Last updated: 2025-04-07
Des Moines’ brunch scene combines Midwest comfort with culinary creativity. From La Mie Bakery’s fresh-baked pastries to Court Avenue’s craft beer-paired plates, weekend mornings in Iowa’s capital offer distinctive flavors that draw locals from East Village to Valley Junction.
Iconic spots like Waveland Cafe serve up classic diner fare, while Tupelo Honey brings Southern charm to downtown. Buzzard Billy’s adds a Cajun twist to traditional breakfast favorites, making the capital city’s brunch options as diverse as its neighborhoods.
Explore Des Moines’ best brunch spots below!
Featured Brunch Spots in Des Moines
- Centro Restaurant
- Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
- Tupelo Honey Cafe
- Eatery/A
- La Mie Bakery
- Waveland Cafe
- Buzzard Billy's
- Mulberry Street Tavern
Buzzard Billy's
What to Expect
Cajun-style weekend brunch with bold regional flavors
Description
Buzzard Billy's brings Des Moines a vibrant Cajun-inspired brunch experience featuring signature dishes like Creole Eggs Benedict and Andouille Sausage Skillet. Their lively weekend brunch offers bold Louisiana-style flavors in a casual, energetic setting perfect for groups seeking something beyond traditional breakfast fare.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Buzzard Billy's
Centro Restaurant
What to Expect
Wood-fired Italian breakfast pizza in downtown Des Moines
Description
Centro offers an urban Italian brunch experience in downtown Des Moines, featuring handcrafted pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes. Their signature Wood-Fired Breakfast Pizza combines classic breakfast ingredients with authentic Italian preparation, creating a unique culinary fusion. The restaurant delivers a vibrant, casual-upscale atmosphere perfect for weekend gatherings, with a lively bar and inviting patio seating.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Centro Restaurant
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
What to Expect
Craft beer-integrated brunch menu with house-brewed accompaniments
Description
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. delivers a dynamic Des Moines brunch experience featuring craft beer-infused comfort classics. Their signature Brewery Brunch showcases innovative dishes like beer-battered chicken and waffles and hoppy Benedict with house-made ale hollandaise. The industrial-chic brewery setting offers a lively weekend atmosphere with craft beer pairings, creating a quintessential urban brunch destination that celebrates local brewing traditions.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co.
Eatery/A
What to Expect
Versatile brunch menu with global culinary influences
Description
Eatery A offers an eclectic daily brunch experience on Ingersoll Avenue, featuring inventive dishes like Italian ham Benedict with harissa aioli, hanger steak hash with poached eggs, and decadent Nutella French toast. Their menu spans diverse options including vegan cauliflower falafel, shrimp and grits, and lemon ricotta pancakes. The restaurant provides a welcoming patio setting perfect for enjoying creative brunch selections.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Eatery/A
La Mie Bakery
What to Expect
French-style artisan bakery with authentic morning cuisine
Description
La Mie Bakery offers an authentic French-inspired brunch experience in Des Moines, specializing in artisan pastries and hearty morning classics. Their signature Croque Madame—a perfectly crafted open-faced sandwich with ham, gruyère, and a golden sunny-side-up egg—showcases their commitment to traditional French breakfast techniques. The bakery's warm, rustic atmosphere and freshly baked croissants create an intimate brunch setting that transports diners straight to a Parisian café.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: La Mie Bakery
Mulberry Street Tavern
What to Expect
Open hearth kitchen with worldly tavern fare
Description
Mulberry Street Tavern offers an elevated brunch experience in downtown Des Moines, featuring a warm, nostalgic atmosphere with a rich wood interior and open hearth kitchen. Weekend brunch runs from 10am-2pm, showcasing shareable worldly tavern fare and classic cocktails in a vibrant, communal setting. Their menu highlights include expertly crafted dishes that blend traditional comfort with contemporary culinary techniques.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Mulberry Street Tavern
Tupelo Honey Cafe
What to Expect
Signature scratch-made buttermilk biscuits with creative Southern-inspired toppings
Description
Southern-inspired brunch destination featuring scratch-made comfort foods. Specializes in fluffy buttermilk biscuits, creative benedicts, and decadent sweet potato pancakes. Offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere with generous portions of elevated Southern cuisine that celebrates regional culinary traditions.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Tupelo Honey Cafe
Waveland Cafe
What to Expect
Classic greasy spoon diner with massive breakfast portions
Description
Classic Des Moines diner serving hearty Southern-style brunch with legendary buttermilk pancakes and country-style breakfast platters. The no-frills cafe delivers authentic comfort food in a classic greasy spoon atmosphere. Locals crowd this compact space for massive portions of crispy hash browns, fluffy pancakes, and robust coffee that epitomize traditional Midwestern breakfast culture.
Where: Des Moines | More Info: Waveland Cafe
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