For the past several years Des Moines has been booming with great places to grab breakfast. Whether you are looking for the best bloody mary, breakfast burrito, benedicts, hash browns, or french toast, we can help you find the best breakfast in Des Moines.
These 13+ hot spots to grab breakfast or brunch in central Iowa have unique entrees, fresh ingredients, and a great atmosphere.
Americana
1312 Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-283-1312
If you ask the locals, Americana may be considered the very best Des Moines breakfast restaurant thanks to their bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary bar.
Their ‘Bottomless Bombshell Brunch’ is also considered by many to be the best brunch in Des Moines. With so many amazing choices (including gluten-free options), you will definitely leave full and satisfied. Americana is a breakfast bucket list must!
The Breakfast Club
212 East 3rd Street, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-280-5251
The Breakfast Club, located in downtown Des Moines near the East Village, boasts “service with a little snark and a side piece of carefully crafted breakfast cocktails.”
This sassy breakfast place is full of fun, serving up breakfast corn dogs, savory benedicts, loaded hash browns, bananas foster french toast, craft cocktails, mimosa flights, and so much more. They also have burgers and sandwiches on the menu.
The Breakfast Club has fun, delicious food and great vibes!
Drake Diner
1111 25th St, Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 277-1111
The Drake Diner is perfect when you want a classic breakfast in Des Moines. This upscale, retro diner serves traditional comfort food such as omelets and buttermilk biscuits with gravy. And breakfast is served all day!
Located in the Drake Neighborhood, the Drake Diner has been around since 1987 and is the perfect place to grab that first meal of the day.
Early Bird
9250 University Ave., Ste 107, West Des Moines, Iowa; 515-528-2212
I first fell in love with Early Bird when I traveled to Omaha, Nebraska and now I’m thrilled to be able to enjoy this amazing breakfast spot in Des Moines anytime!
Located in West Des Moines, Early Bird menu items include Pecan Pie Pancakes, Crab Cake Benny, PB&J French Toast and Tot Poutine. They also have a fantastic cocktail menu with cereal-inspired drinks like the Cinnamon Toast Brunch.
With a slogan like “not your everyday brunch, every day” you definitely need to check it out!
Eggs & Jam
1907 EP True Pkwy Suite 102, West Des Moines, Iowa; 515- 528-2248
If you love the 90’s and hip hop, Eggs & Jam will top your list for the best breakfast in Des Moines.
This hip-hop-themed cafe names all of its dishes after 90’s hits such as ‘The Roots’ veggie omelet or the ‘I Just Crush A Lot’ mimosa flight. With Nas, Beastie Boys and Snoop coming out of the speakers and street art murals covering the walls, you’ll be in full-on nostalgia mode.
The atmosphere at Eggs & Jam is lively and the servings are generous. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast while introducing your kids to some of your favorite music from back in the day.
Fresko
909 Locust Street Suite 103, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-630-7009
Fresko is known for its seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. Their breakfast offerings are fresh, unique, and oh, so good!
Try the tasty skillets or distinctive french toasts (how about the Pretzel Croissant or Raspberry Mascarpone?), and don’t miss the lavender mimosa!
They offer lots of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as a special menu just for kids. It’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
Homegrown Des Moines
555 17th Street Suite 102, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-348-4094
Homegrown Des Moines is located in the old Crescent building that overlooks downtown Des Moines. They offer homemade pop-tarts, delicious fresh drinks, a super popular coffee cake, omelets, benedicts, and more. They also have a focus on supporting the local community so you will find familiar Des Moines brands on the menu.
Kava DSM
300 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 661 -2755
Family-friendly Kava DSM is an oasis in the middle of downtown Des Moines. When you walk in you will forget you are in the state of Iowa!
Filled with greenery, Kava DSM takes pride in healthy, nutritious, organic food and drinks. This is more than just breakfast – it’s part coffee shop, part health food shop, and part tea shop.
They make every dish a work of art, creating beautiful smoothie bowls, paleo waffles, coffee drinks, and so much more.
La Mie Bakery
841 42nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa; 515- 255 – 1625
If you love baked goods, you’ll love La Mie Bakery. When you walk in you will find tables filled with freshly baked goods such as croissants, rolls, and bread. You’ll want to try everything.
They also offer omelets, quiche, french toast, smoked salmon tartine, soups, sandwiches, salads and more. This combination coffee shop, breakfast cafe, and lunch spot is delicious any time!
Mullets
1300 SE 1st St., Des Moines, Iowa; 515-244-1443
Located along the Des Moines River, Mullets has a two-level patio, a large outdoor fun area, and fantastic views of downtown.
If you are looking for a hearty breakfast this is the place to be! Some of my favorites include the smoked salmon cream cheese omelet, the new avocado flight, and the breakfast meatloaf.
And if you miss breakfast, they have a huge menu and serve great lunches and dinners.
Mulberry Street Tavern
206 6th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 985-2066
Mulberry Street Tavern is located in the hip and trendy Surety Hotel, just near the Court Avenue area. They offer brunch ONE day a week, Saturday, so this is one place you need to plan for.
They offer classics such as shrimp and grits, chicken and biscuits, and skirt steak and eggs. Or try their delicious egg sandwich, elevated with jalapeno aioli. And for your sweet tooth, don’t miss the beignets with whiskey crème anglaise.
Perkup Cafe
2700 University Ave, West Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 270-1466
The Perkup Cafe is a great breakfast place in Des Moines serving amazing, home-cooked-style meals.
Breakfast is available all day at this classic diner, and the menu includes a variety of breakfast sandwiches, combo plates and omelet plates. Try the hashbrown taco- loaded with sour cream, cheese, green onion, and bacon – or the strawberry stuffed french toast – my personal breakfast food of choice! *drool*
St. Kilda
Downtown Des Moines – 300 SW 5th St, Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 369-7854
Historic Valley Junction – 333 5th St, West Des Moines, Iowa; 515 – 705-2030
St. Kilda offers two different locations so you can enjoy their breakfast in downtown Des Moines or in Valley Junction. No matter which one you choose, you will not be disappointed in their healthy, modern dishes and artisanal coffee drinks
From pastries, granola bowls, and smoothies to breakfast tacos, mushroom toast, and beef and polenta, St. Kilda has so many breakfast options to choose from!
Tupelo Honey
665 Grand Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-513-5922
Tupelo Honey is the newest hot spot for breakfast and brunch in the Des Moines area. Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines you will love the southern atmosphere and cooking. Everything is made from scratch and delicious! Definitely a unique experience.
Waveland Cafe
4708 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa; 515-279-4341
The Waveland Cafe has the BEST hash browns in the galaxy! Serving all the classics and large portions, you do not want to miss visiting this hole-in-the-wall breakfast spot.
Their breakfast skillets are excellent or try a classic like an omelet or cinnamon french toast. This small-town cafe claims to serve the best breakfast in Des Moines, and even Aquaman himself has made a visit.
