The Breakfast Club is a breakfast-and-brunch restaurant at 212 E 3rd St, Suite B, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, in the downtown East Village. Opened in 2021, it pairs American breakfast staples with cocktails and playful, retro-inspired decor. Travelers come for poached eggs, waffles, burgers, and mimosas rather than a quiet continental breakfast. The official website also identifies the business with the adjoining 216 E Court Avenue address; navigate to the East Third Street and East Court Avenue corner.
What to Expect at The Breakfast Club
This is a full-service brunch stop with enough savory choices to work for lunch, too. Poached eggs offer the classic breakfast direction, waffles cover the sweeter side, and burgers give late risers something more substantial. Browse the official brunch menu before arriving, especially when coordinating a group with different appetites. Coffee and breakfast favorites share billing with dishes intended for a longer, more social meal; the restaurant’s identity is distinctly brunch-focused rather than bakery- or espresso-bar-led.
The colorful, unconventional interior suits friend groups and celebratory breakfasts. Expect a more animated atmosphere during busy brunch periods than at an early weekday breakfast. Mimosas and cocktails are central to the offering, with a separate official drinks menu worth checking before ordering. For vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, discuss ingredients and substitutions with your server rather than assuming that an egg dish or waffle meets your requirements. Shared preparation areas also matter for anyone with a serious allergy.
- Poached eggs: A breakfast mainstay for visitors who prefer a savory start over a sweet plate.
- Waffles: The obvious choice for a sweeter brunch; check the current menu for preparations and accompaniments.
- Burgers: A useful lunch alternative when your group includes someone who has already eaten breakfast.
- Mimosas and cocktails: A dedicated drinks program makes this as much a social brunch destination as a morning meal stop.
- East Village setting: The corner location puts independent shops and the Des Moines River within an easy post-meal walk.
The Breakfast Club at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 212 E 3rd St, Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309; official business address also lists 216 E Court Ave. |
| Neighborhood / Area | East Village, east of the Des Moines River. |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; check holiday hours directly. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$, moderately priced table-service dining; food, drinks, tax, and gratuity are separate budget considerations. See the official menus for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes, plus any seating wait. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | DART service along East Grand Avenue, including Route 16; nearby metered street parking and downtown public garages. |
| Official Website & Phone | The Breakfast Club USA; +1 515-280-5251. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early on a weekday for the simplest breakfast schedule; late weekend mornings are the natural peak for groups ordering brunch and drinks. Call ahead for larger parties and ask about the current reservation or waitlist arrangements. Dress is casual. Budget in US dollars, allow for sales tax, and include a customary table-service tip. Drivers should read each meter’s posted restrictions rather than assuming weekend parking is free; use Des Moines municipal parking information for current rules. Bus riders can check stop locations and service changes through DART.
The dining room occupies a street-level commercial space, but wheelchair users should call about the entrance threshold, door clearance, restroom layout, and table placement before visiting. Request room for a mobility device or stroller when arranging seating. Afterward, walk roughly five minutes north to the East Grand Avenue shopping corridor, or five to ten minutes west toward the Principal Riverwalk. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is approximately a 15-minute walk northwest, offering a pedestrian river crossing and skyline views without needing to move your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
Regular hours are 6 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily. Choose an early weekday breakfast for a less compressed schedule, and confirm holiday service before traveling.
How expensive is brunch, and should I reserve?
Expect a moderate, $$ table-service meal, with cocktails adding to the total. Check the official menu for current item prices and telephone the restaurant about reservations or group seating.
How long should I allow?
Allow 60–90 minutes for ordering, eating, and coffee or drinks. Leave additional time for a weekend seating wait or a walk through the East Village afterward.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with mobility needs?
Waffles and familiar breakfast dishes make it a practical option for mixed-age groups, although busy brunch service can be lively. The restaurant is at street level; confirm doorway, restroom, and seating arrangements directly for specific mobility requirements.
When planning your Des Moines travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Des Moines, pair this stop with standout local spots including Living History Farms, Christopher's, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, and The Iowa Taproom (nearby).
