Lodging & Dining
Practical Farmers has reserved blocks of rooms at three hotels near Scheman and CPMI (the PFI dinner venue). These are the Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites, the Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center and the Gateway Hotel Ames.
Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites | 2500 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50010
Rate: $109/night.
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Radisson Hotel Ames Conference Center | 2609 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50010
Rate: $109/night.
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Gateway Hotel Ames | 2100 Green Hills Dr, Ames, IA 50014
Call the Gateway at 800-FOR-AMES (800-367-2637) and identify yourself as calling for Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Rate $114/night.
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Dining around Ames
A Collection of PFI Staff Favorites Presented in No Particular Order
Recommended by Liz
An Ames jewel! Full-service grocery store with self-serve and to-go dining options available on Wheatsfield’s hot bar and salad bar, deli counter and grab & go sections. All deli items are made in-house, primarily with organic ingredients. They also have a coffee bar, juice bar, and over 100 Iowa growers and producer’s products on their shelves.
Liz’s favorites: House-made bread, soups
Open for dine-in & carry-out
Recommended by Lydia
Authentic and scrumptious Indian food in the heart of Campustown; great every time we eat there. For a well-rounded and hearty meal, it’s my favorite restaurant in Ames. Most dishes are between $11-17, or save by getting one of their dinners for two.
Lydia’s favorites: Chicken Makhany or Tikka Masala
Open for carry-out and delivery; no dine-in
Recommended by Amos
Phenomenal burritos at a fair price, owned by a local family. Incredibly authentic meats and salsas, multiple toppings, and open late on weekends.
Amos’ favorites: Carnitas or Barbacoa burrito bowl (if you like spicy, get the habanero salsa)
Open for dine-in, carry-out, & delivery
Recommended by Nick
The burnt ends are the best in town, and the bar is fully stocked with a great selection of local beer and clever cocktails. If you stick around for Sunday morning, they have an excellent brunch menu – don’t miss the plate-sized cinnamon roll!
Nick’s favorites: Coppa cabana, skillet mac, brunch-wrap-supreme (honestly everything is good 5/5 stars). Also, top-notch cocktails.
Open for dine-in & carry-out
Recommended by Emma
Delicious British/Irish food and Indian food, and an extensive tea and beer list. The atmosphere is excellent and very friendly staff.
Emma’s favorites: Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips (their most popular dish), Cornish Pasty, Scotch Egg
Open for dine-in, carry-out & delivery through EatStreet
Stomping Grounds + Bar la Tosca
Recommended by Tamsyn
They have a warm, verdant aesthetic (lots and lots of indoor plants and trees!); some of the best coffee and scones in town; delicious soups, salads, paninis, crepes and dinner specials; really quirky, fun wallpaper (and a painting of a fiddler!!); and they try to source locally as much as possible.
Open for dine-in & carry-out
Recommended by Tamsyn
They have an extensive range of bubble, jelly and boba teas; a delicious Korean- and Chinese-based menu; and SUPER friendly owner who remembers you and makes you feel welcome and at ease.
Tamsyn’s favorites: squid stir fry in fermented bean sauce
Open for dine-in & carry-out. NOTE: Seating is very limited (take-out best), and they close at 7:30 p.m. (but well worth it!)
Recommended by Liz
Dining-in for hot pot or dry pot is super fun and delicious if you like spicy food. Taste Place offers a lot of more authentic Chinese dishes, but also has an “American Chinese Cuisine” menu section that doesn’t disappoint.
Liz’s favorites: Wontons in chili oil, yu-xiang eggplant, fish in hot and spicy sauce, beef with onion, hot spicy chicken are our go-to orders for delivery (and General Tao’s :) ). Dining-in, dry pot.
Open for dine-in, carry-out, delivery. NOTE: They prefer if you order through their square site instead of EatStreet.
Recommended by Tamsyn
Probably the best Chinese restaurant in town with an extensive menu.
Tamsyn’s favorites: Everything I’ve had is delicious, but I can’t resist the eggplant-seafood hot pot (as would Dorian, though he’d also tell you to get their steamed dumplings and lo mein)
Open for carry-out only
Recommended by Tamsyn
Delicious Middle Eastern food made by the long-time Jordanian owners, at the back of the Middle Eastern grocery.
Tamsyn’s favorites: Falafel, biryani rice and tzatziki are all excellent. Dorian would vote for the kefta dinner (spiced beef-lamb patties with rice) or gyro dinner+falafel. Lychee and mangosteen drinks are a nice add-on.
Open for dine-in & carry-out. NOTE: Modest seating available inside, and they close at 7 p.m.
Recommended by Taylor
Great Brazilian food and fun atmosphere. They host brunch on the weekends and in 2018 they were voted to have the best burger in Iowa. They have great (late) hours, vegetarian options, and fun drinks!
Taylor’s favorites: Vegetarian Gyro, Yucca Fries
Open for dine-in & carry-out
The Cafe (north) and Provisions Lot F (south)
Recommended by Jacqueline
Farm-to-table style menu with interesting, innovative choices ranging from pizza to quinoa & kale salad to noodle bowls to steak. Everything I’ve ever had from both places leaves me feeling satisfied and inspired, and their atmospheres are warm and inviting.
Jacqueline’s favorites: Really, everything, but save room for dessert. Even if you eat dinner somewhere else, stop in and get dessert to-go!
Open for dine-in & carry-out; they do not take reservations. Both locations have a cafe counter for walk-in orders for lighter options (sandwiches, coffee, pastries, dessert, etc.).
Recommended by Sarah K.
WSD has been an Ames staple for over 20 years. They strive to use local ingredients when available, and they make all of their bread, smoked meats, soups/chili, and desserts in-house. And they have so many bread and topping choices!
Sarah’s favorites: Usually whatever their sandwich of the week is, almost always on their homemade onion bread. Also, their Pesto Chicken and Sweet & Spicy Pork sandwiches
Open for dine-in, carry-out & delivery
Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company
Recommended by Lara
The pizza is phenomenal! Consistent flavor and quality no matter when I visit, and I love dipping the Denver style crust in honey.
Lara’s favorites: Pepperoni with Denver style crust
Open for dine-in & carry out
Breakfast & Lunch Only:
The Filling Station in the Phillips 66 gas station
Recommended by Jacqueline
Yes, it’s a gas station, but inside to the left, there is a lunch counter that is an unexpected treat. Great people and nice, hearty options for breakfast and lunch. The whole shop has unexpected and really interesting food options, including several local ones. Same owners as Burgies Coffee and Tea.
Jacqueline’s favorites: Breakfast: Breakfast burritos; Lunch: Pulled pork sandwich on brioche bun and fries. Good homemade pickles too. Pretty big portion so maybe a good one to share.
Open for dine-in & carry out; NOTE: the restaurant is open only for breakfast and lunch, but there is a grab-n-go case.
Artsy, industrial, vintage atmosphere in a renovated grain elevator in West Ames. It’s always warm and interesting, bordering on chaotic. Menu is crepes and coffee, with some snackables.
Jacqueline’s favorites: The Roasted Shrute!!! (Add an egg)
Open for dine-in & carry-out. Note: open only for breakfast and lunch.