The Mucky Duck Pub

The Mucky Duck Pub — Ames' Most Charming British Hideaway

Tucked along South Duff Avenue in Ames, Iowa, The Mucky Duck Pub is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stumbled onto something genuinely special. This cozy roadhouse brings an authentic slice of British culture to central Iowa, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors coming back time and again. While technically an Ames gem rather than a Des Moines restaurant, its location makes it an easy and worthwhile day trip for anyone exploring the greater central Iowa dining scene.

The menu proudly centers around fish and chips — and it absolutely delivers on that promise. Beyond the perfectly prepared classic, guests rave about the shepherd's pie, Scotch eggs, chicken tikka masala, and indulgent sticky toffee pudding. The Bavarian pretzel with cheese and rotating panna cotta specials round out a menu that balances British tradition with crowd-pleasing variety. Beer lovers will appreciate the thoughtfully curated taps and creative beer flights, while tea enthusiasts can explore an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas that genuinely sets this spot apart from any other bar and grill in the region.

The atmosphere is intimate and lively — a small bar with a surprisingly big personality, complete with fun music and genuinely warm, hardworking staff. Dog owners will love the outdoor patio seating, making it a pet-friendly dining destination that's rare in the area. The pub also carries imported British groceries, adding a unique retail dimension you won't find anywhere else nearby. Conveniently located on a well-traveled Ames corridor with accessible parking, The Mucky Duck Pub is an unmissable central Iowa dining experience worth every mile of the drive.