A great place to have a drink before and/or after a movie at The Varsity Theatre. After numerous visits doing just this, we eventually made time to give the dining room a try. Alas, we'll adjourn to the bar... and stay there. The night of our visit, we were informed that they were out of the entrees (2 different entrees that is) which my companion and I had selected, in addition to one other. I opted for my 2nd choice, my companion his 3rd choice. Our crab cakes appetizer was delicious, making us believe perhaps we were getting back on track. The 20+ minutes we waited between our appetizer plates being removed and the arrival of our main course, however, was a total derailment. Additionally, I'd suggest avoiding wines by the glass here, as my cabernet had obviously been open too long, probably a result of the relatively empty dining room, even at 7:30 on a Saturday night. My follow-up Heineken proved cold and refreshing drunk straight from the bottle, as I opted to pass on the "fresh out of the dishwasher" warm pint glass which accompanited it. Overall, the food here shows a lot of promise, if you can tolerate the completely unpolished service. I'll never know. I'll stick to drinks only in the bar.

I recently visited the Cafe for a third visit and had a wonderful time. The atmosphere, menu and price is finally right on track. We enjoyed the new menu with several delicious options to choose from at a better value. Plus, the bar side is quite enjoyable as our group enjoyed wine, martinis and dessert after our meal. We'll be back soon to try the Sunday brunch. This restaurant is a well kept secret!

Congraulations. After pushing out a highly reviewed chef the owner has turned this establishment into a bagged fries joint. Seriously a MISTAKE.

I visited 25th Street Cafe on a reccomendation and it was FANTASTIC. The menu was amazing!! Very creative and well thought out dishes. Our server was extremely attentive and well informed of all offerings. We had a the oppurtunity to chat with the chef and were impressed by his progressive approach to food. Definately take the oppurtunity to take in 25th Street Cafe, you won't be dissapointed!

The atmosphere was cozy and had a comfortable elegance. However, the room was freezing.

I was not impressed with the service as our food was not all served together, and the food was cool when it was served. The waiter was knowledgable and made good suggestions.

The dishes were creative, but for the price food was alright. Not delicious or excellent, but alright.

Although I visited 25th Street Cafe on a nite where the menu was "pre-selected," I would still say that it was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences. The food was incredible, and I truly enjoyed being able to watch it being prepared through the open kitchen. The atmosphere of 25th Street Cafe was cozy, friendly, and intimate. Why not a full 5 stars? The service could have been a little more attentive.. it was a busy nite so perhaps having one more server on hand would have been more helpful.

I love this place. Dinner is excellent. Brunch is excellent.

The only thing that I've found that is marginal is the waitstaff. They are always friendly, but sometimes they suck. maybe it's cause it is so new. But it is a charming little space and the food is very tasty. they make you feel like you just discovered the best restaurant in des moines every time you walk in the door.