Location: Ames
Top Restaurants in Ames
Best American food near Ames, Iowa, United States
Reviews on American food in Ames, Iowa, United States. Ames is a city located in the central part of Story County, Iowa, United States. It is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines, and had a 2016 population of 66,191. The U.S. Census Bureau designates the Ames metropolitan statistical area as encompassing all of Story County; combined with the Boone, Iowa micropolitan statistical area (Boone County, Iowa), the pair make up the larger Ames-Boone combined statistical area. While Ames is the largest city in Story County, the county seat is in the nearby city of Nevada 8 miles (13 km) east of Ames.
Things to do in Ames
10. Old Chicago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By maite b
My husband organize me a welcome party with friends, the service was very good. The place wasn't smelling clean. We went there many time and never had that problem before. We love their boneless wings, but every time we go are different, last two times weren't good. They should have more variety of cocktails. Their food menu is very good.Thanks for leaving your honest feedback. We'll pass it along so we can continue to improve. We hope you'll come back and see us again soon!
9. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Thomas_H181
We went for breakfast on move in weekend. We went early to beat the crowd. The service team was up to the task and got us our yummy breakfast right away. We like all of the additions to the menu. Sometimes you just gotta have breakfast and Perkins is a great place for breakfast anytime of the day.
8. Stomping Grounds
Overall Ratings
4 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy M
Coffee was awesome. Scone okay The quiche was cheese deficient, heavy on purple onions and sliced ham. Reheated in a microwave as it had shrunk in from the edges and was dry. The French toast had little evidence of a soak in egg, tasted like a slice of sourdough. Disappointing. Why do restaurants serve fruit that isn't ripe? Ugg
7. Red Lobster
Overall Ratings
4 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By zombienic
Stopped here for dinner on our way home from Texas. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad and my husband got the 4 course meal. Everything was really good and the waitress was bubbly and friendly. Food arrived super fast. Would recommend and/or stop again when passing thru Iowa.
6. Brick City Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Richard T
This place has the best burgers and hot dogs. My favorite burger is the Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger.If you like spicy then you will love this burger. The Chicago Dog is awesome too. My wife always substitutes her burger with "The Impossible Burger patty" which is very tasty for not actually being meat.
5. Texas Roadhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By 595BillB
The young lady at the dwsk in our hotel recommended Texas Roadhouse and couldn't think of anywhere else because this is the only place she goes, and now I see why. Wonderful place, with genuine atmosphere that only happens when the staff love their jobs. Great food, perfect service, the most fun I have ever had saying "Yee-hah" (for birthday tables), and amazing value for money. I Googled to see if it's a chain, but it's solo, and the owners should be very proud, because they have created a beautiful and genuine place.
4. Provisions Lot F
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Azona50036
Looking like something out of a futuristic movie where they have renamed grocery stores to look like some sort of government issue bunker, the exterior did not inspire a relaxing feel or welcomed one either.......Provisions is not for the person wanting a good affordable lunch. The average for any sandwich with chips and a bit of salad is around $15.95 But I had known this going in.On a diet since April (have lost 14 pounds thank you very much, doing the only diet that really works, counting calories) I always check out their online menu to figure the calories before I go, so I was disappointed to find out, having planned on the Bologna Sandwich ($15.95) and some sort of different deviled eggs for an appetizer ($6.95) that the menu had just changed...THAT VERY DAY....this is the luck of those of us who have Ziggy as a demi God :)Looking over this menu, I had a hard time picking anything at all. My taste buds do not run toward the yuppy vegetarian fare, nor anything fishy, so it was looking like we'd just leave and go to the new burger joint.But, then I saw the Steak Tartine sandwich and we both got that. It was good, the steak had no spice I could discern so although it was a very good cut of meat, it was just good, not great, not $15.95 each great, maybe $12.95 great. It was served open faced, the horseradish mayo was good, but did not have the bite you'd expect with horseradish in it, nor could I taste the garlic in the garlic 1/2 bun it was suppose to have. The handmade chips were good, perhaps slightly overcooked for my taste, the salad dressing was almost nonexistent, but what I could taste tasted great.I think the coolest thing they had was the Grapefruit Ginger Shrub. These are some new kind of yuppy drink that consists of grapefruit juice, ginger with an apple vinegar base. I loved it but Josh just screamed yuck as if he'd been poisoned on the spot (lol).They serve breakfast, lunch and supper. So we've already decided to go back for breakfast some time.They also have a deli you can just order sandwiches at, and we'll give it a try too.I think they are definitely overpriced for the Midwest, but then again, they are in the heart of Ames and I'm sure all the college professor's think it worthy of them, being intellectuals and all :)Worth an experience to go.
3. Hickory Park Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1172 reviews
Reviewed By tmmclhn
My kids raved about this place so I was excited to try it while I was in town. The food was good and delivered fast. The prices were reasonable but the service from our waitress left something to be desired. She returned 3 times in a short time frame to see if we were ready to order - if Iâm still looking at the menu, thatâs a hint Iâm still deciding. Then when I had questions she seemed inconvenienced to answer. I even had to try and flag her down for water refills. It was not busy while we were there and my party only included for so Iâm not sure what the disconnect was - maybe she was having a bad day. There are plenty of places where my business is appreciated and Iâm made to feel welcome. I wonât be returning here simply due to the service we received.
2. Aunt Maude's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By AEK20016
Extensive menu, with food perfectly preparedâas itâs been for decades (the last time I was here was 15 years ago, when visiting family)âat consistently affordable prices! The service was attentive but unobtrusive. My husband loved his tri-tip beef dinner and found the smaller portion, which was also served with two sides â delicious asparagus and hand-made french friesâ ample. The dinner salad, for four additional dollars, was delicious, with fresh greens, walnuts, and cranberries, with perfectly prepared vinaigrette dressing. My burger was great!No corking fee!
What to do and see in Ames, United States: The Best Places and Tips
1. The Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By Tammy K
My husband and I love this place. It is worth the wait when there is one which is frequent. The menu always changes and I live the variety. Found has always been good every time weâve been there. The atmosphere is wonderful. We go here almost every time we are in Ames.
Ames Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ames
