The Best Brunch Spots in Des Moines
Des Moines has quietly become a serious brunch destination, with everything from classic diner fare in Beaverdale to upscale small plates in the East Village. Whether you're craving bottomless mimosas after a Saturday at the Downtown Farmers Market or need a recovery meal before exploring the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the city's brunch scene delivers creative menus, local ingredients, and that Midwestern hospitality that keeps tables full every weekend.
Our Favorite Des Moines Brunch Spots
Lucca
This East Village Italian spot transforms into a brunch powerhouse on weekends, serving house-made pasta dishes alongside creative breakfast plates. The ricotta pancakes with seasonal fruit and the breakfast pizza with prosciutto and farm eggs are standouts. Expect a wait on Sundays, but the espresso bar keeps you caffeinated.
The combination of Italian technique with Iowa ingredients creates brunch dishes you won't find anywhere else in Des Moines.
Arrive right at 9am opening or after 12:30pm to avoid the peak rush from nearby downtown residents.
Malo
Located in the East Village near the State Capitol, Malo brings Latin-inspired brunch with serious flavor. Their chilaquiles and breakfast tacos use locally-sourced eggs and house-made salsas. The weekend brunch cocktail menu features creative margaritas and palomas that pair perfectly with the bold flavors.
It's the best place in Des Moines for brunch with a kick, and the patio seating is unbeatable in spring weather.
The churro French toast is only available on Sundays and sells out by 11:30am most weekends.
Waveland Cafe
This University Avenue institution has been serving classic American breakfast since the 1940s, and locals swear by their perfectly crispy hash browns and homemade cinnamon rolls. It's cash-only, no-frills, and exactly what you want when you need a hearty, affordable brunch near Drake University.
Authentic diner atmosphere with prices that haven't changed much since the '90s and portions that could feed two people.
Cash only, and the ATM inside charges fees—hit up a bank beforehand.
Americana-style brunch spots in Valley Junction
West Des Moines' historic Valley Junction district has several farm-to-table focused restaurants serving elevated brunch menus on weekends. Look for places featuring Iowa pork belly, locally-roasted coffee, and seasonal vegetable scrambles. The walkable district makes it easy to browse antique shops after your meal.
The combination of quality food and the charming historic district atmosphere makes for a complete weekend morning experience.
Street parking fills up fast during the monthly Valley Junction Market Days (April-October), so arrive before 10am or use the public lot on 5th Street.
Upscale hotel restaurants in Downtown Des Moines
Several downtown hotels near the Principal Park and Wells Fargo Arena offer weekend brunch buffets with made-to-order omelets, carving stations, and bottomless mimosas. These are particularly popular before Iowa Cubs games or when visiting families want a reliable, kid-friendly option with variety.
The buffet format lets picky eaters and adventurous diners both find what they want, and parking validation is usually included.
Book reservations for Mother's Day and Easter at least three weeks in advance—these are the busiest brunch days of the year in Des Moines.
Coffee shop brunch options in Ingersoll
The Ingersoll Avenue corridor has several coffee roasters and cafes that serve light brunch fare—think avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and exceptional pastries from local bakeries. Perfect for a casual spring morning before walking through the neighborhood's tree-lined streets.
Lower-key atmosphere than full-service restaurants, with some of the best coffee in Des Moines and quick service.
Most spots here are counter-service only, so they're ideal when you're brunching solo or don't want to commit to a long sit-down meal.
Beaverdale neighborhood diners
This north Des Moines neighborhood has maintained its classic diner culture, with several spots serving massive breakfast skillets, fresh-baked pies, and the kind of coffee that gets refilled before you ask. Expect Formica tables, friendly servers who remember regulars, and a crowd that skews local.
Authentic neighborhood vibe with generous portions and prices that make weekend brunch accessible for families on a budget.
These places get packed after church services around 11am on Sundays—go earlier or wait until after 12:30pm.
Ankeny brunch chains with local twists
The northern suburb of Ankeny has several regional and national brunch chains that have adapted their menus with Iowa touches—local sausage, Iowa egg suppliers, and seasonal specials. These spots offer reliable quality with shorter waits than downtown Des Moines locations.
Consistent quality with ample parking and family-friendly atmospheres, plus they're close to Prairie Trail and other Ankeny attractions.
Most Ankeny brunch spots don't take reservations, but you can often join the waitlist through apps before you arrive.
Insider Tips for Brunch in Des Moines
Downtown and East Village parking is free on Sundays at metered spots, but arrive before 10am to snag street parking near popular restaurants—otherwise use the Court Avenue ramp at 4th and Court for $5 flat rate on weekends.
The Downtown Farmers Market (May-October, Saturdays 7am-12pm) creates massive crowds along Court Avenue—if you're brunching downtown on Saturday mornings, either embrace the market energy or head to West Des Moines and Valley Junction instead.
Most Des Moines brunch spots don't take reservations for parties under 6 people, so plan for 30-45 minute waits at popular places between 10am-12pm on weekends. The sweet spot is arriving right at opening (usually 8-9am) or after 1pm.
Spring weather in Des Moines can swing 40 degrees in a day—if you're planning to brunch on a patio in March or April, bring a light jacket even if it looks sunny. Most patios along Ingersoll and in the East Village have heaters, but they're not always running early in the season.
Several Des Moines brunch spots offer 'brunch cocktail' specials that are better deals than bottomless mimosas—look for $6-8 bloody marys or bellinis instead of $15-20 bottomless packages that often have time limits.
If you're visiting Des Moines for an Iowa Cubs game or event at Wells Fargo Arena, brunch spots within walking distance of Principal Park and the arena fill up fast—consider brunching in Sherman Hill or Drake neighborhoods instead, which are 5-10 minutes away by car with easier parking.