Homemade pop tarts with a vanilla latte flavor are a real breakfast order in central Iowa. So are breakfast egg rolls, pumpkin pancakes, and a burrito named after a dance move.
The mornings around here get surprisingly playful. One diner sits inside a train-themed dining car with an antique shop attached. Another spot plays hip-hop with your hash browns, and a French bakery turns out croissants that tend to sell out early.
You don't need a fancy reason to go out for breakfast. A free Saturday works fine. Maybe you want a quiet latte and a scone, or maybe you want a skillet big enough to share.
Both options are close by, and plenty of them open before the sun gets serious.
The list below mixes old-school counters, bakery cases, and brunch rooms with real personality. Some sit in quiet neighborhoods. Others are just a short drive from downtown.
So, which plate is calling your name first?
1. Waveland Cafe
Hash browns can be a side dish, or they can be the whole reason you get out of bed. At this University Avenue diner, they lean hard toward the second option.
The Everything Hash Browns come with creamy sausage gravy, and they show up golden and crisp. You can also order Waveland's Best Skillet if you like your breakfast stacked high.
Sweet tooth? The Cinnamon French Toast is on the menu, along with eggs Benedict and pancakes. A Western Omelette and Steak and Eggs round out the hearty side.
The cafe sits in a quiet residential area, but the room itself stays busy. Weekends draw the biggest crowds, especially Sunday morning. Reservations aren't accepted, so a short wait is pretty normal.
Families will find high chairs and a kids' menu here. College students and visitors mix in with neighbors at the tables. Want an easier visit?
Thursday afternoon tends to be the quietest time.
Doors open at 6 AM Monday through Saturday and at 8 AM on Sunday. Breakfast lovers, set your alarms accordingly.
Address: 4708 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
2. Drake Diner
Pumpkin pancakes and a malt before noon? Nobody here will judge you for it.
This diner near Drake University pays tribute to the midcentury diners of the past. The setting feels updated, though, with a clean room and a good music mix playing.
Breakfast covers plenty of ground. You can pick a Denver Omelet with sourdough toast, eggs Benedict, or biscuits and gravy. Chicken and waffles bridge the gap between sweet and savory nicely.
Vegan and vegetarian guests get full menus of their own, which is a nice surprise in a diner. There's even a braille menu available.
The servers are often Drake students, and service tends to move quickly. On nice days, you can grab a seat on the covered patio or the open outdoor patio.
Parking is usually easy, which helps on a busy Sunday. The kitchen opens at 7 AM daily, and reservations are accepted. Kids are welcome too, with high chairs and a kids' menu ready to go.
Save room for a malt. They're one of the big draws here.
Address: 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
3. La Mie Bakery
Early birds get the croissants here, and that's a real tip, not a cute saying. Fresh breads and pastries tend to sell out fast, so morning visits pay off.
This French-style bakery on 42nd Street is a local benchmark for pastries. The chocolate croissant is flaky and rich, and the cinnamon roll has its own fan base.
Craving something savory? The Salmon Tartine makes a lovely breakfast with a little elegance. Salads, sandwiches, and soups also join the lineup later in the day.
Coffee drinkers can choose drip coffee, a cappuccino, or a mocha. Hot chocolate is there for anyone who skips caffeine.
The space has stylish decor and a friendly crew behind the counter. Service moves fast, which makes it handy before work.
Beautiful cakes fill the case too, so birthday shoppers should take note. Takeout and in-store pickup are both options.
Plan around the schedule. The bakery runs Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 3 PM and closes on Sunday. Saturday mornings get the busiest, so Tuesday afternoon is calmer.
Address: 841 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
4. Railroad Bill's Dining Car
All aboard for French toast. This East Village diner serves breakfast inside a rustic, train-themed dining car.
The space is small, with train decor throughout. Even better, it connects to an antique shop, so you can browse after your meal.
The Union Pacific-Style French Toast gets the menu rolling. You'll also find Fried Chicken and Waffles plus a hearty plate called the John Henry.
Here's what makes it stand out. The kitchen offers a full vegan menu, including a Tofu Scramble and Avocado Toast. Vegetarians and meat lovers can easily share one table.
Breakfast runs all day, from 7 AM to 2 PM, every day of the week. Lunch fans can switch tracks to a French Dip or a Patty Melt.
Coffee comes with free refills, which is always a win. The setting feels casual and a bit historic.
Weekend mornings get busy, and so do Thursday and Friday mornings. Reservations are accepted, so plan ahead with a group. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating.
Address: 621 Des Moines St, Des Moines, IA 50309
5. Flip’N Jacks
Pancakes are the main event at this south side spot, and the name gives it away. Flipping is basically the job description here.
Lemon blueberry pancakes are a standout order. They bring a bright, fruity twist to the classic stack.
Portions run generous, so don't be shocked if you need a to-go box. Splitting a plate is a smart move for lighter appetites.
Mochas are on the menu for coffee fans who want something sweeter. Regular coffee is there too, of course.
The setting is casual and relaxed. It works well for a solo breakfast, a family outing, or a quick bite before errands.
Morning combos give you a mix of sweet and savory on one plate. Dessert options also show up, if pancakes somehow aren't enough.
Hours are friendly for early risers. The doors open at 6 AM daily and close at 3 PM.
Parking is simple with a free lot that usually has plenty of space. Kids fit right in, and takeout is available if you're in a rush.
Address: 3411 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320
6. HomeGrown Des Moines - Crescent
Homemade pop tarts might be the best reason to skip the toaster at home. This breakfast and brunch spot makes them in house, with flavors like vanilla latte.
The kitchen focuses on locally sourced morning plates. That means your eggs and toast come with a little Iowa pride.
Picky eaters will love the Build Your Own Breakfast option. You choose the pieces, and the kitchen puts it together.
Savory fans can try the Country Benny or the Salsa Verde Pork and Egg. Avocado Toast is ready for a lighter start.
Then there's the Homegrown Coffeecake. It's one of the most loved items on the menu, and for good reason.
Drinks get seasonal too. A Pumpkin Pie Latte appears when the weather turns cool. Tea fans also get a nice selection.
The room stays lively, and service tends to be quick. Sunday is the busiest day, so weekdays are easier.
Doors open at 6:30 AM every day. Vegan and vegetarian menus mean nearly anyone can find a plate.
Address: 555 17th St Ste 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
7. The Breakfast Club
Breakfast egg rolls and breakfast corn dogs share one menu here. Clearly, someone in this kitchen loves a fun idea.
The East Grand Avenue spot has a rustic look with bright pops of color. It feels swanky but comfortable, and it's a cheerful place to start the day.
Creative plates are the theme. Totchos pile toppings over tater tots, and the Dutch Apple Cheesecake French Toast reads like dessert.
Prefer something classic? Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs delivers on hearty comfort. A Breakfast Burrito and a Build Your Own Omelet are also solid choices.
Shrimp and grits show up too, for anyone craving a Southern touch. Poached eggs, waffles, and burgers fill out the rest.
Service is fast and friendly, so the line keeps moving. Saturday and Sunday mornings are the busiest times.
Free Wi-Fi makes a weekday visit easy if you need to work. Vegan and vegetarian diners get full menus.
The kitchen opens at 6 AM daily and wraps up at 2:30 PM. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids' menu.
Address: 418 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
8. Smokey Row Coffee
Is a malt a breakfast drink? At this coffee shop, the question gets a lot more interesting.
The cafe on Cottage Grove Avenue roasts its own coffee. It also serves real ice cream and old-fashioned soda fountain treats in an industrial-chic space.
Mornings start with bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and muffins. Pair them with a caramel latte or an iced coffee.
The shakes and malts include espresso, which feels like a sneaky morning loophole. The Smokey Row Shake is a signature pick.
Seasonal drinks rotate through, like the Campfire Mocha. Tea drinkers get personal tea pots, which is a sweet touch. Smoothies are available too.
The room is roomy and has free Wi-Fi. That makes it a popular place to set up a laptop for a while.
Hours run long, from 6 AM to 9 PM every day. Lunch brings soups and sandwiches, including a Chicken Pot Pie.
In a hurry? There's a drive-through, plus curbside pickup. Parking is usually easy, and dogs can join you outside.
Address: 1910 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
9. The Slow Down Coffee Co.
The name is a gentle suggestion, and honestly, it's good advice. This 6th Avenue coffee shop is built for unhurried mornings.
Plants, books, and art fill the space, and some of it is for sale. You can also browse coffee accessories and puzzles while your drink gets made.
The lattes get creative. Try the Pistachio Rose Matcha Latte or the Salted Maple Black Walnut Latte.
Simpler tastes are covered too. A Honey Cinnamon Latte or a Macchiato Cortado keeps things classic.
Pastries make it a breakfast stop. Cranberry scones, almond croissants, and cinnamon rolls sit ready in the case.
This is a budget-friendly pick, which is always nice. Vegan and vegetarian options are available across the menu.
The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, so it's great for reading or laptop work. Live music and performances pop up as well.
Weekday hours run from 6:30 AM to 8 PM. Weekends open at 7 AM and close at 5 PM. Parking can be tricky, so give yourself a minute.
Address: 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
10. Early Bird West Des Moines
Hash holes sound like a joke, but they're a signature dish. Think hash brown bites, and you're on the right track.
This modern brunch restaurant in West Des Moines takes classic plates and gives them a playful spin. Chicken fried steak is another house favorite.
Got a sweet tooth? Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Bird Cage French Toast are both on the menu.
The Benny section gets bold. The Philly Cheesesteak Benny and the Crab Cake Benny show off the hollandaise in style.
Chicken and waffles and corned beef hash also earn plenty of praise. The El Gordo Morning Burrito handles big appetites.
Want something lighter? The Fit-Nest Breakfast keeps things balanced. Vegan and vegetarian menus are available as well.
Doors open at 6:30 AM daily. Sundays get packed, so brunch reservations are a smart idea.
Families will appreciate the high chairs, kids' menu, and changing tables. Parking is usually easy, with a free lot nearby.
Address: 9250 University Ave Unit 107, West Des Moines, IA 50266
11. Eggs and Jam
Hip-hop on the speakers and biscuits on the table make a pretty great combo. This West Des Moines brunch spot leans fully into its funky personality.
The decor matches the playlist, with offbeat touches throughout. Menu names keep the theme going, like the Rumpshaker Burrito.
Fresh jams are a big part of the charm here. Biscuits and gravy also get a creative twist.
Breakfast potatoes win over even people who usually skip hash browns. Portions are large, so arrive hungry or plan to share.
Other picks include Chicken and Waffles and a side of French toast. Fresh fruit is there for balance.
Seating options vary. You can choose the counter, a booth, a table, or a seat outside.
Timing matters at this one. It's closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday runs 8 AM to 2 PM, and weekends run 7 AM to 3 PM.
Weekends get busy, and reservations aren't accepted. A weekday visit is the easiest way in. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids' menu.
Address: 1907 EP True Pkwy Ste 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
12. Pleasant Hill Diner
Breakfast at 7 PM? This retro diner in Pleasant Hill serves it all day, so no one has to choose.
The place carries a 1950s theme with classic diner style. It's a short drive east of Des Moines and worth the trip.
The number one breakfast is a crowd favorite. It brings hash browns, eggs, your choice of ham, sausage, or bacon, plus biscuits and gravy.
Those hash browns come out crispy and well cooked. They pair nicely with omelets, skillets, or chopped steak.
Looking for options? Greek omelets and chocolate chip pancakes are both on the menu. French toast is a wallet-friendly favorite too.
The Veggie Skillet is a good pick for lighter appetites. You can add a ham steak if you'd like more protein.
Lunch and dinner bring French Dips, bacon cheeseburgers, and onion rings. The setting stays calm and quiet most days.
Hours run from 7 AM to 8 PM every day. Weekend mornings are busiest, and parking is usually simple.
Address: 5015 E University Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
