The Grove Cafe

Love this little hole in the wall. Great service. The food is amazing. Only negatives I have is there usually a wait to be seated in this small cafe, and the restrooms are down the scary stairs in the basement. It is still a 5 star rating for how amazing it it. You won't regret choosing this place.

As the city of Ames relentlessly rampages on its warpath of urban sprawl, local businesses strive to preserve that cozy, humble small-town comfort, and The Grove Cafe accomplishes this task perfectly. Enjoy a cheap, tasty cup of joe while you read the newspaper or enjoy some pleasant small talk with a cordial conversationalist waiter. The restaurant distinguishes itself with it's eclectic cornucopia of breakfast options, many of which include their signature pancakes. These pancakes are gargantuan in size and in taste. These babies look as though they're big enough to feed an army, which makes the triumph of eating one entirely all the more gratifying. Get there in an instant!

This place is a great little diner. You have massive pancakes, amazing omelets, and great specials. I'd recommend this place for a nice, quiet breakfast.

Small quaint place. Joint was jumping. Took a bit to get in but it was worth it. Food was good. Service was good. Decent price.

I didn't know about their "Our famous pancake", but they were awesome and huge.
They were served with 2 packs of butter, and a bottle of syrup (unlabeled, but also one of the bests syrups I've ever had).
The ambience was very relaxed and familiar, proper of one of those unspotted local places people often talk about.
I'll remember to take my pancake-lover friend next time.
PS: it's cash or checks only (no debit/credit cards)