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    Cole's Ice Cream

    3.5 (27 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:45 PM

    Cole's Ice Cream Photos

    COLE'S ICE CREAM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Cole's Ice Cream

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    Jeff K.

    What a find. We ordered the grilled tenderloin along with brisket piled on top. Ask the owner to build you his recommendation. Yes, it is dumpy, not much in the way of indoor seating and the owner isn't your typical chef. However, I was there for the food. There were three of us in our group, no complaints. One cool side note: The owners son started this restaurant a number of years ago. He was KIA in desert storm, his Dad is carrying on. Take some time to visit.

    Front of the building
    Amy Y.

    Weird. The decor was strange, to say the least, and not in the quirky fun way, but more in a crazy hoarder way. Decent food, but they need a deep clean! I liked the tenderloin, it wasn't the best I've had, but good. It wasn't pounded out flat, and we actually had the discussion that it might be chicken. My friend had the same thing and wasn't a fan at all. With that said, I have found the preference of a tenderloin is varied based on the person. My husband gave the burger a neutral rating. Not great but not terrible. I'd give them another try sometime. It might have been an off time.

    Exterior

    It's a dump. I mean a real dump. But. It was busy the whole time we were there My husband enjoyed the tenderloin. I had onion rings and fries. They have a small indoor seating area as well as outdoor seating. It appears that the owners live in an RV right beside the diner. The restaurant is being guarded by storm troopers and a Chewbacca head. Not quite sure what that was all about. They had lots of ice cream choices but we didn't have any.

    Tenderloin sandwich
    Jolene B.

    Super fun place! Tenderloin is delicious and nice stop for ice cream. Burgers were also huge and delicious. Go on an adventure!

    Art B.

    What a find! Reopened in 2011, Cole's has so much going for it. A diverse menu, with the centerpiece being an award winning tenderloin. Local Iowa ice cream from Picket Fence Creamery (chocolate malt ice cream!!!) and soft serve. Décor like non other, a playful mix of Star Wars and well, whatever else. A wall featuring photos of veterans who have eaten there and a memorial for the fallen son of the owner. And who is Cole? The owner's young son. Who's behind the counter? Likely the owner's dad. So friendly. How can you not want to support a spot like this? A foodie paradise? Not really. Just a solid and creative mix of comfort food presented in a fun environment. Sure, it might be looked upon as a dive by some, but consider it an adventure. It's just a ten minute drive from Ames. We stopped in for ice cream and had to return for food two days later. I suspect you might do the same.

    Crys L.

    Their ice cream is fantastic, and their prices are unbelievably low. This place reminds me of going to the ice cream stand when I was a kid! The folks that own the place and work behind the counter are very friendly and helpful. We got soft-serve, which often can be bland, but theirs was great! I have found my new favorite ice cream stand, because I'm a big soft-serve fan. Partner got a fun flavor of regular ice cream (butter-pecan something, I think) and said it was fantastic. They serve Blue Bunny and Picket Fence, so I'm not surprised! Yum yum yum. There's a whole bunch of seating outside -- picnic tables and benches that could seat quite a crowd. Inside also has a number of tables, include some high barstool tables. The place is decorated with all sorts of patriotic images and pictures. The business is named after the owner's young son, Cole, but is also a tribute to his older son, Brandon. Brandon apparently ran the place a number of years back, before joining the Marines and going to serve in Iraq -- where, ultimately, he died in 2004. The recipe for the shop's famous house-made tenderloin (nominated for Best Tenderloin in Iowa) was one that Brandon came up with, and his family continues to "carry on his tradition" by serving up monster-sized tenderloins using his special recipe. I didn't know about the amazing tenderloin when we first visited...looks like it's time for a return trip! I may have to bring a few friends -- those tenderloins look HUGE!

    Bacon cheese burger and grilled tenderloin with fries
    John W.

    So this was listed on Pinterest and since we were going to be in the area I added it to our road trip. It's an interesting little spot on a busy corner in Slater Iowa. I think quaint and quirky would describe the place. It could be cleaner for sure but the grilled tenderloin was delicious and the ice cream was tasty. My wife was a big put off by the grunginess but I didn't mind. It reminded me of small mom and pop shows growing up as a kid and so I found it charming.

    One of the best tenderloins in Central Iowa!
    Carol V.

    Sad to learn that Cole's suffered an extensive fire on April 6, 2019. So sorry. We sure thought the tenderloin sandwich was amazing. Hopig to see the restaurant rebuild.

    Custom-made 2 burger patty + tenderloin sandwich
    Talon M.

    Owner is a great guy and he really knows how to cook. The thing you need to realize about this place is, it's just him and his wife, and they're not concerned about presentation, or appearances. Just good food. So if you're the type that cares about atmosphere and style, try a different place. If you want the best tenderloin you've ever had, go here. Burgers are also great. Ice cream is fresh and local, but not my favorite. I heard from a friend that some vegetarians went to eat here. All of the entrees contain meat, so the owner went to his garden next door, grabbed some produce, and cooked 'em something right then and there. You just can't get that anywhere else. Be aware: Hours change during the winter, usually closes at 7pm.

    a picnic table and a trailer

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    Amazing tenderloins and great homemade fudge. Quiet atmosphere and easy fast service.

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    4.3(232 reviews)
    9.4 mi
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    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew - Customer ID map!

    Customer ID map!

    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew
    Whatcha Smokin' BBQ & Brew - See ya next time

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    The Tin Pig Tavern - Half order of Texas fries.

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    4.6(30 reviews)
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    Had the mini beer shot, just like the the ones in Cancun. Crab Rangoon with chicken is a great…read morepizza to try.

    Went here on the recommendation of three locals after working a basketball game. I misheard them…read moreat first; I thought they said "Tempe" and we were looking for a Mexican restaurant. Anyhow, we arrived and elected to sit at the bar versus a booth. Took a couple minutes to get noticed and we were asked to sit at the other end of the bar due to some clutter... Prices are very reasonable at this establishment. A flight was $7.50...if you were in WDM or Waukee, you would probably be looking at double that. They also brew their own beer and cider here; I'm not sure why that's not advertised heavier. Its called the "Gamble Block Brewery". I had Fear the Beard, the Baja Lager, the Maple Pumpkin Ale, and a cinnamon apple cider. The Maple pumpkin ale was delicious--the maple definitely hit on the back end. I was not a fan of the cider--they used a rather tart apple. The Fear the Beard (comparable to Blue Moon) and the Baja lager were OK. For food, I had the chicken tender basket with a 1/2 order of Texas Fries. I actually thought the ranch seasoning detracted from this dish--the queso was quite good and the bacon was plentiful. The downside to getting "sampler" versions of items was none of the accompaniments were included. My friend who got a full order of the Texas Fries was given sour cream with his food--mine did not. Also, on the beer sampler fruit wedges are served with the full size versions but not on the flight. The chicken tenders were very good and had the right breading/chicken ratio. The buffalo sauce packed a punch but was not obnoxiously spicy. The ranch that came with it was very good and was clearly made in-house. More of a 3.5 star review.

    Photos
    The Tin Pig Tavern - Interior.  Low and high tables and chairs. Booths.  And a bar.

    Interior. Low and high tables and chairs. Booths. And a bar.

    The Tin Pig Tavern - Crab Rangoon flatbread

    Crab Rangoon flatbread

    The Tin Pig Tavern - Front entrance signage.

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    Front entrance signage.

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    B Fabulous Catering
    B Fabulous Catering
    B Fabulous Catering

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    10.2 mi
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    West Street Deli
    West Street Deli - Reuben Sandwich - add pickles  - add red onion

    Reuben Sandwich - add pickles - add red onion

    West Street Deli

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    Cole's Ice Cream - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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