The Cafe
The Cafe — photo 2
The Cafe — photo 3
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The Cafe

2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, IA

★★★★★4.7(2,018 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

This beloved Ames gem seamlessly blends café culture with restaurant-quality cooking, where you'll find evolving seasonal menus featuring standouts like Korean Fried Chicken Chinois and house-made potato chips alongside expertly crafted specialty coffee drinks. The warm, bistro-like atmosphere with moody lighting makes it equally perfect for lingering solo with a book, meeting friends, or sharing a full breakfast with family, though arriving early or later helps you dodge the notoriously busy mid-shift rush. With nearly 4.7 stars across 2,000+ reviews, locals consistently praise the thoughtful service and beautiful space that genuinely makes visitors want to stay longer than they planned.

What to expect

Specialty drinksWifiSlow sitSignature drinksFull breakfastMeetingsLight foodTraditional drinksFamily friendly

Google Reviews

Deborah Losiaboi
★★★★★2 months ago

I had an amazing meal and it is easily a 5 out of 5 for me. I ordered the Korean Fried Chicken Chinois, the Café Burger, and a side of house-made potato chips, and every single item was outstanding. The Korean Fried Chicken Chinois had perfectly crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat, paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables that made the dish feel balanced and vibrant. The Café Burger was juicy and cooked exactly how I like it, topped with sharp white cheddar and their signature 1000 island sauce that added a rich, tangy finish. The house-made potato chips were crisp, well-seasoned, and clearly made in-house, which made them hard to stop eating. I also tried a bite of the Somerset Salad, and the combination of smoked salmon, mixed greens, and crunchy seeds tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully composed. The space itself felt warm, clean, and inviting, and the staff were genuinely friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Everything from the presentation to the flavors felt intentional and high quality. It is the kind of place where you can taste the care in the cooking, and I would absolutely come back again without hesitation.

Angie McKinley
★★★★★3 months ago

This café is truly a gem in Ames. Every visit feels special thanks to its warm, beautiful atmosphere that makes you want to stay just a little longer. The menu is always evolving, which means there’s always something new and exciting to try. The entrées are as delicious as they are stunning—each plate looks like it came straight out of a magazine, and the flavors never disappoint. And the desserts? Absolutely top tier. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or someone who prefers something fruity and light, there’s always a sweet treat that hits the spot. If you're looking for a place that combines creativity, comfort, and consistently amazing food, this café should definitely be at the top of your list.

Jess R
★★★★★7 months ago

We were passing through Ames and came for breakfast. Friendly service, excellent coffee, my quiche was full of flavor and the salad it came with was delicious. My family all enjoyed their food too. Will come again when we're next in the area.

Chris
★★★★7 months ago

Go early or later, the mid shift gets really busy and a little wait time will be necessary. The ambiance was that of a nice bistro. The food was outstanding. TVhe choices this trip was Mac and cheese and the birdie torte. The mac and cheese did not have the bread crumb topping however it was adorned by a layer of nicely melted mozzarella. The torte had a slice of great tender chuck and had a cup of au due that was spiced with chili. It was perfection in a sandwich. The prices may seem high but the experience will leave you wanting to come back really soon. Well done friendly. Courteous staff. We'll done chef as well. See you soon. 32

Timothy Olson
★★★★a year ago

Very nice atmosphere for a date - It's dark and pretty and romantic, I think. The food was good. For me the prices were high but probably not high for the area.. Not a good enough value. My Cobb salad was good, a bit too upscale, and a bit small, I thought. Burgers were good. Not a wow but good. I probably won't go there again but I'm cheap.

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