A family-owned and operated cafe, committed to serving our community homemade & delicious food

located in elk rapids, Michigan

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We are a restaurant focused on locally-sourced, fresh, and homemade ingredients for all of our dishes. All of our food is prepared with care and intention to deliver you wonderful service and delicious food. We aim to be a place where you can connect with the community around you and feel like family.

Grab a coffee & chat, a sandwich to-go, or stay for a home-cooked breakfast

From our fluffy pancakes to our hearty sandwiches bursting with seasonal produce, each creation is a labor of love, ensuring that every meal is a memorable experience.

Prepared with love & intention

We are proud to be lovers of all things local to our community in Northern Michigan. We believe in the power of supporting our community's farmers, artisans, and producers

Lover of all things local

From the moment you step through our doors, you are welcomed with open arms and treated like family. 

Genuine hospitality

It takes a Village - My village is my family, KJ and Landon. We put our heart and soul into this cafe so that our guests feel the love. I am honored to share this journey with our community here in Elk Rapids and beyond.

A journey through food & hospitality

Burger Night + Soft Serve + More

Come see us Friday-Sunday, 5-8pm for smash burgers, soft serve and more. Vanilla soft serve with all the toppings of your wildest dreams! Smash burgers with all the fixin's and chicken picatta sundays (KJ's special recipe). Come on by and have a home cooked dinner with us or cool off with some soft serve.

More Info

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The staff is very friendly and treats you like family. My wife loved the eggs benedict and my three egg omelet was absolutely delicious. Customer service is tip of the spear. Take it from an old Marine Veteran, you will love Ames St Cafe.

Ken

Love love LOVE! Elk rapids needed a brunch place like this. Their breakfast and lunch is great. I love their BLT, french toast, and honestly any of their baked goods. They also have great service and are on honest with you about when tables will be open.

Grace

By far, it's one of my absolute favorite places to eat! You can't beat a meal that is from scratch with farm fresh ingredients! So much love is put into the food here, and you can tell. One of my favorite things is how much the staff love working here, it's not uncommon to over hear them thanking each other and offering to help. That kind of family atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome! Come as you are! The food is out of this world A-mazing!

Robin

We loved Allie's food truck and were thrilled when she decided to open Ames St Cafe! Her food is creative, cozy, and made with love. I have loved every dish I've ordered and I dream about the focaccia bread—the BEST.  She is always so patient and thorough when answering food allergy questions and so mindful in her offerings for unique dietary needs. How lucky our little village is to have Ames St Cafe. THANK YOU, Allie!

Jon + Emily

Visit Us

145 Ames St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629

We are a "first-come-first-serve" establishment. We do everything in our power to accommodate parties of every size, however, if you have a party larger than six, we recommend you giving us a call at 231-498-6005.

Monday 9 AM - 1 PM
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM
Friday 9 AM - 1 PM
Saturday 9 AM - 1 PM
Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM