By Claire Kohl
Whether you are looking for a boozy brunch, a special occasion, or a breakfast with friends, The Avenues has many brunch options to choose from. Have you tried them all?
1. Eatery A
2932 Ingersoll Ave
What is for brunch? Sip on Irish coffee, mimosas or bloody marys while you munch on their popular, creative toasts. Highlights include their salmon lox toast, smash avocado toast, and nutella French toast. If you’re looking for a heavier meal, consider their lemon ricotta or sweet potato pancakes.
What makes it unique? Mediterranean-inspired menu with hints of Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Italy. It won multiple 2026 City View awards:
- Best Ingersoll Area Restaurant
- Best Local Happy Hour
When does it open? 9 a.m. on weekends, 11 a.m. on weekdays.
2. Chain & Spoke
515 28th St, Unit 102
What is for brunch? Their food and drink menu often changes with the seasons, but you can always count on their signature maple cinnamon latte (hot or iced) and their classic sandwich (pictured) with a biscuit, egg, Gouda cheese, caramelized onion, and bacon. Looking for a vegan option? Try their vegan southwest sandwich.
What makes it unique?
- Sweet & savory pastries.
- They are known for their large, creative coffee and tea menu and seasonal specials.
- Chain & Spoke is Iowa’s only coffee shop and cyclery! Buy a bike, get yours fixed, or just enjoy the bicycle decor while you enjoy your brunch.
When does it open? 8 a.m. every day. Breakfast is served all day. On weekdays, you can explore their lunch menu at 10 a.m.
3. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure
2723 Ingersoll Ave
What is for brunch? Drink their brew of the day coffee, choose from their large list of herbal teas, or from their full-service espresso bar. Eat a breakfast sandwich or a pastry while you enjoy the stained glass and green plants inside the shop, or sit out on their colorful back patio.
What makes it unique?
- Their iconic “Linda Special” (pictured) is a must-try for new customers. The Zanzibar’s signature is made of toast, cream cheese, green onion and melted cheese.
- Zanzibar’s has been small-batch roasting their coffee beans on-site since 1993. Customers can buy coffee beans at the shop.
When does it open? 8 a.m. on weekends, 6:30 a.m. on weekdays.
5. Nadia’s French Bakery
2705 Grand Ave
What is for brunch? Pair their ham & cheese baguette with a café au lait. For dessert, there are many options, but their bestsellers include the mini cheesecake and walnut cinnamon rolls. If you’re looking for something more “French,” try their chausson aux pommes (apple-filled pastry) or torsades o-chocolat!
What makes it unique?
- The bakery offers authentic French pastries, breads, and lunch right here in Des Moines.
- Before moving to Des Moines, the owner, Nadia Ahissou, grew up speaking French in West Africa and regularly visited her aunt in France, who ran a bakery.
When does it open? Tuesday – Friday: 7 a.m., Saturday: 8 a.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.
Custom drink for Donitas Drag Brunch at The Ingersoll.
5. The Ingersoll
3711 Ingersoll Ave
What is for brunch? If you sign up for a brunch show, your ticket includes their buttermilk biscuits with honey butter, a brunch entree, a coffee, and water. More brunch items are available for purchase.
What makes it unique?
- It is fitting that Iowa’s Cultural & Entertainment District (The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand) would have Des Moines’ only dinner theatre, The Ingersoll.
- The Ingersoll first opened in 1939 as a movie theater. The venue underwent a historic renovation and The Ingersoll dinner theater re-opened on New Year’s Eve 2025.
When does it open? Brunch shows start dining at 11 a.m. or 12 p.m.
6. Wellman’s Pub Ingersoll
2920 Ingersoll Ave
What is for brunch? Find all of your breakfast favorites, from pancakes to steak and eggs, on Wellman’s weekend brunch menu. For a hearty brunch with a little kick, try their chorizo biscuits & gravy.
When does it open? Their brunch menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
What makes it unique? Wellman’s serves $16 bottomless bloody marys and mimosas every weekend during brunch hours!
Just outside our borders
Gateway Market Café, 2002 Woodland Ave
- Find breakfast food favorites such as biscuits and gravy, muffins and omelets are available Friday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Try their popular Breakfast Egg Grilled Cheese.
HomeGrown, 555 17th St., Ste 102
- Known for a consistent menu with seasonal selections, some customer favorites you can count on include their blueberry streusel pancakes and avocado toast, available from 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. every day.
Art Center Café, 4700 Grand Ave
- Did you know there is a restaurant inside the Des Moines Art Center? The Art Center Café, presented by La Mie, offers Sunday brunch at 10 a.m. Try the omelet fromage with a cold brew or mimosa.
Coffee Talk ☕️
Want to learn more about where to spend your mornings on Ingersoll & Grand?
We have ideas! Where to get coffee on The Avenues
More good eats: All about our culinary corridor & Ingersoll patio guide
