One of the best parts about living in Ames is the unique restaurants that are hidden in the nooks and crannies of the city. Even better, these places make wonderful date spots for couples just beginning to date or long-time lovers. AMUSE looked at some of the most unique places to dine in Ames, along with some standby classics for the next time you need a place to eat with your significant other.

Café Shi

823 Wheeler St.

292-2066

This restaurant boasts an international fusion cuisine for its menu. With many Asian influences, Café Shi is a step up from the regular take-out Chinese food. Reservations are welcome but not required; they also feature live jazz performances during the weekend. Entrees range from $10.50 for the Vietnamese curry to $17.95 for the grilled halibut.

Aunt Maude’s

547 Main St.

233-4136

Aunt Maude’s is a favorite among citizens of Ames and travelers who pass through the city. Featuring casual, American dining, Aunt Maude’s is tucked into the downtown area. The most popular dishes include seafood and American-style pasta dishes, with prices ranging from a modest $12 to $20.

Hickory Park

1404 S. Duff Ave.

232-8940

Built in 1970, Hickory Park is one of the most popular restaurants in Ames for families and students. Hickory Park is known for its amazing barbecue and even better ice cream creations. Barbecue plates, which offer large portions and two sides, begin at $4.50; burgers and sandwiches are also offered and start at $4.25.

Olde Main Brewery

316 Main St.

232-0553

A local brewery in Ames, Olde Main features wonderful food in addition to excellent beers. Open until 10 at night during the week and midnight on weekends, Olde Main features American comfort food made with choice cuts of meat. The meatloaf is only $9.49 and comes with sides, while the Angus filet is $23.95 as the most expensive item. Olde Main also has sandwiches and burgers.

Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company

129 Main St.

232-1627

Great Plains is known for its amazing pizza, not to mention the crusts made of whole wheat. The pizzas begin at $8.05 for a 10-inch thin crust pizza or $9.05 for a thick-crust pizza. On top of each pizza, there’s a choice of 14 toppings that start at $1.15 each for a 10-inch pizza. In addition to creating your own pizza, Great Plains features four house specials, such as the Prairie Special and the Buffalo. The most unique aspect of this restaurant is the five pizza styles offered: thin, thick, oat, thin Denver, and Idaho style.

Chain classics

For those couples that don’t feel like venturing into downtown Ames, these classic chain restaurants offer a sit-down dinner with prices comparable to the Ames’ specialties and without having to cruise the drive-thru.

Applebee’s

105 Chestnut St.

232-6452

American food at cheap prices.

Old Chicago

1610 S. Kellogg Ave. 232-6900

Chicago-style pizzas and over 120 kinds of beers.

Red Lobster

1100 Buckeye Ave.

232-2922

Seafood dishes and surf-and-turf meals.

Valentino’s

2500 Ferndale Ave.

233-2111

An Italian pizza buffet that also delivers pizza.