Waveland Cafe

We had a nice first timer experience here. The place was still relatively busy for late on a Thursday morning so that is encouraging. It is dated and fun. Overall it looks like the place could use a once over on the clean scale, but the ‘divey’ feeling added to the fun experience. The wait staff was friendly and loud while they bantered with the regulars and making us feel welcome . Out waitress was friendly and helpful. We were close the the window to the kitchen so we got to see a lot of yummy looking food come out. The prices were fair and the food was all pretty good. Pancakes were massive and slightly undercooked. But everything else was on point.

Look no farther you found the best, from their staff to the food and even their customers. Everyone is so friendly and the food is delicious. Big portions and worth every penny (and some). If you get Amanda you’re lucky but everyone is wonderful and attentive. Love but the whole family, toddler included.

By far the best place in Des Moines to get breakfast, hands down. Always busy, but always worth the wait. If you're lucky, you may even have a Momoa sighting ^_^

This is my in law’s cafe of choice. They always have to make the stop when they are in town. We got: • chicken melt w/ fries (5/5) • cinnamon french toast half order (5/5) • patty melt w/ fries; “best patty melt I have ever had. I would recommend it to anyone.” 5/5) The staff is so lovely and welcoming. It’s very cozy. All 5 of us got shirts because we are frequent flyers lol. 100000% will always come back. 🤍

I dont know if it's people of Iowa that have bad taste in food.I had my Mother in law visiting and I had breakfast early Saturday morning. It looked like I got scraps of food and everything was cold. We waited for a refill of coffee and water that never came. Honestly I couldn't wait to get out of there. Being from a different state that loves breakfast Waveland is one of the worst breakfast places I been too.

This place is always phenomenal. They're usually packed so we go during odd hours. We went around 12:30pm today and grabbed some seats at the bar. Once you sit down service is pretty fast. My go-to is Steak and Eggs! Everything is always cooked exactly the way I ask. The hash browns are always super crispy! Today I got a biscuit instead of toast and ordered an extra side of the gravy. YUM!!! There was so much food but I enjoyed every bite! I've only had breakfast food here. I'm sure their lunch dishes are just as good. Highly recommend!

One of our favorites! Food is always great! Friendly service, fun, relaxed atmosphere like you are eating with friends and family!

Great little cafe! We arrived around 9am on a Friday and were able to get a table for four right away. Prices are amazing and the breakfast is delicious. If we're in the area again, we will certainly stop here!

Amanda was perfect waiter. Great neighborhood joint with great food. Would definitely recommend if you are in area.

Incredible breakfast. Just like I remember it from decades ago. Please don't ever change.

This was our first time at Waveland and it definitely lived up to our hopes. We stopped in late on a Thursday morning and the place was still hopping, which is always a good sign. It's got that old-school, decoupaged diner vibe--definitely a little worn around the edges, but that's part of the charm. The staff was great--loud, friendly, and clearly tight with the regulars, which actually made us feel more at home. Our waitress was super helpful and made some solid recommendations. We sat near the kitchen window and got to watch a parade of delicious-looking plates come out. Food-wise: prices were fair if not a touch expensive, portions were generous, and most of it hit the mark. Pancakes were huge (seriously--massive), but ours were a touch underdone. Everything else was on point, though, and we'd absolutely come back and try more menu options. The have daily specials; Weiner Wednesday looks interesting...

This is a famous little cafe. Not only small town charm in our "little big town" but also loved by Iowans in stardom. The place is always packed. Even with negative temps outside we fight to get in the door. Street parking. You're whole party had to be here to be seated. January 2025 we are getting in for a late breakfast. The walls are decorated with local art and advertisements decorate the tables. Coffee mugs along the walls. Huge menu. I got Waverlands best breakfast/ half order. They do eggs Benedict are only on Tuesdays. I upscale and get bacon. It was good. My whole table enjoyed their food. The waitress was fun and chatty. I got menu pictures and picture of the giant pancake that my friend got. I will always say support this cafe. The coffee is on point and the music was pumping from the kitchen. All around great vibe.

Service was incredibly quick and friendly. Very lowkey vibe with reasonably priced food and good portions. If I had some thousand island sauce for my hashed browns, this place would hit it out of the park. The hashed browns are rich and delicious as they are though!

It is so worth dealing with the construction mess in front of the waveland cafe. We arrived and saw a number of people out front. We were worried there was a huge line. We walked right in. Turns out they were waiting on some of their party so they could be seated. The wait staff was very attentive. Their internet went done and the waitress came by to let us know. By the time we were done eating, it was up and running so we could pay with a credit card. Both of us ended up getting the Everything Hasbrowns. I ordered an egg as I like to get a little extra protein in. I LOVE that you can order a full order (my dining partner did) a half or a 1/4. The 1/4 is perfect for me. These are my favorite loaded hasbrowns. They have ham, green and hot peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese. The hashbrowns are always crispy on the outside. They are amazing!

This has been my #1 favorite breakfast spot for over a decade. The eggs Benedict with the everything hashbrowns. Every single time, I'll never order anything else. Such a small town feel in the heart of Des Moines. The type of cafe that also has shirts and sweatshirts for sale lol there is a location in Booneville as well that has an even smaller town feel. Heads up** the eggs Benedict is only served on Tuesdays.

What a great old school breakfast spot! Pretty busy most of the time ! There were lots of regulars there--one was being served a birthday cinnamon roll with a little candle! Hubby & I are still stuffed 3 hrs later. He had delicious 1/2 order everything hash browns with two eggs over easy. Tasty. There were quite a few jalapeños. I had the special-2 eggs, 2 bacon, & yummy buttery rye toast! Molly was good & kept our drinks full. The place is fun to see the vintage murals.

Really enjoyed the visit to Waveland. Portions are ample, service is friendly, and atmosphere is fun and enjoyable. I'll be back for another visit in the future!

What a gem of a breakfast place! We were in Des Moines for the weekend and decided to stop in Waveland Cafe. There was a little bit of a wait but it was worth it. I had The Lumberman, which was a half order of the biscuits and gravy on top of hash browns. It was so good and fresh! The service was great, all the waitresses were kind and funny and attentive. I also loved how it was decorated inside with such a cozy local feel.

When my wife, son, and I arrived there was no parking available, either in front or out back. We had to park down the street a bit. When we got back to the front door there was a line. We ended up waiting about 20 minutes to be seated. We ended up at one of the small tables towards the back. The waitresses were all pretty chill, and they gave us plenty of time to survey the menu. We were there for breakfast, as was pretty much everyone else on a Sunday morning. My son got the Waveland skillet and my wife and I ordered omelets. Hers was 2- egg veggie omelet and mine was 3-egg veggie omelet with ham added. My wife was quite excited when she found out they had blackberry jam for her toast. I didn't get many photos because, honestly, I was more interested in eating than taking pictures. I asked my wife and son afterwards, and they unanimously agreed we should come back soon with my daughter. The food was excellent, as was the service. They refilled our drinks multiple times while we waited for our food and again after the food arrived. For the curious we had a water, a coffee, and a soda. We will go back. Soon.

Great spot we found in Des Monies. Ambiance is great with very friendly patrons. The service we received by MOLLY was awesome. She handled our sense of humor great. She has the best personality and could handle a joke. MOLLY was very efficient and is an excellent server. THANK YOU MOLLY for making our morning great. I would come back for the great food and best personality. Highly recommend

Traveling from out of town and I found this place using a basic Google search. I almost didn't go in- based on the outside, you know (the cover of the book) Wow so glad I decided to go in- this place is fantastic-

A nice breakfast place. Annie was our waitress and was very attentive. The food was good well and was not greasy at all. A nice relaxing breakfast that I'd recommend

Great breakfast! Had French toast, bacon (excellent bacon), hash browns and fried eggs. Only drawback is the place is small and hard to get a seat. Then it took almost an hour to get our food after we ordered.

This. Was. The. Best. Breakfast. Ever. We were in Des Moines for a concert, and wanted breakfast the day after...we found Waveland Cafe quite by accident, and what a glorious accident!! Alayna was our server - and she anticipated our every need. She made great menu suggestions, and we were off to the races! Obviously the locals know this little cafe - it was packed and everyone was hustling! Our food? Holy Hannah! Calli got "the Lumberman", which was biscuits and gravy on top of the most perfectly prepared hashbrowns. Cal is über picky about sausage gravy, and dang near licked her plate clean it was so good. Mine was the Everything Hashbrowns - and it was perfect. All of this for a price that was far less than we expected! Kudos to Alayna, and the entire Waveland Cafe staff!

Food is always amazing, staff is on point. Glasses always full. Consistently is key. We go to both university and The Booneville locations

One of the cutest family diners in town! Family owned and operated restaurant, this rustic restaurant is unapologetically unique. It's like that loud cousin of yours at family reunions that everyone loves! Food reminds us of a home cooked breakfast. Corned beef hash like dad used to make, pancakes that are fluffy and served with hot maple syrup, and their hash browns are creatively delicious! So many "regulars" in and out of the restaurant and exchanges of conversations that end with "love you guys" reminds you that this place holds personal connections spanning decades of being in business. Service was good and it's a no frill place so if you drank all your coffee, don't be afraid to ask because they get busy. Wall deco is a hodgepodge of signatures of famous people, leftover 4th of July and Christmas deco, and an array of merchandise you can buy. We were too hungry to remember to take pics of the food, but just know that it was glorious!

Ate breakfast here today & the food is excellent...cheese omelette & hash browns are the BEST....arrived warm & delicious! My lower review reflects the waitress...it's the third time we've had her & she's such a snot each time! She's not friendly, borderlines on rude...while she kept our coffee fresh she gives no greeting whatsoever. I hate to give a bad tip but I can barely even give her anything...except the food is so fabulous! Her name is not on the receipt & she has never introduced herself...this might help the Waveland managers to assist the person with customer service skills: Trans #85; Batch #968...we left @ 11:35. Thank you.

To keep the chill at bay,hot beef over mash potatoes was just the right fixer upper. The portion sides were more than one could eat in a setting. The atmosphere seems to be a local hangout. Even though the roast beef did not taste like it had been cooking for hours, the favors were good. The waitresses called out patrons by first name which is a skill. One drawback is the tidy parking lot. With no place to park most called in an order to go. "Benny And the Jets" resonated in the background with that 80s rhythm. All the workers had so much energy and seemed to like their working environment. Some of the locals just hung around munching on their breakfast delight. If you wanted to give this place a try--I would say 1:00 PM would be a good time. It seems breakfast is their specialty. Prices are moderate from $7.50-$10.50. Not bad for a full plate of comfort food. If you are in the mood for breakfast from scratch this is your place, but be mindful of the limited parking and perhaps park across the street. Upon my return I ordered the Breakfast Momoa hash browns, biscuits, gravy, bacon, and sunny side up eggs. The entree will last me three additional meals and yes I will hav a yummy and satisfying treat full of enjoyable goodness! Who doesn't love a runny eggs that breaks spreading saucy freshness with every bite! A good neighborhood spot where the regulars are on a first name basis!!!

If you are a fan of big portions, this is your place. I prefer quality over quantity. Be prepared for a wait on busy mornings. I will go back because my dad likes the Cafe. I am rather neutral on it.

When there is a line out front, you have to make the decision; do I risk the caffeine headache and try this place - or do I get back into the car and see what else is available. When the place is Waveland Café you take the risk. We were wrapping up our Des Moines trip and some app suggested the Waveland Café as a breakfast spot before the drive back to Chicago. They boasted the best hash browns in the galaxy. (Spoiler alert: I forgot to order the hash browns.) The wait was not long and we were brought into this quaint café that bustled with tattooed ladies slings plates of pancakes and biscuits and gravy and fried eggs as well as the hash browns. (Ed. note: I will have to revisit and just have hash browns.) I ordered biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage links while Marilyn went with a nice fried egg sandwich on rye with bacon. (Everything is better with bacon.) We quaffed a lot of coffee - and the young lady just kept filling us up. The plate of biscuits and gravy was over flowing with one of the best gravies I have ever had. There was enough pepper to keep it interesting and enough little chunks of sausage to keep it tasty. The biscuits were fresh and flaky. They would have been delicious without the gravy. They were fresh and fantastic. The sausages were perfect. Marilyn's sandwich was perfect for her. There was enough food to feel good and satisfied - but not stuffed and achy. The service never skipped a beat and the young lady never lost her smile. She had a packed house and a line out the door and she never lost her smile. We didn't linger because the line outside was growing - but we will return. We will come back and I will get the hash browns. I bought a coffee cup and when I gaze at it - three long days later - I am thrust back to Des Moines and my new favorite breakfast spot. Best breakfast in the galaxy.

Waitress was horrible. Food was horrible. how can you mess up eggs and biscuits and gravy. Waitress brought me sausage with my eggs instead of bacon waitress never brought the drinks and biscuits and gravy was watery.

To slow to small one hour wait for foodvery crowded service stinks do not waste your time in this rat hole

Hole in the wall breakfast place. Parking is limited without walking a ways. Good variety of choices, great tasting food! Good value. Didn't find the staff very friendly Sunday morning. Not sure if that's the norm there.

Have been going to this amazing place almost 30 years and find it's consistently great-always hot coffee and hot and delicious food! The wait staff is really on the ball and down to earth.

Great food , fair prices, nice Nostalgia vibe to the place , good service, a must do if in the neighborhood

The food was excellent! Portions were generous. Wait wasn't so bad. We will definitely be back.

Waveland is a small family owned diner and your expectations should be adjusted as such. The restaurant is small and seating can be tight. If you come with a group larger than 2-4, you will be waiting for tables to clear. There is a chance you will get lucky and get a large table for 6-8, but don't count on it being available when you show up. The good news with the wait is that the service is reliable and relatively quick. It will appear a little chaotic, but relax. Ask for a cup of coffee and chill. The food is solid. I've been a handful of times and always left happy. There isn't anything exceptional about it. It's just an excellent breakfast spot. Personally I think that's why it's so legendary. No gimmicks. No frills. Just good food.

Good food and good service. This place really packs them in and without a waitlist, the seats are just first come first served. One star gets docked for this place having a very strong opinion...and take that however you wish. The owners of Waveland Cafe seem to have a very strong opinion of some proposed road reconstruction in front of the restaurant that would basically put a bike lane between the sidewalk and the perpendicular parking in front. They even went as far to create diaoramas of the proposed work complete with Hot Wheels cars. There is even a petition to sign at the front. I get it. They're not pleased. But does that really have to be so front and center when you walk in? Ehh...I don't know. Might be better to stick to making great food.

Amazing and fun place. Lots of history. Walked in and was seated immediately. Great small town feeling. We ordered drinks immediately and then server took our order. Food was prompt but was made to order. Food was outstanding. Everything has great flavor and tasted like grandma had been up cooking us breakfast. Atmosphere was outstanding. Everyone was happy and excited to be with their loved ones enjoying a traditional breakfast.

Hands down, the best "greasy spoon" diner food you can find here in the Des Moines metro. No pretension here - just good food, served by friendly and fast service, and cooks who really know their stuff. The only reason I can't give them five stars is because it is so hard to get in here! The only time we've ever been able to go and not wait a long time (which is hard with a preschooler!) is when we've come on a weekday in the late morning. But that's just a testament to how great this place is at what it does!

Went on a Saturday and have heard great things about Waveland prior to coming. As you walk in you can see the place was decorated by a middle schooler in the 90s. The jock jams curated playlist blasting in the kitchen was also made by this child. Now to the food. We were greeted with a watered down cup o' joe that tasted like dish water. The coffee cake was stupendous, but it's hard to mess up bread with a shit load of butter, cinnamon and sugar on it. My western omelet was wet from too many tomatoes and tasteless. Thank god I had hot sauce to drowned it in. Will not be returning.

This small town diner was one for the books! A full menu featuring some hearty eggs and scrambled, sandwiches, and biscuits and gravy on top of some fresh hash browns. Wow. If you're wanting to eat here, get here early! We ordered the lumberman, which was biscuits and gravy on top of hash browns. Gravy is always a hit or miss at restaurants and I was pleasantly surprised! These tasted homemade, huge biscuits, and perfectly cooked hash browns. We also ordered the everything hash browns with eggs. Hash browns, peppers, onions, mushrooms, cheese, and bacon. If I ever find myself in Des Moines again, this place was top on my list!

This is just what we expected and hoped for. Solid diner breakfast, great service, good coffee, genuine diner ambiance. I will be back.

This was just what I was looking for. A great authentic diner breakfast. Bacon, thick and crispy eggs cooked just right and sweet French toast. The coffee was hot and filled on the regular without even having to ask the waitresses make you feel like family the second you walked in the door highly recommend.!!! An Indiana traveler

AMAZING! So glad we found this place on our recent trip to Des Moines. It was so good we went back the next day even. Amazing hash browns, omelettes, pancakes, and most importantly SERVICE. It is a smaller space, so be prepared for a bit of a wait on a weekend, but know that it is 100% worth the wait! Skip the breakfast chains and give Waveland a try!

Standing in line outside because they won't make a list. Now the guy next to me is smoking a cigarette. No parking, this food better be life altering.

The first thing that makes this place great is the staff in the restaurant. They are so friendly, and you instantly feel welcome. The next thing is the food. Every part of my meal was delicious, and I left with a happy, content face.

A good greasy spoon breakfast cafe. No pretense no bullshit and you get what you get. I avoid rush times but that's hard in itself because I'm not about eating breakfast and lunch at weird times. I think they may be understaffed most times because at times food takes a while or servers are swamped and can be inattentive because of being understaffed.

I always look for family owned restaurants that value their customers by offering good food at a reasonable price. It is a collection of long term employees, friendly atmosphere and attention to making their customers feel welcome. Great breakfast served all day, daily specials are always delicious also. Locals line up outside waiting their turn to enjoy a favorite meal. Do yourself a favor and check it out

Waveland is a classic spot with all the comfort food favorites. French toast, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and more. It seems to often be packed with repeat customers which is always a good thing! The servers are fast and attentive. There are coffee mugs hanging on the wall for coffee club members. A discount on refills for using your own special mug! The French toast is delicious. Bacon was perfectly cooked. I can't wait to go back and try the breakfast burger!

Nice small diner atmosphere. Very large portions. I had the breakfast special and everything was really good. I am very picky on biscuits and gravy and these were really good. It can fill up quick but worth the wait.

Best breakfast around and the staff is awesome. Highly recommend!! It's amazing how consistently the food tastes great.

I know this has been a good local place and I feel ashamed that I haven't been here before now. I was a little disappointed over all on my experience including and starting with lack of parking, then to the seating. The staff was busy bees and were trying the best they could. The hashbrowns with my meal were good but I just dont see the draw to this place. Personally not my cup of tea, at least today, is how I felt.

Amazing breakfast. Good atmosphere. Nice small setting with friendly staff. Try and go at least once a month. Good pricing as well. Hash browns are killer.

Great breakfast spot. You have to get the hash browns loaded. My only ask is where do the waitresses get their weed and can I join them for a session? Breakfast Special

Love the hash browns and patty melts! I do wish there was an option of having shredded cheddar in the omelettes instead of sliced American cheese. Years ago I had the most delicious pepper jack cheese soup and have never stopped thinking about it. The wait is long at times but it is part of the charm. Such a laid back atmosphere.

This is a place that you really hate to review because it is so good and already popular - why add to the crowd...? I HAVE to eat here at least once every time I'm in the Des Moines area or it just isn't a successful visit. Service and food are both consistent and outstanding. Plan for a wait - there is typically a line during "normal" hours.