For over 25 years, Drake Diner has provided a variety of hearty brunch plates for hungry Iowans, in a vintage, 1950s diner setting. Take advantage of the changing restaurant specials to try something a little different – like the deep-fried waffle sausage, for instance.

It could be said you have never truly experienced dining in Des Moines until you check out the Drake Diner, a staple in the neighborhood since 1987. The restaurant sports classic comfort food and serves as a time capsule to midcentury eateries with its counter seating, deep booths and kitchen open to the dining room. Order diner classics such as meatloaf, a hot beef, or liver and onions, or try Drake Diner’s original Maytag burger topped with Iowa Maytag blue cheese, sautéed onions and Monterey jack cheese.

No list of Des Moines institutions is complete without Drake Diner, which has been slinging hash in the Drake neighborhood since 1987. Bask in the old-school diner ambiance while sipping a cup of joe and enjoying one of their specialties like Santa Fe grits, pumpkin pancakes, chicken fried steak, or their signature omelet with Iowa sausage, mushrooms, and cheese. They serve lunch and dinner, but Rule No. 1 of diner dining is if they have all-day breakfast, you order it.

The Drake Diner — located just south of Drake University since 1987 — is an “upscale retro diner” offering classic homemade comfort food. In case you are wondering, yes, breakfast is served all day, according to its website. Tip: The menu lists Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, a homemade cinnamon roll that is sliced, soaked in egg batter and grilled until golden and served with both real butter and warm maple syrup.

If you’re looking for an old-school, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast – diner food done right – look no further than Waveland Café and Drake Diner. Waveland is home to the “best hash browns in the galaxy,” and you’ll find little argument from native Hawaiiowan Jason Momoa, who likes it so much he’s had a dish named after him. Try Da Momoa - biscuits and gravy overtop hash browns with sunny side up eggs and bacon.

The Drake Diner has a reputation as a place where Drake students go to eat with their families when their parents come to town for a visit. The menu graphics reinforce the family appeal of this place. The Drake Diner has a good thing going with all these Drake students and guests from the hotel next door, the place is busy and probably gets more people than any other spot in the Drake neighborhood.

Opened in 1987, the Drake Diner has been a Des Moines landmark for more than 30 years. This ‘50s-inspired diner is known for its hearty portions and all-day breakfast—making it the perfect place to satisfy a craving should you want pancakes at 9 p.m. With a large menu and plenty of seating, the Drake Diner is the perfect kid-friendly spot to grab an early bite to eat any day of the week.

Potato Pancakes If sugar isn’t really your thing, you may want to head to Drake Diner in dogtown for their potato pancakes. The recipe is Drake Diner’s own and spoiler alert, they’re to die for. The pancakes are thin, and while they resemble pancakes, they taste closer to a soft hashbrown with green onions and chives.

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (254 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Diner- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311-4207- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated seafood restaurants in Des Moines by diners

Drake Diner leaves Iowan’s reminiscent of Grandma’s cooking back in the day. Even though Grandma has the day off cooking, you can still enjoy the same perks. The diner features breakfast for dinner, pot roasts, hot meatloaf sandwiches, and homemade mac n’ cheese, and it is sure to feel like home in the heartland.

For some of the most mouthwatering waffles in all of Des Moines, head over to Drake Diner. Whether you like your waffles savory or sweet this 50’s themed diner located in the heart of the Drake Neighborhood won’t disappoint. They serve up Belgian Waffles served with real butter and warm maple syrup.

Opened in 1987, the Drake Diner has been a Des Moines landmark for more than 30 years. This ‘50s-inspired diner is known for its hearty portions and all-day breakfast—making it the perfect place to satisfy a craving should you want pancakes at 9 p.m. Drake Diner, 1111 25th St., Des Moines

I recently had brunch at Drake Diner in Des Moines and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience. The restaurant was bustling when I arrived, proof of its popularity. Despite the crowd, the service by the wait staff was commendable.

Why: The Drake Diner has been a Des Moines landmark since its opening in 1987. This classic diner has hosted many celebrities and politicians passing through Des Moines. Enjoy a stack of their mouthwatering pancakes in the enclosed patio.

1111 25th StDes Moines, IA 50311(515) 217-1111 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Located just south of the Drake University campus, this Des Moines landmark offers exquisite American fare paired with beer or wine.

The Drake Diner is perfect when you want a classic breakfast in Des Moines. This upscale, retro diner serves traditional comfort food such as omelets and buttermilk biscuits with gravy. And breakfast is served all day!

Drake Diner (1111 25th St), student favorite, good diner fare, all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner; burgers, homemade meatloaf, vegetarian options, made-from-scratch pies and cakes, shakes and malts.