Since 1970, Hickory Park has been feeding Ames locals and Iowa State fans with generous portions of hickory-smoked meats, towering ice cream sundaes, and quirky signature dishes.
What started as a modest 80-seat eatery has grown into Iowa’s largest restaurant, seating 450 hungry customers at once.
The legendary spot consistently draws crowds who come for the authentic smoke flavors and stay for the old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience. 🍖
How Hickory Park won local’s hearts
Hickory Park didn’t become an Ames institution overnight – it earned its place through decades of consistent quality and savvy expansion.
When founder David Wheelock first opened in 1970, he tapped into something special: combining traditional hickory-smoked barbecue with classic American comfort food and an old-fashioned ice cream fountain.
The restaurant’s popularity exploded as Iowa State University grew, with the massive crowds on game days proving that Hickory Park could handle volume without sacrificing taste.
The secret to winning hearts lies in their philosophy: if you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all.
This commitment led them to focus on what they do best – smoking meats in-house while sourcing quality prepared sides rather than trying to master everything.
The genius move was creating signature dishes that became legendary, like the famous “Garbage Burger” that Food Network Magazine selected to represent Iowa.
Their ability to serve 16,000 guests weekly with a staff of over 250 while maintaining affordable prices created a loyal following that spans generations. 🍔
Food Highlights
- Saucy Southerner: Hickory Park’s signature pulled pork sandwich combines chopped hickory-smoked pork, turkey, and beef simmered in barbecue sauce, creating what reviewers call “one of the best sandwiches ever made” for barbecue lovers seeking the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Baby Back Pork Ribs: These hickory-smoked ribs receive the full treatment with dry rub seasoning and slow smoking before being finished on the grill and basted with their special sauce, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone with a perfect smoky char.
- Garbage Burger: The legendary burger that put Hickory Park on Food Network’s map features Swiss and American cheese, onions, mushrooms, sauerkraut, ham, and bacon piled high on their fresh-ground beef patty, creating an indulgent masterpiece that’s become Iowa’s most famous burger.
- Homemade Polish Sausage: Hand-ground, hand-cased sausage made from a flavorful blend of beef, pork, and spices that’s hickory-smoked and basted, available as a 12-ounce dinner portion or incorporated into combination platters for those wanting variety.
- Barbecue Dinner Platter: A generous plate featuring thick slices of hickory-smoked beef, pork, and turkey served together, allowing diners to sample all three meats in one meal while experiencing the restaurant’s signature smoking techniques across different proteins.
- Smoked Turkey: The standout poultry option receives special attention with hickory smoking and careful basting, earning praise from customers as surprisingly flavorful and tender, often outshining the other smoked meats on combination plates.
Atmosphere
Step inside Hickory Park and you’re transported to an old-fashioned Western saloon complete with rustic decor and vintage memorabilia covering every inch of wall space.
The massive dining room buzzes with energy – it’s loud, lively, and unapologetically busy, creating what regulars describe as a “raucous but family-friendly” environment. 🤠
The sheer size can feel overwhelming at first, but that’s part of the charm. The cardinal mascot outside serves as a popular photo spot, while inside, the combination of dining hall and ice cream parlor creates a unique atmosphere where business meetings happen alongside birthday celebrations.
Despite the cattle-car feel during peak times, the efficient system keeps things moving while maintaining that nostalgic, small-town restaurant vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.
Bottom Line
Hickory Park delivers exactly what it promises – authentic hickory-smoked barbecue, enormous portions, and an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Iowa.
While some recent ownership changes have created mixed reviews, the core appeal remains: this is where you go for reliable comfort food, legendary ice cream treats, and a true taste of Iowa tradition.
Address: 1404 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010
📞 (515) 232-8940
🕔 Open daily, 10:30 AM–9:00 PM