Nothing says weekend mornings like a big stack of fluffy pancakes! When else can you get away with chocolate chips and whipped cream for breakfast? With portions as big as your plate, you won’t leave hungry, nor empty-handed. So, as we move into late summer and early fall we thought it would be a good idea to round up some of our favorite pancake destinations in the Des Moines area.
While you’re sampling these scrumptious local bites, check out our guides to breakfast cafés, local ice cream shops and places where kids can eat FREE.
Here’s where your family can flip for flapjacks in Des Moines:
The Breakfast Club
212 East 3rd Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 280-5251
This fun-kitschy themed breakfast spot boasts pancake flavors such as banana foster, cinnamon roll, and chocolate lovers. You’ll also want to try their other offerings like loaded hashbrowns, toast with the most and some sweet apps like breakfast corn dogs and s’more donut holes. Call ahead to reserve your spot or arrive early in the morning to avoid waiting for a table.
Early Bird
9250 University Avenue, Ste 107 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 528-2212
This cozy eatery is open for breakfast and lunch, and you will flip for its flapjacks. Try them in flavors such as pecan pie, s’mores, or pb&j. Or sample one of each with a pancake flight. They also serve other brunch favorites like omelets, breakfast sandwiches, coffee drinks and cocktails.
Just Pancakes
1139 24th Street • Des Moines, IA 50311 • (515) 306-4719
This pancake centric popup restaurant is based out of Kitchen Spaces. They currently offer their fluffy hotcakes Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and they’re totally worth the wait! You’ll find traditional favorites such as strawberry and blueberry pancakes, as well as the more unique Thin Mint. Order up a side of bacon or sausage and beverages include hot chocolate and orange juice for the kids and coffee for mom and dad.
Motley School Tavern
1903 Beaver Avenue • Des Moines, IA 50310 • (515) 279-0075
Check out the dessert-inspired Pineapple Upside Down, Caramel Apple and Cinnamon Roll cakes at this Beaverdale restaurant. In addition to pancakes Motley School Tavern’s brunch menu includes omelets, salads and sandwiches and other breakfast classics.
Perk Up Cafe
2700 University Avenue, Suite 324 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 270-1466
One of our family’s favorite breakfast spots, Perk Up Cafe offers a variety of breakfast options and a great coffee selection, including delightful lattes that add an extra touch of indulgence to your morning. We highly recommend trying the Jack’s Stack breakfast entree, which includes two pancakes, hash browns, two sausage links, and two slices of bacon.
Where’s your family’s favorite local spot to enjoy some fluffy pancakes in the Des Moines metro?
