Ames is a classic Midwestern college town, home to Iowa State University and a community that appreciates good, hearty food.
The city’s most beloved restaurants are the long-standing institutions that have been feeding students, faculty, and families for decades.
These are the places that focus on quality, quantity, and comforting flavors over anything trendy.
To eat the real food of Ames, you have to visit the spots that are woven into the city’s history.
Here are five no-frills restaurants in Ames that serve the best food you’ll ever taste.
1. Hickory Park Restaurant Co.
Hickory Park is an Ames institution of epic proportions, serving delicious barbecue and ice cream since 1970.
This massive, bustling restaurant is known for its wide variety of smoked meats and an enormous menu of ice cream creations.
It’s a go-to spot for family celebrations, student dinners, and anyone craving classic, satisfying comfort food.
The experience and the food are quintessential Ames.
2. The Cafe
The Cafe is a chef-owned restaurant that serves upscale, creative dishes in a completely unpretentious, strip-mall setting.
The focus is entirely on the incredible, beautifully prepared food, from delicate pastries to hearty dinner entrees.
It’s a place that punches way above its weight class, delivering fine-dining quality food without any of the stuffiness.
Locals know it’s one of the best restaurants in the entire state.
3. Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
This legendary pizza spot has been serving the Ames community its unique whole wheat and oat crust pizzas since 1979.
It’s a cozy, subterranean restaurant known for its incredibly thick, chewy crust and fresh toppings.
Ordering a “thick-crust” pizza from Great Plains is a rite of passage for every ISU student.
It’s a unique and delicious pizza experience you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Cornbred
Cornbred is a modern barbecue joint that takes the craft of smoking meat seriously.
Located in a casual, industrial space, they serve up incredible brisket, pulled pork, and creative sides.
The focus is on high-quality meat and deep, smoky flavor.
It’s a no-frills spot for some of the best barbecue in central Iowa.
5. The Lockwood Cafe
The Lockwood Cafe is a classic, all-American diner that has been serving the Ames community for years.
It’s the perfect spot for a hearty, no-nonsense breakfast or a simple, delicious lunch.
The decor is simple, the service is friendly, and the food is consistently good.
It’s a reliable, comforting neighborhood joint.
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