After checking out all the breweries in Des Moines we asked a few Ames residents to give us their opinion of Olde Main Brewing. David Failing, Katie Mueller, Patrick Hall, Rob Moline and Scott Boisen share their thoughts below.
What do you think of the current specialty brew?
Failing: The chocolate porter is a complex brew – not geared toward the Bud Light drinker, but enjoyable to anyone who appreciates flavor in their beers. Also great over ice cream.
Mueller: It’s good even for people who may not be beer fans. It’s unique and hits the spot after a long day at work or school.
Hall: The specialty brew is something I look forward to every holiday season. When I drink it, I immediately know that it’s the holidays and it has been prepared to celebrate this time.
Moline: The chocolate porter just gets better every year. Soft round chocolate flavor marries perfectly with the roasted malt notes.
Boisen: The chocolate porter is excellent. It’s a tradition worth starting.
What did you think of the brew pub's atmosphere?
Failing: Relaxed atmosphere promoted conversation among patrons, and bar staff are friendly. The campus town bars just don’t compare.
Mueller: It’s great! The people and servers are always upbeat. There’s always someone to chat with or play shuffle board.
Hall: The brewpub’s atmosphere is very relaxing. I can talk to people around me while enjoying the music and great brews. I feel like the brewpub here is almost a second family.
Moline: Typical of brewpubs – lots of wood. The design is quite clear – the way the balconies add square footage. It’s comfortable and homey.
Boisen: Very relaxing. It’s one of few places in Ames I’ve really got into. I feel like Norm from "Cheers."
What sort of people hang out there?
Failing: Intelligent, diverse patrons. The conversation one might hear in the course of a night varies from sports to academics to you name it.
Mueller: Young professionals, the music, atmosphere, and great beer is a perfect combination. The food is great too!
Hall: I hang out with all sorts of people from different walks of life. I’ve met people from graduate school to construction jobs. Everyone has interesting things to say and is fun to get to know them.
Moline: Over time you will see all types, with a focus on the 30-50 year-old professionals.
Boisen: Normal folks. As if you asked Olde Main to host a party and invite all your friends.
Any other memorable food or drink?
Failing: The pub nachos are a must, as are the soup specials – chili, seafood bisque, and other atypical pub fare. Local wine and spirits are also a plus, including Templeton Rye.
Mueller: The stuff chicken alfredo is amazing! It’s the best alfredo I have had in Ames.
Hall: A memorable food in Olde Main is the legendary nacho platters. I’ve shared more than one plate with friends, family, and soon to be friends.
Boisen: I love it all! Visit Puff and tell him you want to trace your hand… Then have a burger. Don’t forget to wash your hands.
Any cool features stand out?
Failing: The shuffle board area upstairs is great for smallish parties. The staff is attentive even to those seated away from the bar.
Mueller: The mix of shuffle board, couches, and games provides the right environment for anyone looking to have a good time.
Hall: Probably one of the most favorite features of this bar are the personable bartenders. They’ll talk to you about anything and keep a conversation going. The buck hunter game is also a staple for me.
Moline: The staff is as important to brewpubs as the beers and the staff members here are solid partners.
Boisen: Shuffle board, silver strike, good music, friendly staff that talk to you. What more could you need, except another craft beer!
Final thoughts?
Failing: Olde Main is a pub which I will frequent as long as I live in Ames. The drinks are unique, the bar staff friendly, and the pricing reasonable for young graduate students and professionals, as well as adults in this bustling college town.
Mueller: It’s a good place for a first date or every day fun. I have great memories here and great friends.
Hall: This brewpub is one of the best ones that I’ve been to. The bartenders and cocktailers are some of the nicest people that I know. It’s a great place to hang out and unwind from a hectic work week.
Moline: Well done!
Boisen: For the price and experience, I recommend a stop. Become a member of the union and get to know the people of Olde Main.
