at the door. Vegetarians, families, and beer obsessives all find common ground here.
Outdoor seating offers a breath of fresh air and prime people-watching real estate. Weekend reservations are available for those who like a little grown-up structure.
If your brunch must-haves include cheese, potatoes, and local brews instead of overpriced mimosas, your search stops now. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Dam Pub | For Brunch with a Side of Nostalgia
Neon signs and playful retro décor set a high-energy scene for this unforgettable brunch destination. As soon as you arrive, a bucket of bottomless mimosas might materialize at your table, ready for the taking.
Start with Garfield’s Breakfast Lasagna—a stack of savory pasta, cheese, and avocado cream that laughs in the face of boring. Chicken and Waffles hit all the right notes of sweet and savory, while the Dam Bowl demolishes hangovers with gusto.
When the weather cooperates, the rooftop patio offers panoramic views and fresh air. Inside, a separate family section keeps little ones happy without encroaching on the bar crowd.
Affordable prices, generous portions, and a twist of pop-culture flair make this spot a must-visit. Reservations can save you from a wait, but a little anticipation only ramps up the excitement. Catch their brunch action before someone else steals your patio spot.
Fresko | The Everyday Brunch Upgrade
Here, vegetables take center stage and actually taste delicious. Upscale brunch classics like crab cake eggs benedict and Maine lobster omelets feel welcoming, not intimidating. The strawberry banana crepes are impossible to resist, so prepare to surrender every time.
Sunlight floods the dining room through lofty windows, highlighting a minimalist design that feels fresh. You will find plenty of room for your vegan friends, gluten-free cousins, and those who refuse to live without bacon. It is the kind of place that earns bragging rights in your group chat.
This menu accommodates every dietary preference with thoughtful options. With ingredients sourced from local farms, each dish feels fresh and seasonally inspired.
Brunch runs daily until 2 pm, giving you time to recover from last night’s fun. The $18 bottomless mimosas come with a surprising array of juice choices.
On weekends, a pianist adds a gentle soundtrack to your mid-morning chill. Reservations are recommended for an unhurried experience. See what the fuss is about.
HomeGrown Des Moines – Crescent | The Local Everything Spot
Stepping into this Crescent Building café feels like entering a bright canvas. Sunlight spills across sleek tables beneath open ceilings and trendy lighting fixtures. Walls dotted with green plant prints mingle with warm wood and metal touches.
Every detail here leans local, starting with a house-made pop tart that rivals anything you’ve grabbed at a gas station. Pancakes dusted with lemon ricotta are fluffy and light. Croissant French toast soaks up every drop of syrup and leaves you utterly satisfied.
Gluten-free and vegan plates stand on equal footing, and espresso comes courtesy of Ames Windmill, powering your day with genuine flavor. Portions are generous, so plan on leftovers or an even longer visit. Mimosas and Bloody Marys flow freely and feel honest, never watered down.
A sunny patio waits out back, and there’s plenty of parking if you’re driving in. Weekends are busy, but that line only confirms that supporting local tastes this good. See what you’ll crave next weekend.
