Cafe con Leche serves a crowd-pleasing Mexican brunch

The rating in context Cafe con Leche holds a 4.7 Google rating from 465 reviews, a strong showing for a small Des Moines cafe with a moderate price listing. The public feedback supplied here is notably consistent. Diners praise the Mexican breakfast and lunch flavors, specialty coffee drinks, friendly workers and casual atmosphere. Several reviewers describe the food as delicious, while others mention plans to return or recommend the cafe enthusiastically.

The overall picture is of an informal, popular brunch spot rather than a polished full-service restaurant. That distinction matters. One reviewer specifically cautions against expecting upscale seating or conventional table service, but still calls the Mexican brunch excellent. The appeal rests primarily on flavor, approachable service and a menu that gives familiar breakfast dishes a distinctive Mexican influence.

What diners keep ordering Chilaquiles are the clearest recurring food recommendation. One reviewer ordered them with red and green sauce and paired the plate with a horchata latte. Another called a companion’s chilaquiles delicious. The horchata latte is the other repeated standout, praised by multiple diners and singled out as a particularly good choice for anyone who already enjoys horchata.

Other favorable mentions broaden the menu picture. Reviewers enjoyed the Americano breakfast, huevos con jamon, tres leches pancakes with added fruit, a chile verde pork dish and a chocolate Abuelita latte. One diner praised the flavor of the quesadilla hongos, although the same review suggested that its mushrooms may have been canned. That is the only specific food-quality reservation in an otherwise highly positive sample.

One review also reports that breakfast and lunch are served throughout the day. That flexibility strengthens Cafe con Leche’s case for mixed groups, especially when some diners want pancakes or egg dishes and others would rather order a savory lunch.

Service and atmosphere The service model appears relaxed and partly counter based. According to one review, guests ordered at the counter, found a table and had their food delivered by a server who checked on the meal. Extra items such as boxes or jalapeños were requested at the counter. Diners comfortable with that setup are likely to find it straightforward, while those expecting continuous full table service may need to adjust their expectations.

Staff receive positive marks across the sample. Reviewers describe the workers as friendly and nice, and a Saturday visitor noted that plenty of staff were present. The atmosphere is also characterized as family friendly, fun and visually appealing, though the dining room itself is small.

Crowds and practical considerations Popularity creates the most consistent drawback. A Sunday visitor found the cafe packed and advised patience. Another arrived right at opening and watched the room fill until only one table remained about an hour later. The small parking area can also be inconvenient when demand is high.

Taken together, the reviews make Cafe con Leche a strong choice for diners prioritizing flavorful Mexican brunch dishes and sweet, distinctive coffee drinks over spacious seating or formal service. Arriving early, particularly on a weekend, appears to be the safest approach.