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    Thumbs

    4.0 (23 reviews)
    InexpensiveBars
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    This is a comment that the bartender/manager left on my last review for her establishment.

    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.

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    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.

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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

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    15 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Thumbs

    Always a good mixture of regulars and college newbies that also help keep the vibe alive!

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    One Night Stand

    One Night Stand

    3.3
    (4 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$$

    It's well known this is the worst bar in Ames. The last time I was here, the bartenders decided to…read morestart a little "ice fight" with their bouncer Adam by throwing ice at him. Most of their ice throws missed and hit us, paying customers. I threw some ice back and then the bartenders started whining and said they'd kick us out. Jokes on them; we just left and took our business elsewhere. Short answer here: go to Paddies next door. You will have a better experience, better booze, definitely better bartenders. the bartenders here seem frankly incompetent.

    I have drove by this place a hundred times when it's been different bars over the years!…read more Recently it turned into a Country Rock Bar, and since I love the Flying Burrito Brother I thought I should probably stop in there and see if it was Sin City, or the Dark End of the Street type vibes! Naturally this isn't a Flying Burrito Bar, it's more of a modern country (songs I don't know bar) but they have a big Johny Cash wall mural by the pool table! The bartender was nice, and filled me in on their other locations in Ames, IA and in St. Petersburg, FL. So this is the 3rd One Night Stand... :) I think if you dig Country tunes, and Cheap beer you will dig this place! They also do Karaoke on Wednesday night! It's a step above Dive bar and I bet Gram Parsons would have no problem drinking some whiskey here!

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    One Night Stand
    Known for the vast amount of shots! Start your shot tour today!
    Known for the vast amount of shots! Start your shot tour today!
    One Night Stand

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    AJ'S ULTRA LOUNGE

    AJ'S ULTRA LOUNGE

    1.3
    (3 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    The owner (Ben I think) is a scammer. They advertise $21 for 21 mugs everywhere. Went for a…read morefriend's birthday and was going to buy their mugs for the night. Get to the counter and Ben tells me it's $25. It's a $4 difference I know, but don't try to make a quick buck on unsuspecting college kids. Also incredibly dirty and grungy. They let in a ton of minors. Bouncers are overly aggressive. I'm honestly surprised they don't have any assault charges yet, or maybe they do, which is completely understandable.

    The bouncers are definitely bad... good if you are underage I guess (haha) . But I came in with a…read morereal ID card at 22 almost 23 years of age. I'm also married and have a wedding ring and husband with me. They said my ID was a fake without even scanning. My husband had to convince them to let me in. We walk in and we are like the oldest people there. But don't get me wrong, we are 22 and 23 (not that old) and the legal drinking age is 21 so idk how we could be that old compared to everyone else. The ambiance is fun and lively, but def too loud to hold a conversation. Good if you are drunk and cannot hold one. In my opinion it does kinda seem like they lowkey want to gatekeep the bar and not have married couples there or something. Could've been a genuine misunderstanding but the situation was not handled well on the bouncer's end for sure. We have a good story to tell but would not go back though!

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    AJ'S ULTRA LOUNGE
    AJ'S ULTRA LOUNGE
    AJ'S ULTRA LOUNGE

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    BNC Field House

    BNC Field House

    2.8
    (15 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Absolutely ridiculous experience. Waiting 2 1/2 hours for tacos is beyond unacceptable. What made…read moreit even worse was watching people who ordered after me get their food while I was completely ignored. No updates, no apology, no urgency whatsoever. If your kitchen is that backed up, stop taking orders or at least communicate with customers instead of wasting their entire night. I've honestly never experienced service this bad over something as simple as tacos. The food could be amazing and it still wouldn't justify the disaster of a wait time and complete lack of organization. Save yourself the frustration and go somewhere that actually respects your time.

    Went for food and got the worst hospitality from the bouncer. Literally got yelled at to show my ID…read morewhen I stated multiple times I'm underage, am not interested in alcohol, and just wanted a meal. I showed him my real ID and got laughed at. He leaves without saying anything and returns 3 minutes later with a rude look on his face treating me like I'm an idiot. Any other time I've been at a restaurant, the person that greets me leads me to a table. I've never experienced anything like this before fries were good but wouldn't recommend if you're not 21. Otherwise my actual server was kind but I won't be returning anytime soon. Think his name was Christopher btw.

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    BNC Field House
    A WHOLE FRIDGE DEDICATED TO SELTZERS!! NOW THATS DEDICATION also, refrigerator doesn't have a D but fridge does. Crazy
    A WHOLE FRIDGE DEDICATED TO SELTZERS!! NOW THATS DEDICATION also, refrigerator doesn't have a D but fridge does. Crazy
    BNC Field House

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    Mother's Pub

    Mother's Pub

    4.3
    (17 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    One solid year I've been going to Mother's and I could name off every experience I've had. Mostly…read morebecause they've been full of great times and great beverages. They are always having deals as well, which make my pockets a little happier knowing I'm not losing a lot of change. The environment can be either quiet, kind of busy or so packed you can't get in. Most nights I'd say are fairly easy to get in and find a table. Its also a great place to take some birthday shots! Definitely recommend the green tea shots. I had a whiskey sour during their whiskey Wednesday and it was awesome! They have many options so you can't go wrong of what you choose. They also have pizza and chips options if you'd like a quick bite! The whole place is worth a try!

    6/13/26 9:15 p.m…read more What a great little spot! When we arrived, it was almost completely empty except for 2 other customers, which we didn't mind lol. We were greeted by the bartenders with a smile and a "Welcome in!". The staff were really nice and even when the bar picked up a little later, they were attentive, efficient, and polite. They definitely didn't "crack under pressure" lol. Inside, the bar and tables were very clean and organized. There is a pool table, but only one :/ I do wish they had a few more because when the bar got busy, everyone wanted a turn. The prices are amazing and the specials are so fun! It's also nice that they're open during the summer, since most bars in Ames seem to close for summer vacation.

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    Outside
    Outside
    Inside
    Inside
    Mother's Pub

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    Time Out

    Time Out

    4.9
    (16 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Are we having fun yet? You should be!…read more Stopped here again to get my helping of karaoke singers and pop culture. Street or lot parking. As you walk in, the bar is right in from of you. If you look right the small stage is where you can have the spotlight and sing your heart out. Get in your song choice cause it is hoppin tonight. There is a decent selection of drinks on tap. You can grab your drink and hang or you can make your way around to the other rooms where video games are a plenty. Take your quarters. Grab your drink. Play your hearts desire. Some fantastic old pinball to some more current games. They even have a small kitchen if you get the munchies. If you need to get a shipping fix. There is even a small store that sells unique gifts. The bartenders were on point tonight, and no one was ignored. We all had fun and I really like the place.

    6/13/26 11:00 p.m…read more What a fun concept!!! I love all of the retro games! There are a ton to choose from, but only one pool table. The games are separate from the bar and karaoke area, which is nice when you're there for the games lol. Overall, it was clean inside and outside, and even the bathrooms were really well maintained. They provide a quarter machine in the game area for convenience. We didn't try the food, but it smelled good and came out for others pretty quickly. Drink prices aren't too high either. Only one of three bartenders paid is any kind though, even when the other two weren't with other people. The one bartender that did help us was pleasant and had a smile every time. One of the other bartenders looked like he didn't want to be there, and the third never even looked up at us. Outback, they have a smoking area, and it was a decent size. Unfortunately, it has no cover, so when it rains, all of the chairs get wet, so you can't sit down. All in all, this is a fun place with plenty of room to bring friends and have a good time.

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    A few of the games
    A few of the games
    Old school video game items
    Old school video game items
    Time Out

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    Thumbs - bars - Updated August 2026

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