Visiting Hilton for the first time...Suggestions?

[Angie]

"Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded." Yogi Berra

I know, I know, so hipster - but it's true. I'm not the biggest HP fan in the world, but it just annoys me when waiting two hours to get in there.

If OP is staying that close to Hilton, I'd guess you're either at the Gateway, Baymont, or the Holiday Inn down on University. I think the Tailgaters restaurant in Gateway isn't terrible, but I haven't been there - no clue if they do catered breakfast. The gas station across the street has a Burgie's Coffee in it, that's pretty decent coffee. Um... there's not a whole lot down in that part of town. Probably buzzing across Airport to get to Dublin Bay is the safest bet, or going out west and getting either Wallaby's or getting an amazing gyro at Pammel Grocery. OR you could just order Casey's Pizza and get it carryout - people from out of town would never guess that gas station pizza is some of the best in Ames, and probably wouldn't be packed.

 

[mctallerton]

Uh oh, are you implying that I'm amongst idiots? haha. Everyone seems knowledgable and friendly so far.

I'll apologize in advance. If we are winning, there's 100% chance I'll be doing the Rock Chalk. It's in my blood as a Jayhawk that a Rock Chalk is needed at the end of every win.

wait for it...

 

[MNCyGuy]

There isn't a whole lot within walking distance (I'm thinking across the street). The closest is probably Welch Ave

I'm sure some kid in Larch has a beer fridge in his room.

 

[everyyard]

f-- you, get off our message board. f-- KU

 

[Angie]

There's a little British pub down on South Duff, too - the problem would be that getting to it would be sort of a pain in the butt after the game with all of the traffic. It probably wouldn't be packed, though. If you want the best bar in Ames, I echo the others that say Welch Ave - it's just going to be hard to get into.

 

[jayhawkvisitor]

I don't think you will have any problem at Hilton. I think you will find it is a pretty friendly environment for opposing fans. You should tell us what you thought after the game about your trip here. Always interesting to hear opinions from opposing fans experiencing it for the first time.

Definitely. I'll come on here Tuesday at some point and give my opinion of the "Hilton Magic". So excited for this experience.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

There's a little British pub down on South Duff, too - the problem would be that getting to it would be sort of a pain in the butt after the game with all of the traffic. It probably wouldn't be packed, though. If you want the best bar in Ames, I echo the others that say Welch Ave - it's just going to be hard to get into.

That British pub on South Duff is wayyyy the **** out there. I ain't gonna lie. I don't know why they thought that would be a good location but it seems to be doing way better than I thought it would.

 

[alarson]

I'll apologize in advance. If we are winning, there's 100% chance I'll be doing the Rock Chalk. It's in my blood as a Jayhawk that a Rock Chalk is needed at the end of every win.

My new advice is not to show up at all. That chant is one of the douchiest things in all of college basketball.

 

[bclewis05]

Thanks for stopping by. Kansas is my second favorite team behind ISU by far.

You mention after game drinks. There's a lot of nice places in Ames, but I think you'd be remiss if you didn't take a trip down to Des Moines. It's not Chicago, but it's going to feel a lot more like that than Ames. There's a place I like to go when I'm in the area, a nice little out of the way place, but has a good atmosphere and the feel of a larger city 'secret spot', plus their bartenders all know their stuff, unlike a lot of Ames places where it's "ehh...dump it in a cup, the college kids will drink it."

Check it out, it's called "Big Earl's Goldmine"...kind of a goofy name, I know, but it started from more humble beginnings, but the owner has kept improving it over time.

If you're coming to Des Moines head downtown, the East Village is a great place for some drinks. Check out a place called The Blazing Saddle for some action!

 

[jayhawkvisitor]

My new advice is not to show up at all. That chant is one of the douchiest things in all of college basketball.

If you replace "coolest and most original" instead of "douchiest", you'd be accurate

 

[Angie]

That British pub on South Duff is wayyyy the **** out there. I ain't gonna lie. I don't know why they thought that would be a good location but it seems to be doing way better than I thought it would.

Yeah, it's not near Hilton at all, BUT it's probably the closest bar that isn't Campustown to the Gateway area? I couldn't think of anything else... I guess maybe the Dublin Bay bar is closer, but that also may be packed post-game.

Pro tip on the British place - don't get the curry.

 

[00clone]

Well, I was kind of hoping to go somewhere within walking distance of Hilton. Game will likely end around 10:30 or so, so I was looking for some drinks in Ames before heading to the hotel to sleep and drive back to Chicago tuesday morning.

Ahh, I can understand that...well, if you change your plans, keep it in mind.

 

[CycloneErik]

If you replace "coolest and most original" instead of "douchiest", you'd be accurate

No, he was right the first time. That odd cultish chant is crap.

 

[Cardinal2001]

Cabs aren't very expensive in Ames, either.

 

[alarson]

If you replace "coolest and most original" instead of "douchiest", you'd be accurate

Maybe at home... you can do what you want to do there. Not so much on the road. Dont be that guy.

 

[cyrevkah]

I didn't see a jimlad. Hmmmmmm.

Well, I didn't say from everyone all the time. :wink: CF was wonderful last August....

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Yeah, it's not near Hilton at all, BUT it's probably the closest bar that isn't Campustown to the Gateway area? I couldn't think of anything else... I guess maybe the Dublin Bay bar is closer, but that also may be packed post-game.

Pro tip on the British place - don't get the curry.

Tip Top might be closer... but that place is sketchy as ****

 

[Rabbuk]

Go in, turn around 180 degrees and find your car, drive back to your sister-wife.

 

[MNCyGuy]

If you replace "coolest and most original" instead of "douchiest", you'd be accurate

Umm...no. KU fans and that dumb-*** chant are like new parents with an ugly baby. You are the only ones who think it is cool. Unless you think "GOOO BIIIIGGG REEEEDDD" was also super awesome, in which case we might as well just direct you to the Duff Ave. McDonald's because you clearly have awful taste.

 

[jayhawkvisitor]

Cabs aren't very expensive in Ames, either.

Ooh good call. Cabs after the game to a bar and then back to the hotel might be easiest...especially since I have no clue where I'd be walking and likely would get lost. Hopefully I'd end up wandering past the sorority houses haha