Breakfast at Mr. Filet in Des Moines

One of my all-time favorite breakfast haunts and a downtown institution since 1969, Mr. Filet hearkens back to the day when Greek-family steakhouses ruled the earth. Well... they should, in my humble opinion.

Traveling across the country you'll usually find one Greek steakhouse in any town of decent size. Des Moines was no exception. In fact, it boasted several back in the day. Sadly, Mr. Filet is the sole survivor against the relentless passage of time. Even a recent fire couldn't bring the place down, though it sure tried.
My favorite pleasure at Mr. Filet is the Greek omelet, pictured top left. Take chopped gyros meat, sautéed bell peppers, near-caramelized onions and feta cheese and enrobe it in a three-egg blanket. Top it with cool, creamy American-style Tzatziki sauce and order a side of crispy hash browns and you've got one of the best breakfasts in town.

On my last visit I asked for hash browns with cheese and onions, pictured top right, paired with eggs over easy.

The folks at Mr. Filet, owner George Hatzigiannakis and grillsman, appropriately also named George [Nicholson], are attentive and more than willing to accommodate special orders. And besides breakfast, they offer a variety of sandwiches and meats with sides of salad, choice of potato and Texas toast for lunch.

Mr. Filet, located at 510 Seventh St. in the lower level of the Grand Ave. Parking Garage, opens up weekdays at 5 AM and starts to wind down for closing after 2 PM. Closed weekends.