Homemade syrup was just corn syrup with vanilla and coloring ..not great. Hash browns were burnt. And the place needs a serous update. Friendly service. read more

THE PANCAKES are SO GOOD. I have no idea what they do to them but they are out of this world. (Not to mention they're HUGE) I've had the chocolate chip and the cinnamon sugar and both are so delicious! The only reason I'm not giving them 5 is because the other food on the menu is just average, but the pancakes are so worth it. read more

Grove Cafe - Chocolate Chip Pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Loved this place!! Came in after 12 on a Saturday (not realizing they closed earlier on weekends) and they sat me down anyway. Got the special, which was their signature pancake and rhubarb jam topping. It was delicious. I was the last one in the place besides the workers....went to pay and the cook behind the counter said it was on him! I know I'll be here a lot during my 4 years at ISU! read more

Grove Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I am an ISU alum (Class of '13) and in the short time from then and now, Ames has changed IMMENSELY! Lots of new shops and restaurants to check out! But even with all this new growth- The Grove has been a staple for years! I will say, I do believe their pancakes have gotten smaller over the years but the quality is still there! They were HUGE before and now they're perfect! The seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis and the syrup they make is literally amazing, on pancakes and in coffee! HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend to anyone in the neighborhood or just passing through. Make sure to bring cash with you because they don't accept cards! There's parking in the front and the back with doors on both sides! read more

Grove Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

It was okay but not the best. A bit slow and service was not that great. The hash browns were excellent. The eggs were well cooked. Coffee was okay. Overall I would say it's an okay place to go but nothing stood out as amazing or unique. read more

I have consistently and happily come to The Grove through the many phases of my adulthood. From late nights that turn into very early breakfasts, all the way to buying grilled cheese meals to go for myself and my two girls while we walk around downtown. When COVID shut down most of our main Street and nearly all of our restaurant industry, I felt a civic duty to support these fine people as much as possible and I encourage you to as well. You just want to remember a few simple tips... No they do not take cards but there is an ATM just outside the door, a rule that I seem to never remember over the last 15 years. They also have really cool swag that make great gifts, and just like at home, you don't always get what you want lol.. just a little restaurant humor from my favorite small business. Show them some love! It really speaks to their character that they are still standing and going strong with all that has been thrown at them throughout their years in business hear in Ames read more

Having grown up in the area, I have wanted to try The Grove for a long time, I was sadly disappointed. Drove 45 minutes to try it out. My biscuits and gravy tasted like pillsbury with a can of slop. It also left me violently ill the rest of the day. My boys tried the famous pancakes and they weren't cooked in the middle. I was hoping even though it looked dirty on entry that we were about to get amazing food. Would never go again or recommend. It has great reviews and I've been hearing great things my whole life. Completely disappointed and dumbfounded by the great reviews. read more

Slow service and to much for under done pancakes and over done eggs. Could also use a good deep clean.

Pancakes are to die for and HUGE. Service is high quality and the place is small so it's easy to get server's attention if needed. The vibes are super chill. read more

I am a frequent customer of The Grove Cafe and I've had most everything on the menu. But you won't find the good stuff on the menu. If you are a first timer, try the pancakes...better make that pancake (singular), because you will hate yourself later if you attempt the short-stack. Yes, they are orange...but don't ask why. It's a secret! Oh...that stuff on the table that looks like honey is actually homemade maple syrup. Warning: Make sure the bottle is aimed downward or you might overshoot your plate. On the weekends they usually have some specialty pancakes: Cinnamon apple, peach, pear, strawberry rhubarb, raspberry rhubarb, banana nut, chocolate cherry (Christmas time), caramel apple and the alway popular pumpkin. If you have some kiddos with you, Larry (the owner) can be pretty creative with some pancake characters. The only problem is that you kid might not want to eat it. If you come on a Thursday, try the biscuits and gravy. That's the thursday breakfast special. They are ridiculously good, filling, and inexpensive. Don't forget to try some hot sauce on them. If you are the experimental type, try one of Larry's Specialty Omelets. The chili dog omelet is my personal favorite! Some others are, corned beef and cabbage, little smokies, cheddar wurst, fajita, BBQ smoked pork, cheeseburger, spinach dip and Philly cheese steak! Larry is always coming up with some strange idea. Just ask what the special omelet is that day. And...the just happen to have one of the best cups of coffee in Ames! Breakfast is served all day, but if you are in the mood for lunch you won't be disappointed. Tuesday is meatloaf day, but if you want to get a piece, come early! On the rare occasion that there is meatloaf leftover from Tuesday, I highly recommend the meatloaf omelet on Wednesday. I'm not saying it will change your life, but you will never look at meatloaf the same way ever again. Okay, back to lunch. The 1/3lb fresh burger is pretty awesome! If it you go on a Friday, get the jalapeño burger! Yum-mazing! Other than that, you can't really go wrong with the special of the day. The daily lunch specials are sporadically posted on their Facebook page, check it out. Bottom line, if you don't like the greasy-spoon, small-town type of restaurant, don't go to the Grove. For everyone else, you are going to love it! Their motto: Just like at home, you don't always get what you want. read more

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Stopped at the Grove Cafe yesterday after finding it on Yelp. We are from Massachusetts, in Ames to visit Iowa State. We LOVED the vibe of the Grove Cafe - friendly people, delicious food. We had the famous pancake and an omelette and bacon. We would have gone back again today but needed to be at the airport early for a flight. Highly recommend the Grove for breakfast! read more

A nice breakfast/lunch dining place, suiting the welcoming atmosphere of Ames! It was a nice friendly experience. I sat at the 'bar' and part of the experience was watching my food actually being made. Ordered the Salsa Omlette and the two eggs (sunny side up) and toast, all tasting great. Coffee refills was a plus :) Downside is they only take cash and check! There is an ATM next door but who uses ATM these days....? Make sure to bring cash or check! read more

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This is the place to enjoy breakfast Ames style. I go several times a month and am never disappointed. I am not a pancake guy but you have to try one. Outstanding. Stop by and say hi to Larry. Seating is very limited and so are the hours. read more

Grove Cafe - Come for breakfast or lunch. The Grove in downtown Ames is where the locals go for a great meal. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Waited 10 minutes outside. As soon as we got inside we tried the telephone and it ate out quarter. Waitress wearing pink gave us a snotty comment and was clearly not giving quality service to us as customers. Didn't get a chance to eat their food. Very disappointed. read more

Don't know how this greasey spoon stays in business. I was told they have great pancakes but I make them better at home. It's not clean and I was seriously overcharged for 5 scrambled eggs because - I was told - "that is a non-standard menu item." You have to pay in cash - no cards. Rats out back in the trash. Not going here again. read more

This is the best diner in Ames. They always have specials. Their biscuits gravy is sometimes you shouldn't miss. I had spinach dip omelette this time and it was perfect. Do visit it, if you are in Ames. read more

Grove Cafe - Special on the Menu- Spinach dip omelette with wheat toast and hashbrowns with veggies. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

8:30 on a Monday morning and not an empty seat in sight. A promising indicator of something good to come. Tables at the Grove Cafe turn over quickly, however, and two booths opened up before we had time to consider our options. We then ran into a friend we hadn't seen in years, a common occurrence here I suspect. A nice mix of blue collar and professional diners, all seemingly regulars except us. We knew the waitress recognized us as newcomers, because she felt the need to instruct us how to properly use the syrup dispenser without spilling on ourselves! Prices are low. Decor is, well, minimalist. Just what I love in a local cafe. The ham and cheese omelet we ordered was tasty, although we did have a little regret that we passed on the specialty cheeseburger omelet. The giant pancake we ordered was unique, very yellow from egg yolk I'm guessing. One is a meal in itself. Delicious! Coffee is refilled promptly and is served in a variety of random coffee mugs. I received an "ISU Cyclone" mug and chuckled at the construction worker nearby sipping unaware from his "Minnie Mouse Friends" cup. If you'd like, you can watch your meal being prepared right behind the counter in classic short order cook fashion. The Grove Cafe has been a Main Street fixture for years. Hard to say why I haven't frequented it in my many recent visits to Ames. I can assure you, however, it won't be long before I'm considered a regular and the waitress will no longer feel the need to instruct me on how to dispense the syrup. Like the Grove Cafe's downtown directory sign says, "Just like home. You don't always get what you want." read more

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It was so dirty inside, literally cobwebs and caked dirt/grease on walls, booths, and tables. The food was mediocre at best, well it was generic bread, flavorless "hash browns" (more like half boiled mashed potatoes that were then grilled). The teens working were clueless and added up our bill wrong twice and finally used a calculator to get it correct. It was so gross inside I didn't even want to drink out of the cups. A single can of Pepsi cost 2.75. I wanted to give it the benefit of the doubt because sometimes gross looking places have the BEST food and NOPE would never recommend this place to anyone. read more

Great solid breakfast spot. Good prices, and service. Had the french toast. Just like homestyle. read more

Grove Cafe - French toast stack! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Amazing pancakes, good coffee, well priced! The hours they are open are a little tricky so make sure they are open. One of my favorite Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast spots in Ames! read more

Grove Cafe is one of those places that you either love or hate, so I'm giving it 3 stars. It's like a carpeted Waffle House, a greasy spoon where you get a front row seat to the fury of the kitchen counter. I'm not a fan of the pancake or the berry topping, but don't let that stop you from trying it. Other people love it. I just don't like yellow pancakes, there's something off-putting about it to me and I'd prefer fresh fruit to compote. I'm weird and I'm sure only a few others will feel this way. The omelets at Grove Cafe are good, and cheap. Stupid cheap. For my $5, I'm having an omelet instead of the mystery pancake. Grove Cafe could use a major renovation, so don't go in with high expectations. The air and ceiling and fabrics are thick with grease and the carpet is worn down to a solid mat. Booths are falling apart and your table is leveled with napkins. It's not pretty. What it is is cheap decent breakfast food served hot and quick. read more

I'm going to make this review small and sweet, since that is what Grove Cafe is. To start off, this was my first time eating here. I was very pleased with this quaint little restaurant on Main Street because it has a lot to offer. The service is pretty good, the menu prices are very affordable and the food was delicious. There is a specials board that I ordered a kielbasa and onion omelet with toast and hash browns from. With a glass of orange juice I was full and paying sub $10 for a full breakfast. There is something on the menu for everybody as one of my friends was able to order Cheerios and toast. However, be careful ordering fries at 10am on Sunday because they do not turn the fryers on at all since they are only open until noon. To summarize, I am happy with my experience and would go here again. read more

Haven't eaten yet because we are still sitting down, but we have been here a hour and a half. Grill too is too small, and only one cook who isn't prepared with the sides already cooked and ready to serve. Business model doesn't work as he owner if you can't turn the tables over and over. Owner has to figure it out.. there is another 70% more revenue that they are losing out on.. Do Not Recommend and I haven't even tried the food yet.. read more

I don't remember when I stared eating here but it was probably around 17 or 18 but I have loved there food since the first time I tried it. The pancakes are the biggest I have ever seen and they taste great. As far as I'm aware it's the best breakfast and brunch place at least in Ames. read more

Disappointed- we attempted to eat at the Grove Cafe today but noticed right away that none of the servers or the cook were wearing masks and that combined with a lack of any acknowledgement from the staff that we were there was enough for us to turn around and leave. We might have just hit it at the wrong time, but we are not likely to try again. read more

Great food every time. Great people around and regulars around. Great place to be filled up on a budget. Cooks to order exactly like you ask. Hash browns are some of the best. Pancake you said pancake almost bigger then the plate. They make their own syrup if you don't know how to use it ask. read more

Did I enjoy my breakfast? Yes. Was it anything I didn't already have in my fridge at home? No. We visited Grove Cafe on a road trip, and because of the great reviews, decided to stop in. A few things you should know: - The crowd can be quite large on a Sunday morning. Apparently, you just wait outside until it's your turn. When we were there, there was no real line, so that was a bit stressful. However, they did get us seated in the proper order - The service is very good. Really nice waitresses and they took our orders quickly - They only serve breakfast on the weekends...bummer for me because I love lunch food - Cash only - The omelettes are all made with ingredients you have in your fridge (probably). Eggs, cheese, meat, boiled and then fried potatoes to make hash browns. I enjoyed the special omelette I had which was made with a smoked sausage, but that was the only unique option offered for breakfast. Overall, it's a good, home cooked breakfast joint if you're in town. I enjoyed that the omelettes were thinly made and also made from fresh cracked eggs instead of an egg blend most restaurants have in a vat. If you want a meal very similar to what you could get at a family breakfast occasion, Grove Cafe is your place. read more

This place is truly an Ames staple. You know when you're watching the Food Network or the Travel Channel and they do those features on really unique cafes and restaurants? Well, that's what this place is for Ames and here's what you need to know: Get up early. This place is a morning establishment. Opening it's doors at 6AM, they close at 2PM during the week and NOON on the weekends. Set your alarms fellow people who like to sleep into the afternoon. Next: You'll have to stand in line. Yeah, even outside in the cold. It's okay, it's worth it. Your uncle or your roommate or whoever will complain. Just keep telling them it's worth it. You don't need to check in or request a table. Stop disrupting the line flow! The staff is on top of this. You don't need to inform them of your presence. They know. They want to feed you. Remember what your mom would tell you when you kept running into the kitchen asking when your chicken pot pie was ready? Just be patient. The food is cheap and really good. Whether you want breakfast or meatloaf, you wont be disappointing. But, you should get the pancake. Yes, that's THE pancake. You get one. You'll only need one, trust me. Seriously, if you think that's not going to be enough get a side of bacon or sausage. The pancake is HUGE and will be enough. I have yet to finish one yet. Your plastic is no good here. This place is CASH ONLY. Make sure to leave a tip. After you stuff yourself full and keep repeating to your comrades how amazing your meal is, remember the poor folks just waiting for their shot of the joy you just experienced. You'll be tempted to recline in the booth with your coffee and let your stomach settle... well, don't. Share the wealth my friends. Now that you know what to expect, your experience at The Grove Cafe is waiting for you. I look forward to reading your Yelp reviews. Good night and good luck. read more

This is a wonderful old-school diner in the greasy spoon tradition. Great, friendly place with classic ambiance. Great prices, friendly, well-trained staff. Booths are cozy and sitting at the counter is fun too. My only complaint is that they close at noon on Saturday and Sunday. I bet they could draw a big post-church crowd on Sundays. read more

The food was alright; however, the cook or owner was training a new cook. He was down right rude, mean and very aggressive. Made us very uncomfortable eating there. To top it off the only take cash. Terrible dining experience. read more

The Grove Cafe is where the locals go! I have eaten here a few time and met here for meetings! It's your old classic mom and pop Midwest Cafe! Huge pancakes, huge waffles, lots of eggs, and bacon! They open early, the coffee is hot, and they got your back on some delicious breakfast food! Every time I have ever eaten here I have got the oatmeal! It's vegan and it's good, and you can get it with raisons (natures candy), and brown sugar! The place is not huge, so you may need to wait a bit for a table on a busy day! This is one of those classic places where you go in on a Saturday morning, and either you get a crowed full of people who have not gone to bed yet, or are just waking up! Which makes the atmosphere as electric as the griddle cooking that bacon! Not many places like this left! It's the gold standard and legendary! No Nonsense here! read more

Love Locally owned Cafes! And this one has its own special ORANGE PANCAKE-fills a whole plate but is not heavy!! Limited seating at the counter or in a booth- If you like good breakfast,crisy tasty bacon,french toast,pancakes and more and a homey feel-come here! I would imagine there is a wait sometimes but I walked right in and got a window booth, my bacon was really good, crisp and tasty!! And the pancake-enough to share!! Recommend and I will be back! read more

I had the Country platter special with med. Poached eggs. My aunt had the everything omelette. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals. Will stop here again. read more

I wouldn't say that Grove Cafe is a dump. It is well-worn, yet clean. This is a locally owned hallmark of Main Street Ames. The food is what you come to expect from a diner where you can sit at the counter across from the people who prepare it for you. I frequent Grove Cafe often, and would take the style or lack thereof and character of this place over a trendy franchise anyday. If you are in live in Ames or are visting for an extended period make a point to visit the Grove Cafe. It's got wholesome simple food, good customer service and a snapshot of what downtown Ames was like when your parents were children. read more

Excellent diner experience! Great service (the only confusion is that it is pretty small, so when you enter just make sure to keep on eye on when a table opens up, and people come in through the back and the front, so sometimes the order of people isn't clear). The pancakes are great and definitely what you want to get when you go there. Also had a country platter that was a special, really good hash browns and flavorful dish with peppers and onions. Have been there twice and will be back when I need my diner fix. read more

Sick of breakfast chain restaurants? Look no further. Although I can't honestly say the place is decorated beautifully or the food is amazing, I will say that the giant pancakes are awesome and I support local businesses. Also worth mentioning is the simplicity and comfort that this place brings. Here's things that I like about this place: - my coffee comes in a real coffee mug, you know the kind that has some insurance companies name on the side and looks like it's from the 90s. - the staff dresses in casual attire... - family run restaurant - the price is very reasonable - the nostalgia of simpler times is priceless p.s. - order the giant pancake!!!! read more

I haven't eaten at the Grove since 1983, when I was a student at ISU. It was a humbling and fantastic experience then, and 35 years later, I am happy to report, that the Grove hasn't lost one ounce of what makes it special. The Short Stack, once again kicked my butt, as I was once again unable to finish it. The coffee is second to none, and their sausage patties are made to their stringent specification. When in Ames, IA, or passing by on Highway 30 or on Interstate 35, be sure and make your way to the Grove. read more

Grove Cafe - The famous Short Stack, not to be missed. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Some food magazine said this place was famous for their ginormous pancake so I had to check it out. And the pancake is orange!!! Old school diner atmosphere--pretty small place. Pancake was orange and I would assume it was made with pumpkin for the color but this was like orange-orange! And no pumpkin taste. The sheer size and color alone made it fun ----taste was pretty much a pancake BUT the homemade maple syrup was awesome---really light in color but rich in taste. Really nice no fuss service and you can sit at the counter which gives it a fun retro feel. read more

This is a must for Ames, I love how family-oriented it is, it makes me feel as if mom and dad are making breakfast. 5 stars! Keep it up! read more

This place is a dump, but the foods OK. Everyone was very nice the three times I've been here. The staff and busboy were a bunch of kids, friends and relatives of the owner I think. The food is fine, the kitchen is right out were you can see everything. The place is not set up to be a nice place. I think the tables are older than me. But like I said, the foods not bad so they do good business. They open at 6:30-7:00 am and close around 2:00 pm depending on the day. Not a place to impress your date. :-) read more