Take Down Bar & Grill

We were tipped off by the Take Down Bar & Grill by the sign along the Ankeny 2 Woodward multi-​purpose trail during a recent bicycle ride, informing us there was food and beverage to be had 2 miles ahead in Slater.
When we arrived we were setback by a façade that looked like a gloomy biker (the motorized variety) bar. When we got inside however we were pleased with a relatively clean establishment with boisterous and very conversational locals. My friend ordered a $ 6 «specialty» Italian Sausage sandwich, and we both enjoyed a couple of pints of the Olde Main Dinky Wheat out of nearby Ames. I was pleased to see that despite the fact we were in a small town tavern that they featured beers beyond the Anheuser-​Busch and MillerCoors staples with distinctive local varieties.
Their Italian Sausage Sandwich was enormous. Consisting of nearly a whole loaf of Italian Bread, peppers, and ½ inch sausage patty that covered every inch of the enveloping bread. A great value with some variety. The location also lends this establishment as a good stopping point for refueling for bicyclists traveling along the A2W or Heart of Iowa Nature Trails.

This is the only bar in town so I had to make due. Yes, this is a dive.

Haven’t been here since it was the Good Times on Thanksgiving Eve ’02. It’s a good place to go for a beer if you live in greater Slater and don’t want to drive to Ames or Des Moines. I wouldn’t want to spend every weekend night here but it’s a good place to go for a beer. Many good memories from the Thanksgiving Eve Ballard reunions. Also, a great place to go during the 4^th of July after the beer tent closes.
Good Times, Good Times!