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Where to eat in Ames

10 independent restaurants, bakeries and food spots in Ames. Chains are left out.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Where to eat in Ames

  1. Eat

    Aunt Maude's

    Pricey but popular steakhouse with semi-formal atmosphere, which has made it something of an Ames standby with so few formal restaurants to go around. Patio and bar.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-2PM; Mon-Sat 5PM-close$15-40

  2. Eat

    Hickory Park

    A huge and very popular Western-themed restaurant that has long been an Ames staple and is great for kids, parties, and large groups. American and Iowan fare, featuring pulled pork/beef sandwiches and a dessert menu boasting over 50 selections. Huge seating area, though there is often a wait to get a table on the weekends; however, the wait passes quickly and the waiting area has enough interesting decor and distractions like a TV and cheap candy to keep you occupied. Very popular with families. Diabetics beware.

    Sun-Thu 10:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 10:30AM-10PM$10 with dessert

  3. Eat

    Jeff's Pizza

    Pizza place offering some unusual toppings, Iowa State student favorite. Eat in or delivery.

    Sun-Tue 10:30AM-1AM, Wed Thu 10:30AM-2:30AM, Fri Sat 10:30AM-3:30AM

  4. Eat

    Stomping Grounds

    A coffee shop/art gallery that is a popular student hangout and serves good cappuccinos and mochas, along with decent sandwiches and teas. Service takes a while, though.

    Mon-Fri 7AM-midnight, Sat Sun 8AM-midnight

  5. Eat

    The Cafe

    Very popular restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine, vegetarian options, casual but chic atmosphere. Great desserts and wine list.

    Mon-Thu 7AM-9PM, Fri Sat 7AM-10PM, Sun 7AM-8PM$5-20

  6. Eat

    The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company

    Pizza is hearty, but popular because of the crust. Has honey as a dipping sauce.

    Mon-Thu 11AM-2PM, 4:30PM-midnight; Fri Sat 11AM-midnight; Sun 11AM-11PM

  7. Eat

    West Street Deli

    A pleasant and rather unassuming deli on a quiet side of campus. Excellent sandwiches.

    Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM

  8. Eat

    Downtown Deli

    Very bare-bones, but a nice local choice for sandwiches.

  9. Eat

    Thai Kitchen

    A small Thai restaurant with friendly atmosphere.

    Tue-Fri 11AM-8:30PM, Sat Sun noon-8:30PM

  10. Eat

    The Spice

    Thai cuisine with a nice ambiance.

    Mon-Sat 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Ames (CC BY-SA 4.0).