Basketball game days can be a little hectic with tip times around dinner. I found myself with some extra free time this season after being laid off, so I decided to treat myself to an Ames restaurant or bar I hadn’t been to before. There have been a lot of changes in the [redacted] years since I was in school, and it was nice to catch up.
Here’s a look back at where I went, what I ate, and what I thought.
Es Tas
What I ate: Quesadillas, margaritas, and mixed drinks
Before anyone starts throwing tomatoes and declaring me a fake Cyclone, I have been to Es Tas before but didn’t eat. This year I went with a group after the women’s basketball exhibition game.
There is plenty of seating and the drinks are great. The quesadillas were PIPING hot — like, so hot I was watching everyone else eat and periodically burning my hands on my food. They hit the spot once they reached a workable temperature. This is your typical Campustown-style establishment, and it is perfect for large groups.
Provisions (Lot F)
What I ate: Spinach artichoke pasta, strawberry shrub mocktail
Provisions is one of the nicer options I visited. It features lower lighting and a small-ish menu that is full of intriguing options. The menu is also clearly labeled with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten dietary information. There is plenty of parking and fast service.
The shrub was fantastic and kind of started me on a little non-alcoholic, fancy beverage kick. Provisions also got Robert Griffin III’s approval when he was in town during football season.
Wallaby’s
What I ate: Carbonara with chicken
I went to Wallaby’s once when I was a student, but that was in the old location. Now further north on Stange Road, they have large, private booths and several good-sized TVs. It would be a fun place to watch a game.
It’s a great bar and grill option for families or anyone looking to go a little further away from campus. There are enough menu items for anyone to find what they’re in the mood for, and some orders can be customized through add-ons or selecting gluten-free pasta.
The Cafe
What I ate: Korean steak and eggs, snickerdoodle cake
The Cafe offers farm-to-table dishes and a menu that changes seasonally. They list the local providers they use. Menu items are clearly labeled with dietary information.
This was my favorite meal of all that I tried. The presentation and taste were top-notch. The atmosphere was kind of cozy and romantic, and there were cute views of northern Ames with lights on the trees outside when I went.
Dublin Bay
What I ate: Bruschetta grilled cheese with bacon
This is a popular pre-game spot with an extensive beer selection and a lot of interesting Irish pub decor. The food was good, and many items can be made gluten-free. I would love to come back again when I don’t have somewhere to be and enjoy more of the bar selections.
Aunt Maude’s
What I ate: Blackened chicken angel hair pasta, vanilla bean creme brûlée
Ames is not exactly where I was expecting to find menu items like cajun prime rib! I had the toughest time picking what I wanted to order, and everything I had was great so I would definitely return to try the rest.
The vibe was lively and fun. Aunt Maude’s uses local ingredients, and also offers gluten-free substitutes for buns and pasta.
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