Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, is more than just a college town; it’s a vibrant community with a diverse and delicious food scene waiting to be explored. While national chains are readily available, the true culinary heart of Ames lies in its locally-owned restaurants, offering unique flavors and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a student, a long-time resident, or just passing through, discovering the best Food In Ames should be high on your list.
This guide will take you beyond the familiar fast food and introduce you to the essential local eateries that define Ames’ culinary landscape. From must-try classics to budget-friendly bites and late-night options, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey through the best food Ames has to offer.
Must-Try Local Eats: Downtown & Campustown Gems
To truly experience the food in Ames, you need to venture into its local establishments. These are the places that locals love, often with lines out the door during peak hours – a testament to their quality and appeal. Forget the chains for a moment and immerse yourself in these Ames culinary essentials:
Downtown Deli, located at 328 Main St. in Downtown Ames, is a haven for fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. The deli prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, slicing meats and cheeses right in front of you. While seating is limited, the exceptional soups and the experience of watching your meal being crafted make it a worthwhile stop. Be prepared for potentially long lines, especially during lunch rush, but know that the fresh flavors are worth the wait.
Battle’s BBQ, a no-frills barbecue joint at 218 Welch Ave. in Campustown, focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well: barbecue. This small establishment packs a big punch when it comes to flavor. Known for its fantastic barbecue sandwiches and plates, Battle’s BBQ is a must-visit for any meat lover. Don’t forget to try their refreshing lemonade, a perfect complement to the smoky barbecue.
The Cafe, situated at 2616 Northridge Parkway in Somerset, offers a slightly more upscale local dining experience in Ames. With a delightful atmosphere and a menu that changes regularly to feature seasonal ingredients, The Cafe is a great spot for a memorable meal. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options, the focus on local food and unique dishes makes it worth the splurge. Their Sunday brunch is particularly popular and considered a must-do Ames experience.
Chinese Home Style Cooking, at 2702 Lincoln Way in Campustown, is a small, unassuming restaurant that serves incredibly flavorful and authentic Chinese cuisine. Don’t let the simple décor fool you; the food here is the star. The extensive menu offers a wide variety of dishes, and the chefs are known to be accommodating, often preparing dishes not explicitly listed if they have the ingredients. Important note: Chinese Home Style Cooking is a cash-only establishment.
Grove Cafe, located at 124 Main St. in Downtown Ames, is your classic American diner and a breakfast institution in Ames. This cozy spot is often bustling, especially on weekend mornings, but for good reason. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the cooks in action as they prepare hearty breakfast favorites. From pancakes to omelets, Grove Cafe delivers on classic diner fare with quality and charm.
The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co., found at 129 Main St. in Downtown, is famous for its unique and substantial pizza. Known for its thick wheat crust, which might not be for everyone but is definitely a quintessential Ames food experience. One slice can easily be a meal due to its generous size and rich toppings. A local tip: try your pizza crust with honey for a surprisingly delicious combination.
The Fighting Burrito, a Campustown staple at 117 Welch Ave., is the go-to place for large, satisfying burritos made with fresh ingredients. This casual eatery is a favorite among students and locals alike. The burritos are customizable, allowing you to create your perfect meal. For added convenience, The Fighting Burrito also offers online ordering and delivery for a small fee.
Cafe Beaudelaire, or “Cafe B” as it’s often called, located at 2504 Lincoln Way in Campustown, is a Brazilian restaurant and bar known for its lively atmosphere. By day, it’s a relaxed restaurant with a diverse menu featuring creative food choices. By night, it transforms into a popular bar, particularly known for its Long Island Iced Teas. During soccer games, Cafe Beaudelaire becomes a packed and energetic spot.
Hickory Park Restaurant Co., situated at 1404 S. Duff Ave. in South Ames, is perhaps Ames’ most iconic restaurant. Housed in a former train station, Hickory Park specializes in meat and barbecue dishes. This large and often bustling restaurant is known for its generous portions and classic American comfort food. Be sure to save room for dessert, as Hickory Park’s dessert menu is a highlight.
India Palace, located at 120 Hayward Ave. in Campustown, is the place to go in Ames for Indian cuisine. They offer a popular lunch buffet, perfect for sampling a variety of dishes. The menu also features a wide range of vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those seeking meat-free meals. You can also order à la carte if you prefer.
Olde Main Brewing Company, at 316 Main St. in Downtown Ames, combines a restaurant with a local brewery, a tradition for Ames residents aged 21 and over. Enjoy their handcrafted beers alongside a menu of pub fare. For those under 21 or who prefer non-alcoholic options, Olde Main also brews its own root beer, a local favorite.
Stomping Grounds, located at 303 Welch Ave. in Campustown, is a popular spot for Iowa State students. More than just a place to study, Stomping Grounds offers a menu of satisfying food and a wide selection of drinks, including alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere is enhanced by local art displayed on the walls and occasional live music performances.
Vesuvius Wood-Fired Pizza, one of Ames’ newer culinary additions, can be found at 1620 S. Kellogg Ave. in South Ames. This Naples-inspired restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas, offering a distinct flavor and texture compared to other pizza options in Ames. In addition to pizza, Vesuvius also offers delicious salads.
Special Mentions: Ames also boasts other noteworthy eateries including Aunt Maude’s for upscale dining, Cafe Diem, a long-standing Main Street favorite, Dublin Bay known for its tortilla chips, Pammel Grocery and Deli for Middle Eastern cuisine, The Spice for Thai food, and West Street Deli, another excellent deli option.
Cheap Eats in Ames: Delicious Food on a Budget
Eating well in Ames doesn’t have to break the bank. Beyond fast food chains, several local spots offer affordable and tasty meals:
- Battle’s BBQ (218 Welch Ave.): Enjoy delicious barbecue sandwiches ranging from $6 to $7.
- Chinese Home Style Cooking (2702 Lincoln Way): Chicken, beef, and shrimp dishes are available for under $7.
- Downtown Deli (328 Main St.): Grab a satisfying 7-inch sandwich for just $3.50.
- The Fighting Burrito (117 Welch Ave.): Filling burritos are priced around $6.
- Golden Wok (223 Welch Ave.): Entrees are around $8.50, with shrimp dishes slightly higher at $9.
- Grove Cafe (124 Main St.): Indulge in their famous pancake for $3.75, or opt for an omelet for up to $7.
- Dutch Oven Bakery (219 Duff Ave.): Sandwiches are under $7, and breakfast options start at $4.
- Mandarin Chinese Restaurant (415 Lincoln Way): Beef, chicken, and pork dishes are incredibly affordable at $4.95.
- May House Cuisine (3417 Lincoln Way): Enjoy meals in the $5 to $7 price range.
- Scallion Korean Restaurant (118 Hayward Ave., Suite 2): Affordable Korean dishes priced between $5 and $7.
- Thai Kitchen (2410 Chamberlain St.): Delicious Thai food options ranging from $6 to $8.
- West Street Deli (2810 West St.): Find tasty sandwiches and deli items from $4 to $8.
Ames Restaurants Open Late: Satisfy Your Late-Night Cravings
When hunger strikes late at night in Ames, you have a few reliable options that stay open well into the early morning hours:
- Burger King (209 Lincoln Way): Drive-thru open 24 hours from Thursday through Sunday.
- Domino’s Pizza (118 Hayward Ave.): Open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- The Fighting Burrito (117 Welch Ave.): Open until 3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- Golden Wok (223 Welch Ave.): Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- Jeff’s Pizza Shoppe (2402 Lincoln Way): Open until 2:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and until 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- McDonald’s (129 S. Duff Ave. and 3621 Lincoln Way): Drive-thru open 24 hours at both locations.
- Mr. Burrito (2508 Lincoln Way): Open until 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery (325 S. Duff Ave.): Open 24 hours.
- Pita Pit (114 Welch Ave.): Open until 3 a.m. from Thursday through Saturday.
- Taco Bell (421 S. Duff Ave.): Drive-thru open until 2 a.m.
- Village Inn (524 Lincoln Way): Open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Food Delivery in Ames: Dine In Comfort
For those times when you prefer to dine in, Ames offers a variety of delivery options, bringing delicious food right to your door:
- Cafe Northwest (114 Des Moines Ave.): Call 232-5328 for delivery.
- Domino’s Pizza (118 Hayward Ave.): Order online at dominos.com or call 292-3030.
- The Fighting Burrito (117 Welch Ave.): Order online at eatfightingburrito.com or call 292-2222.
- Golden Wok (223 Welch Ave.): Call 292-2658 for delivery.
- Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. (129 Main St.): Evening delivery only, call 232-4263.
- Jeff’s Pizza Shoppe (2404 Lincoln Way): Order online at jeffspizzashop.com or call 292-2321.
- Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: Order online at jimmyjohns.com or call: 1310 S. Duff Ave. (232-4567); 2801 Grand Ave. (232-7827); 135 Welch Ave. (292-2868); 4518 Mortensen Road, Suite 110 (292-4444).
- Kingpin Pizza (1320 Dickinson Ave.): Delivery on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only, call 598-2288.
- Papa John’s Pizza: Order online at papajohns.com or call: 3335 Lincoln Way (296-4949); 707 24th St. (956-3737).
- Pita Pit (114 Welch Ave.): Order online at pitapitusa.com or call 292-7482.
- Pizza Hut: Order online at pizzahut.com or call 620 Lincoln Way (233-1000).
- Pizza Pit (207 Welch Ave., Suite 201): Call 292-6600 for delivery.
- Pizza Ranch (1404 Boston Ave.): Call 232-1999 for delivery.
- Quizno’s Subs: Order online at quiznos.com or call 302 Lincoln Way (232-3300).
- Valentino’s (823 Wheeler St.): Call 233-2111 for delivery.
- West Towne Pub (4518 Mortensen Road): Call 292-4555 for delivery.
Exploring the food scene in Ames is an essential part of experiencing the city. From local favorites to budget-friendly finds and convenient delivery options, Ames offers a diverse culinary landscape to satisfy every palate. So, get out there and discover your favorite food in Ames!
