Whether you’re trying to cure a hangover or looking to start a new one, Des Moines boasts a multitude of incredible brunch spots that are perfect for meeting up with loved ones or curing last night’s headache with some sweet and savory bites.
Americana
Servin’ up a Bottomless Bombshell Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Americana is the go-to destination for those who like a party with a side of brunch. The seemingly endless menu includes your choice of bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys to help wash down your meal, with menu items including a variety of options from a buffet, like the mac and cheese bar, chorizo bar, salad bar, potato bar and more. The meal is $39 per person and is sure to satisfy your brunch cravings.
To learn more about Americana, visit americanadsm.com.
Fresko
Fresko is the perfect brunch destination for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of the staple foods. The spot offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and each dish has the option to be changed to fit dietary restrictions. Each dish is crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients, and some of our favorites include the gluten-free chilaquiles, or for those looking for something a little sweeter, the banana bread French toast is amazing.
To learn more about Fresko, visti freskodsm.com.
Motley School Tavern
Every Tuesday through Sunday, the Motley School Tavern rolls out its elevated brunch menu for diners to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dining spot offers traditional brunch bites like the shrimp and grits or a chorizo omelet, in addition to a hearty pastrami hash and chicken fried steak.
To learn more about Motley School Tavern, visit mstdsm.com.
The Breakfast Club USA
Firm to the belief that brunch without alcohol and a side of attitude is just simply breakfast, The Breakfast Club USA is the perfect destination for those looking for a little more of a party experience than just a casual meal (though, its brunch items are incredible too). The brunch spot offers a massive cocktail lineup that will “make you hear the faintest whispers of 20,000 yacht rockers” with its handcrafted sips like the Bloody (Mary) Verde and morning martini. If you find yourself hungry at the club, some of our personal favorite items to try include the Dutch apple cheesecake French toast or the Never Benny Better benedict. If you are looking to join the fun, The Breakfast Club USA is open “eight” days a week from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To learn more about The Breakfast Club USA, visit thebreakfastclubusa.com.
Eggs and Jam
Eggs and Jam take brunch seriously. The spot houses over 30 cocktails in honor of the daily occasion, like the Jelly Donut and the Supa Dupa Bloody Mary. The destination is designed more so for those who like to party, with a to-die-for fare lineup including the “You Can Touch This” chorizo burrito and mimosa-infused chicken and waffles. Eggs and Jam is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To learn more about Eggs and Jam, visit eggsandjamwdm.com.
Gilroy’s Kitchen
Only available on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilroy’s Kitchen offers the golden ticket of brunch items: the breakfast pizza. The spot is famous for having one of the only breakfast pizzas in Iowa. With its 12-in. thick crust topped with bacon, ham, scrambled eggs and cheese, it’s a brunch lover’s paradise. But if you’re not into the idea of your meal being served on a pizza, Gilroy’s Kitchen does offer a family-style, a la carte menu featuring bottomless cocktails, and everything your heart desires from French toast to fried chicken and biscuits. Brunch is $21.99 for adults and $11.99 for ages 7 to 12.
To learn more about Gilroy’s Kitchen, visit gilroyskitchen.com.
St. Kilda
From the house-made peach French toast to the braised beef and polenta, St. Kilda offers an elevated brunch menu with surprising twists on classic breakfast staples. The Australian-inspired destination also houses a selection of fresh pastries and lighter bites like the avocado or mushroom toast for those in your party looking for something lighter and health-driven. Brunch is served all day, every day.
To learn more about St. Kilda, visit st.kildadsm.com.
Mulberry Street Tavern
A hidden gem located inside Surety Hotel is the Mulberry Tavern, a dining spot that offers some of the best brunch items in all of Des Moines. The spot boasts a cocktail lineup of mimosas, Bloody Marys, Creamsicle-inspired sips (and more), served alongside classic staple items like the steak and eggs, breakfast burrito or the savory and gooey shakshuka. The brunch menu is only available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so be sure to make reservations ahead of time to enjoy the meal.
To learn more about Mulberry Street Tavern, visit suretyhotel.com.
MALO
In case you haven’t had the delight of stopping into MALO, the Mexican-inspired destination takes the American brunch staples we know and love and infuses them with Mexican flavors to create an even better plate like the tres leches French toast or eggs benedicto, to name a few. A drink menu is available for those seeking cocktails or beers, but the highlight of the sip menu has to be the house-made horchata. Brunch is only available on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. so be sure to make reservations.
To learn more about MALO, visit malodesmoines.com.
Mullets
With its business in the front and party in the back attitude, it should come as no surprise that Mullets is a party-friendly brunch destination. The spot is famous for its breakfast and brunch, and serves up a menu featuring Bloody Mary or mimosa flights, IV-style cocktails and Malimosas (Malibu mimosas), alongside entrees like the seafood hash, chicken and donuts, breakfast sliders and even a breakfast meatloaf. Mullets serves up this menu all day long.
To learn more about Mullets, visit mulletsdm.com.
Waveland Cafe
Waveland Cafe holds a place in every local’s heart with its brunch menu. The spot is a hip, galaxy-inspired destination with alien-themed fare, like the monster veggie skillet, an out-of-this-world corned beef, and even sweet bites like the cinnamon French toast. Waveland serves brunch during all open hours, which is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
To learn more about Waveland Cafe, visit Wavelandcafe.com.