Waukee’s Old Town is about to bloom with a charming new addition: Littleleaf Luncheonette, opening in late September.
This cozy breakfast-and-lunch spot is the dream project of Mallory Holt and Ryan Nicholson, who created a space that’s all about sustainability, thoughtful ingredients, and that “Wow, I wish we had this here” kind of vibe.
“It’s been a journey — three years of surprises and renovations,” Holt said. “We got a city grant, which took a year, and then came the fun part: transforming an old building full of quirks.”
Instead of settling for a strip mall, the duo chose to restore a historic church on a corner in Old Town. “We wanted something special,” Holt said. “There are plenty of bars around, but sometimes you just want a cozy spot to sip coffee, enjoy a cocktail, or grab a bite that feels like a little getaway.”
Inside, Littleleaf will seat about 50 guests, with a sleek, glass-enclosed patio adding room for 30 more year-round. “It’s actually the first of its kind in Iowa,” Holt said.
What’s on the menu at Littleleaf Luncheonette?
The menu? Think elevated comfort food with a twist. “Anyone can serve food,” Holt said, “but when every ingredient is chosen with care, it just tastes better.”
Case in point: their tuna melt features yellowfin tuna instead of the usual canned stuff. “It’s little choices like that that make a big difference.”
Coffee lovers are in for a treat, too. Littleleaf will serve Parlor Coffee, a boutique Brooklyn roaster known for its sustainable practices and close relationships with farmers. “We’re one of their first Midwest accounts,” Holt said. “It’s a perfect fit for what we’re trying to build.”
While breakfast and lunch are the stars for now, evening plans are already brewing. “Eventually, we’ll open up as a wine bar with tapas,” Holt said.
What does ‘Littleleaf’ mean?
And the name? “Littleleaf” is inspired by Iowa’s native wildflowers — and a bit of poetic symbolism. “I have a wildflower meadow at home,” Holt said. “Littleleaf is a flower that thrives in neglect, and we’re bringing life back to an old brick building. It just felt right.”
For now, they’re keeping a few surprises tucked away. “We’re trying to keep a little mystery,” Holt said. “We want to offer something different — something that doesn’t feel like the same old breakfast spot with a new logo.”
Where to find Littleleaf Luncheonette
Location: 405 Sixth St., Waukee
Website: littleleafluncheonette.com
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Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Waukee’s Old Town welcomes a cozy, sustainable breakfast spot in a restored church
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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