In Memoriam: Ames Business/Restaurants

[JP4CY]

Don’t know if it has been mentioned, but the Broiler was a casualty sometime in the mid 2000’s. To me it was better than Maude’s.

Crazy that Ames doesn’t have much for fine dining. It would seem that there would be a market for it.

Pazzessco was pretty solid and I never quite got the switch over business wise to Oddfellows at a different location.

 

[Crookedhatkid]

Pazzessco was pretty solid and I never quite got the switch over business wise to Oddfellows at a different location.

I actually really liked Oddfellows. Stopped every time I came home to visit. Bacon-wrapped dates and a couple of those drinks that came a jar, doesn’t get much better than that.

 

[JP4CY]

I actually really liked Oddfellows. Stopped every time I came home to visit. Bacon-wrapped dates and a couple of those drinks that came a jar, doesn’t get much better than that.

I just found Oddfellows to be hit or miss and I really liked Pazzessco.

 

[Mr Janny]

I actually really liked Oddfellows. Stopped every time I came home to visit. Bacon-wrapped dates and a couple of those drinks that came a jar, doesn’t get much better than that.

Oddfellows was interesting. They could phone it in sometimes, but I also had some really good experiences. Just wasn't consistent.

 

[Cleaver]

This is probably one of my regrets during my time in Ames. That place was so good and I wish I frequented it more often. Is it more popular than Flying Burrito for those who are still in the area?

Considering that Flying/Fighting Burrito is now closed, I’d say that Mr. Burrito is quite a bit more popular.

 

[SCNCY]

Considering that Flying/Fighting Burrito is now closed, I’d say that Mr. Burrito is quite a bit more popular.

I didn't know that they closed. But that is good to hear that Mr. Burrito is successful.

 

[Freebird]

What do people think of Clouds, or Cloud or whatever its called in Campustown? Their hours seem to really suck. Open basically only on weekends and close at 5PM.

 

[Pat]

We haven't been to the new Bar la Tosca! Have you - is it good? I struggle so much with Campustown - I love the idea of it, but parking is a giant pain, and so we don't end up actually going there very often. It is geared for those on foot, which is PERFECT for students - but is just prohibitive to those with cars!

I was 100% debating whether or not I should mention Wallaby's rooftop! They are definitely elevated from their time in the old... Country Kitchen, I think?

Haven’t been to the new spot. I’m sure it’s still good food, but I just can’t see how it would work there. It is a struggle to justify the trek to campustown, too. Last time we went to Beaudelaire, I could have just as easily been a 400 year old Martian.

My Grandma used to take me to Wallaby’s (now bulldozed and a Fareway Meat Market by West Hy-Vee) when I visited. It was probably getting a little dated and worn down circa 1980-something.

I would consider adding Dublin and Wasabi.

Edit: Also Cornbread

Dublin is a constant for us (as is El Azteca) but I wouldn’t put it in the same category as the others.

 

[Angie]

I would consider adding Dublin and Wasabi.

Edit: Also Cornbread

I had for sure thought to mention Cornbred, and wasn't sure if it was quite "fancy" enough? But it's really good.

I really like Dublin, but it occupies a weird place in my mind since they stepped up the prices. It's above the same level of, say, Brick City and Boulder Tap House. But it's not as fancy as Wallaby's (despite being fraternally owned) or some of the fancier places? It's odd.

I've not been to Wasabi since back when it was Grandpa Noodle Gallery - I've heard it's great! That location - in theory, it's great, but it's sure having a time of it.

Oddfellows was interesting. They could phone it in sometimes, but I also had some really good experiences. Just wasn't consistent.

Also, taking over the physical location of the incredible Cafe Shi was always going to leave a slightly lacking experience.

 

[hiltonisheaven]

What do people think of Clouds, or Cloud or whatever its called in Campustown? There hours seem to really suck. Open basically only on weekends and close at 5PM.

I like to visit Clouds when visiting Ames. Their hours were tough during the pandemic but have gotten better. They have weekend hours when school is out of session. Also really enjoy their special events - make for a great evening if you enjoy an occasional European style entertaining dinner.
Note for coffee lovers, if you’re not a fan of the blonde roast craze, ask for a medium roast or you’ll get blonde.

 

[Pat]

What do people think of Clouds, or Cloud or whatever its called in Campustown? There hours seem to really suck. Open basically only on weekends and close at 5PM.

Nice to see that traditional Main Street hours are making their way to Campustown.

 

[NickTheGreat]

My wife and I had our first date at Dublin Bay. We hadn't been in a while, and were planning to go last year on our anniversary. Stupid Global Pandemic.

 

[cycloner29]

They have had to closed Dublin a day or two recently due to being short staffed. I could drink the buffalo sauce they use on their wings!

 

[Cycsk]

That was pretty much the list before Bar la Tosca moved. Have you been to the new spot?

Sneakily enjoyable when the weather cooperates: Wallaby’s rooftop for late drinks/appetizers.

Bar la Tosca is closed. The owner also owns Stomping Grounds. The bar and of the furnishings of BLT are at SG now.

 

[Pat]

Bar la Tosca is closed. The owner also owns Stomping Grounds. The bar and of the furnishings of BLTv are at SG now.

I was aware of the common ownership and location. Based on Facebook posts, it looked like they kept the BLT branding, but I admittedly have not been there.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

Bar la Tosca is closed. The owner also owns Stomping Grounds. The bar and of the furnishings of BLTv are at SG now.

It’s theoretically both, but I understand it’s way more BLT than SG anymore.http://www.barlatosca.com/ We haven’t been inside a restaurant to eat since mid-March 2020.

 

[Cycsk]

It’s theoretically both, but I understand it’s way more BLT than SG anymore.http://www.barlatosca.com/ We haven’t been inside a restaurant to eat since mid-March 2020.

Seems more like an upgraded Stomping Grounds when I’ve been there. However, I’ve been there early in the mornings. It may be more like Bar la Tosca at night.

 

[IcSyU]

I was 100% debating whether or not I should mention Wallaby's rooftop! They are definitely elevated from their time in the old... Country Kitchen, I think?

I always thought it looked like a Happy Chef.

I could really go for a Cy Fry from Brick City. We kept that place in business when we lived in Sommerset.

 

[CychiatricWard]

Tucked away in the Colorado Junction area. It was there in the mid 2000's.

Loved that place! Fun fact, I am friends with the Disalvo family and would go over to their house just to eat their food all the time. Any excuse to hang out with their sons, older one is my age, so I could eat I would use it. Now, I’m hungry.

 

[CychiatricWard]

We haven't been to the new Bar la Tosca! Have you - is it good? I struggle so much with Campustown - I love the idea of it, but parking is a giant pain, and so we don't end up actually going there very often. It is geared for those on foot, which is PERFECT for students - but is just prohibitive to those with cars!

I was 100% debating whether or not I should mention Wallaby's rooftop! They are definitely elevated from their time in the old... Country Kitchen, I think?

I might be in the minority but I hate the new wallaby’s. Yes, they added a rooftop but it’s too small in my mind. The old wallaby’s was a classic sports bar. It wasn’t in the best condition which I understand the move but they really switched gears and made the new one so bland and generic. Definitely not a sports bar/restaurant as much anymore. Seems like they are trying to be fancy a bit or something.