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    The Cafe

    4.4 (569 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Korean Steak & Egg
    HyeSu P.

    Visited on 11/07/25. The Cafe is an absolute gem! Every visit feels like a new culinary adventure thanks to their ever-changing menu. The chefs clearly love experimenting, offering a creative fusion of flavors that blend different cuisines beautifully. Whether it's a twist on a classic dish or something completely unexpected, everything is prepared with care and a true sense of innovation. Me and my significant other both ordered the Feta Cheese w/ Honey, Herbs, and Pistachios + Bread as our appetizer and for main dish we ordered Korean Steak & Egg that consist of soy/ginger marinated hanger steak with kimchi fried rice, and arugula with sweet chili aioli, and sunny side egg on top. The only thing I was a bit disappointed was that the kimchi didn't have the actual kick and true kimchi flavor but it was still good! Beyond the food, what really sets The Cafe apart is the warm and attentive customer service. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always happy to make recommendations or accommodate special requests. You can tell they genuinely care about creating a great dining experience for every guest. If you're looking for a place that combines delicious, inventive food with top-notch hospitality, The Cafe is a must-visit. It's one of those rare spots where you'll leave satisfied, and already planning your next visit to see what's new on the menu!

    Fresh OJ, basted eggs, peppered bacon, brioche toast, and lots of potatoes.
    Mark O.

    I did a Google (sorry, not a Yelp) search for breakfast spots in Ames. The Cafe appeared to have the highest overall rating of local spots (I wasn't interested in a chain). I ordered a standard breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast, and potatoes. The bacon was peppered and delicious. I should have ordered more. The portion of potatoes was very generous and were cooked to perfection. The accents of caramelized onions and peppers made for a tasty side. The toast might have been the best toast I've had in my life. I'm not a big fan of eggs and should have just ordered everything a la carte. The eggs were fine for dipping my toast in. While I appreciate having a water bottle at hand, I feel it takes away from the server's ability to check-in without seeming intrusive. Harper did fine.

    Bakery display case
    Tricia D.

    Yum!! That salmon entree was uber tasty and prepared flawlessly, but my one gripe is that there was barely any black rice served in my to go order. Think 3 tablespoons. The accompanying cucumber and wasabi aioli went well with the dish, and the portion was on the lighter side, so good thing I planned accordingly... ... by also getting a slice of flourless chocolate cake! It was dense and rich and came with raspberry sauce on the side. It lasted me 3 sittings and was a great sweet treat for myself after a long day at training at nearby Iowa State. Plenty of drool worthy options were in the bakery case. This would be a great place for a lunch/brunch meet up or date night.

    The cafe combo with delicious whole wheat pancakes, eggs done medium as ordered and absolutely delicious sausage.
    Susan K.

    Between our lovely, awesome waitress Sophie and the delicious food, this is a must visit for breakfast. Sophie was super friendly and helpful and attentive. Great service. Great breakfast and cozy place.

    Menu and lamp inside
    Thomas P.

    One of the best restaurants in Ames. Very much enjoyed the food. They have an amazing burger. I also had their Thai noodles which was very well seasoned and had fresh and delicious vegetables. Their blackberry bread pudding was also top-notch. I enjoyed the ambience. It was clean and charming and rustic. The service was also friendly and efficient.

    French toast and bacon.  Bread was very fresh.
    Dave C.

    Very nice place in Ames. This was our last trip to Ames to move our daughter out after graduation. Never been to The Cafe before so wanted to try it. Wish we had sooner during our 4 years. Great breakfast and very good coffee. Nice interior and plenty of parking. Would certainly come back here if the opportunity presents itself.

    Hangar steak & key lime martini
    Kerst G.

    If I could give The Cafe 10 stars, I would! For starters, I have lived in the area 4 year but have never stopped in as I was under the impression it was mostly breakfast foods/pastries! WOW was I pleasantly surprised. A seasonal lunch/dinner menu & delicious cocktails! My fiancé and I had the key lime martini, gin & basil cocktail & espresso martini's, all fantastic! I appreciated a fully loaded autumn salad & added salmon which was a perfect addition. Everything was super fresh & presented nicely as well. My fiancé got the hanger steak, of which he ate the entire thing! The au jus with the steak/mashed looked yummy & smelled like it may even be made with a dash of red wine. We were quoted 15 minute wait at 6:30 but waited less than 10 minutes total. The dessert selection was also seasonal which I appreciated. I got the pumpkin cheesecake to try later at home. I was so full & even brought half of my salad home. The lighting & noise level is a nice break from the fluorescent lighting & loud noise you can't even talk at most other restaurants in the area. It was quaint & the restaurant is broken up so it feels more intimate. 10/10, 5/5! I plan to inquire about lunch for my office in the near future. Well done to the owners & staff. I wish Ames had about 3 more of these locations!

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    2 years ago

    Luv going to the cafe great services and food always friendly and great music selection.

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    2 years ago

    Love the food at this restaurant. Have to get carrot cake but everything I have had has been delicious!

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food and very cozy atmosphere. The service was spot on. Can't wait to go back.,

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    4 years ago

    Amazing food every time i go and they have wondeful coffee!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Really love the Cafe Great food, wonderful spot to meet your friends good atmosphere Highly recommend

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Extremely local and fresh ingredients make for an ever changing menu and delights! Staff is always very professional and welcoming!

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    4 years ago

    Great place in Ames for a fancy breakfast. They an amazing coffee program and please don't skip the peanut butter pie.

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Terrific breakfast spot. Such a gem. Friendlist staff too. Coffee is average but everything else is top notch.

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    4 years ago

    Salt. Fat. Acid. Heat. Great food. Great atmosphere. There's a reason it's a top location for date night in Ames.

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    Page 3 of 15

    Ask the Community - The Cafe

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    People searched for Bakeries 251 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

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    Provisions Lot F - Provisions burger

    Provisions Lot F

    4.5(346 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    Awesome place that really surprised. Clearly a farm to table concept with a varied but overwhelming…read moremenu. Came in on a weeknight with coworkers and received good service and fantastic food. Nice drink menu (I enjoyed their take on the old fashioned) with cocktails and a nice craft beer selection. Everyone loved their food, from the barley soup to the ravioli, burger, Brussels salad, and the salmon I got. Hidden gem perhaps was their incredible dessert selection. The cherry tart was a pleasant surprise and the salted caramel chocolate cake will def fix a choc craving. Would gladly come back.

    Provisions Lot F in Ames…read more If you like fresh baked breads and bomb desserts, along with amazing food, head to Provisions if you're in the area. Pork Belly app: thick cut pork belly in lettuce cups, topped with sweet thai glaze, pickled carrots, onions, celery, mint, thai basil, cilantro, scallions and crushed peanuts. A tad sweet for me but overall this was a great app. Slice of Sourdough: delish. Chicken Japchae: since my mom has celiac disease, we were very excited to see this on their menu - dining out with her can be a challenge. Especially at a place specializing in breads! The only unfortunate part about this dish is (I think) they forgot they already salted the chicken and salted it again...and then again. I'm not one to say something is too salty, I love my sodium but this was mouth-puckering salty. Inedible, actually, but the noodle dish itself was SO GOOD that she set the chicken aside and ate the entree. NY Strip Steak: perfectly med-rare, served with a garlic-rosemary potato pavé (like a potato casserole of sorts), roasted broccolini and a house steak sauce that was similar to a demi glaze. Not a bite left - no leftovers with this one. I ate the whole dang thing. Myself. And I have zero regrets. Crème Brûlée: I also couldn't leave without ordering a crème brûlée because there are some really bad ones out there. This did not disappoint. I also took home a Dubai Chocolate tort, Raspberry Crumble and a Flourless Chocolate cake. ZERO regrets but if you love Dubai chocolate then you know there are some discusting renditions of this in the market. However, the Dubai chocolate tort at Provisions Lot F is . I can't even describe how delicious this was and is worth the drive to Ames just for this dessert. If you're north of DSM for a game or whatever, I highly recommend Provisions! I'm already scheming a way to get back there...soon!

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    Provisions Lot F
    Provisions Lot F - Caesar Salad

    Caesar Salad

    Provisions Lot F - Flourless chocolate torte

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    Flourless chocolate torte

    Macubana

    Macubana

    3.2(50 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Macubana is easily one of my favorite spots in Ames. If you're into mac & cheese with serious…read moreflavor and creativity, this place doesn't miss. The Original Mac Bowl is my go-to super rich, cheesy, and filling in the best way. And if you want to switch it up, the Tempura Mac is next level spicy, crispy, golden on the outside, and totally over-the-top in a good way. Every time I go here, I'm so full I'm sick of pasta noodles for a week and yet I always come back. That says everything. It's part bar, so depending on when you go, it can be chill or kind of rowdy, but that's part of the vibe. Honestly, it's one of the best casual date spots in Ames if you want somewhere fun and a little different. It's also great with friends or just rolling solo when you want to eat like you mean it. Food's always on point, service is solid, and the menu has enough range to keep things interesting. Definitely worth checking out if you're in town and want something that hits comfort food cravings hard.

    The help- very nice and friendly…read more The food- not so good, which is a bummer because I've been wanting to try this place for quite awhile. I kept it simple- fries and an empanada. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things? Fries were hot but tasteless, served with a side of what seemed like mayo? Empanada shredded beef filling was chewy and flavorless, the best part about it was the fried shell, not sure of the sauce served with it, but it was also nothing to rave about. I got a side of chipotle ketchup and that was decent. So....I can cross this one off of my "try it" list with no plans to return. Bummer.

    Photos
    Macubana
    Macubana - Tomato Basil Mozzarella

    Tomato Basil Mozzarella

    Macubana

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    The Cafe - bakeries - Updated May 2026

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