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Location & Hours
Des Moines, IA 50311
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About the Business
A hidden gem in Des Moines' Drake neighborhood serving up craft beer and creative homemade takes on traditional bar fare. The University Library Café offers an eclectic mix of food, beverages, and customers all in a cozy, old-school, just-around-the-corner bar setting. Consistently voted by Des Moines for Best Local Nachos. An intimate neighborhood bar with 41 beers on tap. Serving unique breakfast dishes on Saturday and Sunday.
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Overall rating
88 reviews
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Caitlin J.Cedar Falls, IA51163Nov 16, 2017I love this place! Small hole in the wall bar with yummy food and quite the beer selection. Haven't had a meal there that I haven't enjoyed and the prices are reasonable too. I suggest trying their breakfast on the weekend!!
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Oh no 0- Jan 14, 2024Updated review
We love coming here on the weekends for breakfast (wish they had it during the week too, but sadly just a Saturday-Sunday thing). Our go to is the breakfast burrito.
Today was a cold and snowy day so it wasn't very busy but be prepared to wait since there is limited seating and they seem to have a good set of regulars as well as a rep for being a good morning place.
Their have a solid line up of burgers and other typical bar food too, which is also worth coming in for. Be sure to check out the specials board!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Oct 28, 2018Previous reviewOne of my favorite spots in Des Moines for breakfast, unfortunately they only serve it on weekends. Also a great neighborhood option for happy hour or to get dinner. Check out the specials board while your there. The only thing i wish was different was their onion rings; they're the thin cut crumbly batter kind.
- Nov 27, 2023Updated review
The Library is one of those places we always take people when they are in town. The food is always great, the atmosphere is cozy and fun, and the service is great. People are kind, and everyone is there to have a laid back, fun night.
The burgers are always good, but at the waitress' recommendation, we have recently tried the Turkey Sandwich and The Ruben and they are both incredible. Also, the fried cheese curds with ranch are always a must have, especially for out of towners.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Apr 13, 2019Previous reviewI absolutely adore the library. What it lacks in seating on a busy night it makes up for in amazing food and a delightful kind bartender who has her hands full with a restaurant and a bar to tend!
You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The food is simply put, damn good. The breakfast is comfort food at its best and will warm you from the inside out. For lunch or dinner, try the nachos. You won't regret it. If you're craving a really crispy chicken tender, this is the place. They make the best. They also have great sandwiches and other awesome lunch things, but the nachos are always my go to. Made with house made tortilla chips and the best queso you'll find in Des Moines you'll be in heaven. Just get there early on the weekends, it's always packed since it's such a teeny spot. But that's the charm of the library, a tiny neighborhood bar with amazing food.
Check it out! You'll love it! 
289143135Nov 5, 2023Awesome hole in the wall bar/cafe. We went here for brunch to try the breakfast nachos and were pleasantly surprised. We had an amazing server and the food was phenomenal. This is a smaller place so if you try to go at a busy time there will probably be a wait.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0- Jul 20, 2022Updated review
Still very good! Service and food were great, and the selection really has something for everyone. I went for a burger this time and it was one of the better burgers i've had in a while. The onion rings were homemade and tasty, and my wife had the Crab Cake Sandwich, which was amazing--and a great deal as it was stuffed full of crab with barely enough filler to hold together its deliciousness! The fries were also hot and tasty.
We both got mixed drinks and they were very nicely prepared.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Jun 27, 2017Previous reviewSuper casual and very friendly - we strolled in looking to get our nacho on and we weren't disappointed. The only 2 seats left were at the bar and the bartender waved us over to take them...a nice lady sitting at a table offered to move so we could take that, but the bar was fine with us!
We ordered our drinks (very reasonable) and an order of chicken nachos. We have been here before but it's been quite a few years and the nachos are still unique and very good. The 'chips' are light and airy and freshly fried for your order. The toppings are plentiful and tasty, and an order was plenty for the two of us.
We made a few new friends sitting at the bar and the bartenders were friendly, efficient, and attentive. Absolutely worth a visit and it's not just a college crowd - the night we were there we saw a family there, though not sure I'd classify this as your typical family setting, but to each his own...give it a try! 
Nerm P.Ankeny, IA5653May 1, 2023Tried this place for the first time last week, and I'm glad I finally went.
Chicken nachos!!!!
Meatloaf sandwich!!!!!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
Laura H.Des Moines, IA01Sep 22, 2023Took my brother in-law to the Library for lunch. He says "Best onion rings I have ever had!"
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0- Feb 4, 2023
This is a cozy little dive with quirk and heart. This place is cool but small. If there is a loud person in the place you will get to know them whether you like it or not. The bartender was so attentive, the beer was cold and plentiful, and the grilled cheese was...meh. I nice little spot to hang out if visiting Drake University.
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Becky S.Des Moines, IA122Dec 1, 2022Their cheese burger is so good
Love the nachos ans fries
!!!!!!!!!! Good place to get a drink toHelpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0- Marti A.Quebec City, Canada1631Nov 12, 2023
Fabulous food always made fresh. This is our favorite go to place. Best nachos and Reuben's in town.
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Kristen G.Palm Desert, CA2623Apr 16, 2023Great service and food is good too! Small place so get there early on the weekend! Cute, friendly neighborhood!!
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