There are a lot of ways to experience local eats in Ames, Iowa, thanks to the guidance from this list courtesy of Ron Stern, Hospitality Editor for RealFoodTraveler.com.

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10 Places to Eat in Ames, Iowa

Some of the most vibrant food discoveries can be found in places you would least expect it. Take Ames, Iowa, for example. Located in central Iowa, roughly 30 miles north of Des Moines, this idyllic city with an informal vibe enjoys an eclectic mix of eateries that will dazzle your taste buds. Whether you hunger for barbecue or ice cream, pub fare or pastries, Ames has more than 100 restaurants to satisfy every craving.  

Home to Iowa State University, football game day gives way to an epic amount of tailgaters loading up with necessities from their favorite in-town venues. Sports aside, there are many culinary choices available. Here is a sampling of some of the best that Ames has to offer. 

Click on each restaurant name, below, to be taken to their websites to learn more.

Aunt Maude’s, 547 Main St.

Many consider Aunt Maude’s to be their go-to family restaurant for casual dining. Executive Chef Steven Heller prides himself on creating seasonal menus and offering delicious sandwiches, seafood, pasta and steaks. “I believe in taking care of my employees and guests,” he says which is likely the reason they are rated so highly on social media. 

Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully plated. Entrees such as vanilla bean salmon, Maude’s Cajun prime rib, and tequila chicken fettuccine may have your mouth watering just by surveying the menu. My choice, the slow- roasted tri-tip, was moist, tender, and full of flavor. Served with house-made fries and vegetables, it was satisfyingly delicious. 

Aunt Maude’s Tri-tip with fries and green beans.

Chocolaterie Stam, 230 Main Street

This chocolate shop originated in Amsterdam way back in the early 1900s. After the grandsons came to America, they established some family and non-family European-style chocolate shops, one of those being here on Main Street in Ames. 

The current owners have created an old-world look using brick walls, chandeliers, wood floors and large display cases to showcase their wares. Made fresh, they have over 50 flavors of bonbons alone as well as truffles and bakery items. My favorites included the hedgehog produced with 53% dark chocolate and cream filling as well as the crème brulee with white chocolate and caramel. Take some to go, or you will probably regret it.

A showcase of Chocolaterie Stam’s delicacies.

Cornbred Barbecue, Main Street Station

Winner of more than 250 awards, Cornbred Barbecue is conveniently located in a renovated Train Station, formerly a station stop for the Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad. With large ceilings, expansive windows and white interior walls, they now serve some of the best barbeque in the Midwest.

Using Red Oak wood for smoking, they turn out some tasty ribs, brisket, burnt ends, turkey and house-made sausage. Their brisket atop mac and cheese is almost the definition of “comfort food.” If you come on a Sunday, arrive early for their massive 2 lb. cinnamon roll which sees lines extending around the building. One couple drove 6 hours from Illinois just to snag one of these beauties. 

Cornbred’s corned beef brisket on mac and cheese.

Dublin Bay Irish Pub and Grill, 320 S. 16th Street

Pubs in Ireland are considered to be gathering places for the community to share meals, conversation, and libations. It might be surprising to find one here in central Iowa, but the décor and welcoming atmosphere feels like you are right at home in an authentic Irish Pub.

The majority of the meals are made from scratch, using time-tested family recipes. Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Irish Stew are all traditional favorites. There are 24 local and craft beers on tap including Guinness, Harp and Kilkenny. 

Don’t pass up on dessert here. Their bread pudding is big enough to share and among the best, I have ever had. 

Dublin Bay’s read pudding a la mode.

Hickory Park Restaurant Co.1404 S. Duff Ave.

An Ames tradition since 1970, this huge restaurant is almost like a barbecue theme park, serving roughly 16,000 guests each week. Inside is sheer fun with rows of old-style wooden booths and showstopping, colorful lighting with lamps made from seashells and even a converted hay hoist.

Serving hickory smoked beef, ribs, pork, sausage, and ham, everything I tried was fabulous. Even the turkey which can be dry, was moist and flavorful with just the right amount of smokiness. If you’re not familiar with Midwest portions, they can be enormous and my combination dinner was enough for four people. 

If you love ice cream, you’re in for a treat–literally! With almost 50 different sundaes from which to choose, you may have a hard time deciding. My choice was banana split 2, prepared with chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream and topped with marshmallow, strawberry, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry.

A Hickory Park BBQ Combo.

Iowa State University Creamery, Food Science Building

Just in case you don’t have enough ice cream choices, here’s one that is mostly known only to students and locals. The Iowa State University Creamery on campus is open to the public on the second floor of the food science building. 

Run by students who want some real-world experience working in the dairy and agriculture business they typically have 20 flavors of cool confection perfection. Fun names such as Lunar Lavendar, Marston Mash, and Cardinal Tracks, all have some tie-in to the university. What’s even better is that a single scoop is only $3. 

Two colorful scoops from Iowa State Creamery Ice Cream.

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Marmalade Moon, 207 Main Street

Started by two British transplants, they had the idea of starting a quaint little gift shop on Main Street and selling a little ice cream and sorbet on the side. The partial name of “Marmalade” was chosen as a nod to their roots and one of the most iconic condiments in UK. 

As their knowledge and creativity grew, however, locals began clamoring for their made-from-scratch flavors to the extent that sales started eclipsing everything else. Prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, they produce sensations such as pistachio almond, forest berries sorbet and caramel butterscotch. Naturally, their local staple “marmalade moon” uses some sweet orange cream and candied orange peel for what has become a tangy and creamy Ames classic!

Ice cream from Marmalade Moon.

Provisions Lot F, 2400 N. Loop Drive

The strange name simply derives from its physical lot location in a University Research Park. Serving up made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner, this restaurant is super clean and beautifully designed both inside and out. 

Their huge bakery features fresh artisan breads, cakes, and other pastries that are absolutely wonderful. I had their ham and Swiss cheese croissant which was not only enough for two, but their blend of the ingredients melted harmoniously in my mouth. This is an ideal spot to begin your day with a meal or just enjoy some excellent coffee and hand-made dessert. 

The Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company, 129 Main St.

Featuring six different crusts, this becomes a busy little pizzeria, especially on game day. Options such as the New Orleans (thick white crust), Idaho (thin, soft, made with potato flour), or the most popular Denver style with a rolled edge are all made to order. The latter is made with whole-wheat and a blend of cheeses. The crust is the best part and meant to be savored at the end while being dipped in honey. 

If you still have room for dessert, try one of their oatmeal M&M or triple chocolate cookies. They are almost as big as your face!

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The Mucky Duck Pub, 3100 S. Duff Ave.

Another Brit named Marcus Johnson, started The Muckey Duck Pub. With a PhD in physics of all things, he took over a gas station in 2013 and converted it into a quirky pub serving foods from Britain, Ireland and the USA. The décor features green-hued lighting, cozy tables, beer taps adorning the ceiling and favorite food items from across the pond.

In addition to a broad selection of beers and liquor, they have a variety of taste-tempting appetizers, main dishes, and desserts. Local favorites include fish and chips from flavorful North Atlantic Cod, bangers and mash, sausage rolls, and scotch eggs. If you come for afternoon tea, they serve it with some excellent, moist scones served with Double Devonshire cream and strawberry jam. 

Mucky Duck Sausage rolls.

In addition to this list, you can also visit breweries, wineries, coffee houses, a prohibition-era-styled whiskey bar and a number of attractions. Listed as one of the top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability, Ames continues to expand its culinary scene to a hungry community. Discover for yourself why this town is a Midwest food lover’s dream. 

Where to Stay When Enjoying Great Places to Eat in Ames, Iowa:

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

Situated close to the Iowa State University Campus, this full-service hotel offers comfortable, clean rooms, free WiFi, mini fridges, and plush bedding and linens. With a pool, fitness center and free parking, it is the perfect base from which to explore Ames. 

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center.

The Iowa Stater Restaurant

Just adjacent to the hotel, this restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner has been a popular gathering spot for students, alumni and the local community. Outfitted in the school colors of cardinal red and gold, they have a full bar and signature cocktails. Pair one of these with their Iowa corn and bacon dip appetizer. Using a blend of cheeses, sweet corn, and bacon and served with tortilla chips, it’s a palate-pleasing accompaniment while watching a game on their televisions. 

To learn more about Ames, Iowa, visit their website, here.

-Story and photos by Ron Stern, Hospitality Editor, RealFoodTraveler.com

This was a sponsored visit, however, all opinions were honest and based on the author’s opinion. 

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