Downtown Ames

[ForbinsAscynt]

I wanted to get peoples thoughts on downtown Ames after last weeks discussion on the Miller and Williams pod. Downtown was described as not great which I thought was funny because I think it’s actually gotten better the last few years with more businesses opening up.

High-end food: Maude’s and Cornbred
Sports bars: Sweet Carolines and Whiskey
Wine and cocktail: Noir and Della Viti
Pubs and Breweries: London and Torrent
Other: GPSD, Coffee Shops, Downtown Deli, Time-out barcade, Cigar Lounge, Ice Cream shop a few other spots I’m forgetting.

I’ll admit I’m usually only there for lunch and the occasional happy hour but I think it’s better than it’s been in a really long time. And it sounds like the pool hall is opening up again soon too.
What are your thoughts?

 

[3TrueFans]

I don't go down there that much, but I don't see what makes it not great. Nice variety of stores, some good places to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner.

 

[Peter]

As long as the downtown deli is still slinging sandwiches, downtown is just fine.

 

[CyCrazy]

Downtown Ames has never been better. Been here almost 20 years now.

 

[ForbinsAscynt]

Downtown Ames has never been better. Been here almost 20 years now.

This is my thought too.

 

[Fishhead]

New York West memories just came to me.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Downtown Ames (Main St.) is a pretty nice main street. Go 1 block south and it gets ugly. That area of Lincolnway looks terrible. There are empty lots, and just today I noticed Burger King is closed up and looking trashy. (I don't go that way a lot so its probably been closed for awhile)

I honestly think the city should direct the next hotel chain that wants to put up a building to do it on those empty lots.

 

[cycloneG]

Downtown Ames (Main St.) is a pretty nice main street. Go 1 block south and it gets ugly. That area of Lincolnway looks terrible. There are empty lots, and just today I noticed Burger King is closed up and looking trashy. (I don't go that way a lot so its probably been closed for awhile)

I honestly think the city should direct the next hotel chain that wants to put up a building to do it on those empty lots.

 

[ForbinsAscynt]

Downtown Ames (Main St.) is a pretty nice main street. Go 1 block south and it gets ugly. That area of Lincolnway looks terrible. There are empty lots, and just today I noticed Burger King is closed up and looking trashy. (I don't go that way a lot so its probably been closed for awhile)

I honestly think the city should direct the next hotel chain that wants to put up a building to do it on those empty lots.

there has been a plan for those lots for a long time now. I don’t know what’s taking so long but probably a mix of Covid and funding. Here’s a tribune article but you can also read more on the city of Ames website. Just Google Ames Lincoln way corridor

Proposal to 'amplify downtown': Ames City Council gets an update on Lincoln Way Corridor development

Developers' Lincoln Way Corridor would bring a hotel, conference center and new retail space south of the city's Main Street business district.

www.amestrib.com

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Wow, those guys took my suggestions and put that together real quick!

 

[3TrueFans]

Wow, those guys took my suggestions and put that together real quick!

You should have suggested it years ago, it'd be done by now!

 

[baller21]

I wanted to get peoples thoughts on downtown Ames after last weeks discussion on the Miller and Williams pod. Downtown was described as not great which I thought was funny because I think it’s actually gotten better the last few years with more businesses opening up.

High-end food: Maude’s and Cornbred
Sports bars: Sweet Carolines and Whiskey
Wine and cocktail: Noir and Della Viti
Pubs and Breweries: London and Torrent
Other: GPSD, Coffee Shops, Downtown Deli, Time-out barcade, Cigar Lounge, Ice Cream shop a few other spots I’m forgetting.

I’ll admit I’m usually only there for lunch and the occasional happy hour but I think it’s better than it’s been in a really long time. And it sounds like the pool hall is opening up again soon too.
What are your thoughts?

Corner Pocket is reopening?

 

[TLBCLONE]

Agreed. Love downtown. Williams appears to have strong opinions despite never spending any time there.

 

[ForbinsAscynt]

Corner Pocket is reopening?

Yes, finally! It’s called Sam’s place. Hopefully it gets a little updating too.

 

[MuskieCy]

Does this count as downtown?

 

[ForbinsAscynt]

Does this count as downtown?

View attachment 103625

I’ll allow it. You know they added an outdoor area behind some 8 ft high chain link fence. I guess it’s so the convicts that go there feel at home.

 

[CloniesForLife]

there has been a plan for those lots for a long time now. I don’t know what’s taking so long but probably a mix of Covid and funding. Here’s a tribune article but you can also read more on the city of Ames website. Just Google Ames Lincoln way corridor

Proposal to 'amplify downtown': Ames City Council gets an update on Lincoln Way Corridor development

Developers' Lincoln Way Corridor would bring a hotel, conference center and new retail space south of the city's Main Street business district.

www.amestrib.com

That would be awesome. Would make parking around downtown much more enjoyable and a great spot to stay for a weekend

 

[ISU4Life]

As long as the downtown deli is still slinging sandwiches, downtown is just fine.

Honestly tell me more.. I’m a huge fan of Manhattan in DSM so if you have a favorite let me know and I’ll stop next time I’m in Ames.

 

[alarson]

Sports bars: Sweet Carolines and Whiskey

Hopefully the Whiskey river in Ames is better than the one in Ankeny. The one in Ankeny is trash.

 

[cyclone87]

Yea, I thought the same thing. Downtown is probably the best restaurant scene in Ames. Also, agree that it’s better than I can remember it ever being. I think he might have just meant that he never goes there because it’s not his thing, so he couldn’t say much about it.