If you bring a book or a laptop, prepare to get "the look" once you're sitting there without food. They're very prompt about clearing empty plates, which is definitely nice...but it kind of feels like there's an unspoken desire for you to leave. At a restaurant with wait staff, it's great when plates disappear immediately after you're done; at a cafe, it makes you feel hurried and rushed.
Don't get me wrong, I totally understand the desire to turn tables and drive sales; and nobody wants to be another Smokey Row with college students who never leave. But it just feels awkward--especially when you're a regular customer who eats there 2-4 times a week. And no matter how nicely someone asks you to move to communal seating, you feel like you're being told to leave the cafe. This happened to me today about 2-3 minutes after I finished eating my food. My plate disappears, and then someone else promptly walks over and asks me to move. What if I was thinking of going back up and getting coffee or dessert?
We eat here regularly. It is a very nice quiet environment. The staff are always friendly and the food is fabulous! Highly recommend the bacon and cheddar scramble and the cinnamon rolls are awesome!!
During peak hours, they may also ask you to move over to communal seating--which can be very loud. It also offers no privacy if you don't like folks staring at your screen or just don't want to sit with random people.
Nice building and fantastic food. The menu is large and quite varied. The only issue that keeps me from giving it 4 or 5 stars is that it's not a welcoming environment for those who work from home, want to take their laptop out of the office, or don't plan to leave at the exact moment they finish eating.
LOVE this place! Being gluten intolerant, I love the variety of gluten free dishes and desserts they have. Their food is always fresh and delicious, and they have a very welcoming staff and environment!
I come here often to work on school work. I may sit here and have a coffee or tea with one of their bakery goodies or I will get a meal. I've only have had their soup and sandwiches as a meal, and they are so delicious! There coffee options are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and the desserts are to die for. They are always changing the different types of cake and danish options. My favorite cake is the kit-kat chocolate cake and favorite coffees are raspberry mocha and pumpkin cheesecake. I was first introduced by a friend to come here a year ago, and now Its my go to very relaxing and cozy by the fireplace. Its a very popular place, people come here often to work on business, and many families come here with their children. The owner is well involved, and him and his staff are very kind. Oh and I love the playlist they always have classical music like Frank Sinatra!!!
With that said, the food is quite wonderful. Definitely worth a visit for that alone. Just be advised that there are more welcoming alternatives if you're planning to work remotely or hang out a bit. (Although you may have to drive out of Ankeny to visit them) Freedom Blend Coffee on MLK/Hickman is one option.
First time and enjoyed tremendously. Helpful manager explaining menu and process. Food was quickly served and tasty. Ambiance is very fun and love the rolls of paper used as chalk board to write specials. Great idea. Just a place we will frequently stop at when making our pilgrimage to Sam's club or on way home from Ames coming the back way. Good job!
Main Street Cafe Bakery is a US Cafe based in Ankeny, Iowa. Main Street Cafe Bakery is located at 2510 SW White Birch Dr #1,2, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA.
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