Great home cooked food! Hot peppers were just right. Patty melt and meatloaf were awesome. read more

Papa Kerns Cafe - American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Food is always good when we visit and the staff is wonderful. Our grandkids love going there and the menu covers all there tastes.

The food is excellent,waitress friendly and prices are right.! Onion rings are the best around!!

Having been on the sweet tea and narcotics diet, breakfast just hasn't been on the radar lately. That and I usually don't wake up till well after breakfast has become a thing of the past. Breakfast is and always has been one of those meals that always taste better when its prepared by someone else. Normally I prefer that person to be half naked at least and a female of our species but so far I havent found a Cafe that is willing to fill that request. The first time we went here we couldn't find a parking space any where close and I was unwilling to walk for any distance as clingers from the night before were still holding on so we settled for McDonalds which I must admit, as much as I loathe the golden arch's their breakfast aint bad. Fast forward to the next Sunday and we're in. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have counter seating. I always prefer sitting at the counter or the bar because thats where all the cool kids always sit and you can usually get a good idea of whats actually going on behind the scenes. In Papa Kearns case you could partially see what was going in the kitchen which is always a plus. I counted 3 cooks. 2 females and 1 male. The older of the females was clearly in charge and based upon what I could tell she was running a pretty tight ship. I used to be terrified of 3 things. Clowns Ferris Wheels Runny egg whites I have since overcome my fear of clowns (not that I'll be watching IT anytime soon) and willed myself to ride the ferris wheel multiple times at last years state fair after Nova would not stop calling me a name that is probably against Yelp's term of service policy but it rhymes with wussy. Runny egg whites has now taken the top spot on my fear chart because they are gross. They remind me of a kid with snot running out of his nose and his mama is to preoccupied combing through and responding to all her messages on instagram in response to her barely covered boob and butt selfies posted in search of Mister Right. The kid needs a step father, we get that, but have a little respect for yourself for fuck sake. My problem is my favorite way to eat eggs is over easy. Not over medium, not over hard but over easy. I have found that in my years on this planet very, very few people can pull this off properly with the exceptions of my mama (RIP), Nova (occassionally) and this chick I used to hook up with years ago in Oskaloosa. We'd drive out to the country and smoke buckets of hashish and kill a few bottles of Boones Farm Strawberry wine. The first night I spent with her she made bacon, no, no it was breakfast sausage and over easy eggs and they were cooked perfectly. I should have snatched her up right there but I was young and cherished my freedom. I ended up losing her to a hairdresser named Gene. Talk about a blow to the ego. Nova ordered eggs over easy (thats my girl), hasbrowns, sausage patties and a couple of pancakes. I went with the chicken fried steak, eggs over easy, hashbrowns with cheese and a half order of biscuits & gravy, heavy on the gravy. Of course Nova ordered way to much...always but did pretty good over all and she said that it was all good. My eggs were perfect. Cooked just to the point of complete egg white doneness with nice, warm gooey yolks as the Lord intended that they be prepared. The chicken fried steak was not the best I ever had but not the worst either. Definitely not made in house and a bit thin to what I'm used to but tasted fine overall. The biscuits and gravy were just like my Gmail Oma Jean made back in the day when breakfast meant something god dammit. Could have used a bit spicier sausage but that's just my preference. I liked the atmosphere, I liked the divieness, I like the staff that served us and I liked the food. Most of all, I liked that it gave Nova something to chew on for awhile other then my ass so could enjoy my Sunday morning. Papa gets 4 stars. read more

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Love this place! Food is always good and the waitresses are always nice and friendly

Every staff member was kind and friendly. I ordered B fast and my wife ordered a fish sandwich. Loved that the server (Sandy) asked if we wanted bacon, fries, hashbrowns crispy.. The pancakes were the best I've ever had! My wife does not eat pancakes, I got her to try these and she said "oh my god, they melt in your mouth" (I like to think it was my combination of butter and syrup!) Lol Seriously, folks.... this place is our new "go to" for a good food! Enjoy it! The Crispy peeps PS you can order anything off the menu at any time! read more

Papa Kerns Cafe - Two eggs, HB, bacon and the fluffiest pancakes this side of the Mississippi! - American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

So I come here once a week I came in Sunday today and everyone but one person is running around trying to work when ya have the boss daughter standing around doing nothing if I was a waitress here I would walk off job and never look back!!!! Favoritism is for the bird so she should fly away . Train her to do something all she can do is wipe off a table. Bad company to work for if it's like that..TRAIN HER FOR THE CASH REGISTER AT LEAST!!!! read more

Service was friendly, but the food was terrible! Now that I think about it, the server delivered the check before I had even taken my first bite of food but she was friendly. I ordered a grilled lemon pepper chicken breast dinner. The chicken breast was tiny--just a sliver. The baked potato looked and tasted like it was from yesterday and had been sitting in a steam table or something. Seriously, I don't know what they did to this potato to get it that way--it no longer had the mealy texture of a baked potato. The corn was brownish! The garnish was a tomato slice on top of anemic white and brown ice berg lettuce pieces. Worst of all, this disaster was served on a badly chipped plate! There was probably a 1/3 inch chunk broken off the edge of the plate. This was a terrible and depressing meal. No pride whatsoever in their work. This was my first and last visit. The ambiance was typical greasy spoon diner. read more

This is definitely a hidden gem. Although they are not that "hidden" located at the corner of a pretty busy intersection with a large beautiful sign out front, I have not heard any talk about this place. We just decided it was the right time to try their food after reading some positive reviews. The atmosphere is great, a very "hometown local eatery" feel. The staff members are very friendly and work/act like they are a family owned restaurant (Which maybe it is, I'm not sure). The menu is very short, but the food items look great! Service was fast and great! We got the biscuits and gravy as an appetizer and really enjoyed it! We also had the Papa Burger (their signature burger) and we were not disappointed, one of the best burgers in town! The secret is the ham in the burger that changes the whole game. We also had the hot beef over mashed potatoes which tasted great and homemade! I highly recommend checking this place out! Parking is very convenient with their large private lot! read more

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This restaurant was much better when it was The Home Plate, although they were always swamped and a bit disorganized during the annual Good Guys car show at the fairgrounds, too. Our waitress was great, even though it was her first day on the job. Why don't restaurants staff better during big adjacent events? The poor servers had to seat people, wait on them and bus tables. We waited quite a while to be seated for breakfast, even though clean tables were available. There was a long line at the door when we left and about 8 tables to be bussed before anyone could be seated. The food was mediocre and we probably won't be back. We looked forward to breakfast at The Home Plate for many years during the car show. Now we'll just eat inside the fairgrounds every day. One year later: Well, we ate here again this year. It wasn't as crowded and it was better staffed - not well enough for our server to grab our breakfast before it sat there and got cold, though. Okay. Seriously this time - we won't be back! read more

I don't understand the appeal of this place or how it is a "hidden gem" my husband and I used to frequent the home plate dinner that previously occupied the same space during the good guys car show. we decided we would try this place anyway since we already walked across the street and didn't want to pay fairgrounds prices. the food is all processed pre made stuff that probably comes out of a can or box.. or at least it tastes that way. our friend ordered steak and eggs. he was told the steak was frozen and that's why it took so long. really.. who cooks steak from frozen?? it was either that or thawed in a microwave. when it was time to pay, our bill for two entrees and one coffee was $31. I asked my husband how much his was, the menu said $12. mine was around $8. I asked how we got to $31, and the lady completely ignored me and swiped my card anyway. no receipt offered. I usually don't complain about prices, but if I'm going to blow $30 on breakfast, I expect at least average quality. read more

This local eatery is the very definition of great hole-in-the-wall worthy of being on Diners, Dives and Drive ins. Park in the back. I highly recommend breakfast (served all day) including corned beef hash. read more

Ordered scrambled eggs and they were burnt and dry. Handwritten note on the menu stated they couldn't guarantee eggs will be fully cooked. I guess they succeeded here! In another meal the fries tasted like they were freezer burnt or was cooked in old oil. Servers not friendly. Leaky ceilings inside. read more

We have been going to Papa Kerns for a few months now. We have never had bad service or bad food. Until today. Matt had his usual Denver omelette, hash browns, toast and a side of sausage. He said his food was delicious. I expanded my horizon this week and tried the meatloaf supper. Big mistake. Although the meatloaf tasted ok, the crust around the outside was dry and hard. The potatoes tasted like they were from a box of potato flakes and the gravy was gummy The corn definitely came from a can. I am so disappointed because I have loved every other meal I have eaten here. I was hoping for something like my mom's meatloaf but this was not even close. I can't make meatloaf to save my life (it's either soup or a hockey puck) and I think my meatloaf is better! I will not get this again. read more

Papa Kerns Cafe - Was disappointed in this meal... - American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

It is what it is, nothing fancy. Staff is friendly, food is edible, coffee is good, price is right. A lot of flies that were annoying, almost left because of them. The place need some updating and repairs but shouldn't sway grabbing a bite. It's just not my style but if you're hungry it will do. read more

Large parking lot. Breakfast alllllllll day! Tables and booths plus a small bar to choose from. Pretty decent menu. Did I say breakfast allllllll day!? :). Biscuits and gravy and hash browns were great. French toast was very good. Service was very nice and all done with a smile! A++ read more

Papa Kerns Cafe - Down home cookin'! Delish.... - American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Popped in randomly for a hamburger and fries. Fries were classic crinkle cut fries and are pretty good. The burger was a bit small for the bun but the meat itself was great. Came with a ton of pickles and onions. Pretty good place for the price. I'll be back. read more

Papa Kerns Cafe - American Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Papa Kerns had great food. Loved it completely. 8 of us went and all were very happy throughout the whole experience Give this place a chance, you will be very happy. read more

This is my fave place to eat When I visit Des Moines. They have some nice home cooked meals and nice people that work there.

Food was good for a diner. Service was fast but you could tell the regulars received wonderful service. Would we go back again? When we get hungry for diner food and ok with being laid back and going to a family style place, we would go back. But when we want our socks knocked off with amazing tastes, waiters know how to describe each item and atmosphere is wonderful we would go some place else. But good food here. Not a slam at all!! read more

Very good food-probably the best hot beef I have ever had! Waitress was kind of gruffty, but very efficient. Would recommend

Good breakfast but coffee is kind of weak. Portions are large.

Sometimes you just have to go for comfort food. I read a little blurb in the Register about a good place to get a hot beef sandwich. So off to Papa Kerns we went. We were promptly seated. The waitress took our order and turned it in. I was watching when they set this mound of steaming hot food up on the counter. I couldn't wait. Piping hot, delicious, really stick to your ribs. I don't normally give five stars out to restaurants but in this case that hot beef was everything I wanted. It was hot and tasty. The gravy was not any of that gelatinous crap that most restaurants pass off as gravy. This was good and hot and It tasted homemade. I knew with the serving size I wasn't going to go away hungry. Now the decorations in the restaurant were a little dated but the food more than made up for it. I know I will be back for another hot beef. But the choice is going to be hard because the omelette at the next table really looked good. So when it's time for you to enjoy some comfort food this is the place to go to. read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch to check the place out and was very pleased! We ordered breakfast and the plates were huge and tasted home cooked. I took half back to work for later. There was one lady covering the floor (of about 15 tables) and she was great. She was attentive, accommodating and inviting. The cafe is overall very down home and low maintenance. read more

Huge breakfast for $5! Food was quick, tasty and service was spectacular! We really enjoyed it and will certainly be back.

Came here with my parents on Mother's Day to try it out. Food was cold. What food wasn't already cold turned very quickly from the ac blasting over our table. One couple walked out because they (arriving before us) hadn't received their food but a family (coming in 15 minutes later than us) ordered and received their food. The staff seemed to make to attempt to save grace and just let them walk out. If I could I wouldn't give them even 1 star. Never going back. read more

Really good food, great service with a smile. If you go on a Saturday mid morning except a little wait time as its a very very busy place but great groceries though. Centrally located to most of eastern Iowa. read more

Just ok. Not a whole lot of variety but the staff seemed friendly. I can make just as good if not better food at home.

We love Kerns. Food always hot and homemade. Good variety and the onion rings are to die for. We have a group of anywhere from 10 16 and they are always glad to see us. staff is wonderful!!. This has become our all time friend gathering place. read more

I would like to update my previous 5 star review. The food was really really amazing when I first went but since then the beef gravy is gelatinous and flavorless. Other dishes also lack seasoning. My only guess is that they have changed cooks or are trying to save money and changing recipes. It's too bad because they were a really, really good before. read more

Drive by all the time, but never stopped by until tonight. Will continue to visit! Wonderful food, large menu, and a fantastic staff.

went here at 10:30 a.m. pancake was cold - butter didn't even melt on it. the bacon looked like it had been fried 15 seconds on each side - it was still limp from package. asked for the waitress to have him fry it some more - he threw it in the fryer and it came out like bacon jerky. read more