University Library Cafe
3506 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50311
University Library Cafe Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Des Moines for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
3506 University Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50311 - Phone (515) 255-0433
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Joseph A.
I wish I could give separate reviews for food and service. The University Library Cafe is a small, cozy bar with a great beer selection and really solid bar food. I've had their burgers and nachos and enjoyed munching on both over drinks. My friends and I have enjoyed meeting here for drinks every now and then as it is near our houses. However, after my last two trips to the Library, I think I am going to find someplace else. There is a particular waitress that has served me these past two times, and to simply call her rude would be charitable. The first time was a slow lunch hour. The restaurant was empty, expect for a table full of her friends that she was chatting with. She couldn't be bothered to offer a glass of water or take a drink order for what felt like a long time, and when I finally did make my order, she didn't deliver it to the kitchen until she had traded about three more lengthy drinking stories with her friends. Service afterwards was minimal. If that was simply lousy service, our last trip there really crossed the line. It was a moderately busy night at the bar, and at first she seemed to be doing OK. However, after about an hour, we all started getting the feeling that this waitress was making fun of us. By the time we were ordering our second beers and getting some snacks, she started giving disapproving looks and nodding her head "no" when we would ask her for something. It was bizarre. I asked for a second beer and a burger, and she just stood there kind of glaring at me, then smirked and put the order in. Every order our table made after that, she would nod her head "no" and mess with us by giving the silent treatment for a minute or two. My girlfriend ordered a beer directly from the bartender because she was sick of this crap. The bartender was cool, at least. Eventually we thought she might be trying to joke around with us, so a friend asked if she had "some sort of palsy or neck spasm" the next time she did her "no-no" act. The look of hatred we got in response was intense. If I wanted to pay somebody to make me feel uncomfortable, I'd go to a Zach Galifianakis show. At least he's kind of funny when he does it. We won't be back.
(2)Kari T.
Let me start with the fact that this was my first visit to the Library since they remodeled the place. I came in reminiscing of a divey bar that I had spent many a Saturday evening in, but was pleasantly surprised by the positive change in the Library. Comfortable booths, coherent theme and decorating, and a friendly wait staff all greeted me. We came in for breakfast and were immediately greeted by our waitress. I asked her what she recommended and we ordered exactly what she suggested - the breakfast nachos, a Texas Toast breakfast melt, and a side of pancakes. We were happy when we saw our food come to our table in less than ten minutes. Everything that we ate was absolutely delicious. The side of two pancakes were a fantastic mix, including cinnamon and other spices I couldn't place, making them sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet. The breakfast nachos were an amazing melt of cheese, sausage, bacon, peppers, and onion on homemade (I presume) tortilla chips that I could have eaten all day. The Texas Toast breakfast melt with a side of breakfast potatoes was good, although it was my least favorite considering how amazing the other two options were. Overall, the food was delicious, wait staff friendly, and coffee strong. And really, is there more you can ask for when you opt for brunch?
(5)Jeff B.
The Library is just a few blocks from my Drake neighborhood apartment and I frequent it about twice a week. I can't say enough about how great it is to have a local bar with an outstanding beer selection and great food. My personal favorite beer here is Toppling Goliath Golden Nugget or Dorothy's lager. Both of these beers are only available on tap in a handful of bars in the world - and the Library has them. As for their food, this place gets a ton of press for their nachos (and they are good nachos), but I've found them to have one of the best burgers in town as well. Service can be a bit slow, but this is primarily a bar, not a restaurant. If you want lightning-fast, corporate-induced service with a phony smile, go to Applebee's. The only real gripe I have is the size of the place. At any given time it could be standing room only, and there is very little room to stand. Fortunately turnover is quick with the lunch and dinner diners so it never takes too long to get a table. Overall though, great bar with great food and beer.
(4)Laura G.
I love the collection of bars and restaurants owned by Full Court Press. How they collaborate as owners to pull off so many successful ventures is amazing. Their employees all have great things to say. The Library is no exception. I just had a fantastic Vegetable Hummis Melt for lunch. The nachos are fantastic and the breakfast here is always great! The atmosphere is chill and the staff is wonderful. Stop in and relax.
(5)Krystle T.
Dood, it's finals week. Time to hit the Libray. Price: Nachos are about $7, and a beer might be $5 Parking: Small lot. Sometimes if it's full, you have to park on the residential street. Service: Chill. The bartenders are totally chill. Drinks & Food: The nachos are def super tasty. HOMEMADE chips. I wouldn't call them tortilla chips, but they're super interesting and fried just right. Topped w/ goodness, including banana peppers. Gosh, I thought I was in heaven. CHILI CHEESE FRIES are better doe. ORDER THAT FORSURE. Notes: I would come again. Good beers on tap & great bar bites.
(5)Patrick T.
Wonderful environment to grab a quick drink or some grub with friends! The only time I have ever been here was for a meeting and it was awesome! The beer selection is out of this world good, for a small bar! The Library is not huge so you might have a hard time finding a seat if it's busy, but lucky for us we showed up early and stayed late! We got a really comfy booth in the back! Like I said the Beer menu was great, I tried multiple regional craft Ipa's I have never had before, they also carry local brews as well! The food looks amazing but I did not have any.. I hear they have the best nachos in town! I will be back for sure to try those! Our waitress Ms. Hutchinson was amazing and polite and took care of us all night! She ruled as does this bar! If I lived closer or had my own driver I would be here a lot more!
(5)Andy D.
Surprisingly good food. Maybe the best fries in town. Great beer on tap too. But it's small and service is hit and miss.
(4)Melissa M.
I like to think of the Library as a scaled down (quite a bit, mind you) version of el Bait Shop in size, but WAY better in terms of service. Although fewer in quantity, you still get some good quality beer choices here, and the same goes for the actual bar size. Pretty divey, but more authentic feeling than el Bait. You can tell this place has been around a while, and that professors love coming here on a Friday to lament about their whiny students, but it's totally cool. They've got some standard bar fare on the menu, but I wasn't blown away by the burgers (a bit overdone and bun-heavy for me.) Overall, it's a cool place for a super casual beer with a buddy.
(3)Bee N.
Never date someone you meet at a bar, they say... I met my boyfriend of 2+ years here. I'd become a regular because of the great staff and the proximity of the place to my apartment. The food, drinks and staff are what factored into me becoming a regular. I used to come here with my father when i was a kid just for their great nachos. after a while things started going downhill from what I remember. The food wasn't as great, the service was awful and the crowd that was drawn here was even worse. After the remodel and new ownership, it seems things have been much better! I would spend whole afternoons here getting to know the staff and just meeting new people. They always have daily specials listed on their chalkboard, so you can try something new. This place will always hold a place in my heart. It's just another dive, but it feels like home. unpretentious and always welcoming.
(4)Ben H.
My favorite bar that I've discovered in Des Moines so far. It's a dive, sure, but it has character--and what is a dive bar without character? Too many places are content with a few black tables and chairs, some neon beer signs and lots of stuff on the wall listing the NFL match ups and Bud Light specials. Not this place. It feels lived in and comfy. There are some TVs, but it doesn't feel like you're in another sports bar. Great beer selection (all on tap!) with tons of local options. The food is bar food, but a step (or two or three) above your standard "fry it and forget about it" usual fare. The nachos, dubbed "Best in Des Moines", certainly live up to the hype. Can't wait to try this place again and make it my Cheers. The breakfast menu looks legit as well. As cliche as "hidden gem" tends to be, this place certainly has all the earmarks to make it one.
(5)Joe F.
At one time this place was a true dump (with golden tee!) where you could get a really cold, crappy beer (and nachos!). Times have changed for the better, luckily. New ownership, refreshed interior, refined kitchen and an amazing array of tasty craft beers. The menu is simple - it's burgers, nachos and the like. The service is great, friendly, competent and do well navigating the slightly cramped quarters (some new additions have cramped the bar area somewhat). Word around the campfire that the crowd here at night tends towards a non-student crowd, but I have absolutely no verification if this is true or not. I'm not sure if college kids are into drinking craft beer, but given the proximity to Drake, beware of the drunk-a-lunkas from up the street. This is a great spot to stop and grab a beer in the afternoon and now there are nice TV's so I'm sure I'll be watching some baseball here this summer.
(4)Dillon T.
They have great burgers and nachos! The food was surprisingly good for a one man kitchen. The burger had good flavor and the fries also had a great seasoning. There is also a wide selection of craft beers which is nice at local place. The only thing I don't like is how small the seating is. Don't plan on going with a party of anymore than 6. There is also only six tables so be prepared to wait if you go during prime time.
(5)Ella K.
First time here and I love the small quaint atmosphere. Super nice bartender. Will be making mite frequent stops in!
(4)Jon K.
Disagree with the lack-luster review. This place is a hole-in-the-wall with a great beer selection, good bar food and a down-to-earth waitstaff. They have a touch tunes without restrictions for those that want to change the culture for the night. It is three blocks from a college, but they are a neighborhood bar with mostly over 30s. Keep your expectations low and then be pleasantly surprised with what might be a new favorite hangout.
(4)amy c.
Excellent hospitality- local joint with great food too! Best homemade flaky nacho chips- melt in your mouth!! Burgers awesome too, definitely recommended!!!
(5)Steve J.
I'm surprised I am the first to review this place as it always seem's to garner glowing reviews in the local paper's. This place is more of a bar and college hang out than anything else. But I was told that they have the best nacho's in the DSM. I must have went on an "off" day because the nacho's I received were just okay. I was encouraged to order their off menu "Cheeseburger Nacho's." They were pricey and were again, just okay.
(2)