Well I liked Whiskey River a lot more than some of the other reviewers here! Came here with a group after a football game, and the place was packed, and every inch of every wall was covered with holiday lights. Where I'm from, they would call this a Christmas Bar and charge $50 just to get in! The service was amazing and the food was decent bar food. Great music, bartenders jump on the bar to dance, big screens with more football. What's not to love? Try the fried pickles! read more

8/17/26 11:30 p.m. Where to start? Well, when you walk in, you're greeted with a prominent musty smell and an incredibly sticky floor. The overall decor is very "college frat house," lol. Don't get me wrong, it's fun, but it's all over the place. Including the moose head full of bras, lol. The condensation from the AC ductwork is dripping all over the bar, including on the tables, chairs, and pool table. It wasn't too busy, but the bartender on shift didn't seem to want to acknowledge us while we waited at the bar to order. For the majority of the time we were there, she seemed as if she didn't want to be working and did not seem very happy. We did wind up getting a smile from her by the end of the night, though, and she seemed to cheer up a little. The bathrooms were an absolute disaster, and I would recommend risking a ticket going outside rather than using those bathrooms. They looked and smelled as if they hadn't been cleaned in months. Overall, the prices were not too bad. The specialty shots seemed a little steep for the small amount of alcohol that was actually in them, but they're "specialty," so... read more

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Food always good, my main concern is the leaking AC the makes the floor wet and can get into the food when it's being walked to you... please fix that I've seen this dripping the past 3 times I've came in. read more

SERVICE WAS HORRIBLE!!! Had a shorter white girl with brown hair as a waitress. Came over to get our drink order after 5 mins of waiting. Brings our drinks back and leaves and is sitting at the bar on her phone. Then a group of college boys walk in and she proceeds to jump right over to them to get thier drinks and food order and still didn't come to us. We waited for 30 mins and finally decided to leave as no one was coming to help us. There was maybe 6 people at the bar and 4 tables so it wasn't busy at all! DO NOT RECOMMEND GOING THERE!! Should have read reviews before going read more

Food and service are fine. The ambiance has gone back to where it was before renovations. Front door walk in rug ready to be tossed. Restroom floors and wall are dirty. Bar area and table areas need to be cleaned up read more

It's a neat sports bar in a growing community of restaurants. Bar food, burgers. Wings and a bunch of beer but what shines is the selection of bourbons, ryes and whiskey. Pappy Van Winkle and almost all the Weller line as well as many many more. read more

I'm writing to give a current prospective of this Ames staple. Whiskey River has a very good lunch and bar. The service was quick and friendly. I know its popular with locals at night. I would recommend Whiskey River. read more

As a result of my many family visits to Ames, Mom, Dad, and their 4 adult children have dined at almost every restaurant in Town. Hence, picking a place to go out involves a long "how about this place?" back and forth, as options are rejected regarding a recent experience or cuisine preferences. After a recent Sunday drive with Dad, Whiskey River came up, which I'd never been, and for him it had been years. I had to convince him, which surprised me as this is the kind of bar and food place that he's enjoyed for decades. We entered the establishment to some loud and irritating "thumpa thumpa" background music, which our nice/attentive waitress was more than happy to tone down and eventually turn off. It was also an early Sunday evening (with no games on), so there weren't too many people around. We also snagged a booth, which is always a family preference. Finally the menu came and as Dad found a few things he liked, his early indication that he wanted to go somewhere else faded into a comfortable stay. Having said all this, I'm not sure that I'm the sort of patron that would be at Whiskey River on a busy Friday or Saturday bar bustling evening. Dad thoroughly enjoyed his burger and associated glass of red wine. My pulled pork sandwich was less satisfying as I felt that the sauce overwhelmed the the meat. However, our fries and my draft beer selection was just fine. As mentioned above, our service was personable and accommodating. Based on my sandwich, I'd probably give Whiskey River 3 Stars. However, based my 93 year-old Dad's enjoyment of his meal, and restaurant staff going extra lengths to make him comfortable on this relatively quiet night, I'll call this a relatively solid 4-Star outing. read more

Whiskey River is their name and their game is rivers of whiskey. My name is bob and I approve this message.

Good dive bar on Main Street in Ames. There are not a lot of options for the 30 and over crowd to go drink and have a conversation in Ames. There are more bars now then there used to be for the 30 and over crowd so it's getting better but everyone who comes to Ames should have a drink at Whiskey. There's always an eclectic group of people at this bar. It's not totally preppy and it's not totally white trash but it's a mix of everyone. Always a good time is had at Whiskey. read more

Whiskey River - Front of Whiskey River - Sports Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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This was my first stop here. My main thought with any bar... is .. "yup just another busy bar." I got the busy part right, however I was pleasantly surprised overall how helpful and attentive the bar staff was. YELPERS: don't forget to check in and get your yummy Apple pie shot! My husbands company invaded this bar after an outing. We took over the pool table and just about every other table in the place. I could see the bar tenders rushing to get food started and kept the drinks a flowing. We made our way back to a table that was close to another entrance way opposite of the main street doors. Lots of TVs and all different types of decorations and craziness going on. I did like the funky blue stools with backs at the bar. We had already gotten our first round, but as we sat and talked the ladies came around and checked on us numerous times. The boys weren't complaining one bit as the lady's were dressed to be pleasing to the eyes. When we didn't need anything but they did not forget about us. I watched them make their way back behind the bar, serve drinks and food and then again later came back to check on us again as they cleared tables and seats around us. I was really impressed when I watched one make this GIGANTIC drink. I wasn't sure what she put in it, but there was at least two full bottles of something. Multiple giant straws were in there. I was lucky enough that I was able to get her to pause a second to get a picture of this monster drink. Everyone said it was good, but that's a little much for me. We didnt order any food, but I saw a few different bar meals served. Overall, I was happy with my experience here. The wait staff really made it a enjoyable outing. read more

Whiskey River - Sports Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Foods awesome but I won't tolerate public indecency. They have a deer on the wall with bras all over it where girls pull there shirts off on fri and sat night. Maybe some body will shut them down. Bar tender was awesome. But that's unexceptable read more

Cool place to stop by to get a drink and a bite to eat! Bartenders made a very refreshing cucumber something drink. Very delicious! We ordered one of the famous pork tenderloin sandwiches! It was huge and tasted delicious! Interesting place with many locals patrons! read more

Whiskey River - Pork tenderloin sandwich and sweet potato fries- yummy! - Sports Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Left a bad review on facebook then the owner tried to fight me and called some racial expletives based upon my appearance, none of which were accurate. I got bad service and was vocal about it online resulting in worse service and treatment from ownership when giving them a second chance. Stay far away. Food suxxx too btw read more

Whiskey River is back baby! After a hiatus of several years, Whiskey River has returned to downtown Ames. There's been a substantial renovation, but much of the character remains albeit new and different. Even though it's only been open a few weeks this place looks like it's been open for a long time. Fantastic neon sign. They've got an interesting menu with many bar-food staples with some interesting twists. You can get an Vienna beef hot dog topped with pulled pork ( the closest thing I've seen in comparison with the famous KC BBQ Dog at the Sprint Center) or Mac N' Cheese. The previous incarnation of Whiskey River was well known for their burgers so I opted to see if these burgers would inherit the legacy of its' predecessor. I had the Cowboy Burger: topped with onion rings, bacon and pepperjack cheese.These are very good burgers, with an expertly cooked patty. Very satisying but lacking some accoutrements. It would be launched in to the stratosphere with the addition of a buttered toasted bun, lettuce and tomato. Sure to be one of my favorite burger n' beer places for long time to come, this is the fulfillment of a well-thought, quirky plan for the return of an Ames classic! Big thumbs up. read more

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NO ONE was serving the outer tables. There were two girls behind the bar and neither of them came out to help anyone. Many many of the tables were full. We sat at a table for a half hour without being able to get either of the bartenders attention, so we left. Someone from our party even stood at the end of the bar for 10 minutes, and neither of the bartenders noticed her. Took our business elsewhere because of the extremely poor service. read more

This is one bar to go if you like pool, cheap beer, live bands, fun conversation, spacious environment. I never same so many pool tables at the same place. Plus the beer is local and cheap based on the fact that you would have never heard of their names. Overall the place is great to chill with friends. read more

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I wanted to like this place. This was my third time at Whiskey River and the service was consistent every time -- slow. This last time I went was the last straw for me. We were waiting for almost fifteen minutes at the bar until someone came to help us, and the entire time we were waiting, it seemed like we were invisible to those who were working. We noticed that other customers who came in after were served right away or at least acknowledged right away. We were then charged double for the wings we ordered, however the waitress working at the time was very friendly and helped us fixed the mistake. Whiskey River: We want to come back, but only if you are able to fix your customer service and response time. read more

Great place to stop and have a drink, bar tenders come around and make sure that you have cold drinks available. As with everyplace in Ames it can get busy during peak times and services and room to sit run low quickly. I wouldn't plan to eat here but some food is available if you need some quick bar food. read more

Typical sports bar and pub. Multiple TVs around the place with classic rock playing throughout the place. Tacky memorabilia with no real theme on the walls. Young, hot bartenders in tight spandex. I got an unusual Makers Mark Manhattan with the cherry muddled and an orange slice for a garnish. That was different. The menu is burgers, sandwiches and fried apps. The Philly Cheese steak was good but a bit undersized. Overall about what I expected and about what you can find in any town in America. read more

Whiskey River has gone through a huge change back when I lived in Ames it was a dive bar to the max! With Vikings, and Twins memorabilia on the walls! Cranking out classic rock! It's was dirty, old, and they had a popcorn machine! I loved it! It was also just a few blocks away from my house! Now after a huge remodel the place is clean, cosy, and has a retro vibe too it! No more Twins or Vikings pennants, and no more classic rock blaring! No more Popcorn Machine! But they now have a full menu of food, lots of drink specials always, tv's playing sports and HGTV, boxing games, pool, and PEOPLE IN THE BAR.. Which sometimes was a problem at the old Whiskey River! I dig the improvements and the overall vibe! The bar tender messed up my beer order but I have never met a beer I didn't like so I sucked it down and didn't make a frown! read more

As someone who did not grow up in Ames, I find Whiskey River rather odd. I'm sure it's home sweet home for a lot of locals, who I did see in the bar, but to an outsider it's a bit confounding. It's a total dive, which I tend to like, but I'm not sure what they do well. I arrived a few minutes before my group and took a seat at the bar. The bartender promptly acknowledged me and asked if I wanted a drink while waiting for my group to arrive. I said yes and asked for a drink menu. The bartender replied, "We have this one, but it's not right. We don't have half the things on there." Uhm, ok. I saw a tap I recognized and ordered a beer. Either have an accurate drink menu or don't have a menu at all. There is no try. A colleague showed up and ordered a drink that contains orange juice. The bartender asked if she had ever tried the bar's orange juice before because "it's awful." My colleague tasted the orange juice, at the bartender's insistence, and sure enough, it was not drinkable. The bartender explained that she always asks people to try the juice first because it's that bad. Bartender would have been better off just saying they don't have any. I have to ask, Whiskey River, why are you slinging orange juice you can't even sell because it's that bad? Get it together. If you go in and order something on tap or a standard commercially produced beer I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm sure it's wonderful for locals and people who spent their college years there. It's probably like Cheers, where everyone there knows your name because there's a loyalty. I'm sure it has a particular clientele, it's just not me. read more

Cheeseballs are overpriced and came overcooked. Overcooked fryer food is not enjoyable, and I was really looking forward to the pepper jack Cheeseballs since nowhere else has them :( read more

Whiskey River - Pepper Jack Cheeseballs $9 worth of cheeseballs? No way. Over cooked and over priced, will not be ordering again. - Sports Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

I am visiting Iowa State on business. I came into my hotel around 630 and got hungry for dinner. After searching on Yelp I came to quickly realize that Ames is very tiny and there are not many options here. I finally decided on Whisky River as it had a higher rating than most and also offered alcohol which I could use to unwind. Walking in, you will notice this place is a sports dive. It happened to have an Iowa game on so the bar was probably busier than normal. About half the seats were taken and I sat at the bar. I heard the Cowboy burger was the thing to get so I ordered that with french fries. The bartenders were very friendly and attentitive. The burger took about 30 minutes to come out unfortunately but maybe being half full is more busy than normal for them. The burger was unfortunately cooked to a gray texture (well done) which makes me believe it starts out frozen. The fries were clearly out of a bag frozen and fried. All in all, it was a mediocre experience and I would recommend trying somewhere else unless you are searching for a greasy dive bar...in which case this fits. read more

Dinner last night at Whiskey River. We are from Massachusetts, visiting Ames to see ISU. The burgers and fries were excellent. In particular the Whiskey Fire Burger was AMAZING. If you like spicy food, definitely try this. The service was friendly and quick. Highly recommend. read more

I miss the old Whiskey River. After visiting Ames for the first time in years, I was excited to stop in for a drink. I was surprised to see that the bar has been totally renovated. Not sure how I feel about that.... They still have a good beer selection and decent prices. I did notice that they now have a small bottle of Louis XIII, which seems odd for a dive bar in Ames, IA. They are charging more for a shot than we do at the 5 star hotel I work at in Las Vegas. I mean, come on! This is a college town dive bar. It just doesn't make sense. read more

When I was a student, this place was awesome. It reminded me of somewhere my dad would hang out. Beer, good burgers, and really grimy and smoky. We had stopped in for a beer a while back and were very impressed with the remodel. It's super clean and nice now, yet it still feels like the same old dive bar from 20 years ago. Yesterday we stopped in for lunch, since Wallaby's was closed. We're very glad Wallaby's was closed. Had a fantastic burger yesterday, I believe the Cowboy Burger. It was excellent. I miss the crinkle-cut fries, but the shoestrings were very good, too. My girlfriend had a pulled pork sandwich, which she also thoroughly enjoyed. So, a great atmosphere, good beer selection, and great food. Amen, go with peace and get a burger and a few beers at the new & improved Whiskey River. read more

Older crowd (but not too old, you can find anyone from 50 to 21, so I guess it kinda depends on the night). It actually can be kinda fun. The only bar on Main street that is kinda okay, and after they renovated the place, it looks a lot more welcoming! Haven't had the food here, so can't give my opinion on that. read more

We were in Ames for the weekend for our son's hockey tournament and decided to do some exploring. Found this place using the Yelp app and am so happy I did! The atmosphere, the cold beer, the amazing food, and the wonderful staff make this place a must visit when you are in town! read more

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Best bar on main street. My boyfriend and I often walk here to get a late snack of Reuben and pulled pork egg rolls. The Moscow mules are the best and they have a huge selection! read more

Whiskey River - We love the Bloody Mary bar on sundays - Sports Bars Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Neighborhood bar with friendly staff and good drinks. Mixture of high top bar tables and booth and decent bar food.

Food is great! Staff are very friendly and checked on us frequently. I have been in on week days and weekends. The giant Moscow mule was great for a big group! read more

Pretty generic bar, with a bunch of wacky decor on walls, really loud music, and drinks, of course. They do have a really delicious BBQ pork eggroll appetizer that is unique and works wonderfully well with just about any drink. read more

Good onion rings, burgers so, so. Taste like frozen type patties, cowboy burger ok. Bartender nice.

Decant food for a bar better than I expected! Ice cold beer. Service is good too! Nice bartenders a little forgetful on times but great staff. Love their fries and the French dip had good flavor. read more

From out of town and was looking for somewhere to have dinner and a drink or 2 so I figured I'd give whiskey river a try. The young lady working was by herself and had a bunch of people come in at once but still was able to give me great service in a timely manner. Food was delicious and the beer was cold- Mallory recommended the pot roast sandwich and it was very tasty! She gave me a great experience, will have to come back next time I'm in town! read more

Thank you to the girls behind the bar at Whiskey River. Their bartenders know the difference between a good drink and a piss poor drink. It was our first time at Whiskey River , and we were very very impressed -they treated us like we've been coming there for 20 years! So refreshing to see an "every day ordinary Joe bar" that gets it. Did not eat here but next time in Ames I would love to try it because if there foodI is anything close to their bar service, I'm sure it's excellent . Thank you for making our experience in Ames a good one! read more

The bar staff complained the whole time about the controlling owner who has cameras and microphone's all over the bar and how they don't get an employee discount and how they are sexually harassed. If you don't like your job quit...cause you ruined my experience hopefully its better next time. read more

This place has a great overall environment however, their menu continues to change constantly. I mean how could a bar get rid of their best culinary asset such as whiskey street tacos! They are literally the best meal for those who wosh to indulge in way too many adult beverages. BRING BACK THE TACOS! read more

Beer selection is better than most bars on Main Street. Servers are always on point. Absolutely love the staff here! Weekends do tend to get a little loud, so we typically frequent on weekdays. On nice days, they open the garage door. Be careful though, the a/c ducts DO LEAK. And they will leak on you (condensation from the humidity and the cold duct) so be mindful. If the upstairs bathroom is occupied, go down the stairs to the other bathrooms. And have an apple pie shot! They're the best! read more