The scene: Olde Main is a popular spot in downtown Ames for a few reasons. One, it’s away from Campustown, which means the “older folk” — um, that’s all of us over the age of 25 — have a comfy spot to hang that’s not crowded with college kids.
That’s not to say Olde Main isn’t a happening spot, which is another reason it’s popular. It’s always comfortably full of Iowa State grads and Ames locals, especially on Wednesdays. When we stopped in around 8 p.m. the scene was as we expected — full of beer-swilling locals getting over “hump day” pint by cheap pint.
Why it’s the best night to go: When Olde Main says is $1 pint night, it means $1 pint night. There’s no catch. It doesn’t end at 10 p.m. It doesn’t apply to only one beer. You can drink $1 pints of Dinky Wheat, Clone American Pale Ale, Long Face Amber Ale, Gryphonbrau or any other seasonal or specialty beer the brewery has available in the pub from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. The pub side also offers the restaurant’s full menu, so you can nosh on beer-battered onion rings or the jalapeno jack sandwich with your brew.
When else to go: Olde Main offers specials each night of the week, so anytime you stop by, you’ll find a deal. On Tuesdays, pitchers are just $4 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the pub, and bring your growler on Thursdays for $5 refills from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and $2 well drinks from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. If you’re off work on time, happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday, and includes $2.25 pints and wells, $2 appetizers and $1 off glasses of wine.
Olde Main Brewing Co.
Find it: 316 Main St., Ames
Best night to go: Wednesday for $1 pint night, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Info: 232-0553; oldemainbrewing.com
