The best cafes in Ames

3 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 3 places · showing the latest additions first

Clouds

Cafes

Clouds brings European-cafe comfort 100 feet up with proper coffee, flaky pastries, and an all-day menu. Rally the crew for a private event…

119 Stanton Ave

“Clouds brings European-cafe comfort 100 feet up with proper coffee, flaky pastries, and an all-day menu. Rally the crew for a private event or one of their themed brunches, wine nights, high teas, or playful dinners, then soak in the views that make Ames feel delightfully Continental.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Lockwood Cafe

Cafes

Lockwood Cafe nails the sweet-and-savory balance with crepes that actually fill you up, plus coffee and latte art that make Ames mornings…

4625 Reliable St #3713 · ✓ checked Aug 27

“Lockwood Cafe nails the sweet-and-savory balance with crepes that actually fill you up, plus coffee and latte art that make Ames mornings slightly more bearable. Swing by for breakfast or lunch, or grab takeout when the day gets away from you.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 2, 2026

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The Cafe

Cafes

Whether you’re craving a cozy coffee-and-pastry morning or an easy, thoughtful dinner with handcrafted cocktails, The Café keeps things…

2616 Northridge Pkwy

“Whether you’re craving a cozy coffee-and-pastry morning or an easy, thoughtful dinner with handcrafted cocktails, The Café keeps things fresh with rotating seasonal menus and daily fresh-baked bread. Put it on your list this week, then thank future-you when those familiar flavors show up a little more inspired.”

From the Ames newsletter, September 9, 2026

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