I am here currently and I asked to play pool with the guys playing. I was told no. it seems locals have it shut down for travelers. It is not a good bar to visit if you are looking for something to do in the area. read more

Best dive bar in Ames Good prices drinks Daily deals Friendly staff 10/10 would recommend going here if you like dive bars read more

Best bar within 100 miles .. I came here many many many many times while I lived in Ames.. managed to make it back tonight before an ISU basketball game.. still one of the best bars of all time.. ask for the house shot read more

If there's one place in all of Ames that I would call my bar, or my home to drink (outside of my own residence), it would be Thumbs. I've been coming here for years, but the rejuvenated vibe that Key and her staff have brought to the bar are unmatched. Always a good mixture of regulars and college newbies that also help keep the vibe alive! I can and have easily spent a number of hours just sitting here, drinking and making small talk with anyone here. read more

Really fun place to stop in for a drink and play some pool. Staff is always a joy to be around, 5 out of 5.

This place is a GOLDEN SPOT. bartenders we're amazing (key and Katie) accidentally stayed for 5 hours, I drive an hour one way weekly to come back here :)) try a whiskey pickles :))) read more

This is a follow up after the manager/bartender responded to me. How "we've never met", that's quite true, and you were rude to me instantly. Not even knowing what my affiliation was to anyone else around me, and it sure wasn't who you're thinking about. If you think I'm a keyboard warrior, I will gladly come say it to your face. I had an opinion on disliking the atmosphere of the bar, and your "husband" already heard me say it. He followed me outside, trying to start a confrontation when I was getting into my car. I will say it again so you can get the right idea, I don't think this bar is run properly, and you were part of that reason. I don't care who you're trying to have intercourse with, that's completely besides the point and not my problem. I'm unsure where you heard these rumors/"crazy lies" to begin with. We don't know you personally, but you sure took it pretty personal that you were unliked. Maybe try being professional and do your job, instead of trying to involve your own drama into your work life. Then maybe I'll consider giving Thumbs a 2 star. read more

Thumbs - This is a comment that the bartender/manager left on my last review for her establishment. - Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Two Thumbs up for Thumbs! This legendary Ames bar is just that! Legendary.. Its a perfect little divey neighborhood bar! The drinks are super cheap, the bathroom is gross and small, and it's not huge so, it always feels kinda packed! Which makes the place have a great energy! They sometimes have live music, and the stereo is always a little to loud! I alway wanted to do a tv commercial for Thumbs where the bar tender would slide a beer down the bar and a guy would grab it with a hand full of thumbs instead of fingers! Totally classic just like this drinking hole! read more

Thumbs has been many names over the years, some may remember when it was called Torks back in the hippie days. Different name but same bar. It's a favorite with the locals due to great price on booze. It has a side patio which is favored by those liking to smoke while they drink. Stop in to a snort and enjoy the company. read more

Thumbs - Thumbs bar - Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I realized I was probably a regular at Thumb's when the people I thought of as regulars started adding me as a friend on Facebook. While I'm certainly no regular anymore, I still make it a point to visit whenever I'm back in Ames. My favorite memories include making the bartenders switch the jukebox so I could play Physical by Olivia Newton-John just to lovingly irritate the door guy. Oh college, I miss you. They've got foosball and a pool table, with accompanying ringers that will wipe the floor with you. I thought I was good at foosball once. Lies. All lies. Mondays are $1 PBRs and Thursdays (my favorite) are 75 cent Gin & Tonics. The last time I was there, the crowd had changed a bit (and not to my liking), which is why I can't review this is a 5-star dive. If I want to go to a bar that's infested with the Greek community, I'll go somewhere like Chasers or Paddy's. read more

Most of my allowance has gone to thumbs. Thanks for the PBR tall boys, dirty bathrooms and g and t's on Thursdays and missing class on Friday. It's a great accomplishment to have the bartender see you come in and set the PBR on the table cracked and ready. read more

I love Thumbs. It's divey and the drinks are cheap. The staff is always nice. Thumbs is one of the last remaining places in Ames with an outdoor patio. It really resembles an allyway more than a patio, but I don't care. It's closed off and has a good amount of seating so I think it's awesome. This place opens at 2:00pm which is wonderful. I often come solo in the spring/summer with a book and sit on the patio. Drinking and reading are my two favorite things, so this rules! It does get pretty crowded here at night. It's not that big of a building. Especially in the winter when the patio is closed. On the plus side, sometimes they have live shows here and that is awesome! read more

I really like the green tree frogs. They are very tasty. One time, the bartender didn't know how to make one, but then asked a fellow bartender and he made us the best green tree frog ever. All it takes is two of them for a heavyweight like me to get lights out sloshed. A tree frog consists of numerous hard liquors. Basically like a Long Island, but not quite the same... or so they tell me. A tree frog is topped off with a little orange juice and a good quality straw. If you are looking for a cost effective and tasty way to get hammered, I would recommend a Thumbs green tree frog. You will die happy. read more

Bought a beer from them. Their bartender shouted at me and was an undue jerk. So if you want to be belittled, try here.

Yes, this bar is small, dive-y, and full of hipsters and old dudes..but that is what makes it so awesome. I lived right down the street from it and my friends and I were frequent Thursday night G&T drinkers. My favorite bar in Ames, I'm going to miss it now that I don't live there! read more

Don't be mistaken, this is a dive bar. However, the great variety of people is here and the good specials make is highyl appealing. It is also the closest bar to go to if you live on the west side of campus. Music can be loud though.... read more

I'm a big fan of dive bars and love the ambience at thumbs. However, the service is spotty. Sometimes the bartenders are great and attentive, other times it's impossible to get them to quit chatting and make drinks. If you're not a regular, be prepared to wait several minutes to be acknowledged. read more

Thumbs is a great neighborhood bar. The enclosed alley way/patio is great in the summer. The drinks are inexpensive, the regulars are friendly and there are plenty of TVs, so we usually watch the ISU games here. The bar itself is small, but it usually isn't completely crowded. When I'm looking to have a few drinks - nothing beats inexpensive drinks and friendly bartenders! read more

This hole in the wall is great for the neighbors. I love the atmosphere and drink specials. The place is not spot on though a little dingy and antiquated. read more

Good dive bar with cheap drinks. I met the owner and he was very polite and i felt at home. I love the bar top its like nothing ive ever seen before. I would recommend checking this place out read more

When I die my ashes will be placed in a $2 tall PBR can near/on the Golden Tee Golf game at Thumbs.

I love thumbs they have good/cheap drinks the people are always awesome and it's pet friendly. If you've never been to thumbs it's probably about time you check it out read more

thumbs is definitely up there on best bars in ames great little place great prices love the drinks the crowd is always fun they have a nice outdoor area for those smokers the bar its self is an awesome piece of wood really unique place read more