Crema's Take
“University Library Cafe is a historic dive bar that pulls off the rare trick of serving legitimately excellent breakfast and bar food without any pretension—their French toast and chicken fried steak are standouts. It's tiny and perpetually packed with a mix of Drake students and locals who come for the elevated pub grub, full bar, and that comfortable, worn-in feeling that only decades of community can create. Go early for breakfast or late evening when you can actually snag a seat and linger.”
What to expect
Classic coffee drinks done right. A slow-sit, laptop-friendly spot, good for meetings. Full breakfast and light food on the menu. Open late.
Google Reviews
See all on Google →Small, cozy place. We visited Thursday about 8:45pm. It was about 2/3 full with two open tables and some bar seating. Customers seemed like a mix of locals and some nearby Drake U students. Bartender was also wait staff. Friendly service, neither fast nor slow, just fine. A…
Pssst. Not a library! BUt what it is, is awesome! A tiny place with massive charm, serving elevated grub pub and epic breakfast. Pair that with a full bar, cool locals and lots of history and that is what this place is! After one visit we are believers and will be back for…
This place was a fun spot! It’s a small dive bar that I’ve been wanting to check out in Des Moines. The nachos were incredibly delicious and the beers poured perfectly.
Another trip down memory lane while I am in Des Moines has to include a stop at the Library. This is a quintessential dive bar with excellent bar food and a huge beer selection. I was too hungry to snap a picture of the nachos but that’s one thing they’re well known for and I…
great place for breakfast! French toast is very good. we had buscuits and gravy and then the chicken fried steak. the gravy for the both was very peppery the way I like it. a little too much for my wife. overall excellent 👌
Crema Reviews
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