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Cozy Cafe

3.2 (105 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

Cozy Cafe Photos

Business Info

COZY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Cozy Cafe

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Reviews With Photos

Love the exterior!
Daniel E.

We were craving pie on a Monday night and ended up finding one of the better places we have found here in Iowa. The Cozy Cafe mixes excellent customer service, a vast menu that includes all-day breakfast, and tasty food in an authentic diner vibe. Located about 15 minutes from Ankeny and downtown Des Moines, Cozy Cafe embraces who they are, as the exterior tells you they identify as a diner, and they don't veer when delivering. If you're traveling via Highway 80, it's a quarter-mile off the exit. Lots of parking. It has a fun old-school diner interior with far more seating than expected. Booths along the many windows, tables for bigger parties, and a counter that will be my spot the next time I visit. Our server, Abby, was terrific. She combined restaurant knowledge with a pleasant personality and kindness. Thankfully, she tipped us off to their "Blue Plate Specials," a Cozy Cafe daily feature that offered an outstanding meal at a great price. We were agonizing over whether to have an adult dinner or breakfast for dinner, an option that always exists at this place! My Way Better Half loved her Hot Beef with mashed potatoes and veggies, and my Meatloaf dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn was delicious. We capped off our tasty visit with pie slices, one coconut, and one apple (both with ice cream), satisfying our earlier pie craving that led us to Cozy Cafe! Nice going, Cozy Cafe; I loved it, and we are returning!

Cozy Burger and Side of Onion Rings
Dawn M.

True diner flare! One time I'm going to sit at the counter!! Service is always friendly. I did order the biscuits and gravy and found the gravy to be a little milky and not having much sausage so that was disappointing but everything else was fine. The portion size is good for the price, for breakfast.

chili mac add grazianos sausage.
Kris S.

Thursday lunch with my parents. mom and I split the pork tenderloin, stepdad got chili mac and added grazianos sausage o. it. he loved it. the tenderloin was ok. they said the onion rings were skinny ones, but these were in between, not the straw type, but we're still pretty good. Our server did a great job.

Not the meatloaf Club sandwich that I ordered......but it was good anyway. Meat Loaf Club Sandwich
Erica Rikki R.

Got my order wrong....but food was really tasty. Cute atmosphere. I ordered a meatloaf club, but got an Italian meatball sandwich.

Ahhh coffee
Dil S.

I think the place was alright. Few things really got me to think I will never go back like all there severs just grap the Cinnamon roll with there hands (not cleaned) warm it and serve it. Also the fact it didn't come out first, it came with breakfast. Then I saw another server pickup dirty dishes then go get another roll to warm up for a table using hands.... As far as food goes it was good old school dinner place, with large size meals and full once done. Had the coffee black with no issues so that's good too

Breakfast menu
Hannah V.

I came here on a busy, New Year's morning with a large group and we waited 30 minutes to be seated. Our waiter was quick to get our drinks and orders. I got a cinnamon roll, potato bites (tater tots) and bacon. The cinnamon roll was so good! Everyone else seemed to enjoy their food and didn't have any issues. Cozy Cafe has a warm, homey, diner atmosphere with TV's to watch the game. Would come back again when I'm in the area!

It's a diner that also has beer and limited alcohol options. And, Food Network on the TV!
Rob P.

So many places are closed with the economy tanking, and we thought this place was closed, too. There were only two cars out front. Now that I see what a terrific little place this is, this has me worried about their future. But, for the present, this is a big winner. As with many diners, there are entirely too many things on the menu. But, it appears that they do enough of those things quite well. My wife got a nicely cooked grilled chicken sandwich with perfectly cooked crinkle cut fries. I got the southwest omelette, which included various meats and peppers. I added cheddar cheese. I was concerned about the jalapeño cheese sauce, but it turned out to be very mildly spicy. It was delicious. And, the hash browns are perfectly cooked: crispy, without a hint of grease. I also love the marble rye toast. A meal with more than enough food for two, including a glass of Prosecco, only set us back $27. As good as the food was, we are definitely going to make this a stop next time we pass through town. I just hope that they get enough business that they stay open.

What is up with the apostrophe!!!!
Makayla K.

Dreamy lil nostalgic spot to come for Sunday Brunch after church! They were busy but well staffed and we were treated kindly. My biscuits and gravy were delicious! I would like to know more about the apostrophe by Cafe on their sign (see picture below) but my friend said please do not ask that is embarrassing so I guess I will never know and that is okay. Maybe I am not meant to know, maybe I am just supposed to enjoy gravy!

Jaci S.

We love the service & the food! Our server was incredibly sweet - very family friendly & the prices are great! Tons of options to choose from, we've been there 2 times & loved it. We bring people visiting into town here, as we can have conversations & still hear each other. The food is comfort & the setting is cozy. Would recommend as it's a wonderful location to feel right at home!!

Breakfast Mess

Great food, fast service, clean environment, cozy cafe vibes. Our server was Abby, and she was very friendly and nice.

Bar and seating area
Benjamin J.

First off, what a menu! Place has it all, including a full bar. The location has outside seating and plenty of indoor seating. The waitresses and waiters were on point, extremely friendly, and super fun. Jamie was our main server, but other servers were willing to help, working well as a team. The food was AMAZING, breakfast and lunch. My friends and I had a great meal in a very friendly environment for breakfast and lunch. Would recommend, 5 stars!

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8 years ago

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7 years ago

Friendly staff and the owner greets guests who arrive. Good food and great service.

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8 years ago

Great food and great service. Friendly staff and the owner greets guests who arrive. Food is delicious and prompt.

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10 years ago

The food and the service is always awesome! We love eating here for breakfast every Sunday! The Steak & Eggs is delicious!

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9 years ago

Our server Pam was amazing and very patient with are large group. My steak and eggs were cooked perfectly and we will be back soon.

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12 years ago

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12 years ago

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7 years ago

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12 years ago

Friendly laid back atmosphere and excellent fried chicken with lots of tasty dessert options.

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9 years ago

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Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

3.8(328 reviews)
7.2 mi
$$
Full bar
Takes reservations

4.8* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $35 01/22/2026 We returned to one of our favorite places downtown due to receiving a special offer through email. We started with a delicious Tupelo Margarita and a dark lager beer, from their good selection of tap beers. For our dinner, my wife ordered the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits (see picture) and I opted for the Smothered Chicken with cream corn and green beans (see picture) for sides. As we've come to expect from our visits to Tupelo Honey, both main dishes as well as the sides were delicious - chicken was crispy and juicy and both the Shrimp & Grits and cream corn were buttery and creamy. When they say Southern Comfort Food...they mean it! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

I would like to preface this review by saying, the reason I gave 2 stars is because our server was…read moreso kind and the "Kiss My Grits" sign in the entrance of the restaurant was cute. As far as the remaining experience, significantly disappointing. I have never had such bland food in my life. I got the Chicken & Waffles, cooked perfectly, however the flavor profile was similar to that of loose leaf paper. I was so hungry coming from my flight that I ate it but it took likely enough salt and butter to raise my blood pressure for there to be a smidge of taste in my meal. It's a pretty restaurant to go grab drinks and maybe an appetizer but not much else. Overall 3/10.

Photos
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

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The Urban Grill

The Urban Grill

4.0(210 reviews)
1.9 mi
$$

Returning to The Urban Grill was wonderful and brought back memories, especially after five years…read moreof not traveling to Branson, MO. Memories of conversations with the owners, memories of the excellent dishes and good wines. Going back felt like time stood still, but believe me, time does. After hours of driving from Branson, MO, we were able to recharge, and I also want to emphasize Danielle's professionalism and warm welcome. I hope and wish there will be another visit. I won't say goodbye, but rather, until next time.

We sat at the bar, and the bartender was incredibly sweet and attentive - though wow, she was busy…read moreon a Saturday evening at 6 p.m.! Her great attitude made our experience even better. The place was packed (which is why we chose the bar), but we weren't disappointed. The restaurant/bar was well maintained and decorated - with a nicer type of vibe. People were dressed in anything from jeans to dress pants, to dresses, to suits. It fit all types of attire, but could certainly be the perfect date night spot. The food looked and tasted amazing. I didn't even get a chance to take any photos! We shared the chicken and Brussels sprouts, opting for extra Brussels instead of rice, and I have to say, these were the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had. Perfectly cooked, coated in sauce, not raw or charred. We also had the French dip with sweet potato fries and some of the sauces the bartender recommended. It was fantastic, not greasy or heavy, and the bread was perfectly soft. One of our sides was the chicken tortilla soup, which was also delicious. No complaints from start to finish. We'll definitely be returning whenever we're passing through the Des Moines area!

Photos
The Urban Grill - Seating

Seating

The Urban Grill - Sausage & Mushroom Flatbread

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The Urban Grill - Tirimisu Martini

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Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio - Mini Pizza

Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio

3.7(243 reviews)
4.6 mi
$$

4.2* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 3* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $19 (no drinks) 03/08/2026 Slept in after a late night so found ourselves going to a noon Mass downtown and looking for a brunch stop on the way home. We've driven by this place and talked about stopping for food before and my wife had been there with co-workers after work one day, but this was our first stop for food. A clean, modern storefront greets you (see picture) and with plenty of televisions and a nice patio, it looks to be a hopping place once the temperatures warm up a little. While our server was a little hard to find at times, we both found our food to be quite good. My wife ordered the Nacho Burrito Meal (see picture) and I opted for the Honey Citrus salad (see picture). As is our custom, we shared samples of each of our meals and both of us found both choices to be worthy of ordering again. I really liked the clean, crisp and fresh salad with a delicious tangy dressing and the Burrito was tasty inside and out (loved the creamy, cheesy sauce). If you are looking for a great stop for Sunday morning brunch (possibly after some shopping at Sam's Club just across the interstate to the North), you won't go wrong here! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

I have had take out twice from here and I've gotten their byob (build your own burger) with a…read moregluten free bun and baked sweet potato fries. Both times I have been so happy with my burgers but especially the last time because I added a garlic aioli to it and it was divine. The sweet potato fries are so good as well. My burger has been perfectly made each time too just how I ask for it to be cooked. I can't iterate enough how happy it makes me when I find a place who offers gf options because of my allergy. The service is fast and the ambiance seems good too. I'd like to try going here for brunch because I've heard good things about it as well. Their patio seems perfect for spring/summer time. I'll keep you all updated if I dine in here anytime soon.

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Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio - Wall Art!

Wall Art!

Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio - Cheese Curds

Cheese Curds

Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio - Mule

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The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge - Boursin Stuffed Mushrooms

The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge

4.2(177 reviews)
5.2 mi
$$

4.4* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 5*…read more Service: 4* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $28 02/06/2026 We were running out of time for Happy Hour availability on Friday night, so picked something closer to home and decided to give The Club Car a try since we enjoyed previous visits. For drinks, we started with a Pineapple Jalapeno Mule and a Coconut Mule while waiting for our food. For our Happy Hour food options, we chose the Boursin Mushrooms (see picture), Nachos with Beef (see picture) and BBQ Shrimp Kabob (see picture). While the Mushrooms and BBQ Shrimp Kabob were worthy of 5* ratings (both were fantastic and highly recommended), the Nachos were average at best - as the chips tasted like a cheap no-label variety and the beef had little taste. We finished our meal with a couple of sweeter martinis (see picture) at the bar. We have been impressed with the drinks and bartenders during each of our visits and tonight was no different - both martinis were delicious!

I should review Club Car every time I eat here...though not much would ever change from update to…read moreupdate. Lol Love the railroad themed ambience... Retro railroad memorabilia, original framed posters, model train cars, and signs, all in a casual atmosphere... You'll be at home here in a three piece suit or jeans and a t shirt. Always great food and friendly staff...! Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... This is one of my favorite places to take people when they are in for work from out of town... Or to recommend to them to check out if the are staying in the general area... Our most recent lunch visit was a party to six. Three of us were local and the others were from our St Louis and Atlanta offices. Not long ago I recommended Club Car to some visitors we had in from Virginia. Not only did they love their first dinner experience there... They went back for dinner there every night they were in town . I'd given them an extensive list of local places to try. Broken down by location, cuisine type, price, etc... They didn't see a reason to check any of the other places out. It was cenvenient and easy to get to from their hotel. They loved the environment and the service they got... They were content to keep going back and explore their entire menu while they were here in the metro. Irina's recently took their boursin mushrooms off their menu. I love this dish and have been wanting to try them a Club Car. I had my chance on this latest trip. My manager and I split and order. They didn't disappoint. Very good! On this recent stop I had the Cajun Seafood Pasta. My manager had the Beef Stroganoff. Others at the table had the Pastrami Reuben the Rarebit Burger, a Patty Melt, and one of the flatbreads. Everyone enjoyed their meals! Our server on this visit was fantastic from start to finish! They always are though... A taller bald gentleman with a gray goatee. Isiah maybe? Took care of us well from start to finish. None of our glasses ever hit empty. He was attentive without hovering. I'm not sure Club Car has been around long enough to exactly call it a classic (opened in 1996), but it's certainly a staple, and one of my go tos, on the West side of town!

Photos
The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge
The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge - Shrimp Charleston

Shrimp Charleston

The Club Car Restaurant & Lounge - Mocktail

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Mocktail

Cozy Cafe - comfortfood - Updated May 2026

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