From indulgent bubbly brunches in gardens to luxe tea parties, Mom deserves nothing but the best this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 14). The following is your guide to Mother’s Day dining in Iowa.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines
Treat Mom to a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch in the center of Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s Trellis Cafe. The stunning destination serves as the perfect backdrop to celebrate and enjoy brunch with Mom. The special menu features Dore Bakery pastries, a cheesy egg and potato bake with applewood-smoked ham, fresh fruit, a French toast bar, mini bagels, deviled eggs, prime rib carving stations and much more. Tickets start at $25 per person and must be purchased in advance online. The Mother’s Day brunch takes place on Sunday, May 14, with 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. seating times available. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Terrace Hill Mother’s Day Tea
Des Moines
With delicate tea sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and a unique tea blend, The Terrace Hill Mother’s Day Tea in Des Moines is a charming experience for moms. The event will take place on Saturday, May 13, starting at 10:30 a.m., featuring the musical stylings from the local music group, Altoona Flute Choir. Proceeds from the enchanting event will benefit conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill. The tea party is $45 per person and reservations are required. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Dancing Queens—Mother’s Day Brunch Show
Cedar Rapids
Have the time of your life with Mom at the Dancing Queens—Mother’s Day Drag Brunch at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids. The fun will include live performances from local drag queens Lexi Belle, Nevae Love and Jackie Frost while you and your mother can indulge in brunch delights. The show will take place on Sunday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and tickets start at $10. Reservations are encouraged but not required. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Clouds
Ames
A European-style brunch awaits at Clouds in Ames on May 14. The Mother’s Day dining in Iowa experience will transport you to Europe with its delicious handcrafted cocktails and bill of fare. Some items guests can expect to enjoy include croissants, baguettes, scones, egg frittata, bacon, Mediterranean baked tomatoes, British baked beans, Italian antipasti, charcuterie boards, cheese platters, parmesan potatoes, a bruschetta bar and more. Reservations are required, and the cost varies depending on your age but starts at $17.50 for kiddos ages 3 to 6. For more information, visit cloudsames.com.
Mother’s Day Luncheon at The Tea Room
Des Moines
Join The Tea Room for a specialty Mother’s Day dining in Iowa Sunday, May 14. The Des Moines-based tea house will offer a curated menu for the holiday, including chicken salad, Rarebit Burger Sliders, mixed fruits, sticky rolls and an ice cream sundae. Of course, the meal would not be complete without tastings from The Tea Room’s carefully crafted sips and treats. The experience is $50 per person, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Bubbles and Blooms at Willow on Grand
Des Moines
Willow on Grand in Des Moines is celebrating Mom with a specialty Bubbles and Blooms brunch experience. The brunch will feature a full buffet with freshly made pancakes by Chris Cakes, bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys and more. After dining, stop by the on-site cottage to treat Mom to a fresh bouquet of flowers at its build-your-own flower bar or opt for permanent matching bracelets at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry pop-up for an extra-special Mother’s Day in Iowa. The fun will take place on Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; tickets start at $45 for adult admission and $25 for little ones between the ages of 3 and 10. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
The Crane & Pelican Cafe
LeClaire
Arguably one of Iowa’s most adorable cafes, The Crane & Pelican Cafe will serve as the perfect backdrop to your Mother’s Day brunch. The spot in LeClaire is offering a menu just for the occasion, perfect for the gluten-free and vegan women in your life. The lineup includes an assortment of morning favorites, like the vegetarian cantaloupe crepes, chicken salad sandwich on gluten-free bread, carved prime rub, Jeana’s Egg Benedict Casserole and more. The experience will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with tickets starting at $25 or $15 for little ones. Reservations are required. For more information, visit craneandpelican.com.
BeerStyles Taproom & Gastropub
Des Moines
With French Master Chef David Baruthio at the helm, BeerStyles Taproom & Gastropub in West Des Moines offers moms a special Mother’s Day brunch with exclusive menu items for the holiday. Though the menu will be a surprise for the day of, the fare will be exceptional, with Chef Baruthio working his magic. The culinary veteran is an award-winning chef who has opened numerous restaurants across the globe, in addition to receiving the Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide in Belgium. Tickets to attend are $39 per person, with seating times available between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Cedar Rapids
Mom deserves an indulgent, bubbly brunch courtesy of The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids this Mother’s Day in Iowa. The luxury hotel offers a decadent brunch buffet in its ballroom on Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring brunch favorites and elevated bites. Guests can expect to enjoy luxe items from a carving station, including smoked salmon, roasted turkey and various steak cuts. Additionally, an assortment of house-made desserts, bubbles and signature cocktails will also be served. Tickets are $45 per person or $15 for children ages 5 to 13. Reservations are required and can be made online. For more information, visit thehotelatkirkwood.com.
Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood
Riverside
Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort will be hosting a chef-driven dining experience on Mother’s Day only from 2 to 8 p.m. The meal, curated by Chef Tom Torres, features items like the smoked salmon Napoleon with fresh salmon, a toasted bagel crisp, dill crème fraiche, petit salad and pickled onion; and the breaded lemon sole with arugula, caper sur blanc, balsamic glaze and shaved purple cabbage. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, visit riversidecasinoandresort.com/ruthies.html.