Best place to get a beer pre-game?

[cyclonedave25]

If you have a DD, just drive to Hilton and park in the huge parking lot, which is free.
Get there early and avoid some of the traffic and take in the atmosphere.

 

[cykocy]

Dublin Bay off 16th St. is a good place too. They usually have a few good craft beers and good food. Sometimes it gets a little crowded though.

 

[WalkingCY]

Dublin Bay - best pre-game before Hilton.

 

[Bret44]

If you are lookin' to get good and red faced, Old Chicago has $3 Long Islands today I believe.

 

[CyFan61]

Driving to Hilton is the way to go. The arena is on campus, but the edge of campus, so there's an enormous parking lot immediately south of it.

Take a look at Google Maps and this might make more sense, but drive to Hilton and enter the (free) public parking via S 4th Street. You will get a spot. It may be south of S 4th (in the lots ringing Jack Trice Stadium) but you will get one.

 

[joefrog]

Es Tas, Welch Ave, Dublin Bay or Whiskey River. All are fine options. Good food. Friendly folks. Curious how you are received. I hope well, we aren't kansas after all. Have fun.

 

[razorbackinkc]

If you are lookin' to get good and red faced, Old Chicago has $3 Long Islands today I believe.

I'd check out a local place. I want to experience Ames, you know? Old Chicago is everywhere.

 

[Cyclonin]

Es Tas has a very fine beer selection. I would go with Es Tas. Grab a pink taco.

I guess I haven't been there in a while. Either way, can't go wrong with either. And Es Tas tacos are to die for.

 

[cycloneG]

Another vote for Dublin Bay. Good food. Good beer selection. Definitely a local establishment. Easy drive to Hilton. Definitely suggest getting there early since many people will be eating there before the game.

 

[Al_4_State]

I'd check out a local place. I want to experience Ames, you know? Old Chicago is everywhere.

I like your style. Most of the suggestions in this thread have been local Ames places.

 

[Bret44]

I'd check out a local place. I want to experience Ames, you know? Old Chicago is everywhere.

Then go to Whiskey River. Do it. Do it.

Actually Es Tas has a better beer selection, go there.

 

[CycloneCarter]

Honestly, I would go to West Town Pub and then catch Cyride if you don't have a DD. Cyride will then take you right back to your hotel. I would imagin that Cyride still runs untill at least 11 on Thursdays right?

 

[Al_4_State]

Then go to Whiskey River. Do it. Do it.

Actually Es Tas has a better beer selection, go there.

Es Tas also has an edge on food, although Whiskey River is solid.

Whiskey River is definitely the "nicer" of the two bars.

 

[Cycsk]

Note that the entire paved lot is not free public parking. Most of it is permit parking until after tip off. And there is no pay on the spot parking. Only the west side is free public parking. Enter from the southwest corner by the football practice facility.

 

[Cy Hard]

Pitcher of beer and pizza at Great Plains, then walk across the street for the couple more at Whiskey River for the win.

 

[razorbackinkc]

It's starting to sound like we may have to check out multiple locations.

 

[JP4CY]

It's starting to sound like we may have to check out multiple locations.

You should. Ames is unique since its small and the downtown and campustown are separate areas.

I think you should split the difference. Go to Main St before the game, Welch after the game.

 

[discydisc]

There are plenty of options, what's your group size and how do your priorities line up? (Food quality, proximity to hotel, proximity to Hilton, service, beer selection, Co-eds...)

 

[Cyclonesince78]

I know if I was visiting for the first time I'd rather check out campus town and welch ave instead of going downtown.

 

[MuseumFaux]

As an employee of Dublin Bay I whole-heartedly endorse checking it out, but Wallabys (owned by the same guys that own Dublin) has been the local sports bar tradition in Ames for over 25 years and recently moved into their new digs in north Ames. It will be packed and is definitely not within walking distance, but there were a few happy customers last night that also endorse the choice: https://www.facebook.com/637422982945619/photos/pcb.850532398301342/850532228301359/?type=1&theater