Ames Restaurant Week is a new winter tradition celebrating local dining and giving our community a reason to bundle up and eat out. It runs from January 30 to February 8, 2026 and includes two full weekends of special offers, secret menu items, and spotlight moments for restaurants. Start planning your Ames Restaurant Week lineup now!

When ordering from the restaurants below, be sure to mention you’re there for Ames Restaurant Week! It’s the secret code to unlock exclusive specials and hidden menu items.

Participating Restaurants & Specials

Cornbred BBQ

Smoked Chicken
½ Smoked Chicken – Smoked and Sauced
Served with Mac-n-Cheese, Apple Pork & Beans and Cornbread Pudding.

Smoked Pork Loin
Gruyere Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage Gravy, Roasted Veggies

Three Meat BBQ (Serves 2)
Your choice of Brisket, Pork Loin, Ribs, ½ Chicken, Turkey, Burnt Ends, Pork Shoulder, or Sausage. Served with 2 Trimmings of your choice and Cornbread Muffins.

Available at 5 p.m.

The Café

Thai Showcase

The Café will feature four dishes from the streets of Bangkok for Ames Restaurant Week.

Som Tom Thai: Spicy Green Papaya Salad

Khao Soi: Chiang Mai Curry Noodles

Pla Rad Prik: Crispy Fried Fish with Chili Sauce

Itim Gati: Thai Coconut Ice Cream

Available from 4-9 p.m.

Hickory Park

Cheesy Potatoes

This beloved Midwest classic is usually reserved for catering, but during Restaurant Week, it steps into the spotlight.

Only available for dinner after 4 p.m.

Aunt Maude’s

Tasting Menu Dinner

Appetizer: Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Sauce and Soy Sauce

Salad: Drunken Goat Cheese Salad with balsamic vinaigrette, candied pecans, drunken goat cheese, craisins, and croutons

Entree: Seared Duck Breast with sourdough parmesan bread pudding, cauliflower puree, a port wine demi-glace, and luxardo cherries

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Drop with cherry sauce

Only available Monday-Saturday during 5-9 p.m. dinner service.

Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew

Texas Tavern

A blend of ground Brisket and Iowa Meat served on a toasted brioche bun with American cheese, served with choice of one side.

Available Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wasabi Ames Somerset

Under Control Roll
Celebrate Restaurant Week with our exclusive roll crafted just for the occasion. Enjoy a delicious blend of shrimp tempura, crisp cucumber, and smooth cream cheese on the inside, topped generously with fresh kani, vibrant tobiko, and a rich drizzle of eel sauce. A perfect balance of texture and flavor!

Available at both Wasabi locations Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wallaby’s Bar and Grille

Blackened Prime Rib Sandwich
Blackened Prime Rib, Sautéed Onions, Swiss Cheese, Toasted Hoagie, and Au Jus. Served with your choice of side.

Available Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

El Azteca

Special Promotion

El Azteca is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering 20% off the entire check when you mention “Ames Restaurant Week”

This offer is available at both El Azteca locations.

Available Monday – Thursday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Hy-Vee Market Grille

Special Promotion

Hy-Vee Market Grille is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering a 20% discount on any made to order menu order.

Breakfast and lunch served daily 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The IowaStater

Three Course Meal

During Restaurant Week, The IowaStater is offering a special three course meal.

Seared scallop with lemon froth & green apple mignonette

Grilled duck breast with roasted beet pomme puree & tart cherry gastrique

Olive oil cake with persimmon curd

Available Monday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh

Special Promotion

Garbanzo is celebrating Restaurant Week with a buy-one, get-one-free gyro deal.

Available Monday – Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Jethro’s BBQ

The Cardinal & Gold Brisket Platter

Slow smoked sliced brisket, chopped brisket, and smoky sweet bourbon glazed burnt ends.

Choice of 2 sides and choice of corn muffin or Texas toast.

Available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Cookies, etc.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Costco, eat your heart out, Cookies, etc. is topping chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chunks.

Available Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Roni’s Mac Bar

Special Promotion

Roni’s Mac Bar is celebrating restaurant week by offering free garlic bread with a purchase of an entree.

Available Monday – Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

West Street Deli

Special Promotion

West Street Deli is celebrating Restaurant Week & their 25th anniversary by offering two regular specialty combos for $25.

Available Monday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Dot Cafe

Savory French Toast
Tender French toast, soaked in a scallion-scented batter, cradles savory chicken sausage, creamy pimento cheese, and a hint of vegetarian spicy maple “bacon” jam. Sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors in a playful, indulgent twist on a classic breakfast sandwich.

Available Wednesday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Mucky Duck Pub

Steak and Ale Pie

The Mucky Duck Pub is offering this secret menu item during Restaurant Week.

Only available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Daisy’s Drinks & Dogs

Cluckin’ Loaded

A full 12″ wiener piled high with mac & cheese and peppered chicken chunks, then finished with a bold drizzle of buffalo sauce.  Its rich, spicy, unapologetically messy, & absolutely worth the napkins.

Available Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill

Special Promotion

Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering $5 off your purchase of $25 or more.

Available Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe

The Cyclone Sandwich

Beware: A flavor storm is coming! Melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes with a smattering of starwberry-habanero jam—all collide on toasted herb bread.

Melt. Crunch. Boom!

Available Tuesday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Provisions Lot F

Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday

Kick off Restaurant Week early and keep it going all night. Enjoy happy hour pricing from 3 PM until close Monday-Saturday, featuring a lineup of craveable small plates and discounted drinks. It’s the perfect excuse to stop in after work, sample something new, and linger a little longer with good food and great vibes.

Available Monday – Thursday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sweet Caroline’s

Special Promotion

Sweet Caroline’s is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering half off Hand Breaded Tenderloins.

Available Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Whiskey River

Special Promotion

Whiskey River is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering half off eggrolls.

Available Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Secret Menu Breakfast Sandwich

Bacon, havarti, green peppers, onion, mushrooms, spinach, and red pepper jelly on a croissant or bagel.

Choice of fruit or our famous hash browns on the side.

Available Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Chocolaterie Stam

Special Promotion

Chocolaterie Stam is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering a medium gelato for the price of a small.

Available Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Clayton Farms Salads

Special Promotion

Clayton Farms Salads are celebrating Restaurant Week by offering $1 off a Cranberry Orange Smoothie.

Available Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Bistro at Sixty Forward

Reuben Panini

Our take on the classic sandwich with corned beef, swiss cheese, 1000 Island dressing, and sauerkraut on marble rye. Served with any of our sides, but pairs best with our Bistro Potatoes or House Salad. 

Available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Inside Golf & Games

Special Promotion

Inside Golf & Games is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering buy one get one half off smashburgers.

Available Monday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Cornbred Barbecue

Smoked Chicken
½ Smoked Chicken – Smoked and Sauced
Served with Mac-n-Cheese, Apple Pork & Beans and Cornbread Pudding.

Smoked Pork Loin
Gruyere Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Sausage Gravy, Roasted Veggies

Three Meat BBQ (Serves 2)
Your choice of Brisket, Pork Loin, Ribs, ½ Chicken, Turkey, Burnt Ends, Pork Shoulder, or Sausage. Served with 2 Trimmings of your choice and Cornbread Muffins.

Available at 5 p.m.

The Café

Thai Showcase

The Café will feature four dishes from the streets of Bangkok for Ames Restaurant Week.

Som Tom Thai: Spicy Green Papaya Salad

Khao Soi: Chiang Mai Curry Noodles

Pla Rad Prik: Crispy Fried Fish with Chili Sauce

Itim Gati: Thai Coconut Ice Cream

Available from 4-9 p.m.

Hickory Park

Cheesy Potatoes

This beloved Midwest classic is usually reserved for catering, but during Restaurant Week, it steps into the spotlight.

Only available for dinner after 4 p.m.

Aunt Maude’s

Tasting Menu Dinner

Appetizer: Seared Ahi Tuna with Wasabi Sauce and Soy Sauce

Salad: Drunken Goat Cheese Salad with balsamic vinaigrette, candied pecans, drunken goat cheese, craisins, and croutons

Entree: Seared Duck Breast with sourdough parmesan bread pudding, cauliflower puree, a port wine demi-glace, and luxardo cherries

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Drop with cherry sauce

Available Monday-Saturday during 5-9 p.m. dinner service.

Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew

Texas Tavern

A blend of ground Brisket and Iowa Meat served on a toasted brioche bun with American cheese, served with choice of one side.

Available Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Wasabi Ames

Under Control Roll

Celebrate Restaurant Week with our exclusive roll crafted just for the occasion. Enjoy a delicious blend of shrimp tempura, crisp cucumber, and smooth cream cheese on the inside, topped generously with fresh kani, vibrant tobiko, and a rich drizzle of eel sauce. A perfect balance of texture and flavor!

Available at both Wasabi locations Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wallaby’s Bar and Grille

Blackened Prime Rib Sandwich

Blackened Prime Rib, Sautéed Onions, Swiss Cheese, Toasted Hoagie, and Au Jus. Served with your choice of side.

Available Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

El Azteca

Special Promotion

El Azteca is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering 20% off the entire check when you mention “Ames Restaurant Week”

This offer is available at both El Azteca locations.

Available Monday – Thursday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Hy-Vee Market Grille

Special Promotion

Hy-Vee Market Grille is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering a 20% discount on any made to order menu order.

Breakfast and lunch served daily 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The IowaStater

Three Course Meal

During Restaurant Week, The IowaStater is offering a special three course meal.

Seared scallop with lemon froth & green apple mignonette

Grilled duck breast with roasted beet pomme puree & tart cherry gastrique

Olive oil cake with persimmon curd

Available Monday – Thursday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh

Special Promotion

Garbanzo is celebrating Restaurant Week with a buy-one, get-one-free gyro deal.

Available Monday – Sunday from 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Jethro’s BBQ

The Cardinal & Gold Brisket Platter

Slow smoked sliced brisket, chopped brisket, and smoky sweet bourbon glazed burnt ends.

Choice of 2 sides and choice of corn muffin or Texas toast.

Available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Cookies, etc.

Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie

Costco, eat your heart out, Cookies, etc. is topping chocolate chip cookies with chocolate chunks.

Available Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Roni’s Mac Bar

Special Promotion

Roni’s Mac Bar is celebrating restaurant week by offering free garlic bread with a purchase of an entree.

Available Monday – Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

West Street Deli

Special Promotion

West Street Deli is celebrating Restaurant Week & their 25th anniversary by offering two regular specialty combos for $25.

Available Monday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Tuesday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Dot Cafe

Savory French Toast

Tender French toast, soaked in a scallion-scented batter, cradles savory chicken sausage, creamy pimento cheese, and a hint of vegetarian spicy maple “bacon” jam. Sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors in a playful, indulgent twist on a classic breakfast sandwich.

Available Wednesday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Mucky Duck Pub

Steak and Ale Pie

The Mucky Duck Pub is offering this secret menu item during Restaurant Week.

Only available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Daisy’s Drinks & Dogs

Cluckin’ Loaded

A full 12″ wiener piled high with mac & cheese and peppered chicken chunks, then finished with a bold drizzle of buffalo sauce.  Its rich, spicy, unapologetically messy, & absolutely worth the napkins.

Available Tuesday – Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill

Special Promotion

Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering $5 off your purchase of $25 or more.

Available Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe

The Cyclone Sandwich

Beware: A flavor storm is coming! Melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes with a smattering of starwberry-habanero jam—all collide on toasted herb bread.

Melt. Crunch. Boom!

Available Tuesday – Saturday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Provisions Lot F

Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday

Kick off Restaurant Week early and keep it going all night. Enjoy happy hour pricing from 3 PM until close Monday-Saturday, featuring a lineup of craveable small plates and discounted drinks. It’s the perfect excuse to stop in after work, sample something new, and linger a little longer with good food and great vibes.

Available Monday – Thursday from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m..

Sweet Caroline’s

Special Promotion

Sweet Caroline’s is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering half off Hand Breaded Tenderloins.

Available Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Whiskey River

Special Promotion

Whiskey River is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering half off eggrolls.

Available Monday – Saturday from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Secret Menu Breakfast Sandwich

Bacon, havarti, green peppers, onion, mushrooms, spinach, and red pepper jelly on a croissant or bagel.

Choice of fruit or our famous hash browns on the side.

Available Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Chocolaterie Stam

Special Promotion

Chocolaterie Stam is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering a medium gelato for the price of a small.

Available Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Clayton Farms Salads

Special Promotion

Clayton Farms Salads are celebrating Restaurant Week by offering $1 off a Cranberry Orange Smoothie.

Available Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Inside Golf & Games

Special Promotion

Inside Golf & Games is celebrating Restaurant Week by offering buy one get one half off smashburgers.

Available Monday from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., Tuesday – Thursday from 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Bistro at Sixty Forward

Reuben Panini

Our take on the classic sandwich with corned beef, swiss cheese, 1000 Island dressing, and sauerkraut on marble rye. Served with any of our sides, but pairs best with our Bistro Potatoes or House Salad. 

Available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

I’m ready to help!

MELISSA MUSCHICK

Director of Partner and Community Engagement

 

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