The best restaurants in Ames

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

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Restaurants · 33 places · showing the latest additions first

If you’re craving classic tavern vibes, comforting pies, and a spot where someone might still challenge you at bar games, R Place Pub and…

1790 Giddings St (Kelley) · ✓ checked Aug 20

If you’re craving classic tavern vibes, comforting pies, and a spot where someone might still challenge you at bar games, R Place Pub and Pizza delivers.

From the Ames newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Hickory Park

Restaurants

Whether you're craving hickory-smoked barbecue or a classic burger and fries, Hickory Park keeps Ames happily fed with generous portions…

1404 S Duff Ave

Whether you're craving hickory-smoked barbecue or a classic burger and fries, Hickory Park keeps Ames happily fed with generous portions and a menu that goes long on smoky comfort. Finish with your favorite ice cream treat and call it a day, because this Ames tradition since 1970 still hits the spot.

From the Ames newsletter, September 10, 2026

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In the mood to trade your usual takeout for something that actually sparks joy this week, Wasabi Ames(South 16th) serves Japanese…

926 S 16th St

In the mood to trade your usual takeout for something that actually sparks joy this week, Wasabi Ames(South 16th) serves Japanese favorites, inventive sushi rolls, and new seasonal cocktails, plus easy online ordering or catering when the group text somehow becomes a party.

From the Ames newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Omar's Gyro Ames

Restaurants

When you're in a keep-it-simple, feed-me-now mood, Omar's Gyro Ames comes through with authentic Mediterranean flavor and gyros that are…

122 Welch Ave

When you're in a keep-it-simple, feed-me-now mood, Omar's Gyro Ames comes through with authentic Mediterranean flavor and gyros that are downright craveable. No overthinking, just solid, delicious handheld joy that turns a meh day into a better one.

From the Ames newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Cornbred Barbecue keeps the pits rolling with championship brisket and ribs stacked on moist, tender cuts that land with just-right smoke,…

526 Main St #106

Cornbred Barbecue keeps the pits rolling with championship brisket and ribs stacked on moist, tender cuts that land with just-right smoke, plus drinks that actually play nice with cue. When you’re not cooking this week, trust the Iowa-proud crew behind 250-plus awards.

From the Ames newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Provisions Lot F

Restaurants

Provisions Lot F does the whole day right, from seasonal plates and a much-loved weekend brunch to house-baked wild-yeast sourdough, flaky…

2400 N Loop Dr

Provisions Lot F does the whole day right, from seasonal plates and a much-loved weekend brunch to house-baked wild-yeast sourdough, flaky pastries, and desserts that make you linger. If you like your coffee, cocktails, or a solid craft beer with thoughtful food, this spot delivers.

From the Ames newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Cafe Beaudelaire

Restaurants

When your week needs flavor, Cafe Beaudelaire delivers with Brasilian Fries, the signature Beaudelaire Bauru, and the Brasilian Burger…

2504 Lincoln Way

When your week needs flavor, Cafe Beaudelaire delivers with Brasilian Fries, the signature Beaudelaire Bauru, and the Brasilian Burger stacked with chimichurri and a fried egg, best chased with a cachaça-laced Brasilian Daquiri or a proper espresso.

From the Ames newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Wasabi Ames Somerset has been delighting Ames since 2011 with craveable rolls, new seasonal cocktails, and shockingly easy online ordering.…

2707 Kent Ave

Wasabi Ames Somerset has been delighting Ames since 2011 with craveable rolls, new seasonal cocktails, and shockingly easy online ordering. Hosting this week? Their bespoke catering and party options take the stress out of feeding a crowd so you can actually hang.

From the Ames newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Macubana

Restaurants

Macubana takes cheesy comfort food and gives it a Latin fusion twist, from the Tempura Mac Attack to grilled cheeses and burgers that punch…

116 Welch Ave

Macubana takes cheesy comfort food and gives it a Latin fusion twist, from the Tempura Mac Attack to grilled cheeses and burgers that punch way above their weight. Grab a cocktail, order some mac, and call it your weeknight reward you absolutely earned this week.

From the Ames newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Tosca

Restaurants

Give your midweek a lift at Tosca, where Neapolitan-style wood-oven pies, ricotta gnocchi, and small plates like mushroom toast and pommes…

303 Welch Ave

Give your midweek a lift at Tosca, where Neapolitan-style wood-oven pies, ricotta gnocchi, and small plates like mushroom toast and pommes frites meet legit espresso and pour overs. Perfect for when you want a cozy vibe and real-deal Italian flavors without overthinking dinner plans this week.

From the Ames newsletter, August 24, 2026

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When your dinner rut needs rescuing, Botanero Latino Colombian & International Cuisine serves fresh oysters, shrimp ceviche, Colombian…

604 E Lincoln Wy

When your dinner rut needs rescuing, Botanero Latino Colombian & International Cuisine serves fresh oysters, shrimp ceviche, Colombian pasta, carne asada, rib eye, pork chops and enchiladas that actually taste like someone cared. Big flavors, zero pretense... just solid plates that make midweek feel special.

From the Ames newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

703 S Duff Ave #101

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Blaze Pizza

Restaurants

Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.

2320 Lincoln Way

Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

620 Lincoln Way

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

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Whether you're craving crispy Crab Rangoon, savory Potstickers, or the kind of Mongolian beef that vanishes mid-conversation, Szechuan…

3605 Lincoln Way

Whether you're craving crispy Crab Rangoon, savory Potstickers, or the kind of Mongolian beef that vanishes mid-conversation, Szechuan House delivers big, bold flavor with comforting standbys like General Tso's and Hot & Sour Soup, plus Bubble Tea for dessert. Perfect for takeout nights in Ames.

From the Ames newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to Pad Thai.

414 S Duff Ave

Counter-serve chain offering international noodle & pasta dishes from mac 'n' cheese to Pad Thai.

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Texas Roadhouse

Restaurants

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

519 S Duff Ave

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

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The Dot Cafe

Restaurants

All-day breakfast and lunch hits that taste like childhood got an upgrade. The Dot Cafe is a cozy west Ames hangout where nostalgic comfort…

127 Dotson Dr

All-day breakfast and lunch hits that taste like childhood got an upgrade. The Dot Cafe is a cozy west Ames hangout where nostalgic comfort meets clever twists, proudly woman-owned and sourcing ingredients from local partners, perfect for a tasty reset this week.

From the Ames newsletter, September 11, 2026

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The Mucky Duck Pub nails the British pub vibe with proper fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a draught lineup of iconic English beers…

3100 S Duff Ave

The Mucky Duck Pub nails the British pub vibe with proper fish and chips, bangers and mash, and a draught lineup of iconic English beers you don’t see everywhere. This week, catch some live tunes or a match, then raid Ames British Foods to take the UK home.

From the Ames newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Flip'N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery is serving fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes, crispy chicken and waffles, and bennies like the Hippie…

1520 S Dayton Pl

Flip'N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery is serving fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes, crispy chicken and waffles, and bennies like the Hippie Bennie from an expansive, home-cooking-meets-culinary-genius menu. Pair it with a fresh-ingredient signature cocktail and treat yourself right this week.

From the Ames newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Pizza Pit

Restaurants

Pizza Pit is the local move for fresh hand-tossed pies made on-site daily, plus bake-at-home options when the oven at your place wants the…

207 Welch Ave Ste 201

Pizza Pit is the local move for fresh hand-tossed pies made on-site daily, plus bake-at-home options when the oven at your place wants the credit. Go classic or get adventurous with Mac-n-Cheese, Tasty Taco, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or the spicy Four Alarm, and snag wings or oven-toasted sandwiches too.

From the Ames newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Since 1979, The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. has been rolling daily dough and baking those thick, chewy-to-crispy crusts locals debate…

129 Main St #101

Since 1979, The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co. has been rolling daily dough and baking those thick, chewy-to-crispy crusts locals debate about, with fresh toppings, slice days, and even heart-shaped specials, perfect for takeout, delivery, or posting up in a wood-lined booth with friends.

From the Ames newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Le's Restaurant

Restaurants

Le's Restaurant is the go-to when you want Chinese classics and a cozy bowl of pho without overthinking dinner. From fried rice to noodle…

113 Colorado Ave #103

Le's Restaurant is the go-to when you want Chinese classics and a cozy bowl of pho without overthinking dinner. From fried rice to noodle soups and chilled dishes, it’s a reliable, tasty reset for those Ames nights when cooking feels ambitious.

From the Ames newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Family-owned since 2004, Jeff's Pizza Shop keeps Ames fed with uniquely topped pies, hearty lasagna, and stacked sandwiches, plus brownies…

2402 Lincoln Way

Family-owned since 2004, Jeff's Pizza Shop keeps Ames fed with uniquely topped pies, hearty lasagna, and stacked sandwiches, plus brownies and Rice Krispies treats for dessert. There’s even a coffee bar and a 30-inch pizza challenge if you’re feeling bold this week.

From the Ames newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Jethro's BBQ

Restaurants

Laid-back restaurant for smoked meats like ribs and brisket, plus wings.

1301 Buckeye Ave

Laid-back restaurant for smoked meats like ribs and brisket, plus wings.

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Whether your week needs a little table-side fire show or a roll that thinks outside the rice, Fuji Japanese Steak House delivers.…

1614 S Kellogg Ave #101

Whether your week needs a little table-side fire show or a roll that thinks outside the rice, Fuji Japanese Steak House delivers. Family-owned since 2008, they pair lively hibachi with inventive sushi, plus easy online reservations and catering for when the whole Ames crew magically appears hungry.

From the Ames newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Craving Irish fayre, a solid sandwich, or something from a deep beer menu? Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill nails the cozy old-world pub vibe…

320 S 16th St

Craving Irish fayre, a solid sandwich, or something from a deep beer menu? Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill nails the cozy old-world pub vibe with friendly service and that friends-not-strangers energy, the kind that turns a quick bite into an easy night.

From the Ames newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Ge-Angelo's

Restaurants

When you’re craving classic, no-fuss Italian, Ge-Angelo's delivers hearty plates in a comfortable old-school setting with warm brick…

823 Wheeler St #9

When you’re craving classic, no-fuss Italian, Ge-Angelo's delivers hearty plates in a comfortable old-school setting with warm brick accents. Add it to your weeknight rotation, bring your favorite people, and let comfort food plus cozy vibes handle the hard parts.

From the Ames newsletter, September 12, 2026

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El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine is your reminder that comfort should come with a little heat, with classic favorites done right plus bold…

524 Lincoln Way

El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine is your reminder that comfort should come with a little heat, with classic favorites done right plus bold new flavors that actually deliver. If your dinner rut is getting loud this week, their plates are the shush button.

From the Ames newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

707 24th St

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

400 S Duff Ave

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

3335 Lincoln Way

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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Aunt Maude's

Restaurants

Whether you want a midweek win or an easy at-home feast, Aunt Maude's delivers American comfort with rotating Wednesday and weekend…

547 Main St

Whether you want a midweek win or an easy at-home feast, Aunt Maude's delivers American comfort with rotating Wednesday and weekend features plus family-style takeout like Slow Roasted Prime Rib and Main St. Chicken. Warm hospitality, a bar menu to pair, and food that quietly flexes.

From the Ames newsletter, August 26, 2026

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