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Olde Main Brewing Company, Ames, IA

Olde Main Brewing Company

3.9
3.9
116 Reviews
$30 and under
Brewery
Olde Main Brewing Co. & Restaurant is a locally owned restaurant and brew pub featuring handcrafted entrees, fresh brewed beer, and Sunday brunch buffet.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Brewery, American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 5:00pm; Brunch: Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Dinner: Nightly: 5:00pm - 10:00pm; Lat Night Menu: Wed-Sat 10:00pm-2:00am

  • Phone number

    (515) 232-0553

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Private party facilities

    Olde Main Brewing Co. & Restaurant will customize any menu to fit your personal or business function. Olde Main pays careful attention to your full event from set up to presentation to quality food and service. Trust Olde Main to satisfy your event needs. You’ll be happy that you did!

  • Private party contact

    Jacque: (866) 548-1253

  • Neighborhood

    Ames

  • Parking details

    Free parking in the public lot on the south side of the building.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 116 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.9
3.9 based on all time ratings
  • 3.8Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. DianaS

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took our family there for evening meal on Easter Sunday. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. One family member ordered a steak sandwich and requested that it be prepared to medium well done. However, it came to her as very rare. Our waitress gave her the option of having it cooked to a more desired stage or ordering a completely new meal. Very helpful and responsive young lady! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Olde Main!!
  2. Jennifer

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    Disappointing easter brunch. We were there on the tail end of the brunch, but paid full price. No prime rib or salmon left. Broccoli and potatoes were dried out. Donuts were like bagels with frosting. Grilled cheese bar was fun for my family, but i dont care for thick texas bread. Made to order omelets were good, but the guy did not actually make it as ordered.... and well, not that care too much, but he was dressed like he was going to a skatepark, not work. Overall, it was a very expensive piece of ham with chunks of cheese, an omelet, tomato soup and miniature pieces of carrot cake. I will NEVER return. Not worth $26. The sentiment was the same among the rest of my family.
  3. MaryM

    Des Moines

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall2food2service5ambience3
    W will try the Sunday brunch again but the Easter brunch was over priced and underwhelming. They were not prepared for the crowd.
  4. PamK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall4food2service3ambience4
    I'd recommend for the Brewing evening type visit, not Easter Sunday Brunch. It isn't a place for that.
  5. CindyK

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall1food2service2ambience2
    We made reservations for 10 and were seated at a table for nine. They added a chair on the end where we were continually bumped into by both the wait staff and the customers. Our drinks came half way through the meal because there was an issue with glasses. The food was cold, not even luke warm. When it came time for the bill, our server was no where to be found. We finally tracked down another server to bring the bill. I want to like Olde Main, but am consistently disappointed. Lesson learned.
  6. MaryK

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Easter Brunch was delicious! The bottomless Mimosa was a hit. There was a large variety of items to choose from. Would defiantly go back.
  7. Urban6219

    Des Moines

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    Brunch is overpriced. Lines are too long, food is mediocre. Would not recommend.
  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Easter buffet was delicious... some of the food like the potatoes could have been warmer.
  9. JerryA

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food great service and nice atmosphere . Will definitely eat there again
  10. JanB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I loved the atmosphere. Very unique However, I thought the food choices were somewhat odd. The only potato offered was the homemade chips The only vegetable was broccoli BUT, what I did take was good. Bacon, French toast, ham, grilled cheese, salmon. For the price, no I guess we would not come back for brunch. BUT, might come back and order off the menu.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2019

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    slow service, but overall good food and fun time!
  12. SC1234

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2019

    overall1food2service1ambience3
    I would not recommend this restaurant to a friend. Simply because they are a brewing company and only had 3 beers on tap. Also, the food was not very good. I asked for guacamole and it was brown, as if the avocados were old.
  13. ErikC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I got the pasta and my partner got the burger and they were delicious! The are we were seated was a little too dark for my taste but the atmosphere was very comforting. Also had the Tequila Limeade and it was delicious! The flavor wasn't too strong and was so sweet. I will definitely come back again when i come back to Ames. Our waitress was also sweet and although the kitchen was busy she did a great job communicating that with us so we didn't mind at all.
  14. ThomasH

    Des Moines

    39 reviews

    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    For a brew pub, they have a rather limited number of beers available. The food has a tendency to be over done, on occasion.
  15. JoshuaS

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2019

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    This was our first experience with this restaurant and we are new to the community. My husband booked a reservation for 6 pm on Valentines Day. He as ked to be seated in a quiet tucked away part of the restaurant if possible- we were seated at the last booth at the kitchen entrance. There was curse words every few minutes. The booth had duct tape holding it together. The staff were not that helpful in recommending food, with the exception of the $50 dinner special, she even said she was to "push that option". After 2 attempts to get recommendations from the staff on food and waiting several minutes to choose, we were told the option that I wanted was the only thing on the menu that was "sold out". Why didn't she say that when she knew we were looking to choose an entrée and we specifically said we weren't interested in the special. So while I tried to find another choice, we ordered the artichoke dip. Dip implies something thick enough to dip onto the pita bread it was served with. What we got was a clearly separated soup. It was so liquidy that it ran off the chips and bread. Then we realized that there was a musician, who wasn't very good and was pretty loud, directly to the right of us on a balcony. Needless to say we decided to call it quits and leave. As people who are foodies and love to eat out, this was disappointing. You should know your menu. You should always divulge what is sold out, so that the customer doesn't get their hopes up. Seat people in areas they request. Always check the quality of the food you are sending out! If it isn't good or right, let us know and I can accept that. Don't just send crap stuff out and hope we don't catch it. This is definitely a place to go drink craft beers and enjoy a bar atmosphere, not a date place or a special night kind of thing. We went to Maude's and it was amazing from start to finish!
  16. NancyJ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had a cozy table where we could easily talk with each other. The food was delicious (we had the Sunday brunch), but I wished that there was more fruit to choose from. In comparison to other brunches in the area, this one is a bit pricey ... but the atmosphere is great!
  17. ChadQ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Server was fantastic! Food was great. The portion size of the smoked Mac n cheese could have been larger. Great overall experience. First time there but will be back.
  18. MelanieG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 27, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The only reason why I gave them 4 stars is because they were out of Prime Rib. We went there to get prime rib and they only serve it on Friday and Saturday. So I would figure they wouldn't be out of it.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 12, 2019

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    The beer selection was good. The food was average to below average. If like craft beer, go for the beer and ambiance. Skip the ears.
  20. ThomasH

    Des Moines

    39 reviews

    3.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2019

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Something of a standby place for Ames. It's been going a long time, but has cut back on the number of beers that get brewed, so selection is not what it once was. Food and service are fine, but not really top shelf.
  21. EmilyS

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    The dinner portions have changed from the past so it wasn’t very filling overall. Very good food though.
  22. MScholl

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall5food3service5ambience5
    Service was great- food this time was just ok for half of the group and not that warm!!
  23. AmyB

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 16, 2018

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    The service was good. Could not make a martini, uses Hawkeye vodka with all their mixed drinks including dirty martinis. Macaroni came out cold, no prime rib when they’d only been open for 3 hours, steak came out under done. Potatoes were not good. Veggies that came on the side came out with maybe two bites. Way too expensive for what you get.
  24. Mary

    Minneapolis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Olde Main is a great spot in downtown Ames. It was easy to get in and they accommodate groups well. The food was delicious and a good value.
  25. SallyC

    South Dakota

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Family Gathering
  26. JulieB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2018

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    We have been to Olde Main before and had a great experience, but on Friday evening before commencement, I think they forgot that there would be people eating. We had reservations for 11 people, but were sat at a table for 10 and had to grab a chair for the end, which was in the walkway. Our waitress wasn't very responsive and missed opportunities to be helpful. We were there at 4:30 p.m., so it wasn't excessively busy, though there were several other large groups (with other wait staff assigned to them). Probably the most disappointing part was that 3 of our pasta dishes came out lukewarm. I'm confident that they have done better...and will certainly give them another chance. It just wasn't a great experience this time.
  27. KurtF

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the back parking lot, Old Main looks rather unassuming. Once you step inside and walk upstairs, that impression changes. It is a massive, sprawling interior. It can easily seat hundreds of people in its multiple dining rooms on two levels. The decor has a kind of an old school downtown feel, with exposed brick wall and visible ventilation hanging from the high ceilings. My dining companion ordered a Bellini, and I ordered a mimosa. We were definitely taking advantage of the bottomless beverages that came with our Groupon. With beverages settled, we set off on our epic food quest. Our first stop was the main hot table. It included scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, delicious, crisp mixed veggies, lasagna, and pork loin. I loaded up on eggs, bacon, mixed veggies, and a slice of pork loin. Our next stop was the carving station. Our goal here was simple: prime rib. The carving station attendant was very friendly and expertly carved us thick slices of perfectly cooked prime rib. We hurried back to our table to dig in, as the sight and smell of all of this food was making us even hungrier. The eggs were standard but good. The bacon was crispy and meaty. The veggies were amazing. They were cooked just enough so as to be fully cooked but still nice and crisp. It was a pleasant medley of bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots. The pork loin had been on the heat for a little while, but was still delicious and very tender. Last but not least on this trip, there was the prime rib. It was a perfect medium rare, and it was beautifully marbled, as a proper prime rib should be. We both devoured our first piece of it quickly. We both went back for seconds. If you're in the mood for a solid brunch with a lot of variety, make sure to add Old Main to your list. We will definitely be back. After all, we didn't make it to the grilled cheese station or the dessert station.
  28. ExcelsiorFan

    Minneapolis

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Dinner out at on Main Street of Ames is a great venue no matter what time if year. This restaurant is high value for the $$.
  29. TimF

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2018

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    It was busy that day due to the KSU ISU football game, however the service was very slow, a hamburger came out raw and we sat without drinks for most of our time there. I would not recommend this establishment to anyone.
  30. Cyclone

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2018

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The atmosphere was fine, although we were seated next a large group which was noisy. However, our food was not good. My husband ordered a steak sandwich was raw on the inside and I ordered a barbecued pork which did not have any sauce just pork.
  31. ExcelsiorFan

    Minneapolis

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on October 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience; convenient location on main street. Food and service top notch.
  32. SherryP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Even though it wasn't busy when we arrived, the ability to make a reservation was great! Food was good and our server was very pleasant and prompt.
  33. judyl

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2018

    overall1food1service2ambience1
    I wanted to like this restaurant. It is hard to find good restaurants in Ames. But this isn't it. The food was grossly overpriced for the middle of Iowa. The portions were small and clustered on a wood cutting board. I paid $30 for a single pork chop. The other entrees were equally expensive and equally skimpy. In addition, I sat next to an HVAC vent that looked like it had never been cleaned. Maybe the beer is good, but the food is overpriced and under quality.
  34. SD123

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Moderate service. It is good for a friend's get together, but their menu is not really something I prefer to eat
  35. NandM

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great service and fish and chips were wonderful! We would go there again when in Ames.
  36. BALINDAE

    Des Moines

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2018

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    We had a family gathering of 14 adults. The service was very slow - taking orders - refilling drinks, etc.
  37. Ashley

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my first time visiting and I was so impressed with the Brunch. The service was outstanding and the variety and quality of food were such a treat. I would recommend coming to celebrate any special occasion.
  38. AngelaG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We had our rehearsal dinner there. Olde Main staff was very responsive and helpful with setting it up. The food was AMAZING, specifically the pretzel pork chop. The beer was also phenomenal. The only "ding" I would give to it is that the area where we were seated, the floor was weirdly saturated and sticky to the point where lifting a foot or moving a chair was significant effort. Otherwise, I had an amazing time, delicious food and fantastic service!!
  39. FarmBoy

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Our experience was Just OK. The food was very good, but was lacking anything special. It was a little expensive for what you got. The best part of the meal was our waiter. He was very engaging and just a great guy.
  40. SarahB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We went for Mother's Day brunch. It was quite disappointing--food, service, ambiance-we were squished up top with a bunch of others. It was noisy. I felt bad for making the reservation at Olde Main. I will not be going back and would definitely not recommend it to anyone else unless they are only going for beers!

FAQs

Olde Main Brewing Company offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (515) 232-0553.

Olde Main Brewing Company is rated 3.9 stars by 116 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Ames

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 5:00pm; Brunch: Sunday: 10:00am - 2:00pm; Dinner: Nightly: 5:00pm - 10:00pm; Lat Night Menu: Wed-Sat 10:00pm-2:00am

  • Cuisines

    Brewery, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Free parking in the public lot on the south side of the building.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (515) 232-0553

  • Private party facilities

    Olde Main Brewing Co. & Restaurant will customize any menu to fit your personal or business function. Olde Main pays careful attention to your full event from set up to presentation to quality food and service. Trust Olde Main to satisfy your event needs. You’ll be happy that you did!

  • Private party contact

    Jacque: (866) 548-1253

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