The colorful creations that await at Linda Donuts in Ankeny, topped with cereal, sprinkles and coconut flakes.
Writer: Karla Walsh
The old aphorism declares that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this season you have several more venues to make the most of your morning meal.
While we’ll always have a soft spot for timeless gems like the Waveland Cafe and Drake Diner, we’ll never say no to more locations that inspire us to skip the snooze button. Below, four new hot spots to start your day in style. For a bonus number five and six, stay tuned to 5 Borough Bagels on Facebook and Instagram to follow along as they prepare to open their larger Urbandale location later this summer. Then swing by Secret Admirer on Saturdays when you’re downtown for the farmers market to see what’s on the menu for their Super Secret Brunch Club.
Best for Your Budget: Linda Donuts
Swing by this new Ankeny bakery for cake or raised doughnuts decorated with icing and a wide variety of toppings, from cereal and sprinkles to candy and coconut—all at only $1.10 each. Cronuts, fritters, cinnamon rolls, croissants and jam-swirled fruit twists also make frequent appearances in the colorful bakery case. (1810 S.W. White Birch Circle, Suite 121, Ankeny; 5 a.m.-2 p.m. daily)
Best for a Boozy Brunch: The Breakfast Club West Glen
The sister restaurant to East Village’s retro-inspired spot, the West Des Moines outpost of the Breakfast Club debuted May 27. It’s the second iteration of the restaurant that’s known for its mimosa flights, totchos and overloaded Benedicts. The mixologists recently added even more coffee cocktails, plus a “Mega Mosa” that will definitely need to be shared; it’s a whopping 25 ounces. (5225 Mills Civic Parkway, No. 100, West Des Moines; 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily)
Best for Families: Little Brother on a weekday
Now that school’s out for summer, corral the family and perk up a weekday morning with breakfast at this Windsor Heights deli-diner. (You might also know this restaurant as its previous name, RC’s Diner.) Since the owners are parents, too, they shifted their hours to be more family-friendly during the warmer weather months. Adults will love the Candied Bacon Benny and Soon-to-Be-Famous Breakfast Sandwich, while kids will adore Layla’s Giant Frickin’ Cinnamon Roll. It’s epic. (6587 University Ave., Windsor Heights; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday)
Best for a Day Date: 503 Cocktail Lab and Tasting Room
Since he opened 503 in February, chef Lynn Pritchard has created a well-oiled machine inside this happy hour and dinner destination in the East Village. A few weeks ago, he launched a weekend brunch at 503, which showcases thoughtful twists on avocado toast, quiche, waffles, bloody marys and more. (503 E. Locust St.; 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)
