The Cafe

If you are looking for a place where culinary traditions meet a genuine passion for quality, then The Cafe is a must-visit on your map. This popular restaurant, located in Ames, USA, is famous for its commitment to the farm-to-table concept, using only fresh seasonal ingredients from local farmers.

The interior is designed to ensure every guest feels privacy and comfort: cozy booths create a personal space perfect for both a family dinner and a meeting with friends. The Cafe is more than just a restaurant; it is a true culinary pride of the region, known for its own bakery where craft bread is baked daily—from crispy baguettes to fragrant ciabatta and sourdough.

The venue’s openness to experimentation adds a special atmosphere: the menu is updated every six weeks, offering guests modern interpretations of classic "comfort food." Its high ratings and the popularity it enjoys with Iowa State University students confirm that the local chefs' passion for their work resonates with every visitor.

To get more details or book a table, you can use the official contact information for The Cafe.

At The Cafe, every guest will find something to enjoy, whether it’s a leisurely breakfast or an exquisite dinner. You should definitely start by tasting the seasonal menu: here you can find dishes featuring heirloom vegetables and meats prepared using traditional techniques—house-smoked or wood-fired. Bakery enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to try fresh bread straight from the stone oven.

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit here will be a real treat. Local pastry chefs create masterpieces like berry trifles, "Mojito" mousse cakes, and classic cheesecakes. If you appreciate good music, try to visit on an evening when jazz is playing, perfectly complementing the restaurant's relaxed atmosphere.

Beyond the food, it’s interesting to watch the professionals at work: bakers and bartenders are happy to share stories about the origins of their products. Don't forget to check out the bar menu, which features contemporary cocktails made with fresh ingredients and carefully selected wines from around the world. And if you're planning a picnic in the city, you can pre-order fresh ciabatta or a baguette to take with you.

The Cafe is located in the northern part of the city at 2616 Northridge Pkwy. Thanks to its convenient location near the Iowa State University campus, it is easy to find for both students and visitors alike.

If you are traveling by car, it is easiest to take Northridge Parkway. The restaurant provides parking for its guests. A trip from the city center by car or taxi (Uber and Lyft services work perfectly here) will take about 10–15 minutes.

For those arriving from Des Moines International Airport (DSM), the drive will take approximately 45 minutes. Follow I-35 N to the exit for US-30 E, and then turn toward Northridge Pkwy. Ames also has a well-developed public transportation system that allows you to reach the area in a reasonable amount of time.

The story of The Cafe began in 2003 when the restaurant opened its doors in what was then a sparsely developed area of the city. Founder and general manager Kevin Rettig, along with his partners, realized a dream of creating a place where food quality comes first. Rettig's own journey is inspiring: he began his hospitality career washing dishes, gradually rising to leadership positions.

Over two decades, the establishment has grown from a small cafe into a vital part of the city's community. The restaurant has successfully navigated economic challenges and rising costs while remaining faithful to the farm-to-table principle. Instead of chasing expansion, the owners focused on constantly improving the menu and supporting local farmers, making their establishment legendary among Iowa residents.

The team at The Cafe is a union of professional chefs, bakers, and bartenders who truly love their craft. They don't strive for outward flashiness, preferring instead to surprise guests with the flavors of seasonal products and traditional preparation methods—such as house-smoking meats and baking in a stone oven—that have remained unchanged for many years.

To fully enjoy your visit to The Cafe, a typical visitor should set aside 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to unhurriedly sample main courses from the seasonal menu and appreciate the skill of the local pastry chefs.

If you are planning a visit with a large group, want to listen to music, or stopped by specifically to pick out fresh bread and desserts to go, your stay might extend to 2.5 hours. The cozy atmosphere invites long conversations over a cup of coffee, so it’s best not to schedule your next stop too tightly.

The Cafe is ready to welcome guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for early breakfasts and late dinners. From Monday to Saturday, the establishment is open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

On Sunday, there are shortened hours: the cafe doors are open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, making it an ideal spot for a traditional Sunday brunch. It is recommended to keep this schedule in mind if you plan to visit on the weekend.

A walk around the neighborhood after a pleasant lunch will allow you to get better acquainted with the culture and history of this university town. There are many interesting locations within a few kilometers, from historical buildings to picturesque parks.