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    Cozy Cafe

    3.2 (105 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Cozy Cafe Photos

    Cozy Cafe - my half of the pork tenderloin. - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Bar and seating area - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Full Order Biscuits & Gravy - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Eggs Benedict. With bacon instead of ham. - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Oooo yes - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Ahhh coffee - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Made me feel "cozy" before we walked in! - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - "Mentally on Vacation" their coffee mugs are like a fortune cookie - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Blt and fries - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Biscuits and gravy with 2 eggs over easy?? - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Homemade Cinnamon Roll - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - 2 Eggs, Full Biscuits and Gravy w/ Hash browns - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa
    Cozy Cafe - Cozy Mess with sourdough bread - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa

    +106

    Cozy Cafe - Cozy Breakfast Special - Comfort Food Near Me - Johnston, Iowa

    Business Info

    COZY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Cozy Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Love the exterior!
    Daniel E.

    We were craving pie on a Monday night and ended up finding one of the better places we have found here in Iowa. The Cozy Cafe mixes excellent customer service, a vast menu that includes all-day breakfast, and tasty food in an authentic diner vibe. Located about 15 minutes from Ankeny and downtown Des Moines, Cozy Cafe embraces who they are, as the exterior tells you they identify as a diner, and they don't veer when delivering. If you're traveling via Highway 80, it's a quarter-mile off the exit. Lots of parking. It has a fun old-school diner interior with far more seating than expected. Booths along the many windows, tables for bigger parties, and a counter that will be my spot the next time I visit. Our server, Abby, was terrific. She combined restaurant knowledge with a pleasant personality and kindness. Thankfully, she tipped us off to their "Blue Plate Specials," a Cozy Cafe daily feature that offered an outstanding meal at a great price. We were agonizing over whether to have an adult dinner or breakfast for dinner, an option that always exists at this place! My Way Better Half loved her Hot Beef with mashed potatoes and veggies, and my Meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn was delicious. We capped off our tasty visit with pie slices, one coconut, and one apple (both with ice cream), satisfying our earlier pie craving that led us to Cozy Cafe! Nice going, Cozy Cafe; I loved it, and we are returning!

    Cozy Burger and Side of Onion Rings
    Dawn M.

    True diner flare! One time I'm going to sit at the counter!! Service is always friendly. I did order the biscuits and gravy and found the gravy to be a little milky and not having much sausage so that was disappointing but everything else was fine. The portion size is good for the price, for breakfast.

    chili mac add grazianos sausage.
    Kris S.

    Thursday lunch with my parents. mom and I split the pork tenderloin, stepdad got chili mac and added grazianos sausage o. it. he loved it. the tenderloin was ok. they said the onion rings were skinny ones, but these were in between, not the straw type, but we're still pretty good. Our server did a great job.

    Not the meatloaf Club sandwich that I ordered......but it was good anyway. Meat Loaf Club Sandwich
    Erica Rikki R.

    Got my order wrong....but food was really tasty. Cute atmosphere. I ordered a meatloaf club, but got an Italian meatball sandwich.

    Ahhh coffee
    Dil S.

    I think the place was alright. Few things really got me to think I will never go back like all there severs just grap the Cinnamon roll with there hands (not cleaned) warm it and serve it. Also the fact it didn't come out first, it came with breakfast. Then I saw another server pickup dirty dishes then go get another roll to warm up for a table using hands.... As far as food goes it was good old school dinner place, with large size meals and full once done. Had the coffee black with no issues so that's good too

    Breakfast menu
    Hannah V.

    I came here on a busy, New Year's morning with a large group and we waited 30 minutes to be seated. Our waiter was quick to get our drinks and orders. I got a cinnamon roll, potato bites (tater tots) and bacon. The cinnamon roll was so good! Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food and didn't have any issues. Cozy Cafe has a warm, homey, diner atmosphere with TV's to watch the game. Would come back again when I'm in the area!

    It's a diner that also has beer and limited alcohol options. And, Food Network on the TV!
    Rob P.

    So many places are closed with the economy tanking, and we thought this place was closed, too. There were only two cars out front. Now that I see what a terrific little place this is, this has me worried about their future. But, for the present, this is a big winner. As with many diners, there are entirely too many things on the menu. But, it appears that they do enough of those things quite well. My wife got a nicely cooked grilled chicken sandwich with perfectly cooked crinkle cut fries. I got the southwest omelette, which included various meats and peppers. I added cheddar cheese. I was concerned about the jalapeño cheese sauce, but it turned out to be very mildly spicy. It was delicious. And, the hash browns are perfectly cooked: crispy, without a hint of grease. I also love the marble rye toast. A meal with more than enough food for two, including a glass of Prosecco, only set us back $27. As good as the food was, we are definitely going to make this a stop next time we pass through town. I just hope that they get enough business that they stay open.

    What is up with the apostrophe!!!!
    Makayla K.

    Dreamy lil nostalgic spot to come for Sunday Brunch after church! They were busy but well staffed and we were treated kindly. My biscuits and gravy were delicious! I would like to know more about the apostrophe by Cafe on their sign (see picture below) but my friend said please do not ask that is embarrassing so I guess I will never know and that is okay. Maybe I am not meant to know, maybe I am just supposed to enjoy gravy!

    Jaci S.

    We love the service & the food! Our server was incredibly sweet - very family friendly & the prices are great! Tons of options to choose from, we've been there 2 times & loved it. We bring people visiting into town here, as we can have conversations & still hear each other. The food is comfort & the setting is cozy. Would recommend as it's a wonderful location to feel right at home!!

    Breakfast Mess

    Great food, fast service, clean environment, cozy cafe vibes. Our server was Abby, and she was very friendly and nice.

    Bar and seating area
    Benjamin J.

    First off, what a menu! Place has it all, including a full bar. The location has outside seating and plenty of indoor seating. The waitresses and waiters were on point, extremely friendly, and super fun. Jamie was our main server, but other servers were willing to help, working well as a team. The food was AMAZING, breakfast and lunch. My friends and I had a great meal in a very friendly environment for breakfast and lunch. Would recommend, 5 stars!

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    Photo of Vivian M.
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    11 years ago

    Today is free pie Wednesday, the pies are awesome, I always get the carrot cake who doesn't like free pie?!?!?...

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Food was very tasty green beans off the chain with bacon. I am glad we stopped here for a bite to eat. Some good home cooking

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    11 years ago

    Food was solid, great pricing. Brian was a very thoughtful server. Will def be back for breakfast.

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    10 years ago

    Just ok. Prices seemed high for quantity and flavors of breakfast food we ordered. Service was good.

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    11 years ago

    Overpriced and underwhelming food...and I generally like cafe food! Service was great but that was the only thing

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    9 years ago

    The Cozy breakfast special is a great bargain. The eggs were cooked right (over medium). Can not go wrong with Cozy Cafe for breakfast.

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Horrible service. Fries were soggy. The staff was more interested in their plans for the evening instead of their customers.

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    Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

    Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

    3.8(328 reviews)
    7.2 mi
    $$
    Full bar
    Takes reservations

    I would like to preface this review by saying, the reason I gave 2 stars is because our server was…read moreso kind and the "Kiss My Grits" sign in the entrance of the restaurant was cute. As far as the remaining experience, significantly disappointing. I have never had such bland food in my life. I got the Chicken & Waffles, cooked perfectly, however the flavor profile was similar to that of loose leaf paper. I was so hungry coming from my flight that I ate it but it took likely enough salt and butter to raise my blood pressure for there to be a smidge of taste in my meal. It's a pretty restaurant to go grab drinks and maybe an appetizer but not much else. Overall 3/10.

    4.8* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $35 01/22/2026 We returned to one of our favorite places downtown due to receiving a special offer through email. We started with a delicious Tupelo Margarita and a dark lager beer, from their good selection of tap beers. For our dinner, my wife ordered the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits (see picture) and I opted for the Smothered Chicken with cream corn and green beans (see picture) for sides. As we've come to expect from our visits to Tupelo Honey, both main dishes as well as the sides were delicious - chicken was crispy and juicy and both the Shrimp & Grits and cream corn were buttery and creamy. When they say Southern Comfort Food...they mean it! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

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    The Urban Grill

    The Urban Grill

    4.0(212 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Returning to The Urban Grill was wonderful and brought back memories, especially after five years…read moreof not traveling to Branson, MO. Memories of conversations with the owners, memories of the excellent dishes and good wines. Going back felt like time stood still, but believe me, time does. After hours of driving from Branson, MO, we were able to recharge, and I also want to emphasize Danielle's professionalism and warm welcome. I hope and wish there will be another visit. I won't say goodbye, but rather, until next time.

    We sat at the bar, and the bartender was incredibly sweet and attentive - though wow, she was busy…read moreon a Saturday evening at 6 p.m.! Her great attitude made our experience even better. The place was packed (which is why we chose the bar), but we weren't disappointed. The restaurant/bar was well maintained and decorated - with a nicer type of vibe. People were dressed in anything from jeans to dress pants, to dresses, to suits. It fit all types of attire, but could certainly be the perfect date night spot. The food looked and tasted amazing. I didn't even get a chance to take any photos! We shared the chicken and Brussels sprouts, opting for extra Brussels instead of rice, and I have to say, these were the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. Perfectly cooked, coated in sauce, not raw or charred. We also had the French dip with sweet potato fries and some of the sauces the bartender recommended. It was fantastic, not greasy or heavy, and the bread was perfectly soft. One of our sides was the chicken tortilla soup, which was also delicious. No complaints from start to finish. We'll definitely be returning whenever we're passing through the Des Moines area!

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    Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio - Mini Pizza

    Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio

    3.7(243 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$

    4.2* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 3* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $19 (no drinks) 03/08/2026 Slept in after a late night so found ourselves going to a noon Mass downtown and looking for a brunch stop on the way home. We've driven by this place and talked about stopping for food before and my wife had been there with co-workers after work one day, but this was our first stop for food. A clean, modern storefront greets you (see picture) and with plenty of televisions and a nice patio, it looks to be a hopping place once the temperatures warm up a little. While our server was a little hard to find at times, we both found our food to be quite good. My wife ordered the Nacho Burrito Meal (see picture) and I opted for the Honey Citrus salad (see picture). As is our custom, we shared samples of each of our meals and both of us found both choices to be worthy of ordering again. I really liked the clean, crisp and fresh salad with a delicious tangy dressing and the Burrito was tasty inside and out (loved the creamy, cheesy sauce). If you are looking for a great stop for Sunday morning brunch (possibly after some shopping at Sam's Club just across the interstate to the North), you won't go wrong here! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    I have had take out twice from here and I've gotten their byob (build your own burger) with a…read moregluten free bun and baked sweet potato fries. Both times I have been so happy with my burgers but especially the last time because I added a garlic aioli to it and it was divine. The sweet potato fries are so good as well. My burger has been perfectly made each time too just how I ask for it to be cooked. I can't iterate enough how happy it makes me when I find a place who offers gf options because of my allergy. The service is fast and the ambiance seems good too. I'd like to try going here for brunch because I've heard good things about it as well. Their patio seems perfect for spring/summer time. I'll keep you all updated if I dine in here anytime soon.

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    Cozy Cafe - comfortfood - Updated June 2026

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