Breakfast Menu "University Library Cafe" Des Moines

Old-school bar with classic pub grub & draft beers, including local craft brews.

University Library Cafe, 3506 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

(515) 255-0433

About University Library Cafe Restaurant

Ratings: 5 stars based on 780 reviews

Opening Hours

Saturday: 8 AM–12 AM

Sunday: 8 AM–12 AM

Monday: 11 AM–11 PM

Tuesday: 11 AM–11 PM

Wednesday: 11 AM–11 PM

Thursday: 11 AM–12 AM

Friday: 11 AM–12 AM

Photos

Services

Service options

Curbside pickup, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service, Great cocktails, Sports

Popular for

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings

Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Food, Food at bar, Happy hour drinks, Happy hour food, Hard liquor, Late-night food, Quick bite, Wine

Dining options

Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Seating

Amenities

Bar onsite, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual, Cozy, Historic, Trendy

Crowd

College students

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards

User 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.

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.

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 selection

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!