University Library Cafe

3506 University Ave, 50311-2306 - Des Moines
Recommended by Sluurpy: 2025 2024 2021
🏆 #100 of 381 restaurants in Des Moines
Updated on
American Bar
Known for: burger nachos
★★★★★ ★★★★★
4.3/5
1491 recommendations

Sluurpy Quality Index

PROPRIETARY
Popularity
100/100
Quality
58/100
Data Completeness
61/100

Verified Dish

Add Missing Dish

4.3/5
Sluurpometro: 86/100
Sluurpy Score
1,491 total reviews
TA Trip
4.5/5
32 reviews
G Google
4.6/5
794 reviews
F Foursquare
3.5/5
101 reviews
F Facebook
4.0/5
231 reviews
G Grubhub
4.0/5
233 reviews
R Restaurantji
4.6/5
99 reviews
M Menuism
5.0/5
1 reviews

Rating distribution

5★
16
4★
10
3★
5
2★
0
1★
1

Contact Information

📞 Phone: +1 515-255-0433
📍 Address: 3506 University Ave, Des Moines

🕐 Opening Hours

Open now Closes at 02:00 AM
Monday1 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Tuesday2 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Wednesday3 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Thursday4 08:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Friday5 08:00 AM - 02:00 AM
Saturday6 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday7 11:00 AM - 01:00 AM

Google Reviews

4.6/5
★★★★
794 Google reviews
D

Devin Ganka

2 weeks ago
★★★★☆ 4/5
Found this small bar/restaurant just driving around. Pleasant surprise with interesting atmosphere and friendly service. The food looks good, but I didn’t have it. The drinks were made nicely and they have a pretty decent beer list on tap. Super awesome surprise to the end of our trip. I would come here again. The small places are always the best.
Read more
Google
C

Clay Major

2 months ago
★★★★★ 5/5
Best burgers in Des Moines, hands down. Amazing Bloody Marys, the staff is always friendly, just the best little dive bar (and I say that with immense affection!) in the neighborhood. A+.
Google
T

Tiffany Mauch

7 months ago
★★★★★ 5/5
Despite being a Drake grad, I had never been here before. The server/bartender was great (small space) offering several samples of beer to try after asking what I liked. I went with his recommendation of the cheeseburger nachos. Holy amount of toppings Batman! The nacho chips were very thick and sturdy! I also munched on my husband's burger and fries--one of the best burgers I've had and nicely crunchy but flavored fries. Their burgers are superior to Zombie Burger by far for flavor. My husband and I both agreed that these burgers or some of the best in town.The server/bartender was attentive but not annoying. We will be back for sure!!
Read more
Google
N

Nathan Blunck

5 months ago
★★★★★ 5/5
Small diner putting out big food. It was great to sit with my buddy. Place was busy but not too loud. Server did a great job. Had the breakfast burrito with cheese sauce and chili and a side of pancakes. Good stuff. Looking forward to going again when I can try the craft beer selection
Google
T

tim conley

a month ago
★★★★★ 5/5
Oh my....Voted best nachos in Des Moines for over a decade, maybe 2 decades and that's no coincidence. Now, I've only ever had the nachos there so I'm a little biased,but if that is the barometer for great grub..run, don't walk to the University Library. The employees are top-notch,the grub is great,why are you reading this and not already dining there . 😁
Read more
Google
B

Bob Gillingham

2 weeks ago
★★★★★ 5/5
A bar - restaurant on a college campus. Where are you? I'm at the Library! Best sausage sandwich I've had in a long time. Too much food for lunch. Excellent experience.
Google
O

Ojas Gokhale

a year ago
★★★★★ 5/5
Great food, quick service. Must try if you are in the area. Burgers were legit.. and cheese curds were perfect.
Google
A

Alexander MS Ó Cearbhaill II

2 months ago
★★★★☆ 4/5
The food is average but not overpriced, French dip is great. You get big bang for your buck with drinks and the staff is super friendly and checks on you constantly.
Google
Help improve this page:
← Back to all restaurants in Des Moines

🍽️ Suggest a dish

⚠️ Report error

🚫 Report closed

Do you confirm that University Library Cafe has permanently closed?