Tip Top Lounge

I've been Tip Topping for many years every Saturday before going to the tailgating lots.  It's strange smell, awesome chili, dirty bathrooms, and cheap beer make it very popular with locals and alums that prefer to avoid the rampant musk of axe body spray that plagues most bars in Ames.

Dive bars are not for everyone.  The devout following for Tip Top derives from the people that it offends.  Here are a few pointers to remember if you plan on attending the Tip Top.

1.  Don't even think about drinking and driving.  The bar is at the intersection of the two main drags in Ames, and is heavily patrolled (especially on game days).

2.  Everyone will talk to you.  The locals that hang out at Tip-Top enjoy seeing new faces, it takes a certain type of person to venture out from the Welch scene and will be welcomed.

3.  Do not smell your shot.  If you or someone else orders you a shot and you try to smell it to see what is in it, the bartenders have been known to replace it with a shot of warm, well-gin.

4.  Eat the chili.

5.  Cash Only

The tip top lounge has been in Ames as long as any business and a great place to go for that early morning bracer. A favorite place for Iowa  State football games, you better show up early

Great place to people watch and see some real characters--and I mean that in a good way. I swear I saw Abe Lincoln making out with this crazy woman as they swayed to Lady Gaga. Female bartenders are kinda scary but I am sure they have to be a tad gruff with that crowd. The place looks so gross from the outside but has some vibe that just makes you drawn to it. Strange.