Great selection of craft beers, enough to satisfy anyone's palate. Sometimes the service can be a…read morelittle iffy since there are two bars (and all the times I've been here there's only been one server). But, since there's no alcohol service at Rudy's next door, this is your only option.

Love. Love love…read morelove. They offer real beer, not "stupid beer," as I'm fond of saying. "Stupid beer" is the mass-marketed domestic, watery, flavorless crap most often offered at nearly every other blasted bar. Oh, no; If I want a super-hopped IPA, I can get it. An oatmeal stout? NO PROBLEM. Perhaps a porter, or maybe a craft brew? They have it. It is a beer oasis in a sea of swill.

Love getting a large Lighthouse special and having a few beers with our condo friends.read more

Fantastic, unassuming cocktail lounge with phenomenal pizza! The Saturday night we were there the…read moreplace was pretty full but were fortunate to score one of the 3 remaining empty tables. The music was great too, though this may be due to the regulars having good taste in music and dialing up the TouchTunes jukebox. The mural/signage that graces the front of the building is fantastic too. Before you go: Lighthouse Lounge is cash only. On the unlikely chance you don't fill up on pizza and beer, there's a Dairy Queen right across the street. Thank You for the terrific 'za Lighthouse Lounge!

This is the coolest bar I've ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I've ever been…read moreto- PERIOD! The Sanity Room takes "theme" bar to a whole new level. There is a state mental facility outside of Independence, Iowa, and hence the theme of the Sanity Room. But don't think it's cold and creepy. No. The owners have gone to great lengths to make this an inviting place complete with the unique chairs, private small booths, and kitschy motto signs surrounding the place (one of my faves: "I can only please one person per day. Today I choose me."). They serve shots in pill bottles and syringes, and the staff will even make you don a patient gown, sit in the old hospital bed (vintage and they claim it came from the state hospital), and then administer the shots while wearing a doctor's coat. Genius! After you are vaccinated, you get a sticker. As if the booze wasn't awesome enough! And let's talk about the booze. This is a full bar that also features some great craft and local beers, as well as a local wine. Iowa wine, you ask? It was by far the best I sampled and I bought a bottle. Yeah, you can buy their stock too, if they have enough. As for specialty cocktails? Look no further than the bloody mary made with Chardonnay. That's right, I said the bloody mary is made with wine. And it's delicious. Since wine doesn't have as much alcohol as vodka, you might have to drink a lot to get the same effect, but with a taste like this you won't mind. The Sanity Room does seem to be a work in progress as they only have one unisex bathroom but they are working on more accommodations. Still, it's small so you can't imagine there would ever be a long line. It also sits in the back of an antique store, so blink and you might miss it. I know we did the first time we walked by, but the second time we took a chance and walked in and I am so glad we did! There's even a back patio area that overlooks the Wapsipinican River. The only bad thing would be that there are no TVs in the Sanity Room. I question if this would change the integrity of the bar, as it might compromise the theme and inviting nature. But I am a sports nut and there would be nothing better than belly up at the bar, drinking a glass of La T Da & watching the game! Seriously, if you're ever in Independence and you don't stop in here, you're missing out. I can't wait to get back and get my dose of Sanity!

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun decor and the…read moreowner/managers obviously love their work! A deck in the back gives a nice view of the Wapsie River, and an antique shop with all sorts of fun things, from tools to quilts. Thanks for the hospitality!

My husband & I love this local speak easy vibes type cocktail bar! We went for my birthday in…read moreJanuary & it was such a nice time. Ambiance is exactly what you'd expect; intimate, petite bar, calming lighting & the cutest little tables whether high tops or lounge type. They make a delicious dirty martini & even hand stuff the bleu cheese olives. They always have a menu of other craft cocktails available. Service is always prompt and I've never had a cocktail I didn't enjoy here. For an added bonus; check out Cyclone Liquors selection. Very impressive!

YES so much fun to drink here. They also have a beer menu if cocktails aren't your thing. Great…read moreservice. Speakeasy.

Leah was incredible! She was so welcoming and attentive. I will be back as soon as we are back in…read moreIowa! Highly recommend for a late night spot!

It wouldn't be Ames without the Tip Top...my family gathered there following both my grandparents…read morefunerals to toss a few back in their honor since they should probably have had a couple stools named after them... and they passed in 95 and 97. Tip Top is iconic and has been a part of the landscape in Ames for as long as anyone can remember.

Dusty's Lounge is a vibe! I feel like I'm hanging out in my Midwestern grandpa's best friend's…read morebasement, but without the weird old man smell. The drinks are delish, regularly rotating taps, and while the food menu is limited, there are some all-stars that are sure to please! My food recommendations: Deviled eggs & pretzels The Grinder sandwich (ask for an extra side of the special sauce)

Classic lounge vibe. Deviled eggs and beer what more could…read moreyou ask for? A few good places to hop around in those few blocks.

Our server Shawn was the most caring and amazing sever ever! He made sure to ask about allergy's…read morebefore we ordered. I have celiac, and this is the first time I felt like a sever took me seriously and knew the proper protocols for dealing with celiac disease. he told me if I wanted to see if anything not marked gluten free could be made gluten free to let him know and he'd ask. Answered all our questions, very helpful and had an amazing time with him as our sever!

This might be my favorite location. The decor fabulous, I love the big bar area. One of my…read morefavorite seasonal cocktails, anything with a marshmallow and bourbon. Happy hour spicy garlic edamane and these baked seafood roll is my favorite roll of all time, I had to buy more to go so my husband can try. Service is always wonderful, I will be back at this location for sure.

Apparently this is a coffee bar in the day and a martini bar at night, I have not been here during…read morethe day. My friends and I came in for a drink to end our evening and found this place to be a little quirky but very homey. We sat in the area with the couch, loveseat and chairs. There is other seating available with high stools and tables. We had three people check in us during our visit so we were well cared for. We didn't order food as we had already eaten. It's drink menu has about 50 martinis listed. This place has a laidback feel to it, very enjoyable. The martinis come out just slow enough to notice but not overly slow. Enjoyed our experience, we will return.

Fantastic food, drinks, and service! Incredible experience…read more Would highly recommend the blueberry lemon or scotheroo martinis, you will not be disappointed.

We had Super Ram Salad mixed kale and red leaflettuce…read more tri-colored quinoa. avocado. roasted sweet potato. apples. candied pepitas. cashew cheese. (Vegan by leaving off the candied pepitas) Falafel Burger Spiced chickpea patty, roasted red pepper sauce, pickled apple relish. vegan gluten free bun. (V/GF) with Sweet Potato Fries Pecan Dream pretzel crust. cashew custard. caramel pecan crumble. dark chocolate. (Vegan/GF/contains nuts) Normally, I would not focus on a desert, but this Vegan dessert is something I would come here just to get it. This place prides itself on having menu items which change with the seasons. This desert merits being an exception to that rule and hopefully will become perennial. Despite being a Vegan and Gluten-free desert, it is one of their most popular. I hope it's there the next time we travel through this area. The other Vegan items were good but this is truly great!

first time here. It's embarrassing I miss this place. The ambience was outstanding. More…read moreimportantly you could have a conversation in the area without the echo you getting some of the other restaurants. I was a guest to my bankers and they made a couple recommend recommendations which were outstanding. I ended up getting the tuna poke, and the appetizer with tuna. Everything was outstanding. I will definitely bring my better half a.k.a. the wife a.k.a. Peggy back. If you're looking for a nice place with great service in ambulance with good food to top it off you'll definitely wanna check this place out.

Have been doing business with this shop for years and i dont even live in iowa anymore. I can…read moreliterally call and they can pretty much get me what i need. Great staff and very informative!

If you want great service and really nice golf merchandise this is the place to come. Prices are…read morefair and some really good bargains for men and ladies. Fantastic service. Brought in 8 golf clubs to grip and they were done in 15 minutes. They even have a driving range. A must visit for golfers, young and old. Ask to see Austin and Bo. Great guys. Nice selection of golf clothes and shoes.