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Created by Douglas Choi Updated On: April 21, 2013
Campustown is lousy with restaurants that exist in a paradoxical state of being both cheap and delicious. If atmosphere and decor are not high priorities there's really no better place to eat in Ames.
Pizzeria · South Campus Area · 10 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: Sitting atop the venerable Welch Ave. Station, this pizza parlor is most notable for its nostalgic, basement-like atmosphere. Check out the groovy Star Trek TNG cross section poster of the Enterprise.
Mongolian Restaurant · South Campus Area · 6 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: Though new, Joy's Mongolian Grill serves up some refreshingly authentic dishes. None of it can be found on the menu, but try ordering "Bao" and your foray into the Chinese language will be rewarded.
2514 Chamberlain St (btw Welch and Hayword), Ames, IA
Asian Restaurant · South Campus Area · 9 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: An old favorite, Little Taipei is notable the chili oil at their condiment station. It's not always available, but try ordering the Cold Sesame Noodles if your'e up for something different.
Burrito Restaurant · South Campus Area · 7 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: The burritos are good, but the banana leaf tamales are really something special. Also, the torta really hits the spot if bread is more your thing.
218 Welch Ave (btw Chamberlain and Hunt), Ames, IA
BBQ Joint · South Campus Area · 13 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: The best place for BBQ in town. Great sauce, but more importantly, the meat can stand on its own. Their homemade lemonade is legendary, and they'll even fix you an Arnold Palmer if you want.
Douglas Choi: A recent addition, Charlie Yoke's is one of the few places that has space for you and your two dozen friends. The food is solid bar fare with the notable addition of some really satisfying grinders.
Night Club · South Campus Area · 6 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: Though most people go there to dance, their restaurant is amazing. Pan asian cuisine with a dash of upscale atmosphere. Get the Duck Pho for an almost too rich rendition of the Vietnamese classic.
Burrito Restaurant · South Campus Area · 10 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: Few places are as solid as the Fighting Burrito. It somehow combines fast, affordable, and delicious inside the tortilla of your choice. For the thrifty AND hungry, order the nachos.
Café · Iowa State University · 16 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: Great single origin coffee with a quirky atmosphere, this coffee shop also has the best desserts in town. For a strange but good start to your morning, order the Alarm Clock (Orange Juice + Coffee.)
Coffee Shop · South Campus Area · 21 tips and reviews
Douglas Choi: With solid coffee accompanied by breakfast and lunch options, this place is perfect for long study sessions. Order the grilled cheese w/ roasted red pepper bisque for an adult spin on a kids' classic.