The 2 star rating is not for the food but it is for the "chicken wing policy ".Let me explain : normally when you buy chicken wings a condiment or dip is included with the wings. Not at Sweet Carolines. I wanted to order 20 wings for $19.99. When I found out that I have to pay for the ranch or blue cheese dip. I canceled the order.HINT: I would pay a little more if the dip was included. It's the principle of the thing. Jethro's offers unlimited dips with their wings. I got the shrimp poboy. A little pricey but tasty. My wife got the ribeye sandwich which was too spicy but tasty.
First visit to Sweet Caroline's. I went on Thurday night, not to busy. Just about the right rate of busyness.I had the cheese curds as an appetizer, they were okay, a little on smaller side. Portion size was fine.I tried the Large (White Pieces) Chicken, the chicken tasted good, and was kind of crunchy. It wasn't greasy at all. There are four pieces in the order, two breasts and two wings. The breasts were smaller, and wings I got were larger than I usually see. Overall it was pretty good.For sides, I got the Potato Salad, which was thicker, and tasted goodThe other was the cole slaw, which was okay. It was a little thicker, and creamier than I like.But I might order it again.My biggest complaint was the sides were a little warmer, I hope they keep them chilled appropiately.Overall, a pretty good dining experience, hard to find fried chicken in Ames.I will return!Also, free wifi, outdoor seating, banquet area, did not see a bike rack.Revisited on 6/15/22, same great service, food was pretty good. I had the steak burger, with mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Started out pretty good, got a little dry at the end. Side was the mashed potatoes and beef gravy. The potatoes were "earthy" tasting as the skins are included. For an appetizer I had the chicken gizzards. Probably the best dish so far, they were nice a crunchy. Overall not bad post covid, pricey though. Will return.
They were very low staffed, the staff that was there were friendly but definitely overworked. The food was good enough but rather pricey for what it was. I would go here to hang out and get a couple drinks but I can't see myself eating here again.
Love the food & atmosphere here-it’s our “Go-to” place when we visit Ames! Upper level game area great too! Can’t wait to try the outdoor patio this summer! Go State! ❤️?
Nice atmosphere. Industrial, sports on all TV's. Not too loud to carry on conversations.Appetizer were portions small. We made it work with 2 apps and 10 people. Entree portions XL. Food had nice flavor. Fried food wasn't overly greasy. Waitress was great, took our orders timely and made sure to get our order in before a larger group seated after us, which we appreciated.Was told they didn't take reservations but when we were seated we're asked if we're another larger group that was supposed to be there at the same time. Maybe you can call in day of? We didn't have an issue finding a place to sit large enough for our group and we didn't have to move tables, so that was nice. Overall good experience.
Really loved the bartendibg staff! We ended up having to sit at the bar but it wasn't awkward and the bar was wide enough to be comfortable. They were very busy and the food was AMAZING! Absolutely loved loved the music and decor. It was also very bright inside which helped the atmosphere. The only confusing thing was I missed the sign on the way in that said to seat yourself and kinda felt odd standing around for direction and looking for a seat I had the chicken pot pie. Very good portions. My husband had the steak sandwich and it was also very good. Thank you! So happy you're here!
Great atmosphere & wonderful food. I highly suggest the buffalo cauliflower bites and the crispy Brussel sprouts! Service was very good and timely too.
Had fried chicken. Unimpressive. Wife complained about green beans being greasy. Waiter, "that's how it goes. I've never liked the green beans." I asked where the Texas Toast was that the menu said came with the chicken. "Oh, there's no Texas Toast. They need to update the menu.". They? Music tried to be the center of attention, so it was hard to speak to one another. I'm giving it two stars only because of the outdoor seating that is nice to sit at for a cold beverage.
New favorite place in Ames! Great decorations and lighting. Staff was friendly, and quite quick. Seating yourself is the motto here, and that may be the only issue we encountered and only because it was a very busy place. We got service immediately and had our drinks in minutes. Our food arrived within a very reasonable amount of time, especially considering how busy it was. My sandwich was good, nothing to write home about but definitely high quality ingredients and made well. Fried brussels sprouts as a side are absolutely delightful! Drinks are not high priced but not cheap, right on par with most bars and restaurants. We will certainly be back!
One of the worst meals we have ate while in Ames. My daughter goes to ISU so we are here often.... The lady on the phone was super kind and helpful. So service wise, she was great. The food was literally the worst food. Mac n Cheese - noodles were so under cooked and it was super dry. The baked beans had a onion to bean ratio which was overwhelmingly onion. The bacon on the burger was raw and the menu said crinkle cut fries and that isn't what we got.