The Hungry Mind is small locally owned and operated business. On the outside you may believe you're entering a pub but it's a sandwich shop. Immediately upon entering, our group of five was greeted and informed about their specials. I tried the half turkey and Swiss and soup of the day which was chicken and rice. Today was extremely cold so they weren't likely expecting a lot of foot traffic but they still delivered on the experience. It does take a little bit for the food but keep in mind it was one person doing it all. The food was delicious and everything was fresh. It is somewhat on the pricier side but the service and Ingredients make up for this. I would return if I pass this area again. read more

I couldn't even eat here because the prices scared me off more. I was told before coming that the quality of the sandwiches weren't the greatest so I didn't have high hopes. Boy. I get there and walk in, smells of musk. Sorry but dusting is a requirement if you're going to keep all those vintage knick knacks. Very small and full floor, it was hard to walk through just because everything was so close to each other. I walked out as soon as I saw the menu, $18 bucks for JUST the sandwich? No thank you, imma go to subway and get the whole combo for cheaper. Ridiculous pricing and sounds like for mediocre food read more

Atmosphere alone is worth the visit. One of those small local spots you want to visit. Good food.

Was spending the day working in Mason City and stopped in for lunch. There weren't too many people in the restaurant, and a small line to order. As I sat down I began to notice no one had food. After about 20-25 minutes I heard an employee tell a table that they were behind because someone had called in sick and they were short handed. Watching the kitchen, they were putting out about one table's order every 8-10 minutes, while more people came in. Not a recipe for success. I got my order after about 45 minutes. I would have preferred that they warn patrons if they are that far behind. I'd have gladly left and tried out the restaurant another day. Now I doubt if I'll be back. read more

This stalwart sandwich shop has been in downtown Mason City for more than 40 years. I remember coming here with my favorite aunt in the late '70s, and not much has changed since then. Still has a decidedly '70s vibe--like I expected the Three's Company crew to come trucking through any minute. (SUPER fern bar feel!) The staff was personable and obviously having a good time, which I always consider a plus. But what about the food? Good, not great, but quick and a large menu to choose from. I had a bacon and blue cheese burger, with curly fries. Nothing special, but nothing egregious, either. The wraps looked good, and there are plenty of sandwiches, so there are lots of other options to choose from. And they have beer, as well! If you're in the area or are visiting the nearby Historic Park Inn, it might be worth the short walk for a quick, inexpensive lunch--especially if your mind (and stomach) are hungry and your wallet is light! read more

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Why is it SooOoO hard to find a good place to eat in such little towns. Then I start to ponder.... "Why" did I venture off the map this time?? Visiting family is usually the answer. So yeah, I thought I'd check out the Hungry Mind again after 15 years of being away. I was highly disappointed. The decor of Hungry Mind is quaint with a rustic NW feel, but you soon notice a side deli display cooler that is disgusting. It looks more like a old storage case for holding recycled garbage. Half used ketchup and mustard bottles along with paper towels, wilted lettuce leaves in a bowl, that somewhat resembled a salad and a few pieces of pie. If you can get past how dirty and gross and display case is, the atmosphere and food are ok. 15 years ago, the Hungry Mind was Awesome!! But now...I probably won't go back again. read more

SO many choices...literally. Sandwich? Soup? Burger? Salad? Make up your mind, order at the counter and somehow they manage to find you in this little maze of an establishment. While the sandwiches we ordered were pretty standard fare (how could you screw up a club sandwich), what puts it to the 4-star rather than the 3-star mark is the soup of the day (sausage artichoke which is chunky tomato based) and the super friendly service. Expect to pay about $8/pp for your lunch with plenty of food to tide you over until your next meal (or the next day). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options available. Mix crowd with the purple hat ladies who lunch, families grabbing a meal together, folks on break from work. A bit dark inside, but a nice job with the puzzle of tables for 2-, 3-, 6-, 8- groups. read more

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Sounds like this used to be an amazing place when they had quiche and burgers on the menu... but we were all totally let down when they didn't... and salads with iceberg lettuce were so lame. The ambiance is awesome... the food a major disappointment. Get back to what makes you special! read more

I really liked the way it looked when we walked up. It felt like one of those great establishments you find as a hole in the wall, but we were mistaken. The service was good, but there were only 2 people working and 5 people eating, so... hard to not be attentive. My wife and I both ordered the All American burger, a thin quarter pound burger, cooked to a very pink center, hard to get through. They had nice bread...the bun was good. The standard curly fry from a bag or box was not disappointing but we expected more. But, for only $24 for 2 burgers and a bottled tea each, we stayed regretfully. Needless to say this was not my favorite place to grab a working lunch in Mason City. read more

The Hungry Mind - This is just a portion of the menu, there are plenty of soups and salads and burgers available. - Sandwiches Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

Staying in FLW hotel nearby. Asked for recommendations. Advised Hungry Mind for lunch. Followed advice. Very nice place with very helpful staff. Sandwiches (club, Reuben very tasty and large) Reubens on unusual swirl rye like we make our own. Menu had 1/2 sandwich cup soup special. We're disappointed , too late for sold out soup. (Need to get around to lunch before 2pm even on vacation)Struck up conversation with owner ref excellent flavor. Became very entertaining session ranging from bakeries to his time living in San Francisco to a common interest in unusual cars. Potato salad very good. Being in time for soup would probably made this 5star. Will certainly return when in vicinity read more

Great! Friendly service. Not a large place. I would call it intimate. It is also in an excellent location if you want to hit the mall. Food is great & I noted the staff was very interested in their customer's service experience. You can't help but notice the cool wood door as you arrive. This place is not a cookie cutter restaurant . . . Bottled beer available. read more

The Hungry Mind - Sandwiches Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

Had the Club Sandwich very good soft fresh bread. They have a large selection so it's hard to choose so I will go back to try something new. Really like the vibe of this place, warm and comfortable. read more

The Hungry Mind - Great club sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Mason City, Iowa

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They could not care less about following their hours of operation! One day open - another day closed, it's just a hit or miss with them. Spoke to the lady owner and she was just not bothered and gave a very disingenuous response. Most places where owners had any common sense would have been sincerely apologetic and had the common sense of inviting you back but she didn't care. So if she didn't care- why the hell should we. Completely lost our business. Will actively not promote this place to ensure the laissez-faire and "entitled" attitude displayed by the lady owner is completely respected. Than we can see how entitlement will pay the bills!! Loss of business! read more

This was the 2nd time I have eaten here. It is cozy, clean and very good.

Great Mason City family-run local business. Kate and Ryan moved home from California to be part of the Mason City Community. Give the Hungry Mind a try and say hi to Kate and Ryan. read more

Excellent food, great people serving it to you. Best sandwich in Mason City.

Great local place. Good sandwiches. Order and then sit down and get served style eating. Add a beer or wine. Cute place.

Great cozy atmosphere! My favorite lunch spot! (Hot ham & swiss on white kaiser)

I took my sister out to eat after an interview she had in town. We stopped for lunch and the place was pretty busy. It's kinda dark inside which I liked. It was a good little nook to escape for the noon hour. Our food was awesome and it came fast. read more

Cute little mom and pop hole in the wall place. Workers are hilarious and beyond helpful. They love their job and you can tell. The place is adorable and most of the tables are old kitchen tables with wooden kitchen chairs that make you feel at home. If I'm ever in mason city again this place is on the top of my list. A+ staff and fantastic food. read more

The Hungry Mind is the pinnacle of hospitality. The staff greet you with a warm welcome, and I can't help but to feel nostalgia when I'm bitting into their homemade style sandwiches. This is a restaurant everyone must visit and one I will keep coming to. read more

Very good food and great atmosphere. Took a group of 23 for a private lunch on Sunday even though they are not normaly open. In and out in 45 minutes, wow what service. read more

The hungry Mind was featured in the 'Directory of Iowa's Best Ma & Pa restaurants' It is a good atmosphere and has great food. When people come to mason city and ask where to go i will always recommend this place. It has a lot of charm and the sandwiches always fill me up! read more

Great little sandwich shop, lots of choices to choose from as well. And there's always some dessert choices too. Definitely a great spot to grab some lunch. I feel like most people I know don't know about this place but it's always busy. Worth a try if you're considering it. read more