The Ankeny Brief
Ankeny does breakfast well - there's a genuine little cluster of scratch-cooking cafes and modern brunch spots, not just drive-thrus. Whether you want biscuits and gravy in a cozy diner or a Benedict and a brunch cocktail, here are the local favorites and what each is known for.
Local go-tos: Early Bird Brunch (indulgent classics + brunch cocktails), It's My Jam Cafe (scratch comfort food), The Breakfast Club (savory/sweet/boozy brunch), Cafe Diem (modern brunch, Farmers Market Benedict), Egg Bistro (cozy diner), and Main Street Cafe & Bakery (longtime favorite). Most are morning-early afternoon, so check hours.
The nice thing is the variety in a small radius: a proper cozy diner feel at Egg Bistro or It's My Jam, a modern brunch plate at Cafe Diem or The Breakfast Club, or a treat-yourself morning with cocktails at Early Bird. You're rarely more than a few minutes from a good plate of eggs.
Ankeny's breakfast spots are mostly morning-to-early-afternoon places - several wrap up around 1-2 p.m. Weekend late mornings can also mean a wait. Check the specific spot's hours (and whether they take waitlist reservations) before you head out.
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For a sit-down brunch, Early Bird Brunch, The Breakfast Club and Cafe Diem are the most brunch-forward, including cocktails. It's My Jam and Egg Bistro are great for a classic breakfast.
It's My Jam Cafe is known for scratch-made comfort food including biscuits and gravy and French toast.
Usually no, but weekend late mornings get busy and some spots use a waitlist. Going a little earlier beats the rush - and remember many close by early afternoon.
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