University Library Cafe

Small, cozy place. We visited Thursday about 8:45pm. It was about 2/3 full with two open tables and some bar seating. Customers seemed like a mix of locals and some nearby Drake U students. Bartender was also wait staff. Friendly service, neither fast nor slow, just fine. A decent selection of national and local beers on tap. Food (BLT and burger) was really good. We'd easily go back if we were locals.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food used to be great (about 3 years ago) but now it's pretty bad and always dripping in grease. I've gotten some really bad mixed drinks here (Moscow mule without any lime, white Russian that was just milk) but they do carry a lot of great ciders. The bartenders are always very kind but one of the servers (Mo/Moe) is incredibly rude and will talk nasty about bar patrons within earshot. A lot of the regulars are super sweet but there are the occasional people who are hammered and will touch everyone in the building. It really is a shame that the food has gone so downhill as this bar is very cute and homey

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 3

Great bar, service beer selection and food. Best nachos in town

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I split a sandwich and fries with my friend we were just there for a little bit I consider it an icon of Des Moines it's cool place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic food Fantastic service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good beer selection and awesome burgers. This is my go to place for a great burger.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great friendly service. Small local atmosphere, food was decently priced and good for a little dive spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Pssst. Not a library! BUt what it is, is awesome! A tiny place with massive charm, serving elevated grub pub and epic breakfast. Pair that with a full bar, cool locals and lots of history and that is what this place is! After one visit we are believers and will be back for more.

If you are looking for a quaint place with a cool vibe and a great selection of menu and drink items, with fun and eclectic decor this is the right spot.

We enjoyed a Philly and a chicken bacon ranch sandwich and some signature cocktails. All were on point and I would recommend the chicken bacon ranch sandwich for sure! So delicious.

The service was fantastic and even thought they were experiencing some issues with the beer taps they made up for it with a full bar and cans of desired.

Highly recommend this spot.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Their library latte with homemade cold brew and liquor is fantastic! The staff are friendly and the food is definitely worth the wait.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Small, unique place just off Drake’s campus. Good food. Good vibes. Friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always top notch! If you're going on the weekend be early or prepared to wait. Great lunch specials during the week.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We love the University Library Cafe; the food is great, customer service top notch, and like to experience of being close to the college. We miss our home town college and this brings us right back there. Good times.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best breakfast burrito I've ever had. I recommend getting it smothered in 🌶 and 🧀. Could use a little less paper in the to-go container. Pretty sure I ate a decent amount. Didn't even give a care.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very dive bar like vibe to this place. Great, very filling good. Perfect place for brunch and/or to cure a hangover. The French toast was fantastic - highly recommend! Sensible pricing. Parking was a bit of a pain as the lot is super small so you’ll probably need to do street parking.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ve been here for a beer and a bite numerous times and it never disappoints. Their food is delicious and they have a great selection of drinks. The vibes in here are great too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4