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    Littleleaf Luncheonette

    4.6 (29 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

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    LITTLELEAF LUNCHEONETTE ATMOSPHERE

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    Steak frites
    Mikhala F.

    Darling little spot! We came for dinner recently - here's my thoughts: SPACE The ambiance here is amazing! So well decorated and designed. Multiple tables, a record player area behind the barista setup, and a semi-open kitchen that makes it feel open and welcoming. SERVICE Our service was wonderful! Kennedy was extremely accommodating for our large group. DRINKS The cocktails lacked a bit for me: my gin fizz was just not it. Folks liked their Old Fashioneds, though. DINNER It sounds like they've just started dinner service, and are still working on getting the word out! With the name "luncheonette", that might be tricky - I'd recommend updating to "dinette". Some of the items on the menu felt more of a fit for lunch than dinner. I'd love to come back and try brunch here: it seems like that's where they shine most! FOOD I had the steak frites: the steak was cooked perfectly! The "frites" were amazing, but only three felt way too small a portion for the dinner plate. Some of the other plates were a touch sparse, like the chicken mole. The country ham byo-sandwich was one that didn't seem to translate well to dinner either. The wetburgers (called something different here) were great and so cheap - $5 a slider! The steak was the biggest hit for our group! I'd also love to see some homemade desserts for dinner. Presenting handpies and oatmeal cream pies in a plastic wrap just doesn't match the elevated vibe for dinner here. They put ice cream on them, but ran out so gave us snickers ice cream bars. I think to match the prices and ambiance, a level up is necessary here.

    The Big Dill with house cut fries that are fried in beef tallow - major MAHA win if you're into that. Service was great over the lunch hour.

    Bar
    Leigh Anne A.

    Very high energy and noisy. We ate at the bar and the server had a hard time hearing us. So if you're looking for quiet, this is not it. Nonetheless,very cool open concept restaurant with spun stone counters, exposed brick and beams. And the food. I ordered a grain bowl and my husband ordered the Italian. The fries served with his Italian were great. Very well cooked fried. Sandwich itself had some spice. Bread was a little crispy. My grain bowl was flavorful but see or didn't taste any arugula. The farro was limited. If I am getting a grain bowl I would have expected more grain. The greens were not chilled but lukewarm. Cheddar was small cubed. Overall it was tasteful but o am a salad girl and this could easily be improved with different cheddar and more farro. I have a hard time calling this a grain bowl. We both had cocktails- Manic at the Disco and a mimosa. It is not inexpensive. $60 for two drinks plus tip.

    Breakfast sandwich
    Katlyn M.

    No reservations available for the time I was hoping to go, so chanced a walk-in. Was able to get a bar seat right away. It took a bit for someone to help take my order, but the people were nice. I got the sandwich, which has a breaded katsu-style sausage patty and a thick steamed egg. Flavorful and juicy! It doesn't come with anything for $14 so that seems a bit of a bummer to not get a side, but the sandwich was definitely filling. Coffee was nice and hot. Cute little spot, too, just try to get a reservation if you want an actual table, as they seem to fill up fast.

    Best fries in Iowa, maybe USA....??
    Gerald Z.

    Umm don't come here. Vibe is amazing, coffee is great (golden miso with oat for the win), chicken and rice porridge AUTHENTIC (from a native Filipino boi), avo toast that wifey had looked amazing too. Also...BEST FRIES in Des Moines, I'll fight you for the last one. Sat near the kitchen and saw them taking out lots of amazing food, Italian sando and tuna melt looked AMAZING. So yeah don't come, this is my spot, stay over at Jordan Creek and go to the cheesecake factory.

    Menu
    Jessica R.

    Littleleaf Downtown Waukee A cute little breakfast place. Service was awesome. big kiddos each got "fanshyy lattes" and both liked them. One was an oat milk latte, and the other ordered white noise but got served baklava - which was his next choice so no worries. He liked the baklava latte with the cinnamon and pistachio hints. We old folks just got regular drip coffee, which was also delicious. breakfast burrito with bacon was a beast, on a hot skillet with red and green chili sauce. Yum. breakfast sandwich is definitely big with the steamed egg stacking almost an inch thick. avocado toast was interesting, and the onions were very overpowering. Didn't love the oranges on top of this one. I think, next time, we will get it sans red onions and oranges on the side. steak and eggs was 4 slices of steak, and cooked med-rare. A little bland but the salsa de rajas was good. I don't know that I think this was worth $26 but beef is pricey right now so I get it. I like this location, and am glad to see more businesses downtown Waukee. We will definitely be back to try other items, and get some yummy coffees, too. -- at Waukee Downtown Triangle.

    Croque Madam
    Terry B.

    I enjoyed my experience at littleleaf, I liked the ambiance and the service was good. I had the croque madam and it was the best iv ever had! Also had the "hash browns" not what I expected but better than I expected, crispy and very flavorful. I'll definitely come back, the menu is creative.

    High ceilings and a light, bright atmosphere
    Lee D.

    This place was on my radar after reading about it in The Des Moines Register. We rarely head west to Waukee but had an errand out that way so we went for a late lunch. We arrived around 2:15 (they close at 3) and we were the only ones in the restaurant. Jade greeted us with a smile and menus. I had the grain bowl with farro, arugula, broccolini, avocado, apple, red onion, pistachios, pistachio pesto, and herbs. I opted out of the cheddar that is also an ingredient. Definitely a unique combination of ingredients but it worked. Hubby had the Cuban sandwich featuring roasted pork, smoked ham, swiss, pickle, mustard and mayo with an option of a side salad or fries. Hubby chose the fries and commented that both the sandwich and fries were very good. He took half the sandwich home as it was very large! We both had the iced tea which was a refreshing minty blend. The ceilings are high and the atmosphere is light and bright. I noticed the plants adorning shelves near the high ceiling and had to ask how they get watered. Jade shared that they are due for some maintenance/upgrade and that there is an outside person who will regularly take care of them. The Little Leaf is now open for dinner with smaller plates good for sharing (or not). A very pleasant lunch and any time we are in Waukee again, we will definitely stop in.

    Joshua K.

    Recently opened in the charming little triangle of downtown Waukee, Littleleaf Luncheonette is a delightful addition to the area. The atmosphere is bright, airy, and incredibly welcoming, making it the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch with friends. We tried the "Little Breakfast," and it was fantastic! The thick bacon was perfectly cooked, and the preserves served with butter on the toast were a lovely touch. The breakfast burrito was equally impressive, boasting subtle and perfectly balanced flavors. The service was top-notch, with Bailey and the team being attentive and prepared for a busy crowd, which is promising for the future. We're thrilled to have Littleleaf in Waukee; it truly fills a void and brings a fresh, vibrant option to the neighborhood. Highly recommend!

    Breakfast sandwich with steamed egg, cheese, aioli sauce, and breaded ginger sausage.
    Nick A.

    So this little gem of a restaurant had an amazing brunch! I had a breakfast sandwich and hash brown that was amazing. They do take reservations and it's not a huge restaurant, but brunch, lunch, and now dinner menus all look awesome.

    Farro - so fresh and yummy. Broccolini, avocado, arugula, cheddar, apples. Baklava latte
    Molly L.

    10 stars. Incredible meal, great service with excellent suggestions, loved the decor and vibe. So happy for this addition to Waukee

    Mimosa (fresh squeezed OJ), breakfast sandwich, and hash brown.

    Checked out Littleleaf with my wife and a friend and loved it. Very cool atmosphere, super friendly service, and the food was outstanding. The breakfast sandwich and hash brown were excellent & great flavors, high-quality ingredients, and the hash brown was perfectly crispy. Posting a photo because it looked as good as it tasted. Highly recommend, it's a new hidden gem.

    Non alcoholic drink options
    Tommy T.

    Dinner and dessert was the perfect date night with my honey at this renovated building location. Now that they are open evenings until 9pm, we decided to make a reservation via their website. No parking lot, but lots of street parking around. You may need to walk a block, but the Waukee Triangle is a cute area to walk. We were surprised (and a little sad) to see the old barber shop (everyone remembers Jerry the barber) building had been torn down and replaced with a new building directly across the street from Littleleaf. The large windows look out that west direction as you sit and eat. We were greeted warmly and sat at a table where water was waiting for us already. The chairs are cute but I immediately thought if someone has a big butt they will not fit in the curved seat. ‍ There is a long wall bench option however for seating too. We loved our food and the perfect service. We will return to try brunch, but this spot is going to blow up so get here soon. They have it all...good location, cute decor, fresh and delicious food and great service. We will be back.

    Coffee and breakfast menu

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    7 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Fast nice service. Tasty but overpriced breakfast burrito. Very good atmosphere, cute place

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Cute little place with great food!! In the heart of Waukee, it's quant and fun new place

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    5 months ago

    Food lacked any kind of TLC or care to attention. Service was just ok. Ambiance cute buy very noisy. Pricey.

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    7 months ago

    The space was clean and modern, and the food we had was amazing! One of the best breakfast sandwiches ever made with katsu pork

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