Why Locals Love Pizza Ranch
Pizza Ranch in Ames, IA, is a welcoming buffet and pizza restaurant that masterfully combines comfort food favorites with an inviting atmosphere, perfect for family dinners and casual outings. Nestled conveniently on Boston Avenue, this spot specializes in hearty American fare with a particular focus on made-from-scratch pizzas and signature chicken dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
The menu at Pizza Ranch is impressively diverse, starting with an array of irresistible starters like their Cheesy Ranch Stix and cheesy garlic bread that set the tone for a flavorful experience. The fresh salad bar offers a crisp, refreshing balance, stocked with vibrant vegetables to complement the richer selections.
Pizza enthusiasts will appreciate the option to either build their own pies or sample from the restaurant’s famed recipes, each crafted with quality meats, fresh, garden-picked vegetables, and 100% real cheese. The aroma of freshly baked pizza, mingling with the savory scent of golden chicken, immediately engages your senses and promises a delicious meal ahead.
Speaking of chicken, Pizza Ranch stands out with its perfectly seasoned breaded and barbecue chicken, expertly cooked to achieve a crisp exterior and juicy interior. This makes it a fantastic alternative to the traditional pizza-centric meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
The dining atmosphere is lively and bustling, especially on weekend evenings, where the energized staff ensure that the buffet remains replenished with hot, fresh selections. Despite occasional rushes, the team maintains an attentive and friendly service vibe that enhances the overall dining experience.
Ordering online is another plus: guests have praised the accuracy and timeliness of the orders, along with flexible payment options like cash or gift cards, a convenience not often found at other establishments.
While some diners have noted that peak hours can sometimes affect the freshness of certain items, the overall quality and generous portion sizes make Pizza Ranch a rewarding place to indulge in your favorite pizza and chicken dishes. Whether you’re craving a custom pizza, a plate of crispy chicken, or a comforting buffet spread, Pizza Ranch Ames delivers a satisfying, homestyle dining experience worth exploring.
With ample parking—including space for larger vehicles like camper trailers—and a menu designed to please both picky eaters and adventurous palates, Pizza Ranch invites you to enjoy a delicious, no-fuss meal in a friendly community setting.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- All you can eat
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Salad bar
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Toilet
- Casual
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Good for kids birthday
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 11, 2026
It is a little pricey but the food is amazing!!! When you order online the order is correct, hot and ready by the time you want it to be!!!! The one thing that I appreciated the most is when I did the online order I didn't have to use my credit card. I was able to pay with cash or use a gift card when I got to the store. Most online ordering you have to pay with a credit card first before they even take your order. When I arrived the food was hot and ready and it was hassle-free which I appreciated!
- Mar 7, 2026
Wouldn't recommend going @8pm to eat at any Pizza Ranch (I've eaten at quite a few due to travel for work) anywhere. Due to Covid, there's never many people there at that time, so the pizza usually looks kind of dried out as do many other hot items. Cold items are fine. Did have a pizza made fresh and it was great! Loved the fresh Iowa corn and the chocolate syrup to top your ice cream. First Ranch I've been to that had this ice cream topping. Makes the plain ice cream taste better. Love The Ranch & usually eat a lot earlier in the day when the food is refreshed faster. Surprised that they don't require wearing gloves, like in Wisconsin, but have a sign telling you to use hand sanitizer frequently to prevent the spread. Huge game room that is well lit & clean with games for everyone. WHY did they stop making the chocolate dessert pizza??
- Feb 27, 2026
Very busy place on this Saturday night. The crew headed up by a Caucasian bearded guy did a great job (I didn't get his name but he said he was a manager). Sure, they ran out of stuff occasionally, but it was refilled fast and was hot and fresh! I was impressed with the number of staff on duty as well. It seems like so many places these days aren't well staffed on their busy nights/days/times. I'll definitely keep coming back here.
- Feb 18, 2026
They had a few pizzas out on the warmers. It's just a shame that they go more a cheesy route And not as much meat on the pizza Anymore , like in all reality who wants to eat a bunch of dough, with a glob of cheese on with a little bit of meat scattered on it.. they did have two kinds of chicken out, though On the warmer's, breaded and barbecue, so that was awesome.. ice cream machine was actually kicking out some good Ice cream!!
- Feb 14, 2026
Tasty chicken, great service, they will make custom pizzas. My daughter found a hair in her salad. Lots of parking to accommodate my camper trailer
- Jan 13, 2026
The staff were very friendly and accommodating to our small party. Appreciated how quickly they would come and assist the kids in the play area. The food out was fresh and they kept things nicely stocked. Also, we’re working hard at keeping the tables cleaned and plates picked up. When mentioning the ice cream machine was in-op. They quickly got it restocked and functioning. Not the biggest Pizza Ranch or play area, but is convenient and clean.
- Jan 10, 2026
Amazing experience! Food was still fresh and hot at almost 9pm. Most restaurants would not have given this good of an experience. Will be back.
- Dec 22, 2025
They from staff at the Ames store named Cody, Coby or Colby was super nice. Was stocked with food and was delicious. Will definitely be back and nice that they have a play area for kids
