Starbucks Ames isn’t the kind of place I usually review, since this site focuses on local coffee shops, but the Lincoln Way location deserves coverage because it’s such a staple for Iowa State students. Located directly across from campus on the corner of Lincoln Way and Lynn Ave, catty corner from the Memorial Union. This Starbucks is one of the most reliable study spots in town, especially during the school year. It carries Starbucks Reserve specialty coffee beans alongside the standard menu, a small bonus if you’re a coffee enthusiast. After visiting, my take is straightforward: come here for the location and the study space, not because you’re expecting specialty coffee that beats local options.
The vibe
This Starbucks feels intentional, with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, warm globe lighting, a custom mural along the back wall, and the dark wood and brick aesthetic Starbucks uses for its higher end Reserve concept. It’s noticeably more upscale than a typical Starbucks. There are large communal tables, individual workspaces, and a fenced outdoor patio with green umbrellas facing Lincoln Way, with views of the Iowa State Memorial Union across the street.
The crowd is overwhelmingly college students, especially during the school year. Get here before 9am most days if you want a seat. By mid morning, the place fills up with students cramming between classes, group study sessions, and people on laptops who clearly plan to be there for hours. During finals week, forget about finding a spot at all unless you’re early.
The coffee and food
This is the honest part. Starbucks coffee is fine, but it’s not why you come here. I ordered an iced vanilla latte and rated it a 6/10. Drinkable, consistent, exactly what you’d expect from any Starbucks anywhere in the country. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, ask the baristas about their Starbucks Reserve coffee beans, the brand’s specialty single origin line, which can be a small step up from the standard menu offerings.
The food menu is the standard Starbucks lineup: breakfast sandwiches, egg bites, pastries from the case, and warmed snacks. Nothing remarkable, nothing bad.
Prices lean expensive, but that’s the Starbucks brand. You’re paying for consistency, location, and the green logo, not for craft coffee that rivals what Tosca or Burgie’s are doing in town.
Seating and practicality
This is where the Lincoln Way Starbucks earns its place as a campus staple. There’s plenty of seating across communal tables, smaller individual spots, and the outdoor patio when the weather cooperates. Free wifi (no password needed, it’s just open), clean bathrooms, and friendly staff round out the basics.
Two practical heads-ups for studying:
Outlets are rare. This is a real frustration if you’re planning a long study session. Most tables don’t have power, and the ones near outlets fill up fastest. Bring a charged laptop or claim an outlet-adjacent seat early.
It gets loud during peak hours. Between mobile orders, espresso machines, and the constant flow of students, this isn’t a quiet study spot. If you need silence, head to Labyrinth or the library instead. If you can focus through background noise, you’ll be fine.
Parking is limited. There’s metered street parking on Lincoln Way and nearby side streets, plus you’re a short walk from campus parking if you’ve got a permit. For most students, walking or biking is the easier option.
Bottom line on Starbucks Ames
The Starbucks on Lincoln Way is the best coffee shop in Ames for proximity to Iowa State campus, full stop. The combination of location, long hours, reliable wifi, and a more upscale atmosphere than your typical Starbucks makes it a default study spot for thousands of students every semester. Just don’t come expecting craft coffee that competes with local Ames options. You’re paying for the brand and the location, not the cup. Come for the convenience, claim an outlet early, and accept that there are better lattes in town if specialty coffee is what you actually want.
The details: Reliable hours (5:30am-7pm everyday) Located at 2302 Lincoln Way, directly across from Iowa State University in Ames. Phone: (515) 236-0035 Website: starbucks.com
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