Thumbs - Ames

If you love dive bars like we do, Thumbs, just west of the ISU campus in Ames, is your kinda place. Located at 2816 West Street, you'll find an interesting mix of local regulars and the younger crowd at Thumbs. They don't open until 2pm and they run an excellent Happy Hour every day from 2pm - 8pm.

The atmosphere is definitely 'hole-in-the-wall,' but there's everything you need to enjoy a cool adult beverage. A few TV's for the games, pool table, foosball table, music. Did I mention Happy Hour? How about some great nightly specials?

We popped in on a recent Saturday afternoon. Osvaldo Antonio Rodriguez (now THAT is a cool name) was bartending and took excellent care of us. Thank goodness he said we could call him Ozzy. 

OK, now about that Happy Hour... how about $2 wells, $2 bottles and $1.50 draws of PBR? Every day?! Yes, please. Rum and Coke for me, a nice cold Stella (only $3 a pint) for Grant.

They also have great drink specials every night, including Gin & Tonic night on Thursdays with singles for 75 cents and doubles for $1.50. We've been to G & T night and all I'm sayin' is plan on a designated driver. Fun times.

Sunday is truly FunDay at Thumbs - it's Happy Hour ALL DAY and NIGHT. Oh, and Ozzy pours a great margarita. 

Fill 'em up!

I loved this Grateful Dead-inspired pumpkin art.  

Thumbs also has a patio with some nice weather seating and a grill. There were some regulars grilling up burgers when we were there. These were stuffed with peanut butter and cheese of some sort. They were nice enough to share, so Grant had a taste.

The vibe at Thumbs is definitely laid back in the day, but it can get pretty rowdy at night. They also have live music on some nights, which, considering the size of the place, is amazing in itself. This little cutie was hanging out with us for a bit, too.  

So, if you're looking for a cozy neighborhood bar close to the Iowa State University campus, don't hesitate to stop in at Thumbs. They offer a great drink selection at excellent prices and the regulars and staff are friendly and fun. It's definitely a good time.

For more information, hours, specials and photos, check out their Facebook page here.

Thumbs

2816 West St.
Ames, IA  50014

515.268.1556

Comments

[Warren]

Yep! Best dive bar around. Been going since I was 21... ahem... 21 years ago.

[Amy]

Ha. Too funny, Warren. Thumbs is very cool.