As a townie, I can tell you that the restaurant scene in Ames has come a long way. Is it great? No, but it's gotten a lot better, especially in the last 10-15 years.
Restaurants in Ames.
- Thread starter dafarmer
- Start date
Very much agree. We moved back in 2021 from Arizona and have not been disappointed in choices. We do Mucky Duck regularly and go to Aunt Maudes, Wasabi, Cornbreds, Whatcha Smokin, The Cafe, Provisions, etc. My wife is only disappointed in lack of really good Chinese. It's very good for a town the size of Ames and really enjoy summers with way less crowds.
Can't believe Ichiban hasn't gotten a shout out on here yet.
Don't know if it's been mentioned yet, but if people haven't tried tacos from Rinconcito Hispano yet, you are missing out.
We actually prefer their sushi over wasabi. We always carry out though, and their estimated times are crazy wrong which deters us from ordering. Last three times we've gotten carry out I've waited between 10 and 30 minutes at the restaurant after my estimated time for my order.
Maybe thinking of Rico's Tacos, Rinconcito is in Northern Lights, used to be Valentino's long ago, I think most recently North Grand Sea Food was there.
Whatever that one is, has a good Ramen birra combo that is nice when it's cold out.
Wifes a huge fan. Their menu alternates every weekend so it keeps things interesting. They have a fantastic buffalo chicken wrap
Really solid, the chips are the best in town.
I'd put it right up there with Teca and La Casa Maya.
I've only been to Casa Maya a couple times but thought it was not nearly as good as Azteca so never went back, I think El Jefe is at least as good as Azteca if not better in some way.
Interesting, I have the exact opposite opinions of Casa Maya and Azteca so now I’m not sure what to think of Jefe, ha. Will try it at some point I’m sure.
Most people I’ve heard do like Casa Maya so it could just be a me thing, I just thought it was kind of bland. I did go pretty soon after opening too so maybe I should give it another chance.
El azteca is hard to beat, there's a reason they can support two of them in a town the size of Ames. We tried La casa Maya twice and both times walked out feeling like the food was bland and boring. El azteca has some of the best Chile Verde that I've had anywhere.
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