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    The Hungry Mind

    3.7 (24 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

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    Welcome to the 1970s! Dig that fern bar feel.
    Ellen C.

    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!

    a menu on a chalkboard
    Christine B.

    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.

    This is just a portion of the menu, there are plenty of soups and salads and burgers available.
    Daniel M.

    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.

    Terry M.

    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.

    Great club sandwich

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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

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    6 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    17 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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

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    7 years ago

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    17 years ago

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

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    10 years ago

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

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    15 years ago

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

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    13 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Review Highlights - The Hungry Mind

    Had the Club Sandwich very good soft fresh bread.

    $8.50 Club Sandwich

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    Starboard Market - Hot Italian Sub...add pepperoncini to have it Vernon's way...

    Starboard Market

    4.6(79 reviews)
    9.2 mi
    $$

    Amazing!!! Such tasty sandwiches & salad for lunch. We had the Granny - turkey with sliced Granny…read moreSmith apples on sourdough hoagie - and the Portside - thinly sliced chicken breast with avocado, lettuce & tomatoes on sourdough sandwich bread - with a side of broccoli salad (traditional Iowa potluck!). And a huge triple chocolate hot mess caramel fudge brownie. Food you would make for yourself, but you're on vacation! Staff is so welcoming & efficient. Don't be intimidated by the long line - enjoy chatting with those around you. A definite return visit is called for.

    This place has been open for about 25 years and I wish I had known it when I lived in the area. We…read morestopped through and ordered four sandwiches and a couple salads. All was made to order and the service was good. Definitely a local place. LOTS of great options in the menu and was difficult to decide. I had the chance to taste each of the four sandwiches and all were good - but only one of them was amazing. The other three were still very good and unique... but not as over the top as the The Dill (I think it was). I would easily recommend this place and plan to go back the next time I'm in town. In addition, this isn't a sit down place - you will need to leave with your drop What I could tell. There were some tables in the alley... but the lake is a close walk for a good view while eating. Finding this place was a pleasant surprise. Support local!

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    Starboard Market - Our (locally famous) Dilled Egg Salad Croissant

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    Our (locally famous) Dilled Egg Salad Croissant

    The Hungry Mind - sandwiches - Updated May 2026

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