Stomping Grounds

I do love the food at Stomping Grounds and the service was also good until I had to leave. I sat for over 10 minutes to get my check picked up. It‘s unforntunate because of these actions it‘s difficult to recommend an establishment. Also, it makes one not want to leave a tip or just walk-out. When one spends atleast $20 at a resturant it is expected to have great service the entire time you are there.

A great cafe with good food and drink, and an enjoyable atmosphere. It‘s a laid-back place, and you should have a laid-back attitude while you are there. Don‘t get hung up on slow service, just savor every minute that you get to spend enjoying their delicious crepes.

Good food and great coffee! The beers and wine were great too!

Been coming here for about four years. I like the food a lot as it is good european style food. If you are very hungry though and can eat a lot, don‘t come because the portion sizes are standard european portion sizes (smaller than American portion sizes). However, if you want a nice dinner or drink of their many types of teas, coffees, beers, and wines..take a visit. The atmosphere is very good as well, so it‘s a good date place, especially when it‘s warm out on a friday or saturday night sitting on their patio when they have live music. The one thing is their service can be slow at times, but in my opinion it has improved a lot since four years ago. Not badly priced, although for a small town like Ames it might be expensive to certain people ($5.50-$9 for sandwich and small salad).

Yummy food and great drinks here. I love coming in the summer, sitting on the deck and listening to great live music. Don‘t come here if you‘re in a hurry. It usually takes about an hour for food. It‘s very laid back and that‘s why I come.

I love this place, it reminds me of the cafes I visited when I traveled through Europe. I love their croque monsieur, crepes, really good coffees, good selection of beers and European wines, and a lot more. I recommend trying their hot chocolate, but more as a dessert than a drink- it is rich!

Service is slow. If you are under 30, not wearing a black sweater, and in a small group it will take a long time to get served. There are no outlets for laptops. I don‘t even know why this place is located in campus town.

The food here is amazing. It is such a great menu with enough choices to keep anyone happy!

the seasonal crepes are divine, and most things on the menu can be addicting.

The servers are beyond wonderful, they really make the place what it is. I must say that the owner is not a nice man. He seems really condescending to his employees and to some customers. Apparently he doesn‘t understand that without those two, his place wouldn‘t exist.

If it weren‘t for him, I would come here way more often!

Great French-style bakery/cafe. We recently moved to Des Moines and can‘t find anything even close to this. Enjoy it while you live in Ames.

It‘s one of my favourite places in Ames. I especially love their variety of crepes. Try mediterranian one - it‘s delicious!

Food is fantastic, local and lots of vegetarian options and good tea, coffee, and beer and wine. Ambiance is nice, comfortable couches and lots of window seats. Kind of annoying that they‘re so stingy that you can‘t even plug in your laptop, though. Servers are very friendly but sooooo slow and can be very inattentive. I have seriously waited for over an hour for someone to stop by my table after a shift change. Speed up the service a bit and uncover those outlets, and 5 stars it would be.

The guy who is the manager is a prick. I went there to study regularly for a couple of years, then he started to turn the lights down at night for the ambiance. It drove me nuts because I‘d be trying to read then all of a sudden there would be no light. Finally one night I just asked him if he could keep them on and he gave me a dirty look and told me that if I needed to study to go the library. I have not been back since. They are generally not nice to their patrons. Don‘t go.

I love the food, the atmosphere, and the staff. Regrettably the ownership taints all that is good about Stomping Grounds Cafe. I have had the opportunity to meet him and he was nothing but pushy and very disrespectful. I have also been in there to observe how he treats his staff, and is much under par. If the owner gets an opportunity to read this, I hope he understands that his place only stays alive because of the people who are willing to work for him. I have been coming to Stomping Grounds for years and have observed the turnover in staff and I believe that is a Direct reflection of the treatment and respect he gives his staff.

I love stomping grounds! Servers are very friendly, and the food is unique and very tasty! They have a variety of amazing drinks to choose from!

Excellent food! Excellent service! The live music was also great! I will definitely be back.

Great place!!! Service a little slow but probably due to new help since school is out. Will go back again.

Treated horribly by servers. Will -never- be coming back. Food is overpriced and not very good, anyway.

I fully understand and support the decision to cover the outlets. I think I would do the same if I were the manager. Customers ought to be supporting these fabulous local establishments before they get taken over by yet another Starbucks. If people want to camp out there all day, at least order something every hour. And if you don‘t, they‘re just going to have to raise the price of one cup of coffee just to stay afloat. Think about it people.

Besides all that, wonderful place to get wonderful food! Thank you for all the great vegetarian selections. This is one of the only places I can eat in all of Ames where I actually have more than 1 or 2 choices on the entire menu. Wow! What a concept.

It‘s a nice place to relax, and they have good food! They also have free internet.

As someone who has been going to Stomping Grounds for a long time before they re-modeled it and as one of their best customers, the covering of the outlets is a classless act. I no longer frequent the place and have found other hangouts such as Cafe Diem, Cafe Beaudelaire, etc. I actually asked the management the reason for covering the outlets and was told it was due to a low turnover of tables, not because of cords getting in the way.

I think the lettuce that they serve frequently as a side tastes like they just mowed their lawn and placed it on my plate. I‘d like to see a switch.

Seems it would have been a more respectful to loyal customers to tell people to move their cords on an individual basis than cover all the outlets. So ...scathing review meets poor business decision...the result is the same, it‘s no longer a comfortable hangout for students, grad students or faculty who wish to use the wi fi. And that decision has cost them many customers. This summer, when the students are gone...lets see how well that choice works for the manager at Stomping Grounds. We‘ve all found new places to hang and have our coffee and food.

The primary reason why Stomping Grounds no longer has outlets to plug into has very little to do with people camping out for hours at a time over the lunch hours or throughout the day. When after many attempts to get customers to not have their cords strung across the floor to tables not against the wall, a laptop finally went sailing off the table as a server tripped on a cord. Not to mention that having cords strung across the floor is a violation of fire code that the establishment could get fined for. This is from the horses mouth (Jon the owner), the fact that people camp out all day on one cup of coffee is one of the last reasons why they covered the outlets. Usually the management of an establishment is more than willing to discuss the reasons behind certain decisions that they make. So I recommend to all who do complain, to actually ask to speak with a manager or owner to get the full reason why before writing scathing reviews.

Before spring break I‘d have given this place 5/5 stars, but since the decision to cover the electrical outlets I‘d have to say average since I will not return. I may have been in the cafe for hours but always ordered food and coffee drinks as I worked and moved to the couches or a smaller table IF I was there over lunch. This seems like a slap in the face to the very college neighborhood in which they are located. Most of us have moved to the other coffee shops in town who appreciate our business.

Yes, there is outlets any more and from business perspective I can understand that because people come get a cup of coffee and take up a table for three hours - the owner is not making any money of that. It still makes me sad though, because I did come for the atmosphere too, but I would rather have that than SG closing because it‘s not profitable. I love the menu, and after kitchen renovation I heard they will be adding new items.

I have always been a fan of Stomping Grounds. I don‘t make it up there as much as I used to and I am shocked to hear that they removed the outlets. In my mind that is a very poor decision. I love the food but I go there for the atmosphere and that was part of the atmosphere. Now it‘s just another place to grab a bite to eat.

Huh? Are you kidding me? They made a big mistake removing the outlets. I know what they are trying to do... make the place into a real restaurant, but c‘mon - are you serious? The food is not that good! I went for the atmosphere! I will go there to eat once in awhile and sit on the patio, but why not open a new location that is a more serious restaurant, and keeping this place going as was, rather than essentially telling 75% of your customers that they should go somewhere else? I will be going much much less now.

Three weeks ago, I would have given Stomping Grounds a full 5/5 stars. Good people, both customers and servers, excellent food, and a good place to get some work done.

But that was before they gave their regular customers a kick in the teeth by removing outlets for laptops. Consider this: ten laptops, drawing 60 watts apiece is less than 10 cents per hour of electricity. When I take my laptop there during the day to work, I spend no less than $15. A laptop battery is only good for about 100 full recharges, and then it‘s $70+ to replace. So, where am I going to take my business? Somewhere with outlets.

They must have a big case of cabin fever after this winter - I just noticed that they went crazy over spring break and removed all of the wall outlets! No more plugged in laptop for me, I guess. Lately it probably seemed like a good thing to do, what with the place being packed most nights, but I think they‘ll be missing the all-day crowd once classes let out. The servers have so far been really apologetic about it, I guess they found out when they got back from break.

Oh well, I was spending too much time (and money) there on the weekends anyway. Plus there‘s alwasy Cafe Diem and Olde Main...

I was there today. I‘m there frequently but they are starting to piss me off. Today I asked to my servant if it was possible to have just a grilled chicken breast (I know it can be add to salads) and he said they wouldn‘t do it...why??? They are not flexible at all, they have good food, but the keep the same menu at least from two years!!! Also, did you notice that no matter what time of the day you come in, the floor is always dirty!?

I come here all the time to eat or to just sip on a cup of tea. It‘s amazing. I love it.

Very cool place to be and food is excellent!

G.W. Bush made the fruit suck here! What a gem! None of your fruit originates from the US by the time January rolls around, just ask the people at your local Wheatstone or Hy-Vee who have over come insurmountable odds, Bush and record cold to provide central Iowa with bountiful amounts of fresh fruit.

Very bad service has been my experience- The #1 key to a successful establishment is service and somehow it has been put at the bottom of their list.

Feb 2nd, you are either talking about some other place, or one of your friends got hired here and didn‘t realize waiting tables is hard work. The owner has a lot of things figured out and there are a lot of long-time servers here, but do feel free to invite us all over to your awesome cafe so we can see how to do it right.

Jan 15th, sorry about that, everyplace in Ames suffers when the students are gone and for the first week or two back. There are never people available to work when you need them. Also, it‘s the coldest winter in 20 years, Bush ruined the 2007 produce harvest with his insane immigration restrictions, you‘re in Iowa in January, and you want fresh fruit? Good luck with that.

I‘ve been a semi-regular for a few years, and while there have been 2 or 3 times I‘ve wondered if someone ditched their shift at the last minute, the staff has always been friendly and informed. Hint, if they‘re ignoring you, TELL THEM. It‘s a tough room to serve because people come and go all the time, and then hang out not needing service. Just ask at the counter if you don‘t get noticed, you probably look just like that slacker who always sits that table and orders nothing.

Features should list Free WiFi, which is pretty quick (about 2mpbs on an average night). One of the few places in Ames you can pick up loose-leaf teas, and they have some nice selections including Jasmine Pearl. Also, there are (typically) no self-important customers here, which is a relief if you‘re not one of those.

This place has by far the worst customer care that I have seen anywhere else. The owner is extremely rude. Treats customer as well as servers like second class citizen. I wonder if this is why they have extremely low retention rate for servers. If this place didn‘t had some great servers, it would have fallen apart a long time ago.

Always welcoming! Always great food and service! A great place to gather whether it be with friends or work colleagues. The food and coffee never disappoint.

Servers were rude, pushy, and couldn‘t wait for us to leave [and this was in the afternoon]. Food was cold, and very overpriced for what it was. Fruit was NOT fresh. This was extremely disappointing, as I have been here several times. Probably won‘t be back for a very, very long time.

A charming getaway from the hustle and bustle of campus. The atmosphere is intellectual and calming. You can hook up your laptops or spread out your books on the tables, or even enjoy a nice game of chess. The food and coffee there is superb! The people there are very helpful and friendly and go out of their way to make sure you have a great experience.
The only downside is that occasionally it can be very very busy, and it gets quite crowded because it is such an amazing cafe.
If you go at the right time, you will never regret it!

I love this place! Only been there a couple times, since I don‘t live in Ames. But it left an impression. The food is very enjoyable. The coffee is possibility the best I‘ve had, although I am not a coffee expert. I love ice cream. The ice cream cappucino tastes incredibly authentic and delicious. Great atmosphere, too. Relaxing, but not secluded or boring.

service? thats a joke rite? i have tried to get a quick bite here several times. but quick doesn‘ t seem to be a concept understood here if you want to sit at a table. even for studying, if you don‘t go during the rite times you can feel like your in the way of the restaurant crowd. still, the food is good if you have LOTS of time.

The Stomping Grounds is a quaint, eclectic eaterie in the heart of campus. You cant help but be drawn in by its creative ambiance and unique flair for traditional cuisine. The selection of out of the ordinary sandwiches, crepes, and salads along with a distingusihed list of coffee, tea and other beverages can‘t be beat! I love this place to grab a quick lunch, sit for hours and study, or sip a cup of coffee while people watching...try the turtle cheesecake - its to die for!

love this place! great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. i enjoy the spinach cheve sandwich and the BLTs. patio is a treat when the weather is nice.

As a former employee at Stomping Grounds and other coffee shops, I can safely say that you would be hard pressed to find a better cup of coffee in the area, including Des Moines. Their attentiveness to the quality and authenticity of their espresso and coffee separates Stomping Grounds from many places. Highly recommended!

My fiancee and I love this place (actually, it‘s where we had our first date!) The food is amazing (especially the mediterranean crepe) and the coffee could totally beat Starbucks in not just taste, but I‘m pretty sure armwrestling, if that‘s even possible. Favorite coffee shop/cafe ever.

This place has excellent service and great food to match

Our kids love going to Stomping Grounds. In fact they usually are the ones who ask to go there (no complaints from Mom and Dad). The food is good for everyone and it is a fun, lively environment, especially when the patio is open. The staff is also very friendly making this a great family place.

Stomping Grounds is one of my favorite places to go study, hang with friends, chill with a cup of coffee, etc. The coffee selection is pretty good, and the tea is great too. The food is excellant, but the baked goods are only mediocre. If you go for food during a busy time, expect quite a wait. Stomping Grounds doesn‘t know whether it wants to be a coffee house or cafe, and sometimes one suffers for the sake of the other.The live music they sometimes have is almost always great as well. I would also like if they stayed open later, but people have to sleep I guess. Great place to go for high school age and older... I wouldn‘t recommend bringing little children, it never turns out well.

The salads are amazing, and I love that they have a proper cup of tea.

Service tends to be very slow...and sometimes spotty. One person will get a drink quickly while someone else at the table waits a long time.

Their new hot chocolate menu is great, if very expensive. The service is still bothersome... they really need to get the kinks worked out. Why did 3 plates of food come out followed by the 4th several minutes later when we all ordered at the same time?

Stomping Grounds is a good combination of decent coffee, really well done pastries, and good food. The service has almost always been quite attentive, with a fair bit of attention paid to what you want and *how* you want it. Probably the only real problem is that it *is* very popular, which can lead to crowding, noise, and competition for plug-ins for laptops. However, this is mostly around exam time, so it‘s not a constant issue. The only thing that would improve this place is if it stayed open later - but I‘m a night owl, and so are my friends.

Stomping Grounds has by far the worst service of any restaurant in Ames. I have been to Stomping Grounds three or four times and the service was horrible every time. On my last visit to I went I waited over an hour and no one waited on me so I left. It just absurd how bad the sevice is.

A french (european) style resturant is very refreshing to find in the US. I have traveled state to state and all around the world, and i have never experienced a resturant that offers the amount of high quality beverages (coffee, tea, and more) and food alike. aswell as their selections of wine. i have been in ames for a year now and i must say the service has greatly improved. Its a must for any one stopping in Ames or anyone living in the area. Only wish the students would consider alternative places to study as it changes the mood of this great resturant.

The stomping grounds is a great place to relax and eat. It is also a great place to study. I hope Ames grows faster so there will be more places like this one. I don‘t know if they should open up another one, maybe up in somerset to add some life to the place, but I hope they consider it.

Some of the best food in town. You may not think you are getting much when they bring it out but the whole grain and wonderful spices fill you up. Also the manager is almost always there and he‘s a great guy. If I had one suggestion for all coffee shops it would be to not put such hot water directly on to the tea. Most teas steep better around 208° F (180° F for China/Japan Green and White teas) not piping hot (~212° F) condensed steam. Taraccino‘s tea water is even hotter.

They do make quiet places with good lighting that are perfect for studying. They call them libraries. I‘m sure the owners didn‘t open the shop in order to create a study environment. Unless you think coffeeshops should receive tax dollars to cover operating costs like the libraries do. But then again, no frapa‘s in the library.

You can‘t swing a dead cat these days without hitting a coffeeshop of some sort. That‘s a good thing though. Variety is the spice of life. If this shop is too dim, find one that isn‘t. Just make sure to go back when you aren‘t studying and help keep the independants alive. I have many shops I like to frequent and this is one I stop by when in Ames. When ordering, make sure to tell the barista what you want. Sign of a good shop is that they can make something that isn‘t on the menu board. And this in one of them Congrats. -billS

To disagree on the lighting issue: the purpose of a coffee shop has never been catering to quiet people ordering one coffee and nursing it for hours. That‘s what the campus cafes are for. Historically, coffee shops--particularly those that have live music and alcoholic beverages--are for talking and being social. Studiers don‘t bring in money like socializers. If you are there to study and don‘t like the atmosphere, go somewhere else.

I totally agree with the person that said that they turn down the lights too much. I was there trying to study on a weeknight-so was everyone else that was there-and the lights were turned down to about 1/2 of what they were at about 5pm. I can understand on a weekend night. It‘s a college town coffeeshop-people are there to study on weekday nights. I do enjoy their coffee and tea but the environment makes me not want to go back.

I‘ve been to many places in the US - most of major cities and many small towns, and it was hard to find a place with better selection of teas and quality foods, beer and wine. The quality of service varies, and weekend-night gigs tend to be too loud, but still - this is one of my favorite places to enjoy properly brewed tea, good wine, and healthy foods.

I would not come to this place ever! Everyone in the entire place tries to study, and what do they do? They turn the lights way down for atmosphere nobody wants! Even if you were on a date, you want to see your date! I asked politley for them to turn one set of lights back up for everyone in the whole place to study, and the manager rudely told us to go somewhere else!

The food is absolutely delicious and the atmosphere makes it a great place to take time to actually enjoy the meal. I love to come here to read the newspaper or study while eating my meal. The staff is friendly and allows you to spend as much time as you want at the same table...they never try to rush you through your meal or your drink. Overall, it is an excellent place to spend time relaxing by yourself or socializing with a group of friends.

We recently stopped by Stomping Grounds after a break of several years. Hadn‘t been there since they became a full service restaurant. What a surprise. Wonderful soups, breads, hummus, sandwiches, crepes, etc. We appreciate the vegetarian options. And of course, great coffees and teas. Nice patio and very attentive wait staff. The live music is a real plus. We‘ve returned numerous times and will continue to support them.

Stomping Grounds does support local farmers- as much as we possibly can. We buy eggs, bacon, ham, cheese, fruits and vegetables (lettuce, rhubarb, tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, basil, etc), honey, cider, jam, and more from Iowa farms. Basically everything we use in our kitchen that can be purchased from them is. The previous post is simply incorrect. We are continually searching for more local sources for our food, and when not available, we choose the most natural, preservative-free, or organic products we can find. (also noted to add more small plates- and we agree).

Jonathan Reed, Owner
Stomping Grounds Cafe

Stomping Grounds is a cool hangout, but could be so much better! To my disappointment, I recently learned that they do not support local farmers, but buy their produce from a food service wholesaler. Their menu prices are comparable to the Cafe, another local restaurant that proudly supports local growers. I will remain a customer, but will no longer make it one of my first choices. Also, as suggested by a previous reviewer, they should add more small plates to their menu.

Its a great place to hang out ! I would suggest them to add more appetizers on their menu.

stomping grounds finally has some competition in ames with sante fe opening up in the old mojazz space. hopefully it makes them both better.

Dining at Stomping Grounds is like having a mini vacation. It‘s the kind of interesting place I seek out when traveling, and now I‘ve discovered I can find it in Ames, too. Great food, comfortable ambiance, and eclectic artwork...plus an outdoor dining area with real tables (not the flimsy plastic ones you find all too often at cafes in Iowa). I highly recommend carving out some time to savor a meal at Stomping Grounds.

The coffee is great if you get a good barrista. Turn over seems to be their biggest problem. There is almost never enough staff, but the food is pretty good, especially for a late Saturday lunch.

THE best food in town. A little pricey and slow, but well worth it. I highly recommend it,

I came in with my wife on a snowy day in December and we were greeted with a very good experience. We were very impressed with the beer and wine list, the warm casual ambiance and the professional service. We shared a very good glass of Spanish wine and give props to the fun presentation for tea.

Our only gripe was the cheese plate we shared. $11 is a bit overpriced for a few slices of cheese, and $7 for a glass of wine is a tad heavy on the wallet, but the selection was fun and it tasted good with the wine and tea. Overall, a 3 1/2 star experience.

Good food, the staff is friendly but avoid rush hours where it becomes slow. On a warm sunny day, that‘s not much of a problem. Acoustic is not too good inside.

excellent wine list- this is a great place to go for drinks. best and most unique wine and beer list in town

Service can be spotty, but that seems true of any place that employs students in a college town. But when good students are great employees, you can‘t beat it. Plus, this is absolutely one of the better places food wise in all of Ames, with the price being reasonable. And the atmosphere and ambiance is great.

The service isn‘t that great.. but the atmosphere makes it forgivable.. besides.. it kinda seems to fit the place

i agree- bad service good food- someone should get that changed- it is embarrassing to bring guests there

I love the location and atmosphere of this cafe but I have to say the service is terrible. Lucky this place has other things going for it or I wouldn‘t go back.

The worst service on the face of the earth, and i‘ve been around.

Some of the best food in ames and one of the few places anywhere to get good coffee since the starbuck‘s lifestyle has destroyed the ability of americans to get an actual fresh brewed cup of coffee. Yes, the service is sub par for some, but just try being a little assertive. If waitstaff walks by get their attention and they will help you right away. I enjoy not being accosted constantly by waitstaff. Think of it as a freefrom dining expericence. If you wanted to be pushed into a seat, eat and leave... this is not the place for you. This is a place to expericence your food and enjoy it not a place for a quick bite and run.

The fact that this place is rated 3.5/5 shows just how lame Ames truly is. Sure it isn‘t perfect, but I dare you to name any place that even comes close to matching the, ‘I‘m not in Iowa‘ experience that this place gives as a cafe. Stupid lames...

The atmosphere is irreplaceable.

The food is VERY good. I like the crepes. (There is a fancy word for the vegetarians ones).

The service is terribly slow. I do not know if they need more servers or better servers. If I were manager, heads would roll!

Don‘t go unless it is during ISU break or in the summer. Service may be better then.

Yes the food and the drinks are good and relatively good for you. You would never know it though because it‘s improbable that you will get served. I was there yesterday and today and on both occassions I stayed for two hours and recieved NO SERVICE! After my tea was brought to me yesterday the waitress said she would return to take my food order and I was there for nearly two hours and no one returned. Not even with my check. Today I was outside for twenty minutes when I finaly decided to go order my drink at the counter after that I didn‘t recieve so much as a glance from any of the 3 waitresses that were helping the people around me. I was there for over two hours today anf fully intended on eating but never recieved a menu. I like stomping grounds atmosphere and the food/drinks but unfourtunately I won‘t be going back again. Previously I‘ve been a very good customer going two to four times a week.

Favorite cafe/restaurant in Ames. Excellent food. The best cup of coffee in the region. Service is pretty bad, but who cares. Just don‘t go if you‘re in a hurry. I like it that you see little kids here a lot. Very upscale urban oasis in Ames.

the food is great, really unique and lots of healthy choices. we love getting tea here, green tea with jasmine or chai. its nice to sit outside when the weather is nice. but yeah the service can sometimes be a bit slow.

I love the food and it‘s definitely the best coffee in town. But I have to agree that I‘ve had some awful service. You go to the counter, they tell you to sit down, and then nobody ever comes back to check on you. Last time I was there, half of my meal and my drink was left at the counter, too, and it took me a while to flag down the waiter.

I‘ll put up with that for the coffee, though. Just be more aggressive next time.

Hey, sorry to hear about your luck with being served. I know I have experienced some lack of attention here. But most of the time they are really quick to ask you if you need something when you sit down.

amesome lemon icys!
COME HERE!

Went to the counter to order lunch, but was told I‘d be served at a table. No one acknowledged me, let alone came to take my order and I finally got up and left after 25 minutes.

gotta go yemen mocha coffee....its beautiful!

Amazing. The ice cream drinks are the best and the food is to die for!

Damn good tea, I‘d suggest the jasmine pearl.

Best Damn Cup of Coffee for miles and miles and miles....