The first available takeout/pickup was 11:30. I took that. I arrived at 11:20 and my sandwich was on pickup rack. My sandwich was not even a little bit hot/warm. I was disappointed! I wanted a nice toasty tuna melt and I got a sloppy tuna melt. read more

10/10 sandwich I cannot wait to come back! Service was great, quick, and AMAZING bread! We got the California club!

This cafe is so delicious! Stopped in on a Wednesday for a later lunch and there was no wait. Sandwiches come hot in focaccia bread. These are the kinds of sammies you crave! Would 100% back if I'm in the area again. read more

I love their super fresh food and homemade breads. Dipping their garlic focaccia into the decadent potato pepper jack soup is something to live for! Every sandwich is a bit unique but the flavors work well together. After trying most menu items, there is not a bad one in the bunch. The hot chicken pesto melt was made with fresh pesto. Most importantly, they did not skimp on the pesto either, it was dripping all over. I recommend getting a regular sized sandwich with a combo. For $3.50 you get a beverage and a side (chips, potato salad, or soup). read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Chicken Pesto Chicken Hot Melt - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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One of my favorite lunch spots downtown. I wish they were open not than just lunch hours because the sandwiches are fantastic. They're made on the fantastic focaccia bread that one expects from South Union. (The same bread you can get at Gateway or Centro) The soups are also amazing. I recently tried their online ordering which was super easy and saved on time. The lunch lines can be long but it's worth the wait! (Or order online to cut that out) read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Triple pepper turkey, full order - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I got takeout during my wedding and it was amazing! The bread is so soft and flavorful. Everything from the sandwiches to the soup tasted great. I can't wait to go back and definitely recommend if you are around this area for lunch. read more

It's a bakery, and I would rank their bread among the best I've ever had. That's a win. The sandwiches are large, simple, and flavorful. Prices are in line with the quality and quantity they offer. The free bread hunks are hard to stop eating, especially when dipped in their soups. There is a good reason why they can get away with operating just 3 hours a day (and weekdays only) - people come when their lunch bell rings. read more

This used to be my favorite splurge lunch place. The sandwiches used to be on great focaccia garlic bread. The sandwich I purchased today had no flavor. Bread had no flavor and was not the usual bread. Also no mustard on the sandwich. Really disappointed. I don't think I'll be back. read more

Local out of this world sandwich shop. This quaint place will suit anyone fancy. Pick any of the Sammie and u can't go wrong with great meat on focaccia bread. Check the shops hours but this is a must go to if your in town. read more

Often imitated, but never duplicated. South Union is the original ciabatta bread sandwich shop. I have been coming here for years and you can always count on the quality of the sandwich. I usually visit here about once or twice a month, but for about a year my office was just a couple of blocks away, so I was visiting once or twice a week. I slowly made my way through most of the menu, but hands down my favorite is still Sarah's revenge. This place gets busy quick, so you want to go before noon if you can. Even though dining area is spacious it fills up quickly. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Sarah's Revenge - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I would add a photo but I ate my sandwich and soup in about a minute. That's how good it is. Always consistently tasty. Soup was perfect texture and the bread and sandwich delicious. I had the hot cheese melt-yum. Ordered for pickup and no wait. Great value and never disappoints. read more

Ordered the pesto chicken combo. The sandwich is a really good, especially the bread. The pepperjack potato soup is really nice too, although it is a little salty. The queue is really long during lunch hours. You can order a pickup from GrubHub to avoid the crowd. Would be great if the restaurant can prolong the operation hours. Found out it is only open during 11-2pm on weekdays. Would be great if the menu extended beyond salad and deli. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Pesto chicken sandwich - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This is a great spot to get lunch. The bread is fantastic. I usually get a half sandwich and it's enough for one person. The ingredients are fresh and tasty. read more

I've never frequented this place before, but now I work downtown a few times a week and it's a fast, fresh-tasting option. The sandwiches are phenomenal and service is efficient. I do wish they'd do a better job of branding (and curating) the overall experience (decor is almost non-existent) but it is what it is....a reliable option for a filling sandwich. read more

This was my first time to this place and I came during lunch hour. Line was huge, making me thing this is going to be some good food. It was good food indeed. It was darn good food. Actually, it was the best damn sandwich I've ever had, and I have ate at many sandwich places. I got their The Union Flatbread sandwich. It was hot and featured all kinds of Italian style meats. I got the Large, and also added a soup and pop for $3 extra. My total was $16.50 with tax but that's because I was the only person at this whole place that would order a LARGE sandwich. It was pretty big indeed, and it was worth every penny. The flatbread itself was toasted to perfection. The meat was juicy, salty, and orgasmicly good. The people I was with probably got tired of me saying how good my food was. On top of the already amazing sandwich, I got their potato soup or whatever it was. It was creamy goodness. It's like every bite of everything they have is so delicious. This place is 5*. Not only was I amazed at how good my food was, but everyone else that was with me loved everything they ate as well. I'll be coming here often. I'm going to try half the menu because I know everything will be on point! read more

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Croutons! Just stopped at South Union Bread Cafe to pickup lunch. The place was busy but they were doing well moving people through. I had called in my order over the phone but got stuck waiting in line because of some mixed communication. No hard feelings and got extra bread. My wife got a chicken blt salad and said it was very good and hit the spot. I had the chicken ceaser salad and also thought it was good. I first noticed the croutons on my salad were very tasty. They appeared homade and tossed with olive oil instead of butter. Nice. The herbs were good and not overpowering. The dressing was decent albeit lacking in the zesty department; not their fault just my preference . The chicken was harty, soft and flavorful. The bread included was pretty good too; it made a great addition to the salads. Overall good place I think we will return to try their salad bar sometime. read more

What can I say about this place but YUMMY!! The bread they give out is awesome. Offer olive oil and Parmesan to dip it in as well. Doubly awesome. Their pepper jack soup is the best soup I've ever ate. Their salad bar is awesome. Great choices on it, including real grilled chicken breast. The sandwiches I have had are amazing! Always one of my favorite lunch spots. Wish they were open at night as well, even until 6, so you could grab some dinner. read more

It's taken me a while to get to eat at South Union Bread Cafe because it's mainly a weekday lunch place. It was worth the wait. The environment is simple... tables, chairs and a clean open area. The staff is efficient and work quickly. They are not overly friendly. But honestly, it's not a place you go to make friends. It's a place for an amazing, quick lunch. The Formaro Cheesesteak was simply delicious. The meat was tender, the focaccia bread held its crispness, and the cheese/mayo/peppers blended in perfectly. The pasta salad side was just okay. Not bad, maybe just underwhelming... But the sandwich alone makes it 5 stars. I can't wait to go back and try a few others. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Beautiful old architecture. - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

What an amazing lunch. The wait was well worth it. It was crazy crowded from 12-1 (lunch break), but it was great again right around 1pm. I liked how they had the hot soup with the salad buffet (self serve). It was a little strange that it didn't have covers, but it was no big deal. The italian was a little too flavorful for me, but the chicken pesto panini was perfect. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Italian was a little much for my taste, but all the ingredients were of great quality! - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

There food is the bomb. This spot has been on my list of places to try for a while but since I work in West Des Moines I hadn't had a chance to make it during there open hours, but I took a lil longer lunch and it was definitely worth it. I had the pasta salad and triple pepper Turkey sandwich and loved both items. The chicken BLT salad was so pretty, fresh and delicious lol lots of chicken and bacon. Also the dressing complemented the salad perfectly, I had the blt salad for lunch the next day. I shared the Italian sandwich, potato salad, and Italian salad and they loved everything as well. The chili was the soup of the day and had a lot of beans, too many for me, but the flavor was great. The potato soup was delicious as well. Very reasonably priced for the amount of food you get it's about $9 for a salad or sandwich snd everything is so fresh and flavorful. I ordered online and went straight to the pickup counter, my only complaint was the gentleman there was a little abrasive which I shared when asked for feedback after ordering online. Someone from the business reached out which I greatly appreciated. Either way I would be going back the food was just too good!!! read more

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Love this place. Service is pretty fast, even if the line is out the door. Definitely loud. The food is amazing. I love the turkey club. And the extra bread is the best!! read more

South Union is one of my favorite lunch spots in Des Moines(wish they were open longer and on weekends). First off it's a little pricey for a lunch but the sandwiches and salad bar are so good. Out most recent trip we got the chicken pesto melt and the Formaro cheesesteak, both are on garlic focaccia bread and both are delicious. The salad bar is one of the best in Des Moines, the chicken on here is great, and they creamy parmesean dressing is way too good. The cost of one trip to the salad bar is kind of high so I stack my bowl high. They used to have unlimited garlic focaccia bread chunks, now they give you a bag of the bread with your meal. I've never got anything here I haven't liked, so try this place if your in the mood for a tasty lunch. read more

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While the soups and salads are fine, the prices are a bit much. I went in for a salad bar to go, and had two size options; just like if dinning in. And the pricing was the same but you don't get to go back (because it's to go) and they hand you a tiny container that is not representative of the dining in option. read more

South Union Bread Cafe is a perfect little lunch stop! This is a great spot to try one of the 3, S's! Soup, Salads, and Sandwiches! They have something for everyone, but beware there is usually a line! But it moves very quickly! But make sure you have 15 minutes to order and get your food! It's in a great location to grab lunch and go sit outside in the sculpture park or by the downtown library! The food is top notch, and you can order half sandwiches if you had that meeting at 10 am an indulged in to many bagels! I have only ever had the salad's here but they are great! Good sized and filled me up until dinner! Make sure you check the hours here, because this is only a morning/lunch type spot! read more

The best place for tummy satisfying sandwiches. Their pepper jack soup is the best. They have a salad option too. I have been here almost 10 times. Turkey Bacon melt and the spicy Italian are my fav. They have a corporate 10% discount too. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

COMPLETELY delicious!! The pepper jack potato soup is ahhmazing! Gets pretty busy since they're only open 11-2, but if you get there early, you'll have no problem. DEFINITELY recommend this place! read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Club sandwich & pepper jack potato soup - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Stopped in Des Moines for a a girls day x2 and grabbed lunch here. Phenomenal! The place was super crowded, which would normally deter me, but the smell was so enticing, I decided to stick around. So glad I did! I got the triple pepper turkey sub and I was pleased! The bread was delicious and crispy, the turkey was thick and hearty and the toppings were perfectly blended. Must try! read more

This place deserves 3.5 star instead of 3, and definitely not a 4. Their pepper turkey sandwich was good but a little too salty for me. I don't really know what else to say about this place, except it's like any other sandwich shop. read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Pepper turkey - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Best bread in Des Moines! If you work in downtown Des Moines, chances are that you've heard of this place or been here yourself. This place has gradually evolved into a bigger place due to its popularity and large customer base from neighboring businesses. All the sandwiches, salads, and soup are delicious! The sandwiches are HUGE. A large sandwich basically is like a whole loaf of bread. They have a nice salad bar (with a lot of stuff they put in the sandwiches too) if you choose the option of doing a one-trip salad bar purchase where you go there and fill up as much as you want in the bowl they provide. And the best part of this place would have to be the FREE BREAD. There is an endless supply of this orgasmic bread. Next to it, you have to-go bags in case you want to take some home and also some olive oil and Parmesan to make the perfect dipping sauce. Only downside are the hours. It's only open for a small window during lunchtime on the weekdays. I understand why they do, but that would be the only thing that would make this place better! read more

I finally made it down here a few months ago for lunch at the urging of a co-worker, and I'm SO glad I did! This is now a near weekly stop for me. On my first trip, I ordered a small sandwich and a cup of soup. I wish someone had warned me that this would be WAY too much food. I had the caprese sandwich, which was served on a delicious flatbread. So good! I also had a cup of the pepperjack potato soup. Now I love me a good cup of soup, but I don't know that I can say I've ever been blown away by it before. Until now. This soup started a love affair with South Union Bread Cafe that cannot be broken. Our bond is strong. Seriously, it's so good, so filling, and you can enjoy it with all the free bread your stomach can handle. Just be ready to throw some 'bows if you're jockeying for extra bread at the peak lunch hour. That bread is amazeballs, and when they run low, people will cut you if you look like you might be trying to cram more than your fair share into your little paper bag. Cut you. Don't be scared, there's always more bread coming. Take your fill and ignore the carb-crazed masses. I only really have two complaints. One, I can't go here if I have any type of important interaction in the afternoon, as I tend to leave with the smell of smoke/grill/food on my clothes and in my hair. And two, I can't go here if I have any type of important interaction in the afternoon because I'm so full all I want to do is take a nap. Get down there. Try to avoid high noon if you can, as the line gets long, but they do move you through quickly and efficiently. Indulge in a sandwich, or warm up with some soup, you really can't go wrong. read more

First time eating at this cafe and I can't wait to go back! I had the California Club flatbread (hot) and it was amazing. I definitely didn't need the whole sandwich, but couldn't stop eating it. It was on the messy side, but who cares. The bag of bread they give you was such a nice surprise! This is a substantial bag of bread with all kinds of deliciousness in it. They have olive oil and parmesan to make a nice dipping sauce too. My buddy had the Formaro Cheesesteak and said it was great as well. Sorry no pics, I was busy shoveling it into my mouth. The actual establishment itself is beautiful with plenty of seating but if you prefer the outdoors, there's a really nice courtyard right next to it. All around great vibe. read more

Carbs are my friend. They always have been. I would eat bread for every meal...So, this being a "bread cafe", I love it. I only wish I could go more often. It opened during the last year I was living in DSM and now that I live in CA I dream of the bread here. All of the sandwiches are amazing but I love the cajun tuna melt. The only other one I've tried is the hot cheese melt. Holy cheesiness. After picking up your sandwich, load up on the bread & oil :) read more

LOL The menu listed is for Centro, the restaurant next door.... Not the South Union Bread Cafe. Might wanna change that guys... We stopped by on our road trip through Nowheresville and were mislead by a menu on Yelp of Grilled Cheese with fontina, truffle aioli, caramelized onion, and fried Brussel sprouts. Honestly, the service was fast, the sandwich was good enough, the bread WAS fantastic. But the whole meal was entirely forgettable and not what we signed up for. Fix your yelp page bros!!!! read more

While the South Union Bread Cafe is a busy spot over lunch, they are efficient at getting the line served. Once you order they give you a small package of delicious bread which you can serve with olive oils, Parmesan cheese and such on small saucers while you wait for your order. The configuration of the seating is less than ideal since more than half of the seating is out of earshot to them shouting the order numbers when your food is ready, especially given the conversation buzz going on at the same time. Eventually I just went back to check. I had ordered "Sarah's Revenge" which was essentially a Philly cheese steak sandwich. The bread was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. The cheese steak contents were good, though a bit dry for my preferences. They serve Coke products. With their interesting selections and quick service, I'll be glad to stop back for a quick lunch! read more

First spot we stopped on our recent trip to Des Moines, and one of the best. Conveniently located near our hotel. We opted for salads - small ones, and they were HUGE - and devoured the delicious bread they served. Olive oil served on the side was a wonderful touch. This was a fantastic LOCAL place and I strongly encourage you to try it out if you have the chance. Although we had salads, they had a wide variety of sandwiches too and I'm guessing they'd be equally enjoyable. read more

This place has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid! My family always orders the Hot Italian sandwich (~$13) that is stuffed with with a delicious assortment of meat and melted cheese. I think what really makes the sandwich is the focaccia bread. Seriously some of the most delicious focaccia breads I have ever eaten! Also, if you can't get enough of the focaccia bread, there is free extra bread that you can bag up and take with you. I've been guilty of packing a few bags of bread just because it's so good. Since this place is open only for lunch, it can get pretty busy but the sandwiches are worth the wait. read more

Nice restaurant that is usually super busy during the lunch hour. I placed my order online and picked it up about 15mins later so I didn't have to wait in their huge line. I've tried their California Club Flatbread sandwich and their chicken caesar salad. Both are good and will fill you up. Their complimentary bread is very good too and they give you a lot. I also tried their potato and pepperjack cheese soup which was tasty as well. I'll be back again and will make sure to order online again :) read more

South Union Bread Cafe - Chicken caesar salad and potato and pepperjack cheese soup. - Pizza Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This restaurant is as good as it gets! This is your hometown Panera - but better. They've got delicious soups/salads/sandwiches but it's their bread that is over the top! Inspired, homemade breads that you can have a sandwich on. Portion sizes are huge, so I usually just get a sandwich or a soup - not both. They cut up their breads into pieces and serve them "do-it-yourself" style for appetizers. This is delicious becuase you can take some bread and olive oil and parmesean cheese to snack on while waiting for your order. Just be careful - it's so delicious you might not be hungry when your food arrives. Their best soup, hads down, is their Pepperjack Potato Soup. Just smelling it starts to make my mouth water. It's creamy base with a blend of a sharp pepperjack cheese with the kick of green onion make is a familiar taste with a twist. I try to treat myself to lunch every so often because otherwise, I'd spend all of my money here! Update June 2015: they now give you a small portion of bread when you order instead of letting you get your own from their bread station. read more

SO so so so good. Love all sandwiches and soups are good too. The best thing is that they cut off the ends of the bread and leave them out for dipping in oil and vinegar. Great for lunch, get there early as a line is inevitable. read more

Love this place! I wish I worked downtown, then I would go here every chance I could get. I've been before and after the remodel. I like the decor and atmosphere really before the renovation. However, I'm glad they expanded to accomodate all the extra business. Good for them! I order the ham sandwich made with Nieman Ranch ham, amazing! I also order the jack cheese potato soup. I think I like it better than the sandwich! It's great they have a salad bar too now. It looked like it was fresh and clean. I was able to see all the soups as well which made me want to try their chili. Looked out of this world. Sandwiches are big and mine comes with the foccacia. You also get all you can eat bread hunks and dipping oil. I could make a meal on that alone but I'm not trying to give myself diabetes here! I take all of my out of town guests to this place for lunch and they love it. Nuff said : ) read more