At The Cafe, we bring the best parts of a neighborhood Cafe to Ames, IA, with attentive service and a space that feels just right. Our 4.70-star rating across 2041 reviews reflects our commitment to great service and quality and accessible facilities for all visitors.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The Cafe
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Hear from our valued guests
Wonderful restaurant. The food is excellent, the selection is good, the atmosphere is very nice. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We had a party of 6, and all the entrees were superb. Located on the 1st floor with handicapped parking available.
This café is truly a gem in Ames. Every visit feels special thanks to its warm, beautiful atmosphere that makes you want to stay just a little longer. The menu is always evolving, which means there’s always something new and exciting to try. The entrées are as delicious as they are stunning—each plate looks like it came straight out of a magazine, and the flavors never disappoint. And the desserts? Absolutely top tier. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or someone who prefers something fruity and light, there’s always a sweet treat that hits the spot. If you're looking for a place that combines creativity, comfort, and consistently amazing food, this café should definitely be at the top of your list.
I can't for the life of me think of a better steak than what I had here. Honestly felt like the price should have been more with the quality. The atmosphere was great and reminded me of my visit to Europe a few years back. Highly recommend! Waitress and staff were friendly and polite.
Great service and wonderful sidewalk patio experience. The Korean steak and egg dish was insanely good along with my wife's fish tacos. Great dining experience.
Excellent atmosphere. Went around one and had to wait to be seated. Very friendly staff with excellent hospitality and service. Menu is a bit different with lots of vegan and gluten free items. Known for their bread selections and unique menu options. Would definitely go again. Had the chicken, wild rice soup and loved it.
No complaints. Excellent food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere.
The food was fantastic! The steak was cooked to absolute perfection! So tender, juicy, and a perfect medium rare. I think it was a flank or a skirt steak, but was as amazing as a filet! We also had the cannelloni, which was amazing. I don't typically do a lot of pasta, but it had great flavor combinations and the sauce was so good for cleaning up with the bread! I realize these pictures/dishes may be out of date here in a couple months, because the Cafe is farm to table and seasonal - another plus in my opinion! The price was on point for the meals and portion sizes. We also got two desserts (to go) both tickled our tongues and brought satisfaction to our bellies! Sadly, we were just visitors to Ames, so we can't return on a regular basis, but be sure we'll be back if we're ever in town again!
The fish tacos here are delicious! Staff super friendly and fast. Definitely recommend checking this place out!
We were passing through Ames and came for breakfast. Friendly service, excellent coffee, my quiche was full of flavor and the salad it came with was delicious. My family all enjoyed their food too. Will come again when we're next in the area.
I had an amazing meal and it is easily a 5 out of 5 for me. I ordered the Korean Fried Chicken Chinois, the Café Burger, and a side of house-made potato chips, and every single item was outstanding. The Korean Fried Chicken Chinois had perfectly crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce with just the right amount of heat, paired with fresh, crunchy vegetables that made the dish feel balanced and vibrant. The Café Burger was juicy and cooked exactly how I like it, topped with sharp white cheddar and their signature 1000 island sauce that added a rich, tangy finish. The house-made potato chips were crisp, well-seasoned, and clearly made in-house, which made them hard to stop eating. I also tried a bite of the Somerset Salad, and the combination of smoked salmon, mixed greens, and crunchy seeds tasted incredibly fresh and thoughtfully composed. The space itself felt warm, clean, and inviting, and the staff were genuinely friendly and attentive without being overbearing. Everything from the presentation to the flavors felt intentional and high quality. It is the kind of place where you can taste the care in the cooking, and I would absolutely come back again without hesitation.
Common questions about The Cafe
The Cafe is located at 2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, IA 50010, United States, Ames, IA, United States.
You can reach The Cafe by calling +1 515-292-0100.
The Cafe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 2041 customer reviews.
The Cafe features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
The Cafe features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Kerbside pickup, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
The Cafe features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection, Great wine list, Serves local specialty.
The Cafe features the following popular for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
The Cafe features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine.
The Cafe features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The Cafe features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
The Cafe features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Quiet, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
The Cafe features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists, University students.
The Cafe features the following planning: Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
The Cafe features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
The Cafe features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
The Cafe features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Plenty of parking.
The Cafe features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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