Frannie's Cafe
812 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040, United States+1 712-433-1200
About This Place
Nestled in the heart of downtown Onawa, Iowa, Frannie's Cafe is a beloved family restaurant that captures the essence of comforting, homestyle American dining. Known for its warm hospitality and nostalgic small-town charm, Frannie's Cafe invites guests to indulge in classic Midwestern favorites that feel like a heartfelt embrace on a plate.
The menu at Frannie’s is a treasure trove for those who crave hearty, satisfying meals made with genuine care. Signature dishes such as the Hot Beef Sandwich and the crispy, golden Country Fried Steak showcase traditional flavors that transport you to a simpler time. Breakfast lovers are drawn to the robust Hungry Farmer Omelet, served with American fries smothered in savory gravy, or the whimsically delightful Mickey Mouse Pancakes that make dining out a joy for young family members. For a touch of sweetness, the Caramel Pecan Roll and Blueberry Pancakes with Eggs, Bacon, & Toast are must-tries, boasting fluffy textures and rich, buttery flavors that linger long after the last bite.
Frannie's doesn’t just serve food; it crafts an experience. The cozy yet cheerful atmosphere is enhanced by the spotless, inviting decor, making it equally perfect for a casual breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a special family outing. Guests frequently praise the friendly, attentive service, remarking on how their meals arrive promptly and with a smile, reinforcing the café’s homey vibe.
Regular patrons like Amy Doll rave about the "flavorful bite of my omelet" and the quaint “homecanned goods and candles” available, which add a charming, personal touch to the whole visit. Rick & Lori highly recommend detouring just a few miles off I29 to enjoy the blueberry pancakes—a dish described as “HUGE and FANTASTIC” by many, including enthusiastic breakfast-goer Hannah Kleinjan, who also highlights the “perfect hash browns” and delicious sausage patties that round out a truly memorable meal. Biffbangpow’s review perfectly sums up the experience: quick, attentive service paired with comforting specials like Pit Ham and Roast Beef Dinners that keep travelers happily fueled.
For those looking to escape the commercialized cookie-cutter chains, Robert Dobbs calls Frannie's a “hidden gem” — a sentiment that rings true for every visitor seeking genuine Midwestern warmth on a plate.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Frannie’s Cafe promises a heartfelt dining experience that feels like coming home. From classic eggs and omelets to loaded sandwiches and luscious desserts like homemade pie and ice cream cones, every dish invites you to slow down, savor, and smile.
Frannie's Cafe
812 Iowa Ave, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone: +1 712-433-1200
Service options
Takeaway Dine-in DeliveryHighlights
Great coffee Great dessert Serves local specialtyPopular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo diningAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small platesDining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table serviceAmenities
Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-FiAtmosphere
Casual Cosy QuietCrowd
Groups TouristsPlanning
Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cardsChildren
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menuParking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot ParkingOpening Hours
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Monday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Tuesday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Wednesday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Thursday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Friday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Saturday
06:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Sunday
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Amy Doll
2 month agoFrom the first flavorful bite of my omlet I was a fan! Also loved the home-canned goods and candles displayed for sale. What a wonderful small town experience!
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Rick & Lori
2 month agoDo yourself a favor and drive the few miles off I-29 (their direct bridge is closed right now, so a couple more country roads) and have a blueberry pancake the same of your plate!! Very nicely decorated too!! It was very clean and I’m glad we stopped!!
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biffbangpow
2 month agoWe were desperate to find a local lunch cafe as we drove south on I-29 and Frannie's Cafe was a jackpot! Situated in beautiful downtown Onawa, IA, my wife and I ordered two of their specials. I got the Pit Ham and my wife ordered the Roast Beef Dinner. Both came out quickly with mashed potatoes and a choice of two sides. Our server was kind and attentive and we were back on the road in no time. If I lived in Onawa, I'd eat here all the time!
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Robert Dobbs
2 month agoMy wife and I stopped here for some breakfast/lunch after leaving Sioux City and wanting to get out of the city before getting something to eat. We were headed south and looked up places to eat and this place came up and we decided to try it. We love eating at places other than commercialized fast food if we can help it, like McDonalds, or Hardee’s and such. This place was a hidden gem for sure! It’s past all the interstate business about a mile or so into the small town so we knew this was gonna be a local spot for sure. The construction in the town almost makes it look like nothing is open and the town is deserted but it is not! The only thing that caught our eye was the little open neon sign in the front of the store and that let us know we should be in luck. There looks to be a parking lot behind the store but we parked at the end of the street by the railroad tracks and walked down. It’s a very nice feeling small town. When we walked in we were greeted and asked to set anywhere so we did. We were told they serve breakfast all day and that was awesome because by the time we got there from leaving our hotel which did not serve breakfast was about 11-11:30am. I got the hungry farmer omelette with hash browns and muffin toast. I had never heard of it before and the waitress said it was like toast but it was English muffin and recommended it. I’m sure glad I ordered it. Best toast I’ve had with any breakfast! My wife got the hot hamburger to try something new and loved it but it was so much food! The prices are very low compared to where we had been getting food around major tourist spots. 10/10 definitely recommend!
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Hannah Kleinjan
2 month agoBest breakfast I've had in a long time! Great eggs, perfect hash browns, delicious sausage patties. The pancakes were HUGE and FANTASTIC! The cafe was clean with a charming atmosphere and attentive service.
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Charles Storm
3 month agoGreat home-cooked food and service that would rival a five-star establishment
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Darcy Miller
4 month agoThis place is adorable!! They have a great menu with many yummy items. The place is very clean and the servers are awesome!!
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Simon Moorby
4 month agoI was on the lookout for a local type cafe / diner on my marathon drive and spotted Frannies on a road sign so I took the exit… a bit of a gamble as I was towing a trailer. Easy to find in town and plenty of parking options, I could have parked a big rig close by. Service was on point, as was the food. A bit of controversy as one set of locals was sat at the other set of locals regular table, but pleasantries were exchanged and all agreed one seat over wasn’t a big deal. I love places like this and was trying to avoid chains this entire trip, so I’m glad I spotted the sign! This is such a wonderful country to roadtrip across and local food is always local community, and that my friends is what always made America great.
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