Walked down for a quick bite while visiting Drake. Food and service were great. Close quarters made it even more enjoyable as all the other customers seemed be having the same great experience. If and when back in Des Moines, will definitely stop by again (even if not in the vicinity). read more

It's a hole-in-the wall place near Drake with good food and friendly service. Give the chili a try. The fries are pretty darn good, too.

This is my favorite hole-in-the-wall place to get a burger. The wait staff are super friendly and always have good beer recommendations. Perfect for a chill night with friends. read more

I had breakfast here, no bueno.....frozen pancakes and kid size orange juice did it for me....My g/f had the breakfast nachos, those are some puffy nachos, not really a well made nacho. If those are voted best in town then there must have been a 1 man race or voted on by people who haven't had toppings before. Once again, they just have a lot of toppings and most times in Iowa, just having it gets hype. read more

J is my favorite bartender in town and Liz is always full Of energy and welcoming when I venture in alone. Always someone to talk to and the food and beer are great. read more

The perfect place for some nachos! A treasure in the Des Moines, close to Drake University campus. The nachos are a favorite because they don't use traditional tortilla chips. Large ipa and local brew selection. Also, good portions and prompt service! read more

University Library Cafe - Nachos with chicken. - Cafes Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Dood, it's finals week. Time to hit the Libray. Price: Nachos are about $7, and a beer might be $5 Parking: Small lot. Sometimes if it's full, you have to park on the residential street. Service: Chill. The bartenders are totally chill. Drinks & Food: The nachos are def super tasty. HOMEMADE chips. I wouldn't call them tortilla chips, but they're super interesting and fried just right. Topped w/ goodness, including banana peppers. Gosh, I thought I was in heaven. CHILI CHEESE FRIES are better doe. ORDER THAT FORSURE. Notes: I would come again. Good beers on tap & great bar bites. read more

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Burgers are clutch greasy and delicious my kids love them too and you they bring the food out to your car

Classic burger/bar dive. Waitress was friendly and didn't hesitate to take special order with lunch. We had Breakfast Club sandwich and a cheeseburger with fried egg and bacon. Sandwiches were amazing and fries crispy. Even the ice tea was great. We will be back if back in Des Moines. read more

Small cozy place. Many locals and near the university. The food is delicious and prices are reasonable. Friendly waitress. It feels like having breakfast at home! Would recommend. Wish they had places like this at home. read more

Our server was phenomenal. Very charismatic and attentive. Unfortunately, the food was lack luster at best. The potatoes were not cooked all the way and nothing was seasoned properly. I took a bite of my sisters hangover hash and had to spit it in my napkin. The mimosas were good but over priced. read more

I love the collection of bars and restaurants owned by Full Court Press. How they collaborate as owners to pull off so many successful ventures is amazing. Their employees all have great things to say. The Library is no exception. I just had a fantastic Vegetable Hummis Melt for lunch. The nachos are fantastic and the breakfast here is always great! The atmosphere is chill and the staff is wonderful. Stop in and relax. read more

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Ah! I adore this bar! It's super tiny, but they have a great beer selection. Multiple local beers on tap and in bottles. I went with a Goose Island Christmas Ale. Normally I'm not a huge fan of Goose Island, but this one was pretty tasty. They have a small bar and maybe a dozen tables/booths. Now only if all libraries served beer....hmm....that would be an interesting business concept! read more

Never date someone you meet at a bar, they say... I met my boyfriend of 2+ years here. I'd become a regular because of the great staff and the proximity of the place to my apartment. The food, drinks and staff are what factored into me becoming a regular. I used to come here with my father when i was a kid just for their great nachos. after a while things started going downhill from what I remember. The food wasn't as great, the service was awful and the crowd that was drawn here was even worse. After the remodel and new ownership, it seems things have been much better! I would spend whole afternoons here getting to know the staff and just meeting new people. They always have daily specials listed on their chalkboard, so you can try something new. This place will always hold a place in my heart. It's just another dive, but it feels like home. unpretentious and always welcoming. read more

The Library is just a few blocks from my Drake neighborhood apartment and I frequent it about twice a week. I can't say enough about how great it is to have a local bar with an outstanding beer selection and great food. My personal favorite beer here is Toppling Goliath Golden Nugget or Dorothy's lager. Both of these beers are only available on tap in a handful of bars in the world - and the Library has them. As for their food, this place gets a ton of press for their nachos (and they are good nachos), but I've found them to have one of the best burgers in town as well. Service can be a bit slow, but this is primarily a bar, not a restaurant. If you want lightning-fast, corporate-induced service with a phony smile, go to Applebee's. The only real gripe I have is the size of the place. At any given time it could be standing room only, and there is very little room to stand. Fortunately turnover is quick with the lunch and dinner diners so it never takes too long to get a table. Overall though, great bar with great food and beer. read more

Tight space, check. Great beer selection, check. Greasy bar food, check. Very attentive staff, check. Several TVs with sports on, check. Yep 5 stars! read more

A small neighborhood watering hole near Drake with out of this world selection of craft beer! I consider this my local bar and if I had to choose one place to drink the rest of my life this would be it. Yes, it's small. Yes, it can get crowded. But that's what's great about it! You might have to stand for a bit until a table opens up - no worries, grab a beer! Once a table does open up, don't hesitate to order the Library Nachos - THEY ARE THAT GOOD. The waitstaff will get to know you on a first name basis, they're super friendly, and make you feel at home. It's a living room bar for sure! Back to the nachos...the Library is famous for their fried flour nachos (but you can get regular corn chips too) - and they are delicious. That's usually what I go for when eating here (but just drinking is fine too - but if you drink you're going to want some nachos so might as well just order them) unless it's brunch (8 AM to 2 PM on the weekends to cure that hangover). Their breakfast is as good as their nachos - again it can get busy - if you're in a hurry you might need a backup plan - if not, be patient, grab a drink. Place only holds about 30 people and typically doesn't have a lot of Drake students in it - mostly locals. They have around 30 beers on tap - constantly rotating - lots of good and local beer. Great place to go after work or for brunch on the weekends - ride your bike because parking can be a little tricky (small lot). read more

This is not the same bar as when I was a little scholar at Drake! Seriously, they came under new management the year I graduated (I guess you can google when The Library came under new management if you're trying to figure out how old I am, ha!) All jokes aside, indeed I loved The Library when it was gritty, dark and grungy but it was time for The Library to upgrade. It's essentially the same but way freakin' better. It's always clean and bright now. To be honest, back in the day I never ventured into the food menu... However, now when I go to The Library it's (mostly) for the food! The Poutine is so worth the calories. They know how to do that fries, cheese curds, roast beef and gravy combo right! I would definitely suggest sharing with a friend. I've had the French Dip before as well. The au jus is perfect--not too salty, just right! Breakfast is only Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. but it's one of my faves in Des Moines. So, if you're looking for a delicious weekend breakfast, give The Library a try. It is always busy on the weekend but if you're lucky you'll walk in at just the right time to see a free table or have a quick beer while you wait for one to turn. read more

Went on a Saturday morning. First thing folks should know is that seating is very limited. My friend and I were lucky to snag some seats on their breakfast bar set-up. It was unfortunate to see so many people come in, see no seats, and turn tail and leave. At first, we weren't sure if we ordered at the bar. It took about 10 minutes for someone to come by and take our order. They were busy, and for a small place, this isn't a big deal. My friend and I ordered a burger and nachos with chicken. Delicious! Nachos were sublime and completely covered in cheesey, peppery goodness. The chips weren't your run of the mill tortilla chips, they were buttery pita chips. The burger was great too. I paid about 13 bucks for this smorgasbord and a beer too. Whole heartedly recommend! Everyone was drinking bloody marys too, so I will definitely try that next time! read more

Let me start with the fact that this was my first visit to the Library since they remodeled the place. I came in reminiscing of a divey bar that I had spent many a Saturday evening in, but was pleasantly surprised by the positive change in the Library. Comfortable booths, coherent theme and decorating, and a friendly wait staff all greeted me. We came in for breakfast and were immediately greeted by our waitress. I asked her what she recommended and we ordered exactly what she suggested - the breakfast nachos, a Texas Toast breakfast melt, and a side of pancakes. We were happy when we saw our food come to our table in less than ten minutes. Everything that we ate was absolutely delicious. The side of two pancakes were a fantastic mix, including cinnamon and other spices I couldn't place, making them sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet. The breakfast nachos were an amazing melt of cheese, sausage, bacon, peppers, and onion on homemade (I presume) tortilla chips that I could have eaten all day. The Texas Toast breakfast melt with a side of breakfast potatoes was good, although it was my least favorite considering how amazing the other two options were. Overall, the food was delicious, wait staff friendly, and coffee strong. And really, is there more you can ask for when you opt for brunch? read more

Their breakfast was highly recommended. I live 3 blocks away, and they don't carry beer I prefer, so I rarely go there. I decided to try the breakfast today. The Salmon Omelet was excellent. I had a Bloody Mary while waiting, and one with my meal. I was sitting at the bar, next to an elderly woman. She had a great story to share with me. I had no obligations, and didn't drive, so I ordered another Bloody Mary, at which point I was cut off. The bar tender said I could only order water going forward. I am a 40 year old man, civilized, proper, etc... I have never been cut off in a bar, and I've had a lot more than two bloody Mary's. I will never go back... read more

Well, being a Drake Alum this place is always a walk down memory lane. Lots of beer taps (30ish) never disappoint. Small inside, but you make it work. The food is tasty. The breakfast nachos were impressive. This place will always be one of my favorites. read more

Love The Library. It is a small bar that serves delicious sandwiches. I have never been disappointed. It's been busy every time I've gone in and never felt like I had to wait or that the food or service was compromised. read more

The food was absolutely horrible. I ordered the tenderloin and it was covered in cooked parchment paper. The waiter had no personality. Would ask for something he would act like he didn't hear you but came back with what you were asking for. My mom asked for the onion rings and they were burnt. Completely inedible. Wouldn't suggest trying this place!!! read more

This is a pretty awesome bar, one that I only recently discovered. They have super good breakfast on the weekends and good food the rest of the time! Really great beer selection, a pretty good Bloody Mary, but my favorite is the Red Beer-half PBR and half V8! That and a damn fine cup of joe to boot! read more

My favorite bar that I've discovered in Des Moines so far. It's a dive, sure, but it has character--and what is a dive bar without character? Too many places are content with a few black tables and chairs, some neon beer signs and lots of stuff on the wall listing the NFL match ups and Bud Light specials. Not this place. It feels lived in and comfy. There are some TVs, but it doesn't feel like you're in another sports bar. Great beer selection (all on tap!) with tons of local options. The food is bar food, but a step (or two or three) above your standard "fry it and forget about it" usual fare. The nachos, dubbed "Best in Des Moines", certainly live up to the hype. Can't wait to try this place again and make it my Cheers. The breakfast menu looks legit as well. As cliche as "hidden gem" tends to be, this place certainly has all the earmarks to make it one. read more

This is the same place as The University Library Cafe. I'm leaving my review on this page because this page needs some more photos. Hopefully, Yelp can merge the pages soon, but until then, both pages are pretty accurate. This place is basically a dive bar with pretty good food. We came here for brunch around 10am on a Saturday. The Iowa winter weather worked to our advantage, and we were able to grab a parking spot and booth right away. There are only approximately 8 booths in this place with some additional seating at the double bar. I can see how this place could get really busy, really fast. But I love the dive vibe!! I had bookmarked this place just for the breakfast nachos, and they did not disappoint. Large portions, cheap prices, good bloody marys, and delicious food. My kind of place. Another added bonus is that we had quick and attentive service. Not always the case with small dives, but this place was awesome. Can't wait to come back to try their lunch/dinner menu. read more

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It's an intimate local bar. Good variety of beer. I've had breakfast and dinner. Dinner wins. It's a great place to go local and cozy!

I've been coming here for a long long time on and off and even though I think they've gone maybe to their third different owner they still carry on the tradition of making their own roast beef and making their own corned beef. long time ago they used to have these really killer Philly cheese steak sandwiches and that's why we used to go there. The food is still a good reason to go. I've had breakfast here which is been great on the weekend. I've had there corned beef their burgers and today I have had their French dip which I really enjoy. The staff works hard and are very attentive. I like coming a little later for lunch it's less crowded it is a small place and parking is a little dicey but you can get here sometime after 12:30 you know quarter 1 and still get a great lunch. One of my favorites in Des Moine still after over 15 years. Did I mention they have a great selection of beers and I've had the Bloody Mary on the weekend and it's not too bad. read more

One of my favorite bars that I don't go to nearly enough (partially because it's small and fills up fast). Good beer and cider selection, solid burgers, great (apparently award winning) nachos, and a vibe a little unlike anyplace else in Des Moines. You don't have to be an avid reader to go to this library, nor should you laugh at that terrible joke. read more

First time here and I love the small quaint atmosphere. Super nice bartender. Will be making mite frequent stops in! read more

University Library Cafe - Suttliff cider - Cafes Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The Cheers of the neighborhood. Good food, great brunch, better beers on tap, and can't beat the 20 ounce glasses! read more

University Library Cafe - Brunch! Breakfast nachos, poutine, the local maple bacon sausage with a side of sausage gravy. Perfect. - Cafes Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Ignored by staff, then finally informed that the power had been out and the cooks were "gone" but should be back in 15 minutes...after they took our drink order and delivered our drinks. They refused to bring menus, and when we decided to go somewhere else, we were ignored again when trying to pay for our drinks. They would make eye contact and turn around and walk away. Finally we just threw money on the table and left. read more

The Library is my favorite Drake / Beaverdale neighborhood haunt! The beer selection is always a win and the nachos are an absolute must. It's an extremely small space, so seating is limited. read more

Best Burger joint. We stopped in for a burger on Sunday evening and found a booth right away. The waitress was friendly and got us water and then drinks very quickly. She took our orders and delivered them steaming hot. Both my husband and daughter got the burgers and I got the Reuben. All the food was hot and delicious. I forgot to take a picture, but give them a try. Their beer selection is incredible. read more

I like to think of the Library as a scaled down (quite a bit, mind you) version of el Bait Shop in size, but WAY better in terms of service. Although fewer in quantity, you still get some good quality beer choices here, and the same goes for the actual bar size. Pretty divey, but more authentic feeling than el Bait. You can tell this place has been around a while, and that professors love coming here on a Friday to lament about their whiny students, but it's totally cool. They've got some standard bar fare on the menu, but I wasn't blown away by the burgers (a bit overdone and bun-heavy for me.) Overall, it's a cool place for a super casual beer with a buddy. read more

I love this place! Small hole in the wall bar with yummy food and quite the beer selection. Haven't had a meal there that I haven't enjoyed and the prices are reasonable too. I suggest trying their breakfast on the weekend!! read more

This is a nice place for breakfast on the weekends. They only serve breakfast on the weekends. Food was fresh and homemade real butter real eggs etc. I give them a five star rating but they clean up my plate while I use the restroom and I wasn't quite finished. But the nice ladies gave me a very considerable discount and were truly apologetic for the mistake. I would definitely come back. read more

The nachos were excellent as advertised. I ordered some burgers as well, but was full before I got to them. I ate it, but if you've been there before, the taste sensation disappears when you over stuff yourself...ya know. It was good.......but I would need to reconfirm. read more

I know what can beat the prices......the staff......they are amazing in their details of the menu....keep on rocking...and thank you!!!