This was the last night if my business trip here and a colleague recommended The Cafe. I was told that the mac and cheese had to be tried, but I opted for the wood grilled salmon: butternut chevre puree - brussels sprouts - roasted onions - maple dijon butter - pistachio - herb oil. I usually like my salmon very simple, but this combination was the best for salmon I've had in a long time, I highly recommend it. The staff was very friendly, and Ella kicked ass! Don't miss it if you're passing through Ames. read more

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Since it's been six years since my last review, and since we just had takeout from here today, I thought an update was called for. The food quality remains generally good but quite overpriced; not much has changed in that department. But the restaurant takeout service needs serious improvement. Today my wife ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, which was supposed to come with corn bisque. When we got home, though, the bisque was nowhere to be found. Unfortunately this was not an isolated incident; we have had items omitted before (at least once, and as best as we can remember, twice). When I called, the woman I spoke to was very apologetic and offered a rebate on our credit card bill, which (assuming it happens) is very nice, but my wife would have preferred the item rather than a rebate. read more

This is a very fresh restaurant with great ambiance. The service was subpar. The desserts were amazing!! We had lunch and it was very tasty but be prepared to spend more than you expected. read more

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in Ames. I feel like a professional when I go there now haha. My favorite thing to get is the Somerset Salad and Carrot Cake. They're so so good. Also a favorite are the risottos.The sweet corn and the asparagus ones are amazing!! All of the desserts are so delicious too I just can't stay away! read more

The Cafe - Blueberry Crumble - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Stopped in Ames for a post-Christmas holiday season brunch and checked out The Cafe per multiple recommendations. Perhaps we caught them on a bad morning, but overall the experience was not great. To begin, there appeared to be two different menus floating around both online and in the restaurant so despite arriving at 10am we were not sure if it was "breakfast" or "brunch." Server informed us either menu was fine, then took drink orders for four adults quickly and brought out a kids' activity set for our toddler. 1 We ordered meals and it certainly seemed to take a while -- 25 minutes -- before our server returned to inform us they were out of pancake batter as well as one other item we'd ordered. On a Friday morning, well before lunch. We swapped pancakes for French toast and did the best we could with the rest. French toast was cold by the time it reached our table -- after another 20 minute wait. Instead of French toast sticks for the little one, two giant slices arrived. The eggs served with the avocado toast were cold. There were no apologies from the server despite during our long wait our observation of four other tables of guests arrive, place orders, and receive food. The server was also not great at returning to check on refills for coffee or water. At the conclusion, she informed us she would be "comping" us for one pancake meal. This was an awkward situation as our companions had to wait just as long and substitute a different dish since the original was not available. Maybe ISU students or groups without toddlers/kids have better luck? We'll pass on a second chance for our frequent trips back to Ames/Western IA to see family. read more

I am visiting my boyfriend in Ames, Iowa for the week and he was told The Cafe was the breakfast place to go. We both would have to agree, it was DELICIOUS! Before going, we had both glanced at the menu and were debating between the Monte Cristo, Pork Loin & Eggs, and the Breakfast Slate. There were a lot of people waiting to get seated when we arrived and were told a 15-20 minute wait and they were right! Unfortunately, they had sold out of the Pork Lion & Eggs and the Breakfast Slate so by easy elimination, both went for the Monte Cristo. It came with a light salad that complimented the warm sandwich - perfect for a rainy day like today! I look forward to visiting again to try one of the dishes they sold out on today! read more

The Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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The fruit tarts look good but has no taste! The bread of the tart is like a stone and it seems to be a few days old! I paid ~$6 for a 3" tart here while I got a 12" fresh one for $10 in Weiss! It is super expensive and doesn't worth the food or the service they provide. I had been here for lunch before and the portions were small too. I believe for every dollar you spend you get $0.2 worth of food. :/ read more

The Cafe - Supper small fruit tart! - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Holy shit, Batman. I planned this super secret weekend getaway with my gal. We got the cold brew coffee to perk us up -- it was 10AM and we slept in for once in our lives. A Red Bull wouldn't have even given us feathers, let alone wings. But man, that cold brew was STRONG. No joke. Great taste and the waitress was wonderful to suggest it. I ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes with black pepper bacon and scrambled eggs, but when I got my food and stuffed it into my chunky gob, I was blown away. The bacon was the best I'd ever had, and I'm a critic when it comes to food because I don't pay for shit that I can make better myself. Then I ate the eggs. What the hell? I usually eat eggs because I'm a health nut, but honestly I hate them...except for when I eat them at The Cafe, apparently. Then those pancakes - let me tell you - if I had to die from overeating a single food, I would happily choose these pancakes. The lemon was just present enough to be noticed but not overwhelm, and they were so light and fluffy that I hardly remember needing to chew. My girlfriend got the burger and I was startled, because I was certain I had been borne back in time and I had just settled into the farmhouse to eat after ploughing the farm with Bert, my trusty bull who walks with a hobble from getting into a fight with a coyote. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the bacon made an encore to great effect, and the kaiser roll was crisped to perfection. The atmosphere of these place was out of this world, and special thanks to Paola, who made our dining experience one we won't soon forget! But wait - there's more! We were full, but ordered the french toast to go because it sounded too good to pass up and we live about two hours away. Brioche bread soaked in peach/vanilla custard and topped with peach crisp and whipped topping. Now you see why we couldn't leave without it. This was a wonderful lunch for later and we can only imagine it would have been even better if we had eaten when it was prepared. Too long? Let me shorten my review for you then: If you're in Ames, go to The Cafe or you're an idiot. Cheers fro. Iowa City! read more

Very classy atmosphere and great food. Desserts and coffee make it all the better. Never been disappointed.

I ordered the tomato basil soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. Delicious. High quality!

How in the world have I not written a review for The Cafe?! I've been here dozens of times, and I love this place! We don't live in Ames anymore, but when we can, we make an effort to pop in. Actually, for my birthday last year, we drove three hours there and back just to go to The Cafe for brunch. Brunch! Brunch is by far my favorite meal at The Cafe. They brunch like a boss. If you are ever around, please go try the brunch. Of course, lunch and dinner are always delicious as well. They have the best creme brulee I've ever had in my life. The strong vanilla bean taste, the crunchy top, the creamy pudding--my mouth is watering now. The turkey meatloaf is really good for supper! And you can't go wrong with anything on the brunch menu. And the menu consistently changes, which I love. I love this place! read more

Very good salmon club. Would be better if available with healthier options than chips for the side & if no so pricey for a sandwich with chips. Others had fish tacos & pork dip which were good. Kids meal options are just okay - good to offer grapes, but chips & cookie aren't what our grandkids eat & no vegetable possibilities for kids. Moreover, those serious food allergies were accommodated but had limited options & no alternative parts of a dish that had to be withheld. read more

Being an ISU alum, The Cafe has been a favorite for a long time! Located in north Ames, this amazing restaurant has plenty of space to seat big and small parties but there's usually always a wait bc that's how awesome they are! A few of my faves include the Mac and cheese and literally all the breakfast items. And dessert? Yes please! They make all their desserts in house if I remember correctly and everything is amazinggggg! The service is always great and the atmosphere is cozy but not cramp. Great place for a GNO or a first date. They have menu options to cater to the meat eaters and the vegetarians! All in all, worth the drive if you're not from Ames and looking for an awesome meal (which is EXACTLY what my friend Karla and I did on a random Thursday night)! read more

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Amazing food and a wonderful place to eat for a nice dinner date. I'm never disappointed when I go there.

This is truly a gem! I can only hope that they would consider opening a location in Des Moines. The food is incredible... I have not ever had a dish (breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner) that I did not just love... there are times I contemplate licking my plate it is so good. It is rare that there is not a wait... I never am sad that I have to wait because I know how great the food is. I don't want to forget but the desserts are out of this world so don't forget to save room for them... Attached is a picture of the ham and asparagus quiche... read more

The Cafe - Ham and asparagus quiche! - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Went here for dinner after Ledges State Park. Remembered from years ago that I liked it. It's better than ever. Summer salmon was delicious. Husband enjoyed the housemade veggie burger. Delicious dessert too. Great ambiance. We will be back! read more

I love this place. I was introduced to it a few years ago and have been coming here at least once a month since. It's a great place with great food and service. The presentation is beautiful and your not disappointed when you bite into it. It's a definite must for dinner and breakfast. Sorry I haven't tried lunch yet. Highly recommended read more

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Great food and service. Love the ambiance and have always had great food no matter what I have ordered.

Our table had the pumpkin pancakes ( fabulous) , croque madame ( very good) , steak and eggs (Excellent). My criticism of the steak and eggs is the bernaise sauce which , although abundant, was flavorless lacking in the acidic bite from reduced vinegar and the tarragon note was not there at all. We ordered biscuits and gravy did not arrive with the rest of the meals. We heard it was fabulous and we were obviously disappointed. The server said there was some issue with the equipment and was appropriately apologetic. By the time it was ready we had finished the rest of the meal and were ready to go. The manager came out with the two chicken and biscuit meals boxed up and said they were comping the whole meal. We'll done . Diners understand that the world is not perfect and issues may arise. It's how the restaurant handles it that matters. We left and were all in agreement that we will be back when back in town! read more

My favorite place in town! The food is so so fresh and delicious any time I visit Ames I make sure I go the the cafe! The carrot cake is to die for along with all of the other desserts read more

Three out of the four dishes met expectations. The exception was the avocado toast. It was more of a cold "spread" compared to what I've had elsewhere. The country skillet, quesadillas and oatmeal were excellent. The server was great, but the delivery of food was fairly long. It took close to 30 minutes before our food arrived. read more

I'm sure if you are not a fan of simple food this is a great place. However, over the years I have been a part of lunch orders and they can never get my simple sandwich correct. No sauce on a sandwich should not be hard but it is. If you like Mayo this might be good but if you do T like Mayo or allergic to it, avoid this place. read more

Great food. Service is hit and miss. Sometimes amazing and sometimes seem bothered to have to wait on me at the coffee counter. Prices are slightly too high but not over the top. Overall one of my favorite splurges. read more

My happy place. I've never had a bad dish or drink at The Cafe. Very COVID-cautious business and the staff are always soooo wonderful!! Also, best Bloody Mary's in town. Best oatmeal too. And best mac & cheese. I'll always make an excuse to visit this place when I'm in town!!!! read more

I've been to this spot a couple of times. Once for lunch (I had a not so memorable sandwich with a co-worker), and the second time I had a steak with my family. 3 Stars for the sandwich lunch 5 Stars for the amazing steak dinner! I also had a Sangria which was amazing! The fruit tart was also on point! I definitely recommend this place for a nice dinner at an affordable price! read more

The Cafe - Steak! Delicious! - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Great food, great bakery, great desserts, limited menu........................................................................................... read more

The Cafe is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Ames. I love that they have the cafe, brunch, lunch, and dinner, so it's perfect any time of the day. They have lovely outdoor and indoor seating and a great curbside service. My favorite dishes are the St. Louis pizza and porcini mushroom soup, but menus update seasonally! read more

I've been there a couple of times --usually when I'm craving a cake or something sweet but delicious! Has never disappointed. I would recommend the carrot cake! read more

Have to update just to tell you how addicted I am to The Cafe. It's ridiculously close to my office, so going here for lunch is just too easy. So far, I recommend the following, but stay tuned as my waistline and this list grows: 1. Veggie deli sandwich - INCREDIBLE. Best vegetarian sandwich I have EVER had. The ciabatta is perfection, the hummus isn't too overpowering or rich, and the vegetables are simply amazing. Roasted tomatoes are plump and juicy, asparagus is SO awesome, and the portabella just makes it. 2. Turkey cherry deli sandwich - also pretty fantastic. I got it on sourdough, which may not have been the best choice since the cherries leaked through the dough, but it does allow me to tell you how GREAT the sourdough is! 3. Soups - asparagus bisque and tomato basil are both good. Not the best soup I've had, (was hoping for more substance to the asparagus, but it was very nicely pureed) but they were still good. I'd definitely go with a sandwich or salad over the soup, but you really can't be sad you got it, either. Haven't dared to delve into the desserts or entrees yet, but like I said, stay tuned for my next jump in pant size. read more

I love the cafe. Their coffee, their food, the atmosphere. One of my personal top four go to restaurants in ames. They have a mixed and changing menu with many cultural influences. Oh. Best carrot cake and I care about my carrot cake. I personally can't stop ordering the somerset salad or kale salad. They also have the best vegetarian burger and I am not vegetarian. I miss it right now while writing this review. read more

Usually when I'm about to write a review, I'll read through a lot of the others to see if my impressions were more or less correct. I started to do that here, but when I saw the two and 3 star reviews, I just went straight to scrawl out my own instead. That's not to say that those other opinions aren't valid to me... it's just to say I don't care in this case. Why? Well, I'll tell you. Plain and simple, ladies and gentleman, The Cafe had something I could order without having to make any amendments to it. I was having lunch with my boyfriend and an old friend of his, and we happened to show up at a time when the main dining room was closed. The bakery side was open for desserts and sandwiches, so we headed over there. Looking down the menu, I saw a few things that looked appetizing in their own ways. I thought, as I usually have to because of my weakness for vegetarianism, "Well, I can ask them to leave this or that off. I wonder if they'd change this". That is, until my eyes came to rest on the very last and the very most beautiful item on the menu. Yes, my friends, it was the Cb&J sandwich. You read correctly. Cashew butter and cherry jam on a baguette. Holy-cup-of-tea, this sandwich was amazing. I expected it to be okay, but I didn't expect to actually have to check out of the conversation at the table just because I was enjoying it so much. I don't know if it was the novelty or if I was just so happy to have been able to order a sandwich like a big girl and take it as it was, but I was extremely satisfied. I'll even admit to having Dan drive me back here later so I could get one to go for the plane back to california the next day. Yes, for what my opinion's worth, it was that good. Also, they had a tea bar. When you order hot tea they hand you a big mug full of hot water and then direct you to a place where all the tea things await you. Boxes of Numi tea, cream, and sugar cubes. It's all there. Between this and the sandwich, it was like having my very own little tea party in Ames, and it was awesome. Service was friendly and fast, the seating was comfortable, and my lunch companions enjoyed their food as well. I'd call this a victory. read more

The Cafe - Cb&J: Best. Sandwich. Ever. - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I'll be honest, I've been twice but I've only gotten one thing, the Kale, arugula, and grape salad (don't recall its actual name) but I was blown away, its an odd list of ingredients but I've never had a better salad, service and atmosphere are also fantastic, I really need to try something from the bakery when I go there next, would highly recommend. read more

Took the mother of my beautiful children here for Mother's day. What I love about the cafe is that their menu is so diverse. If I get tired of the menu I just don't come for a few weeks then the menu changes and boom its a brand new restaurant with the same on point execution. Be aware though, there will ALWAYS be a wait unless you come during odd hours (right before closing or mid afternoon). This visit was brunch and we were prepped for the wait, hung out in the minivan after we bought some "appetizers" from their bakery. Made the wait bearable. Had the peking pork and eggs and also black berry bread pudding. I am a non traditional breakfast person and the peking pork and eggs were a great brunch dish that reminded me of my childhood. think of a great iowa tenderloin, with a fried egg, but asian flavors. It may sound weird but it worked. The black berry bread pudding was shut the front door good. So good. So good I want to drive the 30 minutes there this morning just for that. It was so good there was no time to take a picture of it. I love the cafe, one last tip though, check in with the host stand on a regular basis, I have been forgotten a few times which resulted in an even longer wait.... read more

The Cafe - Peking pork. Highly recommended. - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

This is, in my opinion, the top notch restaurant in the Ames area. The ambience is just perfect. It's upscale, nice, clean, but yet you will feel completely comfortable in casual dress. It's a serious restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's very tastefully decorated. As you walk in the front door, to your right is a little bakery/cafe where you can see some of their delicious desserts while you wait to be seated. You can order your standard espresso drinks to go if you're just dropping in for a quick coffee. To the left of the front door is the main dining area, and past it there is a little bar area as well. The food is just a big step above most else in the area. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced, and the chefs bring out the best flavor in each of them. The Cafe has a small but thoughtfully crafted menu that changes rather frequently. You've got plenty of standard options - The Cafe Burger (fantastic), sandwiches, veggie burger, etc. Then you've got a set of entrees - I've had several, and they never (and i mean never) disappoint. The stuffed spanish peppers, which I believe are now off the menu, were just heavenly. But allow me to make a pitch for one of the best salads I've had anywhere - The somerset salad. It's a salad consisting of arugula, crispy sweet corn, smoked salmon, couscous, and more. The ingredients are layered rather than tossed, and it's served with this buttermilk ranch that just brings everything together. SO amazing. I cannot say enough good things about The Cafe. read more

The Cafe - Somerset salad. The picture speaks for itself - Amazing. - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

It's so hard to find good eats in Iowa let alone some small college town. The Cafe is a life saver from the endless fields of Burrito and sandwich joints that college students somehow survive on. Reasonable prices and food made passionately... I couldn't ask for more. Menu items are creative and clean (presentation and flavor is to the point and not sloppy), pleasing to both the tongue and stomach. Freshly baked bread and pastries every morning and used in the menu items. Love! Chillaquilles and cranberry cobbler... delish! read more

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I enjoyed the presentation of the dish and the ambiance this restaurant offers. I ordered the Korean fried chicken, and I thought the fried chicken was cooked very well and basically fell off the bone. The portions were small, which was really the only downside. The menu is seasonal, and the ingredients are fresh and local, which I strongly advocate. I would say it lives up to the hype it receives from all the Ames residents. read more

The Cafe - Korean fried chicken with cucumber salad - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Wow. Ames, Iowa. Wasn't expecting that and didn't see it coming. I was most certainly blindsided by the amazing food produced in Ames. I was in Ames for a little over 48 hours for a conference. While we were provided with food for most of the meeting, I wanted to taste the local flavor and The Cafe seemed to be the most popular recommendation. I actually ended up eating here twice. Lunch on my own, which was fantastic. The hummus and veggie sandwich could not be more perfect. And the macaroons. I had two and loved the balance of crunchy and the moist gooey filling in the center My friends really wanted to eat dinner here the same day so I played along. I was so glad I did. I shared a plate of the asparagus fried rice. The tasty rice was cooked with a nice blend of veggies and perfectly poached eggs. I literally licked my plate clean and wished I hadn't shared the meal. Dessert was magnificenct. I recommend checking out their wonderful platter at the front of the restaurant cause you will be motivated to save room for dessert. The ambience is great, service was quick and friendly and the food was sublime. If you are ever in Ames and want some great food, head to The Cafe. You won't be disappointed. read more

The Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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The Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Ames and it seems that everyone in town knows this. I've never had a disappointing meal here. Their menu changes regularly, they show real creativity in their menu items and use high-quality locally procured ingredients in a great location. Focus on the enjoyable dining experience that lies ahead to achieve tranquility. Lose track of time and space. You'll need to. This place is always very busy. They have no waiting area and they don't take reservations. I've spent hours impeding their staff and patrons waiting to be seated. EAGER ANTICIPATION + QUALITY INGREDIENTS + EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVITY + GREAT SERVICE = 5 STAR REVIEW. read more

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Cute and intimate cafe, perfect for dates with its dim lighting. Food was perfect and service was delightful

Pricey, but amazing food! The ambiance is nice and the service is usually good. I love their salads!