University Library Cafe

LEGENDARY nachos. If you only had them, that would be enough. Pretty dumpy little place, but super food.

Even the burgers, tenderloins, fries, etc. are fantastic. It's a busy place most of the time, so try some of the "off hours" if you're not into the crowds. They have been there a lot of years, and you can see why. Again, the nachos...

Just a beer and a good greasy spoon meal is a great way to go. Put this on your list!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

This is what a bar/grill name The Library next to a college campus should be: a little dive-y but in the best way. Great lunch spot with reliably good standards on the menu AND the ladies room is clean!!!

Parking: Not a lot of spots but enough if you carpool and don't go on relay days.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Have heard of this place many many times. Unless things have changed...I didn!t see what the big deal was.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Love It!!!

The best little joint around.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great beer selection.
Try lemon shandy!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Another trip down memory lane while I am in Des Moines has to include a stop at the Library.

This is a quintessential dive bar with excellent bar food and a huge beer selection. I was too hungry to snap a picture of the nachos but that’s one thing they’re well known for and I definitely recommend them. For entrees a sandwich or burger is your best bet but they have other options that are all delicious. Their burgers are a thicker cut patty that’s well seasoned, great fries too.

If you’re looking for a good beer selection you can’t go wrong here. It’s a small space so spots fill up fast but if there’s a wait it’s worth it. Be sure to check this spot out if you’re rolling through Des Moines!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Craft Beers, Library Nachos

All aspects of my dining experience were phenomenal! Definitely worth it! Cheeseburger Nachos were absolutely amazingly delicious!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Small place limited seating and gets very busy when Drake students are in town, but we had quick service and a good burger.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Onion Rings, Cheeseburger

Good selection of reference materials. Friendly librarians

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

My new favorite spot!

Friendly environment love the air head drink

Service was EXCELLENT however the nachos that were a staple of this place are no longer served and what is is unfortunately not good. It’s the same fried chips but no more melted cheese. Instead they have a watery rather tasteless queso and a pico. So bummed.

A coworker recommended this place to me and full honesty, I judged a book by its cover when I first saw it. However, I was very wrong. It might not look like much from the outside, but inside you find super friendly staff, unique atmosphere, and delicious food! A return trip is definitely in the future!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Craft Beers, Wings, Library Poutine, Fried Cheese Curds

Truly the best. Cassie is a great bartender. Their nachos are truly amazing. This place got me through some tough times.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5