The Mucky Duck Pub

Cool place. Obviously British themed. Very chill when we went. Really neat bar - very historic…read morelooking. Mix of young and mature. Good specials and friendly bartenders. Good Mules and Pimm's Cup specials.

My wife and I came here on a pubpass and we parked in back. When we first arrived at this hidden…read moregem, I thought "am I at the right place?" Then I noticed the big flag and I decided that we were There was cool music playing at a reasonable volume, The bartender was very welcoming. They have a cute menu with a descent happy hour menu (pic attached) they had Paulener Hefeweizen on tap so I was happy. My wife ordered Slingshot from local Backpocket. Then she ordered a cucumber mint mule that was delicious. If you're looking for a nice,chill, dimly lit atmosphere, then London Underground is a great choice. I will definitely be back here again!

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Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill

4.2(235 reviews)

1.0 mi

Very cute pub. I had the Shepards pie and the Brussel sprouts for my side. It was absolutely…read morefantastic. I have never had Brussel sprouts made that were perfection as they were here! The Irish soda bread was a definite must try also. We also had the crab cakes that came with enough greens that basically made it a salad. The crabs cakes were also very good. They had a huge selection of tap beers that would satisfy just about any palate. We were very satisfied with our experience. If we lived in the area this restaurant would be on my rotation of favorite regular places to go.

We stopped in for dinner before an event at Stevens auditorium. We were seated right away and got…read moreour orders in. It's a very relaxing Irish pub vibe with a variety of seating options and lots of TVs. Our drinks came out quickly and the food followed shortly thereafter. I got a martini and it was very well prepared. My wife got a glass of wine from their decent wine list. For dinner, I had the lamb burger, which was quite tasty. It was a good combination of flavors and the fries were hot and crisp. My wife got a naked burger with a side salad. The creamy Parmesan was very tasty and it was a nice bed of greens. A table next to us had some sort of a problem with one of the dinners and the server tried many many times to get the customer to order a replacement, but he said he was OK with what he got. When she brought the check to them she made sure to take that off since he did not eat it and would not accept a replacement. They seem shocked at this, but I wondered why they just didn't get a replacement! Great service by that server. She was also our server and did a fantastic job with us. We had very tasty food and great drinks , so I would definitely recommend it and would go back if I was in the area.

Waiting area

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Mother's Pub

4.3(17 reviews)

3.2 mi

6/13/26 9:15 p.m…read more What a great little spot! When we arrived, it was almost completely empty except for 2 other customers, which we didn't mind lol. We were greeted by the bartenders with a smile and a "Welcome in!". The staff were really nice and even when the bar picked up a little later, they were attentive, efficient, and polite. They definitely didn't "crack under pressure" lol. Inside, the bar and tables were very clean and organized. There is a pool table, but only one :/ I do wish they had a few more because when the bar got busy, everyone wanted a turn. The prices are amazing and the specials are so fun! It's also nice that they're open during the summer, since most bars in Ames seem to close for summer vacation.

Gayle, Scott, Dad, and I had just experienced a forgettable meal experience at the nearby HyVee…read moreCafe. Instead of heading straight home, Scott suggested that we drive past our former Ames house and then stop for a drink at Mother's Pub, which was known as Dugan's Deli when he attended ISU. We had a nice time, as we ordered our drinks, took them to the patio outside, and let Scott reminisce about his college days. And even though I graduated as a Hawkeye, I could tell my own Ames stories, like the time Bob Merrill and I stormed onto the old Clyde Williams Field with others to cheer the ISU football team during coin toss. As ISU is not in session, Mother's Pub was a bit quiet, like we were almost the only ones there. I wouldn't mind coming back to hear some live music and hanging out with family again.

Outside

Inside

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Mickey's Irish Pub

3.7(6 reviews)

2.8 mi

chloey hillary is the best bartender in ames!! give her a raise!!! she keeps me well hydrated all…read morenight!!

Ran out of mug cards. And double punched. Not worth it, never coming back. Patio could use some workread more

Torrent Brewing Company

3.8(28 reviews)

2.2 mi

Torrent Brewing Company is a local brewing favorite. I truly family bar that allows you to bring…read morein your own food though Torrent serves popcorn, pretzels, and pizza. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the product. I would recommend Torrent Brewing Company.

Excellent and great vibes. It took the bartender FOREVER to wait on us and hardly anyone was there…read more If service was better, it would be a 5 for sure. All the beer we tried was yum.

Bar

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The Bar

Boulder Tap House

3.5(133 reviews)

1.9 mi

Food is always great here, and I love the selection of beers on tap. Wish they had PBR on draft but…read moreit's more rare than you'd think. If you're coming I'd recommend the burgers, wings, curds, and pickles. Fun atmosphere too with very friendly staff.

While on business in the area, my travelling companion and I went for a beer and a burger at…read moreBoulder Tap House. This is a nice place with a good vibe. We each selected a beer and ordered the Western Burger, which is a six-ounce patty. He added fries and I had some good slaw. We agreed, the burgers were OK, not great. To start with they use beef that is too lean. The burgers were on the dry side. The main issue is that they are not seasoned and have no grill crust. You know they are beef because you can see it and the texture says beef, but beyond that they really have no flavor. This was a "just OK" experience for both of us. We will have to keep looking for a great burger in Ames. These were not remarkable.

Bar

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Exterior building signage.

Whiskey River

3.1(53 reviews)

2.1 mi

Well I liked Whiskey River a lot more than some of the other reviewers here! Came here with a group…read moreafter a football game, and the place was packed, and every inch of every wall was covered with holiday lights. Where I'm from, they would call this a Christmas Bar and charge $50 just to get in! The service was amazing and the food was decent bar food. Great music, bartenders jump on the bar to dance, big screens with more football. What's not to love? Try the fried pickles!

Food always good, my main concern is the leaking AC the makes the floor wet and can get into the…read morefood when it's being walked to you... please fix that I've seen this dripping the past 3 times I've came in.

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Provisions Lot F

4.5(352 reviews)

1.4 mi

Awesome place that really surprised. Clearly a farm to table concept with a varied but overwhelming…read moremenu. Came in on a weeknight with coworkers and received good service and fantastic food. Nice drink menu (I enjoyed their take on the old fashioned) with cocktails and a nice craft beer selection. Everyone loved their food, from the barley soup to the ravioli, burger, Brussels salad, and the salmon I got. Hidden gem perhaps was their incredible dessert selection. The cherry tart was a pleasant surprise and the salted caramel chocolate cake will def fix a choc craving. Would gladly come back.

Food and decor, service was all amazing! Gluten free options were nice as well! Enjoyed all of it…read moreand will be back. Just wish the burnt ends weren't like $15 for 5 bites!

Caesar Salad

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Flourless chocolate torte

Sweet Caroline’s Kitchen & Cocktails

3.2(79 reviews)

2.1 mi

Ambiance for the wings. Great vibe!! Service is wonderful. Large drink menu but geared toward young…read morecrowd- there is a whole page of mule options. The fried chicken was ok, a bit too bread and greasy. Chicken quality was fair 3 out of 5. The burgers were great 4 out of 5. The traditional wings were a 5 out of 5. So. Order a Beer (or mule) with wings and you are good to go!!

We were so excited to try this place for lunch- we'd heard good things. We were greeted and seated…read moreright away and it was very warm & friendly. Our drink order was taken immediately. We waited over 45 minutes for our food order to be taken. We were so annoyed and hungry! The point at which it was taken was only because I finally called out to our server and asked her if she could please take the order. Our party of four was on the verge of walking out. The food was brought quickly and was very good! The cessation salad was delicious and the BLT was loaded with bacon! They have an excellent bacon game! The shrimp po boy was executed very well! The bacon blu cheese burger was a bit of a miss- way too many raw onions and so much blu cheese sauce that it made picking it up to eat impossible and tasting anything but the dressing difficult. Once I used a fork and pulled out the hamburger patty, I can say it was cooked well. The winner was the sweet & sour bbq wings hands down!!! We needed a tub of that sauce! We had leftovers and were never offered a box. Some serious training and education in customer service is needed here for this place to see us stop in again. We may order the wings to go but that's about it. It's too bad.

Loaded tots were delicious!

Totchos

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Bleached out menus that are barely readable.

Wallaby’s Bar & Grille

3.2(130 reviews)

4.3 mi

Yum!!! Beautiful spot to sit on roof. Definitely do that if the weather allows. The food was good…read more The service was great, kind and attentive. I do wish you had a Manhattan on the cocktail list. But all good.

I am from out of town eating my way through Ames while dropping my freshman off to ISU. This place…read morewas so disappointing! The ambiance is nice, but the food was so subpar! I had a brisket burger listed as a customer favorite, but it was so bad! For starters, the lettuce was wilted. The sauce was too sweet, the bacon was like chewing plastic and the bread was cold. My husband's buffalo chicken wrap was also subpar. The monster cookie was good if you like oatmeal cookies. Overall, maybe a good place to drink and watch sports, but not a good place to eat.

Don's Okoboji Fish

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Simple Salad Ahi Tuna added

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Carrie G.

875

30

10

10 months ago

A True Gem in Ames, and the only place my Bernese Mountain Dog wanted to spend his 6th Birthday. The Mucky Duck has become a breath of fresh air for us whilst settling back into life in the States, reverse culture shock is absolutely real, and somehow this little corner of Ames has been the one place that feels unmistakably like home. Proper home. The kind where the food tastes authentic, the atmosphere feels familiar, and the people greet you with genuine warmth instead of "what on earth is that giant dog doing here?" Marcus, the owner, is the heart of it all. In true British terms, he's the definition of a proper gent, gracious, composed, welcoming, and a man who carries himself with quiet class. The kind of person who makes everyone feel like a regular by their first visit. He graciously allowed us to host my Bernese Mountain Dog's 6th birthday at the pub, his first birthday back in the U.S. since returning from Britain. It was a special moment for us, and Marcus treated it with kindness instead of confusion, which already makes him a national treasure in my book. The food? Hands down the most authentic British menu I've found not just in Ames but in all of Iowa. Everything tastes like it was made with care, nostalgia, and the right amount of cheeky pub-comfort energy. For anyone craving real British flavors, this is the place. The Mucky Duck isn't just a pub, it's comfort, community, and a little slice of Britain tucked perfectly into Ames. And for anyone navigating a transatlantic adjustment (or just looking for a good pint, a proper pie, and a warm welcome), you'll find it here. Highly, wholeheartedly recommended. And Theodore says thank you for the birthday pint (of water). read more

John C.

199

40

7

3 months ago

If you're in Ames, the Mucky Duck Pub is an absolute must-visit. The beer selection is outstanding, with a fantastic variety of craft beers and imports that will satisfy just about any beer lover. The staff is attentive, friendly, and genuinely makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. The food is equally impressive, offering authentic English pub fare that is both flavorful and comforting. Whether you're craving traditional favorites or just looking for a great meal to pair with a pint, you won't be disappointed. One of the best things about the Mucky Duck is the atmosphere. The indoor space is warm and inviting, while the outdoor seating area is perfect for relaxing with friends on a nice day. Whether you're stopping in for lunch, dinner, a few drinks, or just to hang out, this place delivers every time. Great beer, great food, great people, and a great atmosphere. The Mucky Duck Pub is exactly what a neighborhood pub should be. Highly recommended! read more

Lauralee B.

4

8

0

8 months ago

The food was not great. The Ruben had very little sauerkraut and no flavor. The cod sandwich completely fell apart so it couldn't been eaten with a bun. It was just greasy and blah. The service was amazing! They were quick to get us a table and everyone was super friendly. So, go for the drinks and not the food. read more

Hydrodynamic S.

0

82

1

2 years ago

This is one of my favorite places to eat when I am visiting Ames. The fish and chips is probably the item I've ordered most often, and that I miss the most when I'm not in town. I've had fish and chips at Gordon Ramsay's in Las Vegas - he can't even come close to the Mucky Duck! read more

Geddy H.

0

79

0

8 years ago

Absolutely incredible fish and chips! Has a great pub feel and atmosphere. The menu is very British pub fare and nothing fancy, but there is a great selection including an extensive list of teas and beers on tap and in bottle. Well worth stopping by if you are in the area. read more

Greg S.

35

4

0

11 years ago

I have always had good food and drinks here. It is an eclectic place that still resembles the gas station that it was converted from but I have met interesting people and had great conversations with the staff. read more

Shelby C.

Elite 22

40

137

361

8 years ago

Good fish and chips. Terrible service. If the service was good then this would be a five star place. Takes way too long,to have a meal.

Chris B.

0

5

0

3 years ago

The fish and chips are legendary so so good. The prices are plenty fair. The staff is friendly overall a great place for beer and grub.

Robert K.

2

4

0

10 years ago

Good food and nice atmosphere, plus you can read the British newspaper, got to know whats going on in London.

Dan B.

20

41

2

10 years ago

Fun place to get some food or a drink. Service was awesome and the food was good. We will be going back.

Sally H.

0

19

0

4 years ago

Great atmosphere, lots of beer and tea choices. Lots of fun with a great bartender/waitress.

Piper S.

7

28

2

13 years ago

I was thrilled the food was great everyone was very friendly. Will definitely be back.

Laura J.

0

13

0

12 years ago

Best UK food in Ames, delicious! Very friendly service and comfortable atmosphere!

Carl N.

0

15

0

5 years ago

The fish is good. Prices are high for a pub environment.

Alan W.

37

10

0

11 years ago

A fun atmosphere-- good beer and good fish and chips.

The Mucky Duck Pub - british - Updated September 2026

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Very cute pub. I had the Shepards pie and the Brussel sprouts for my side. It was absolutely…read morefantastic. I have never had Brussel sprouts made that were perfection as they were here! The Irish soda bread was a definite must try also. We also had the crab cakes that came with enough greens that basically made it a salad. The crabs cakes were also very good. They had a huge selection of tap beers that would satisfy just about any palate. We were very satisfied with our experience. If we lived in the area this restaurant would be on my rotation of favorite regular places to go.

We stopped in for dinner before an event at Stevens auditorium. We were seated right away and got…read moreour orders in. It's a very relaxing Irish pub vibe with a variety of seating options and lots of TVs. Our drinks came out quickly and the food followed shortly thereafter. I got a martini and it was very well prepared. My wife got a glass of wine from their decent wine list. For dinner, I had the lamb burger, which was quite tasty. It was a good combination of flavors and the fries were hot and crisp. My wife got a naked burger with a side salad. The creamy Parmesan was very tasty and it was a nice bed of greens. A table next to us had some sort of a problem with one of the dinners and the server tried many many times to get the customer to order a replacement, but he said he was OK with what he got. When she brought the check to them she made sure to take that off since he did not eat it and would not accept a replacement. They seem shocked at this, but I wondered why they just didn't get a replacement! Great service by that server. She was also our server and did a fantastic job with us. We had very tasty food and great drinks , so I would definitely recommend it and would go back if I was in the area.

Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery

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This place is fantastic! I'm visiting from San Diego, and…read morewe settled on this spot for an early lunch for 3. Host and server were awesome- friendly and efficient. Food was phenomenal. Between us we had cheese toastie, prime rib dip, and a Reuben sandwiches. The meat on both the prime rib and Reuben was succulent and tender, and none of us could finish them. The house curly fries were perfectly seasoned and delish. The rest of the menu looks great, and I hope to be back next time I'm in town. They def know what they're doing in the kitchen- wish I'd thought to take pix, but if you're in the area, make sure to check it out.

I want to start off this review with an absolute SOB of not living in the area and probably never…read moregetting to eat here again. Atmosphere: Located at the end of strip mall. Huge bar, but not a ton of seating. Large parking lot. There is no area to wait and there will be a wait if you don't have a reservation. We waited about 25 minutes for a table without a reservation. Clean bathrooms. Service: Super friendly staff that were rolling with the punches as it was absolutely packed. Food: OH MY GOD. So good, so so soooooo good. The food here honestly reminded me of my time in Ireland, this is the closet I've got to that level of amazingness without actually being there. Even the brown bread reminded me of many meals in County Clare. I forgot to take a photo of the corned beef and cabbage and potatoes but I will never forget them. Perfectly tender, and seasoned. I will dream about this place and hope that some day I end up back in Iowa.

Nite Hawk Bar & Grill

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Another fantastic visit to Nite Hawk Bar & Grill! We pedaled up the High Trestle Trail and were…read morerewarded with delicious, reasonably priced cocktails on their inviting patio. Our server Sarah was attentive and friendly, making sure our drinks stayed cold and even refilling our bike water bottles before we headed back out. Even on a Tuesday afternoon, this place has great energy and makes for the perfect turnaround spot during our 32-mile ride. If you're cycling the trail or just looking for a welcoming spot with good drinks and service, Nite Hawk is definitely worth the stop!

Very fun place! A must-stop!…read more Cons: Soda is expensive. To the chef: On patty melts, the onions need to be plentiful and grilled, not raw and sparse. For $14.00 (no side,) it could use improvement. Overall a great place!

London Underground

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Cool place. Obviously British themed. Very chill when we went. Really neat bar - very historic…read morelooking. Mix of young and mature. Good specials and friendly bartenders. Good Mules and Pimm's Cup specials.

My wife and I came here on a pubpass and we parked in back. When we first arrived at this hidden…read moregem, I thought "am I at the right place?" Then I noticed the big flag and I decided that we were There was cool music playing at a reasonable volume, The bartender was very welcoming. They have a cute menu with a descent happy hour menu (pic attached) they had Paulener Hefeweizen on tap so I was happy. My wife ordered Slingshot from local Backpocket. Then she ordered a cucumber mint mule that was delicious. If you're looking for a nice,chill, dimly lit atmosphere, then London Underground is a great choice. I will definitely be back here again!

Wallaby’s Bar & Grille

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Yum!!! Beautiful spot to sit on roof. Definitely do that if the weather allows. The food was good…read more The service was great, kind and attentive. I do wish you had a Manhattan on the cocktail list. But all good.

I am from out of town eating my way through Ames while dropping my freshman off to ISU. This place…read morewas so disappointing! The ambiance is nice, but the food was so subpar! I had a brisket burger listed as a customer favorite, but it was so bad! For starters, the lettuce was wilted. The sauce was too sweet, the bacon was like chewing plastic and the bread was cold. My husband's buffalo chicken wrap was also subpar. The monster cookie was good if you like oatmeal cookies. Overall, maybe a good place to drink and watch sports, but not a good place to eat.

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Well I liked Whiskey River a lot more than some of the other reviewers here! Came here with a group…read moreafter a football game, and the place was packed, and every inch of every wall was covered with holiday lights. Where I'm from, they would call this a Christmas Bar and charge $50 just to get in! The service was amazing and the food was decent bar food. Great music, bartenders jump on the bar to dance, big screens with more football. What's not to love? Try the fried pickles!

Food always good, my main concern is the leaking AC the makes the floor wet and can get into the…read morefood when it's being walked to you... please fix that I've seen this dripping the past 3 times I've came in.

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