Working nightshift? Here are the 9 best places to get breakfast in Iowa
We rounded up nine fantastic breakfast spots across Iowa, from a hip-hop-themed brunch spot to a cafe inside an old bank. Find a new spot to try near you.
Whether you’re finishing a late shift and craving a hearty, home-cooked meal or meeting friends for a leisurely Sunday brunch, Iowa’s diverse dining scene has the perfect breakfast spot for you. From trendy cafes to classic diners, we searched high and low for some of the best breakfast spots in Iowa.
Eastern Iowa
Machine Shed Restaurant
Want to have one of the best breakfasts in America? According to Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise,” you need to go to the Machine Shed Restaurant. This award-winning regional favorite has five locations, including its original spot in Davenport, IA. Proudly “dedicated to the American farmer,” the restaurant is known for its farm-style cooking and hearty Midwestern favorites, including its famous cinnamon and pecan rolls.
Address: 7250 Northwest Blvd, Davenport, IA 52806
Promising review: “I haven’t been here in about a decade, so that’s a lot of time for the nostalgia and expectations to build. For everything to exceed my sky-high expectations is pretty incredible. The food was amazing and generous. We split the hungry man’s breakfast and cinnamon roll amongst my family and still had leftovers. My husband now agrees: best breakfast in the Midwest. The service and hospitality were also wonderful! I hope we make it back to Iowa and the Machine Shed before another decade goes by.” – Julienne B.
Must try: The Shed’s Famous Cinnamon Roll
Bluebird Diner
Named the most iconic diner in Iowa by Reader’s Digest, Bluebird Diner is known for its “classic country cooking with an unexpected twist.” Take the Krakatoa omelet, for example, which includes pecan-smoked bacon, jalapeños, red onions, garlic, pepper jack, and citrus cream cheese. Another favorite is the Bluebird Huevos, made with smoked pulled pork green chili atop griddled parmesan polenta and over-easy eggs.
Address: 330 E Market St, Iowa City, IA 52245
Promising review: “Breakfast perfection! We stopped at Bluebird Diner and were blown away by how delicious everything was. The omelets were fluffy and packed with flavor, and the pancakes? Absolute heaven—light, buttery, and cooked just right. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and food that leaves you smiling. If you’re in Iowa City and craving an amazing breakfast, Bluebird Diner is a must!” – James S.
Must try: Bluebird Huevos
Morg’s Diner *
A staple in the Cedar Valley for more than 60 years, Morg’s offers up breakfast classics in a distinctly ’50s retro diner environment. It’s known for its large portions and reasonable prices. Expect your pancakes to come as big as your plate and your bottomless coffee cup to never be empty.
Address: 520 Mulberry St, Waterloo, IA 50703
Promising review: “Morg’s pancakes and bottomless cup of coffee are classics. The pancakes are light, fluffy, large, and delicious. My favorite breakfast place. Classic 50s Diner experience, complete with swivel stools at the counter and juke box music at the table. A nostalgic step back into a different world. Service is friendly, prompt, and efficient. Food is served hot with large, delicious portions.” – Debra S.
Must try: Morg’s Famous Pancakes
Central Iowa
The Vault
Perhaps one of the most unique restaurants on this list, The Vault is located in an old bank in Gilbert, Iowa. Each week, there’s a new, limited menu of inventive breakfast dishes, along with a consistent selection of specialty coffee drinks and sweet treats. Be sure to check The Vault’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date menus—or better yet, go in blind with an open mind. From what reviewers have been saying, you really can’t go wrong here.
Address: 125 Main St, Gilbert, IA 50105
Promising review: “The Vault is amazing. Don’t let the location sway you from making the drive out. The place is wonderfully decorated and unique. The staff were awesome, friendly and really fun to talk to. They have a rotating menu, and this week I tried Almond French Toast and Corned Beef Hash. It was perfect – I have no complaints. My chai latte and black tea were great, too. Great prices, great food, great staff, and great ambiance make this a must-visit. Highly recommend!!” – Christian J.
Must try: NA – Rotating Menu
Eggs and Jam
Another unique spot in central Iowa is Eggs and Jam. This ’90s hip-hop-themed brunch spot, located not too far from downtown Des Moines, offers a fun spin on breakfast favorites. Take the Rumpshaker, for example, a breakfast burrito with eggs, cheddar, sausage, and biscuits, topped with gravy.
Address: 1907 EP True Pkwy, Suite 102, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Promising review: “…Eggs and Jam is a 90s themed brunch place with fabulous food and service. Everything we ordered was so delicious, with presentation like I’ve never seen. The “Love Island” waffle, which was the special, was absolutely exquisite. Other meals my group tried: egg rolls, goat cheese crumble, omelette, grapefruit, and pancakes- it was all amazing. Hats off to our server who took great care of us! Highly recommend!!” – Kate L.
Must try: Mimosa Chicken & Waffles
Waveland Cafe *
A household name in Des Moines is Waveland Cafe. This beloved greasy spoon has been around since 1984 and is famous for being a favorite stop for actor Jason Momoa. You can even order Breakfast Momoa Style, which includes a “full order of hashbrowns topped with a full order of biscuits, and gravy and 2 sunnyside up eggs with a side of bacon.” The diner also claims to have “the best hashbrowns in the galaxy,” and reviewers tend to agree. Don’t be surprised to find a line outside this place, especially on the weekends.
Address: 4708 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Promising review: “This place is the perfect breakfast spot, absolutely delicious food. The hash browns are crispy, the gravy homemade… eggs perfectly cooked. Very busy place! But the service is quick and delightful.” – Erik R.
Must try: Hasbrowns
Western Iowa
Milk & Honey
If you are looking for a simple but delicious farm-to-table breakfast, then look no further than Milk & Honey in Harlan, IA. This casual spot offers diners a relaxed, industrial vibe with exposed brick and beamed ceilings within a historical downtown building. You can expect most of the food to be locally sourced and all of it to be made from scratch and tasty.
Address: 919 7th St, Harlan, IA 51537
Promising review: “Holy cow!!! We had the BEST breakfast today. I had the Eggs Benedict, and hubby had the burrito and French toast. I don’t think we’ve ever been as pleased with a meal as we were today. The chef knocked it outta of the park! The atmosphere is super and made us both think of the Old Market in Omaha; looking forward to another fantastic experience!!” – Sue A.
Must try: Bomb Breakfast Burrito
Brightside Cafe & Deli
Located in downtown Sioux City, Brightside Cafe is known for serving up an uplifting atmosphere and flavorful dishes, including breakfast tacos, burritos, and specialty omelets. It’s also recognized for its Feed it Forward program, which allows customers to prepay for a meal for someone in need.
Address: 525 4th St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Promising review: “Fantastic breakfast! Had the Denver skillet with breakfast potatoes. Delicious. A little more cheese please. But excellent ham and fresh peppers and onions. Breakfast sandwich with sausage and egg on a croissant was very, very good. Excellent coffee and friendly staff.” – Brad A.
Must try: Brightside Burrito
Legends Cafe *
Legends Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot and local favorite known for its huge portions, reasonable prices, and all-around great value. Diners can expect traditional breakfast fare, including omelets, French toast, and cinnamon rolls. The pancakes come in three sizes, with the largest being as big as a dinner plate. Come hungry and ready to eat.
Address: 501 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Promising review: “Took my son here for breakfast, and it was great. Pancakes bigger than the plate, thick and fluffy! Eggs perfectly cooked. Tons of food for the cost! Grabbed a couple of cinnamon rolls to take home too! Staff was very attentive and friendly even though they were very busy. Owner was super nice and made her presence known throughout the restaurant making sure guests were taken care of.” – Zach L.
Must try: Pecan Roll
*Indicates the value pick for each region, notable for large portions at reasonable prices.
**Reviews have been edited for clarity and consistency.
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