The Cafe

Ames, IA · Cafe

Rating
4.7/5
★★★★★ 4.7
Reviews
20
Rank in Ames
#23
of 185 restaurants
City Percentile
83%
rating percentile
Address
The Cafe, 2616 Northridge Pkwy, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 292-0100
Website
www.thecafeames.com
Status
Closed · Opens 7 AM

The Cafe is a restaurant located in Ames, IA. It is one of 185 restaurants listed in Ames. Its 4.7-star rating is above the Ames city average of 4.3 stars. There are 10 photos associated with this location.

About The Cafe

Smart spot serving quality breakfast, lunch & dinner + house-made breads, pastries & great coffee

Hours

Saturday7 AM–9 PM

Customer Reviews

★★★★★ 5.0 Deborah Losiaboi · Feb 2026

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 se

★★★★☆ 4.0 Chris · Sep 2025

Go early or later, the mid shift gets really busy and a little wait time will be necessary. The ambiance was that of a nice bistro. The food was outstanding. TVhe choices this trip was Mac and cheese and the birdie torte. The mac and cheese did not have the bread crumb topping however it was adorned by a layer of nicely melted mozzarella. The torte had a slice of great tender chuck and had a cup of au due that was spiced with chili. It was perfection in a sandwich. The prices may seem high but the experience will leave you wanting to come back really soon. Well done friendly. Courteous staff. We'll done chef as well. See you soon. 32

★★★★★ 5.0 Jess R · Oct 2025

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.

★★★★★ 5.0 Angie McKinley · Jan 2026

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.

★★★★☆ 4.0 Timothy Olson · Jan 2025

Very nice atmosphere for a date - It's dark and pretty and romantic, I think. The food was good. For me the prices were high but probably not high for the area.. Not a good enough value. My Cobb salad was good, a bit too upscale, and a bit small, I thought. Burgers were good. Not a wow but good. I probably won't go there again but I'm cheap.

Accessibility & Amenities

✓ Wheelchair Accessible Entrance ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Restroom ✓ Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Services

CafeBreakfast restaurantCatererCocktail barCoffee shopDessert restaurant

Top Restaurants in Ames

NameRatingReviews
Schonert's Corporate Catering★★★★★ 5.020 reviews
Wiggy's Ice Cream★★★★★ 5.020 reviews
Labyrinth Coffee★★★★★ 5.020 reviews
Hyper Energy Bar★★★★★ 5.020 reviews
Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery★★★★★ 4.920 reviews
Piece & Freedom Bakery★★★★★ 4.920 reviews
Daisy's Drinks & Dogs - Ames★★★★★ 4.920 reviews
Morning Bell Coffee Roasters★★★★★ 4.820 reviews
Downtown Deli★★★★★ 4.820 reviews
Vinyl Cafe★★★★★ 4.820 reviews

This listing is informational. Contact the business directly to verify credentials, services, and availability.