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University Library Cafe — Restaurant in Des Moines

Name
University Library Cafe
Description
Old-school bar with classic pub grub & draft beers, including local craft brews.
Nearby attractions
Drake Stadium
2719 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
Witmer Park
1610 34th St, Des Moines, IA 50310
Drake University
2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Nearby restaurants
Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen
3206 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Habanero's
3200 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
8 Degrees Cafe & Boba
1315 31st St suite a, Des Moines, IA 50311
Louie's Wine Dive
4040 University Ave suite a, Des Moines, IA 50311
Haiku
1315 31st St Ste# D, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
Cafe Chai
1315 31st St Suite 3, Des Moines, IA 50311
Peggy's Tavern
3020 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
All Pho You
4120 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Friedrichs Coffee
4126 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
McDonald's
3002 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Nearby local services
Nearby hotels
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Keywords
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University Library Cafe things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
University Library Cafe
United StatesIowaDes MoinesUniversity Library Cafe

Basic Info

University Library Cafe

3506 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
4.6(474)$$$$
Closed
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Ratings & Description

Info

Old-school bar with classic pub grub & draft beers, including local craft brews.

attractions: Drake Stadium, Witmer Park, Drake University, restaurants: Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen, Habanero's, 8 Degrees Cafe & Boba, Louie's Wine Dive, Haiku, Cafe Chai, Peggy's Tavern, All Pho You, Friedrichs Coffee, McDonald's, local businesses:
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Phone
(515) 255-0433
Website
thelibrarydm.com
Open hoursSee all hours
Mon11 AM - 11 PMClosed

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Featured dishes

View full menu
dish
Denver Omelet
dish
Chicken Fried Steak
dish
La Mie Breakfast Croissant
dish
Breakfast Nachos
dish
Cheese Shop Omelet
dish
Hummus Melt
dish
Smothered Potatoes
dish
Side Salad
dish
Breakfast Nachos
dish
Cheese Shop Omelet
dish
Smothered Potatoes
dish
Denver Omelet
dish
Hummus Melt
dish
Fried Cheese Curds
dish
Chili Cheese Fries
dish
Library Poutine
dish
Side Salad
dish
Fried Cheese Curds
dish
Chili Cheese Fries
dish
Library Poutine
dish
Turkey Sandwich
dish
Tenderloin Sandwich
dish
Sausage Sandwich
dish
Breaded Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
dish
French Dip
dish
Library Vegetarian Melt
dish
Peanut Butter Bacon Burger
dish
Library Vegetarian Melt
dish
Tenderloin Sandwich
dish
Turkey Sandwich
dish
Breaded Chicken & Bacon Sandwich
dish
French Dip

Reviews

Live events

2026 Jan/Feb dsm magazine Unveiling
2026 Jan/Feb dsm magazine Unveiling
Tue, Jan 13 • 5:00 PM
12107 Stratford Drive, Clive, IA 50325
View details
Grazing with the Girls: A Charcuterie Workshop by Vibrant Life Society
Grazing with the Girls: A Charcuterie Workshop by Vibrant Life Society
Thu, Jan 15 • 6:00 PM
3816 100th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
View details
Shelf Love Silent Book Club at Mars Cafe
Shelf Love Silent Book Club at Mars Cafe
Wed, Jan 14 • 7:00 PM
2318 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
View details

Nearby attractions of University Library Cafe

Drake Stadium

Witmer Park

Drake University

Drake Stadium

Drake Stadium

4.6

(312)

Open 24 hours
Click for details
Witmer Park

Witmer Park

4.3

(167)

Closed
Click for details
Drake University

Drake University

4.3

(71)

Open 24 hours
Click for details

Nearby restaurants of University Library Cafe

Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen

Habanero's

8 Degrees Cafe & Boba

Louie's Wine Dive

Haiku

Cafe Chai

Peggy's Tavern

All Pho You

Friedrichs Coffee

McDonald's

Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen

Hugo's Wood-Fired Kitchen

4.6

(73)

$$

Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details
Habanero's

Habanero's

4.4

(282)

$

Closed
Click for details
8 Degrees Cafe & Boba

8 Degrees Cafe & Boba

4.5

(235)

$

Open until 12:00 AM
Click for details
Louie's Wine Dive

Louie's Wine Dive

4.5

(428)

$$

Closed
Click for details
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Reviews of University Library Cafe

4.6
(474)
avatar
1.0
4y

Myself and a group of friends came in to have a few beers after work. The moment we walked in the door the waitresses were EXTREMELY rude, especially one in particular. She couldn’t look us in the eye was rude af when she came to our table to take our order, she couldn’t make eye contact. We brushed it off, but every time we would ask for something she snapped at us. Finally I had to say something. I asked her name, she lied about her name then she proceeded to tell us she did not want to wait on the FOUR of us anymore and we should leave. Just like that. No explanation. I was with two well known Doctors and two nurses. Having a beer just one. Luckily one of the doctors will be making a call to the manager they happen to know. I would say it’s not a very friendly place at all. I can’t recall being treated so terribly by some one working in this industry. I’m disappointed in the Library I had never been there before and I will not be returning. No recommendations to the library if they have staff like what we experienced. Horrible I wouldn’t even give it one star based on staff and environment at this point. Sadly disappointed....

   Read more
avatar
5.0
25w

Pssst. Not a library! BUt what it is, is awesome! A tiny place with massive charm, serving elevated grub pub and epic breakfast. Pair that with a full bar, cool locals and lots of history and that is what this place is! After one visit we are believers and will be back for more.

If you are looking for a quaint place with a cool vibe and a great selection of menu and drink items, with fun and eclectic decor this is the right spot.

We enjoyed a Philly and a chicken bacon ranch sandwich and some signature cocktails. All were on point and I would recommend the chicken bacon ranch sandwich for sure! So delicious.

The service was fantastic and even thought they were experiencing some issues with the beer taps they made up for it with a full bar and cans of desired.

Highly...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
1y

Another trip down memory lane while I am in Des Moines has to include a stop at the Library.

This is a quintessential dive bar with excellent bar food and a huge beer selection. I was too hungry to snap a picture of the nachos but that’s one thing they’re well known for and I definitely recommend them. For entrees a sandwich or burger is your best bet but they have other options that are all delicious. Their burgers are a thicker cut patty that’s well seasoned, great fries too.

If you’re looking for a good beer selection you can’t go wrong here. It’s a small space so spots fill up fast but if there’s a wait it’s worth it. Be sure to check this spot out if you’re rolling...

   Read more
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Posts

Kirk MagillKirk Magill
Pssst. Not a library! BUt what it is, is awesome! A tiny place with massive charm, serving elevated grub pub and epic breakfast. Pair that with a full bar, cool locals and lots of history and that is what this place is! After one visit we are believers and will be back for more. If you are looking for a quaint place with a cool vibe and a great selection of menu and drink items, with fun and eclectic decor this is the right spot. We enjoyed a Philly and a chicken bacon ranch sandwich and some signature cocktails. All were on point and I would recommend the chicken bacon ranch sandwich for sure! So delicious. The service was fantastic and even thought they were experiencing some issues with the beer taps they made up for it with a full bar and cans of desired. Highly recommend this spot.
Pete WestPete West
Another trip down memory lane while I am in Des Moines has to include a stop at the Library. This is a quintessential dive bar with excellent bar food and a huge beer selection. I was too hungry to snap a picture of the nachos but that’s one thing they’re well known for and I definitely recommend them. For entrees a sandwich or burger is your best bet but they have other options that are all delicious. Their burgers are a thicker cut patty that’s well seasoned, great fries too. If you’re looking for a good beer selection you can’t go wrong here. It’s a small space so spots fill up fast but if there’s a wait it’s worth it. Be sure to check this spot out if you’re rolling through Des Moines!
Tiffany MauchTiffany Mauch
Despite being a Drake grad, I had never been here before. The server/bartender was great (small space) offering several samples of beer to try after asking what I liked. I went with his recommendation of the cheeseburger nachos. Holy amount of toppings Batman! The nacho chips were very thick and sturdy! I also munched on my husband's burger and fries--one of the best burgers I've had and nicely crunchy but flavored fries. Their burgers are superior to Zombie Burger by far for flavor. My husband and I both agreed that these burgers or some of the best in town.The server/bartender was attentive but not annoying. We will be back for sure!!
See more posts
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hotel
Find your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Des Moines

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Pssst. Not a library! BUt what it is, is awesome! A tiny place with massive charm, serving elevated grub pub and epic breakfast. Pair that with a full bar, cool locals and lots of history and that is what this place is! After one visit we are believers and will be back for more. If you are looking for a quaint place with a cool vibe and a great selection of menu and drink items, with fun and eclectic decor this is the right spot. We enjoyed a Philly and a chicken bacon ranch sandwich and some signature cocktails. All were on point and I would recommend the chicken bacon ranch sandwich for sure! So delicious. The service was fantastic and even thought they were experiencing some issues with the beer taps they made up for it with a full bar and cans of desired. Highly recommend this spot.
Kirk Magill

Kirk Magill

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Des Moines

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
Another trip down memory lane while I am in Des Moines has to include a stop at the Library. This is a quintessential dive bar with excellent bar food and a huge beer selection. I was too hungry to snap a picture of the nachos but that’s one thing they’re well known for and I definitely recommend them. For entrees a sandwich or burger is your best bet but they have other options that are all delicious. Their burgers are a thicker cut patty that’s well seasoned, great fries too. If you’re looking for a good beer selection you can’t go wrong here. It’s a small space so spots fill up fast but if there’s a wait it’s worth it. Be sure to check this spot out if you’re rolling through Des Moines!
Pete West

Pete West

hotel
Find your stay

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

hotel
Find your stay

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Des Moines

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Despite being a Drake grad, I had never been here before. The server/bartender was great (small space) offering several samples of beer to try after asking what I liked. I went with his recommendation of the cheeseburger nachos. Holy amount of toppings Batman! The nacho chips were very thick and sturdy! I also munched on my husband's burger and fries--one of the best burgers I've had and nicely crunchy but flavored fries. Their burgers are superior to Zombie Burger by far for flavor. My husband and I both agreed that these burgers or some of the best in town.The server/bartender was attentive but not annoying. We will be back for sure!!
Tiffany Mauch

Tiffany Mauch

See more posts
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