Downtown Ames

[Al_4_State]

The OP on the hill shut down. It's on main st now and is really nice inside. They put some money into it.

I did notice a downtown OP the last time I was there (we had been to Pump Haus for lunch), but figured it was a new location.

That makes the Hill even lower in my estimation. It would still be fun for a 22 year old, but there are several great places in Campustown for adults (Cafe B, WAS, Es Tas, Mother’s). Without the OP the only place I’d go on the Hill is a bar who’s name I can’t remember.

 

[JM4CY]

Been to most of them, even Mason City's when they would cram 500 into a 300 person venue (not try to imagine why it was closed down) and I will say for food, Clear Lake's is the best of them. Ames was the worst.

That Clear Lake one has some serious nostalgia for me. Good times in that place.

 

[BCClone]

That Clear Lake one has some serious nostalgia for me. Good times in that place.

You from the area? Or are you a buddy holly fan?

 

[DeereClone]

Cedar Falls is a good comparison. I love downtown CF, but much of the advantage it has on Ames is being the entertainment district for a metro over twice Ames’ size. The quality of the establishments and overall vibe is very similar, downtown Cedar Falls is just bigger/has more of it. My wife is a UNI alum, so we visit regularly.

The Hill makes Campustown look diversified and large too. We went to a UNI basketball a couple years ago, and I would take the Campustown slate over the Hill every day. Outside of the OP and that tiny beer bar close to Great Wall, there’s nothing for me there.

I agree with all of this. The OP on the Hill actually closed and moved to Main Street in Cedar Falls. Which is another big win for Main and a big loss for The Hill area.

 

[GMackey32]

I agree with all of this. The OP on the Hill actually closed and moved to Main Street in Cedar Falls. Which is another big win for Main and a big loss for The Hill area.

Cedar Falls has done a really good job revitalizing Main Street the last 25 years. If Ames could duplicate that effort, I'd be really excited. Now only if we can get the miles of bike trails that Cedar Falls has...

 

[JM4CY]

I did notice a downtown OP the last time I was there (we had been to Pump Haus for lunch), but figured it was a new location.

That makes the Hill even lower in my estimation. It would still be fun for a 22 year old, but there are several great places in Campustown for adults (Cafe B, WAS, Es Tas, Mother’s). Without the OP the only place I’d go on the Hill is a bar who’s name I can’t remember.

The one on the hill was a real coin flip when I was there. Sometimes it was excellent but sometimes the dough was all screwed up. One time ordering to go from there I parked in the back and waited for my pizzas in the back in there by the kitchen. The root cause of variability in pizza quality become very clear as it looked like most of the cooks were high as balls. However, I ended up kind of respecting that place ever since because of it.

 

[Al_4_State]

I agree with all of this. The OP on the Hill actually closed and moved to Main Street in Cedar Falls. Which is another big win for Main and a big loss for The Hill area.

Downtown Cedar Falls really took off when they planted their flag as the bar/restaurant district for the Cedar Valley metro, and Ames simply doesn’t serve that large of an outlying population.

 

[JM4CY]

You from the area? Or are you a buddy holly fan?

Both. More of a big bopper fan.

 

[Mr Janny]

Ames has a great downtown. I have yet to find a jewelry store that compares to Ames Silversmithing.

This. That place is amazing. So many unique pieces. I stop there every time I'm in the doghouse with @Angie (3-4 times per month)

 

[Pat]

Agree. I think it would be the best of both worlds if Main street of Ames was in the area of Campus Avenue or so. A couple blocks off so students could wander there without vehicles and others could venture onto campus to just look around if they so chose to. IC's is hard to know if its some campus building or a local business at times.

I really appreciate that I can meet friends for drinks on Main Street and it’s not overrun with undergrads. The demographic has gotten younger, but it’s nice to have something different than Welch.

 

[AuH2O]

I really appreciate that I can meet friends for drinks on Main Street and it’s not overrun with undergrads. The demographic has gotten younger, but it’s nice to have something different than Welch.

If both are nice, I prefer the separated downtowns. It’s just tough for both to be great and have a ton of great businesses for a town this size. CF is a bigger metro, and IC has the two essentially combined.

Once the Lincoln Way work gets done, downtown will be really nice.

 

[JP4CY]

This. That place is amazing. So many unique pieces. I stop there every time I'm in the doghouse with @Angie (3-4 times per month)

Jewelry stores can be intimating too. That place has such an easy going, relaxed atmosphere. They don't treat you any different if you're going to spend a hundred bucks or thousands.

 

[Al_4_State]

Cedar Falls has done a really good job revitalizing Main Street the last 25 years. If Ames could duplicate that effort, I'd be really excited. Now only if we can get the miles of bike trails that Cedar Falls has...

I think Ames is trending that way, but more slowly. If they could replace some of the Lincoln Way blight with dense residential aimed at young professionals, it would be a big step.

 

[cycloneG]

Ames City Council OKs $192M in projects included in final reinvestment district application

The city is days away from submitting the final application that could earn Ames $10 million in tax rebates over 20 years.

www.amestrib.com

 

[JM4CY]

Jewelry stores can be intimating too. That place has such an easy going, relaxed atmosphere. They don't treat you any different if you're going to spend a hundred bucks or thousands.

You must hit that place often. Everyone look for @JP4CY at the next game. He'll be the guy walking through the lots looking like this.

 

[isufbcurt]

your standards must be VERY high if Aunt Maude's isn't worth your time.

Only been there once (the night I proposed to my wife) it was good, I would go back. My point was when I am in Ames for a FB or BB game and we are looking to eat before or after it's usually to much of a cluster F to get downtown and I'll happily settle for something more conveinent to get to.

 

[JP4CY]

You must hit that place often. Everyone look for @JP4CY at the next game. He'll be the guy walking through the lots looking like this.

I'm not personally big into jewelry. My dad isn't either. He never wore his wedding ring and I don't either except for photos and nice occasions.
I think its because he grew up on a farm and was mechanical/always tinkering and I just got that from him too.

My wife does wear jewelry though and it's one of those things that I think quality over quantity fits. Much like that kitchen store downtown. They sell quality stuff.

But now, I kinda want a Run DMC chain.

 

[isufbcurt]

Have you tried Cornbred?

I went there once after a football game mid/late afternoon. Was told they were only serving "bar snacks" when I tried to order actual food. So I left and have no desire to go back.

 

[isufbcurt]

Cornbred?

see post 78

 

[BCClone]

I'm not personally big into jewelry. My dad isn't either. He never wore his wedding ring and I don't either except for photos and nice occasions.
I think its because he grew up on a farm and was mechanical/always tinkering and I just got that from him too.

My wife does wear jewelry though and it's one of those things that I think quality over quantity fits. Much like that kitchen store downtown. They sell quality stuff.

But now, I kinda want a Run DMC chain.

Heard they gave this up this year, maybe you can buy it?