25 Essential Ames Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Ames.
The Mucky Duck Pub
Iowa
Cozy roadhouse with British grub & English-style old ale, plus imported groceries & outdoor seating.
Perkins American Food Co.
Iowa
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Aunt Maude's
Iowa
Genteel setting for locally sourced, modern American cuisine paired with wines from a sizable list.
Hickory Park
Ames, Iowa
Long-standing family-owned eatery serving up house-smoked barbecue in a spacious setting.
Firehouse Subs Ames Duff
Ames, Iowa
Counter-serve sandwich chain offering made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces.
El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Ames, Iowa
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
Ames, Iowa
Old-school, wood-lined mainstay, open since 1979, baking pizzas with many different types of crust.
Pizza Ranch
Ames, Iowa
Buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken & classic American sides in an Old West-themed setting.
HuHot Mongolian Grill
Ames, Iowa
Chain restaurant offering all-you-can-eat, customizable stir-fry dishes in an informal setting.
Fuji Japanese Steak House
Ames, Iowa
Cheery institution offering inventive sushi rolls, classic hibachi options & happy hour deals.
Flip'N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery
Ames, Iowa
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great coffee, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
Pizza Pit
Ames, Iowa
Veteran regional chain offering pizza (including bake-at-home pies), plus wings & sandwiches.
Tosca
Ames, Iowa
Laid-back coffeehouse open late & featuring espresso, crepes & light cafe fare, plus patio seating.
Pammel Deli
Ames, Iowa
Service options: Onsite services, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
The Coop Chicken Fingers
Ames, Iowa
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
B-Bop's
Ames, Iowa
Retro drive-thru featuring a classic American menu of burgers, fries & shakes, plus vintage tunes.
Joy's Mongolian Grill
Ames, Iowa
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Little Caesars Pizza
Ames, Iowa
Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.
El Azteca
Ames, Iowa
Identifies as Latino-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails.
Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
Ames, Iowa
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Jimmy John's
Ames, Iowa
Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.
Szechuan House
Ames, Iowa
A wide-ranging selection of classic & uncommon Chinese dishes presented an unassuming locale.
Roni's Mac Bar - Ames
Ames, Iowa
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
El Patio Bar & Grill
Ames, Iowa
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails.
The Spice Thai Cuisine
Ames, Iowa
Traditional curry, rice & noodle dishes, plus wine & beer, in intimate white-tablecloth surrounds.