Cafe con Leche looks like the kind of unassuming strip-mall cafe you could drive past a hundred times, but Des Moines locals know better.
Inside, this Mexican-inspired breakfast and brunch spot has quietly turned into a destination for giant burritos, chilaquiles, and creative coffee drinks that keep weekend lines snaking toward the door. 🌯☕
Why Locals Call This Mexican-Inspired Brunch Spot Their “Hidden Gem”
The secret to Cafe con Leche’s rise is simple: big flavors, big portions, and a vibe that makes you feel like a regular on your very first visit.
Locals rave online about it as a “hidden gem” for Mexican-inspired breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee, and milkshakes, and those word-of-mouth reviews have done more for this Hubbell Avenue cafe than any billboard ever could.
Facebook fans call it one of their “go-to brunch spots in Des Moines” and highlight how the team keeps things friendly and fast, matching what you’ll see in local posts like this Iowa Lovers brunch shoutout. 🌟
In other online spaces, visitors talk about being drawn in for a quick latte, only to discover huge breakfast plates and a fun, welcoming atmosphere that turns a casual stop into a full-on brunch ritual.
The space itself leans bright, colorful, and inviting, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes lingering over a horchata latte or a classic café de olla feel like the only logical choice.
Add in the fact that Cafe con Leche serves from morning through mid-afternoon and you get a spot that works just as well for a solo weekday coffee as for a slow, indulgent weekend brunch with friends.
Food Highlights
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Breakfast Burrito: A huge, fully loaded burrito that reviewers call a must-order, packed with eggs, potatoes, and savory fillings that make it a full meal and a go-to brunch choice. 🌯
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Chilaquiles: Classic Mexican comfort with tortilla chips drenched in sauce, topped with eggs and optional proteins, often highlighted in local Facebook coffeehouse reviews as a hearty, saucy brunch plate that satisfies serious appetites.
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Huevos Rancheros with Chorizo: A traditional eggs-and-tortilla favorite boosted with chorizo, frequently talked about for its rich flavor and satisfying mix of crisp tortillas, creamy yolks, and savory spice.
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Pancakes: Fluffy and classic stacks praised as soft, comforting, and ideal with a strong coffee or mocha, perfect for guests who crave a classic breakfast plate. 🥞
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Dulce de Leche Crepe: A sweet option that’s popular with diners who love delicate crepes filled and topped with caramel-like dulce de leche for an indulgent brunch treat.
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Strawberry Crepe: Another crepe favorite, offering fresh strawberry flavor and a lighter, fruit-forward option that still feels special. 🍓
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Cuban Sandwich: This pressed sandwich offers a savory choice layered with meats and cheese, making it a standout for lunch or for brunchers who lean more toward salty than sweet.
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Classic Café de Olla / Coffee Drinks: Local reels like this Instagram feature rave that it is “mandatory to leave with a Classic Cafe De Olla,” and reviewers praise strong coffee, fun lattes, and shakes that elevate every plate. ☕
Atmosphere
Cafe con Leche delivers a colorful, cozy atmosphere that guests repeatedly describe as welcoming and relaxed, with plenty of energy but no rush.
The vibe is casual enough for a quick solo coffee run, yet warm and lively for families and brunch groups who want to linger over another round of drinks and crepes.
Visitors praise the fast, friendly service and mention in reviews that even a 20-person line moves quickly while still feeling pleasant.
It feels like the kind of neighborhood cafe where you can show up once, be treated like a regular, and immediately start planning your next visit. 🎉
Bottom Line
Cafe con Leche is a must-visit for giant Mexican-inspired breakfast plates, cozy brunch vibes, friendly and fast service, creative horchata and coffee drinks, and that hidden-gem feel that keeps Des Moines locals and curious travelers coming back again and again.
Address:
2905 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
📞 +1 515-777-3639
🕔 Open Daily, Mon–Sun 8 AM–3 PM