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University Library Cafe

  1. Des Moines
  2. Des Moines Library
  3. Des Moines University
  4. Des Moines Cafe

Reviews, get directions and information for University Library Cafe

University Library Cafe

About

A Drake neighborhood institution for decades, the University Library Café offers an eclectic mix of food, beverages and customers all in a cozy, old-school, just-around-the-corner bar setting.



"A hidden gem in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood serving up craft beer and creative homemade takes on traditional bar fare. The University Library Café offers an eclectic mix of food, beverages, and customers all in a cozy, old-school, just-around-the-corner bar setting.Consistently voted by Des Moines for Best Local Nachos. An intimate neighborhood bar with 41 beers on tap. Serving unique breakfast dishes on Saturday and Sunday."
Address: 3506 University Ave, Des Moines 50311
Phone: (515) 255-0433
Email: moc.liamg@efacyrarbilytisrevinu
Parking: Lot, Street
State: IA
City: Des Moines
Street Number: 3506 University Ave
Zip Code: 50311-2306
categories: cafe, bar, american restaurant


Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 - 02:00
Tuesday: 11:00 - 02:00
Wednesday: 11:00 - 02:00
Thursday: 11:00 - 02:00
Friday: 11:00 - 02:00
Saturday: 08:00 - 02:00
Sunday: 08:00 - 00:00

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Reviews
Cute little hole in the wall, comfy dig with impressively great food. Burger on Texas toast was perfectly cooked with nice and toasty bun, loaded with ample fresh toppings. Fries were possibly the best in Des Moines, steak style cut but perfectly crispy! Their famous nachos had really unique chip texture, but I wasn't wowed by the topping distribution or how it all came together. All in all the service was outstanding and they rushed out to bring us our keys. One of the best quiet secrets in DSM, but a genuinely great restaurant worth coming to for the food, on top of cozy vibes.
Found this small bar/restaurant just driving around. Pleasant surprise with interesting atmosphere and friendly service. The food looks good, but I didn’t have it. The drinks were made nicely and they have a pretty decent beer list on tap. Super awesome surprise to the end of our trip. I would come here again. The small places are always the best.
Great food! $10+ an entree per person and long wait for Sunday brunch. It’s a small place they can’t help it but definitely worth the wait! Great on tap options and try the library latte.Food: 5/5
Best burgers in Des Moines, hands down. Amazing Bloody Marys, the staff is always friendly, just the best little dive bar and I say that with immense affection! in the neighborhood. A+.
Don’t be fooled by the exterior, it’s bigger than it looks. The food was excellent. Our server, Tommy, was very friendly and always checked on us. Yes, it’s smaller than a lot of places, but as they say, size doesn’t matter.Food: 5/5
Small diner putting out big food. It was great to sit with my buddy. Place was busy but not too loud. Server did a great job. Had the breakfast burrito with cheese sauce and chili and a side of pancakes. Good stuff. Looking forward to going again when I can try the craft beer selectionDine in: YesOutdoor seating: No
Despite being a Drake grad, I had never been here before. The server/bartender was great small space offering several samples of beer to try after asking what I liked. I went with his recommendation of the cheeseburger nachos. Holy amount of toppings Batman! The nacho chips were very thick and sturdy! I also munched on my husband's burger and fries--one of the best burgers I've had and nicely crunchy but flavored fries. Their burgers are superior to Zombie Burger by far for flavor. My husband and I both agreed that these burgers or some of the best in town.The server/bartender was attentive but not annoying. We will be back for sure!!
First time here! Great food! Had some wings and cheese curds. Service was also amazing! Will definitely be back! Rumor is that Sunday brunch is second to none in Des Moines!
Had an awesome veggie burger with swiss, fries and a side of thousand island. Yum. Also had the cheese and ham omelet for breakfast the week before and yeah...Yum also! I really like the Library Cafe for weekend breakfast and weekday nachos and burgers! Vegetarian options: Veggies burger, Mac and cheese, fries, onion rings and you can customize certain items to vegetarian.
Such a great local place. We stopped by for brunch and had an awesome meal. Order the breakfast nachos- they are famous for all of their nachos and these are great. It's a pretty small place, so get here early or be prepared to wait a few minutes, but it's worth it.
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