3 minute read
Point of Interest: Waveland Cafe
Waveland Cafe
Proudly serving "the best breakfast in Des Moines and the best hashbrowns in the galaxy since 1984."
By Haley Banwart
There’s something about a classic diner that feels like home. The soft sizzle of eggs on the griddle, the clink of coffee cups, the friendly banter between regulars and staff. It’s a comforting rhythm that never goes out of style, and no place embodies this better than the Waveland Cafe.
Celebrating 40 years in business in 2024, the Waveland Cafe is a Des Moines institution, known for its hearty breakfasts, unpretentious atmosphere and staff who treats every customer like family. The cafe, which was named after its neighborhood and originally called Jeff’s Waveland, has stayed true to its roots.
“We’re consistent to a fault,” says owner David “Stoney” Stone. “Customers walk through the door years later and say their dish is perfect, just like the last time they had it. It brings back memories, which keeps people coming back.”
Stone’s philosophy on consistency and quality comes from decades in the hospitality business. He got his start in 1972, learning from mentors who instilled in him the importance of buying the best product possible and never cutting corners.
When Jeff’s Waveland went up for sale, he saw an opportunity to lean into the old-school diner experience, drawing inspiration from The Mint Cafe in Wausau, Wisconsin, a beloved mainstay in Stone’s native state. That influence helped shape Waveland into the destination it is today, where both regulars and newcomers feel instantly welcome.
Famous Hashbrowns, Friendly Faces
One of the diner’s signature items is the “best hashbrowns in the galaxy,” a claim that might sound bold until you taste them. The cafe serves an astonishing three tons of hashbrowns each month. Golden brown and perfectly crisp, they’re a must-order alongside legendary omelets and biscuits and gravy.
Beyond serving the best breakfast in Des Moines, an honor the local establishment has consistently earned, Stone says the key to Waveland’s success is its dedicated staff.
“We’ve been fortunate to hang on to good help. Multiple generations of families have worked here,” he explains. “Some of our employees started when they were 14 and are now cooks.”
The kitchen hums with energy as food orders are hollered out Judge Judy-style. The chef picks the daily special and the music, filling the dining room with lively tunes that sometimes spark singing and dancing. Hand-painted murals add to Waveland’s welcoming charm.
Over the years, Waveland Cafe has become a favorite stop for celebrities and politicians. News anchor Tom Brokaw once did the nightly news from the cafe, and actor Jason Momoa is known to be a fan.
But it’s not the notoriety that defines the diner; it’s the sense of family and community. Stone, his wife Julie, and their daughters Annie and Haley continue to foster a place where customers find comfort in familiar faces, good food and a genuine connection.
The Stone family also owns and operates Waveland West (Booneville Bar & Grille), a rustic, cabin-style eatery in Booneville that carries on their tradition of great food, friendly service and a laid-back dining experience.
We don’t advertise, but people find us because people go where others go. The moment someone walks in, whether they’re a regular or a newcomer, they feel it. It’s a unique atmosphere you don’t find just anywhere.
