Phone: +15152920100
Address: 2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
City: Ames
Menu Dishes: 26
Reviews: 425
"6 Stars. Nestled in the heart of Ames is The Café, a local gem where the ambiance is as inviting as the flavors are exhilarating. Upon entering, one is greeted by the timeless charm of its brick walls and understated décor, promising an experience rooted in simplicity and quality.Our lunch at The Café was nothing short of remarkable. We started with a robust, perfectly seared cheeseburger, its charred exterior giving way to juicy tenderness, balanced with crisp lettuce and a ripe tomato, all sandwiched between a freshly baked bun. The burger was accompanied by a side of house-made chips, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite.Then, there was the beautifully crafted chicken sandwich, bursting with flavor, nestled in a pillowy bun, and served alongside a zesty side salad that perfectly complemented the rich spices of the chicken. The side of corn salad offered a fresh, sweet contrast that was both refreshing and palate-cleansing.Lastly, the quintessentially comforting mac and cheese was a standout, with a top layer gratinated to golden perfection, revealing a molten heart of creamy pasta underneath. Paired with a side of mixed greens, the dish achieved a balance between indulgence and freshness.In all, The Café in Ames delivers an outstanding culinary experience, where each dish is a testament to their commitment to fresh ingredients and culinary craft. This is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking the heart and soul of local cooking. PROTIP: lots of parking in back. Use the door and go to the front."
Full menu - 26 options
All prices are estimates on menu.
Dessert
Cookies
Freshly baked cookies with a golden crust and soft center, available in classic chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin.
Vanilla Bean Créme Brûlée
A rich vanilla custard topped with caramelized sugar, offering a creamy and crispy delight.
Desserts
Side Dishes
Grits menu
Creamy Southern-style ground corn dish, often served with butter, cheese, or shrimp.
Rice
Risotto
Creamy Arborio rice cooked to perfection, with a rich blend of Parmesan and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Salads
Side Salad
A fresh mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, served with your choice of dressing.
Vegetarian Dishes
Carrot Cake
Moist and flavorful carrot cake topped with creamy frosting and a hint of spice.
Burger
Cheeseburger
Juicy grilled beef patty topped with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on a toasted bun.
Chocolate And Sweet
American Food
Mac And Cheese
Creamy macaroni pasta baked with rich cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavor.
Brunch
Steak And Eggs
Juicy grilled steak served with two sunny-side-up eggs, offering a hearty and classic breakfast combination.
Sweet Crêpes
Sandwiches
Chicken Sandwich
Grilled chicken, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo on a toasted bun.
Roasted Pork Loin Dinners To Go Pick Up Only
Desserts & Snacks
Entrées
Sweet Treats
House Made Dessert
Dolce | Dessert
Mom
Sevice has been really bad. Attitide of waitress awful. And ants on table!
Address
Reviews
Traci
Absolutely delicious!! Our waitress was fabulous service was fast! Highly recommend!
Manda
The prices for the food were very reasonable, and everything was delicious! The service was also quick!
chris
Very fun place to eat. We had several dishes and they were very good. Fun atmosphere, and great service. My wife and i will be taking friends back to the cafe. View menu
Kristin
This cafe and coffee shop is absolutely charming! They offer options for dietary restrictions, including soy, oat, and almond milk for coffee. I really appreciated their thoughtfulness regarding my nut allergy!
Jami
Always love this place. However was entirely disappointed that their Facebook page said they would have shamrock cookies all week for St. Patricks day and when I went to get one at 430 they said they were out for the day.
Erica
I haven't been there in a while, but I find myself craving their food. Any type of risotto is a must-try; it's consistently delicious and fresh! Their mocktails are also fantastic! And the Korean steak and eggs are absolutely amazing—the steak is perfectly marinated and cooked. View menu
Mathew
What a wonderful hidden gem! While a little more spendy than surrounding restaurants, you truly get what you pay for. We started with the feta dip and bread, which was fabulous. Many Iowan beers to choose from, and a good selection of cocktails for a good price. The start of the show for us was the recently added chicken torta as pictured, it’s massive, and the elote side salad was the perfect match. Next time we’re in the area, we will be back!
Melinda
Grabbed a coffee and explored the area while we waited. They have a texting system to let you know when your table is ready. The restaurant has a café area with coffee, various prepared quick bites, and desserts. The rest of the restaurant is spacious. And, the staff was extremely welcoming, patient, and helpful. This is a huge deal to me because more often than not, the staff can ruin an establishment. Not here! They were great from the moment we walked in to the moment we left.The vanilla brevé I got was pretty tasty. The food we got for lunch was even better! Portions are pretty hefty yet prices were not insane. They were out of some of the things I wanted to try so that's a good sign. We...
Josh
6 Stars. Nestled in the heart of Ames is The Café, a local gem where the ambiance is as inviting as the flavors are exhilarating. Upon entering, one is greeted by the timeless charm of its brick walls and understated décor, promising an experience rooted in simplicity and quality.Our lunch at The Café was nothing short of remarkable. We started with a robust, perfectly seared cheeseburger, its charred exterior giving way to juicy tenderness, balanced with crisp lettuce and a ripe tomato, all sandwiched between a freshly baked bun. The burger was accompanied by a side of house-made chips, delivering a satisfying crunch with each bite.Then, there was the beautifully crafted chicken sandwich, b... View menu
Ames
Ames is a vibrant college town in Iowa, known for Iowa State University and its research. Typical foods include corn-fed beef, pork, and a variety of Midwestern comfort foods.
Categories
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Coffee Savor our selection of expertly crafted coffees, from rich espressos to creamy cappuccinos. Whether you need a morning boost or a leisurely sip, our coffee options promise warmth and comfort in every cup.
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Brunch A delightful blend of breakfast and lunch dishes featuring classic favorites and creative twists. Enjoy savory options like eggs benedict or opt for sweet treats like fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit. View menu
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American Enjoy classic American flavors with our diverse menu, featuring juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, hearty BBQ ribs, and fresh salads. Indulge in timeless comfort with each bite, crafted to satisfy all tastes.
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Bakeries A delightful assortment of freshly baked pastries, breads, and confections, crafted with love and premium ingredients for a sweet morning treat or an afternoon indulgence.
Amenities
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Wifi
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Delivery
- menu
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Parking Area
- menu
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Reservations
