Top Five Ames Restaurants

[Bartastic]

You have a pretty good list now to choose from, but I must strongly suggest against Olde Main! I've been there a handful of times to eat (other times to drink, which is fine)...each time the food has just been okay and the service was really awful! Each time.

Another thing...I'm also a huge fan of West Cyde Wings but I've usually only been there on Tuesday nights. A couple other evenings I've been there we were, almost literally, the only ones there. I was just curious if any of you have been there on "other than Tuesday" nights and there have been people there. I hope that place survives...love the Buffalo Garlic boneless wings!

 

[cycopath25]

Finally. Rep to you.

I forget what the original rep was supposed to be for. . .

 

[cycloneryan]

Battle's is my favorite in town. Wallaby's is great and La Fuente.

 

[mj4cy]

1. Hickory Park
2. Great Plains
3. Valentinos
4. Old Chicago
5. House of Chin
6. La Fuente
7. The Cafe
8. Cafe Shi
9. Old Main
10. Wallabys

 

[illinoiscyclone]

how bout the worst food? subway in the MU for sure. they have to be like the fastest subway in iowa, but their sandwiches reflect that.

 

[zumbro clones]

It's been a while but i would have to say: GREAT PLAINS SAUCE & DOUGH COMPANY!!!!

The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company

I can't stop at Ames and miss Great Plains pizza!

 

[Wallacelantz]

Can somebody give me a little info on Jeff's Pizza. Is it new? Location? Style of Pizza? Ive never heard of it. If it isnt new I cant believe I missed out on it during my 7 years(and yes I only have a bachelors degree) in ames.

 

[Mr Janny]

Can somebody give me a little info on Jeff's Pizza. Is it new? Location? Style of Pizza? Ive never heard of it. If it isnt new I cant believe I missed out on it during my 7 years(and yes I only have a bachelors degree) in ames.

It's newer. Maybe 1-2 years old. they have really varied pizza, and lots of other non-pizza items as well. Very good place.

 

[jbclone]

I would say
La Fuente
Olde Main
Cocost
Dublin Bay (cuz i worked there for a while)
Flying Burrito(it was on my walk home from the bars)

 

[burn587]

Best:

1) Battles
2) Mandarin
others in no particular order
Old Chicago
Wallaby's
Cazador (if you don't have your food in 5 minutes you should be surprised)
Cafe Shi
Worst:
1) Hickory Park, I can't stand that damn place. Food was great at the last location but ever since they moved into the current behemoth it's been inconsistent at best. If you order take out half the time your food won't be cooked properly. I'll only ever get a club sandwich from there anymore.
2) The Spice, had a terrible experience there one time, and their food wasn't good.

 

[benjay]

Ames has some good restaurants, but these 3 are a cut above the rest:

Fuji
Great Plains
Hickory Park

 

[bigredqb7]

its sad to see la fuente continually on the list, i guess people havent experienced quality mexican food

 

[CST8WIN]

I have not heard Pita Pit yet, I guess i've never eaten there sober, but every time I have after a few, it's been the best food i've ever eaten.

 

[Mr Janny]

2) The Spice, had a terrible experience there one time, and their food wasn't good.

Wow, what happened? My wife and I have been to the Spice several times and have never had anything but fantastic experiences. The food has been incredible as well. What did you order?

 

[twistedredbird]

Great plaines rules!!!

Also, what is the name of the Taco joint near Casey's, Taco Time??? Whenever in Ames, I must must get me some of their fried burritos, and I love their squeeze bottle sauce!!!

I wouldn't put maudes on the list for an 18 y old freshmen.

Perkins, the best at 3 AM.

 

[isukendall]

its sad to see Hickory Park continually on the list, i guess people havent experienced quality BBQ food

i.e. Battle's

I agree with the above post...Hickory Park is waaaay overrated.

 

[twistedredbird]

i.e. Battle's

I agree with the above post...Hickory Park is waaaay overrated.

I enjoyed it in the old place. I'd say go for the novelty more than the quality of the BBQ, as the original poster said, his parents will take him there, which is appropriate. I thought it was a little expensive for what you get.

 

[benjay]

i.e. Battle's

I agree with the above post...Hickory Park is waaaay overrated.

Well, it's subjective, right? I always enjoyed Hickory Park and it's still one of the few restaurants in Ames that stands out as something a little bit unique. Places like Wallaby's, La Fuente, Cazador, even Dublin Bay are fine places to eat, but they're pretty generic imo.

 

[josh777]

I'm always surprised when people name the best restaurants in Ames without including Audubon's: Ames Restaurants | Gateway Hotel & Conference Center Ã￾ Dining Lounge | Iowa Dining

I know at one time during my time in Ames it was rated as one of the best restaurants in Central Iowa.

To the poster commenting on the difference in taste b/t students and locals...I can attest to this thought as well. Most of the places listed are affordable with good/decent food. Although, I used to loathe HP now as a parent of two youngs kids, I look forward to eating there...they have cheap, good (not great) food and it always loud so the noise from my kids is drowned out.

I would include Aunt Maude's, Cafe Beaudelaire, Lucullan's, Fuji (awesome food and entertaining) and La Fuente.

 

[Broodwich]

1. Fuji Japanese Steak House
2. George's Pizza
3. India Palace
4. Battle's BBQ
5. Thai Kitchens