Until 1989, Thumbs Up was a two-level band bar located in the same building that Subway now occupies on Welch Avenue in Ames, Iowa. Thumbs Up was sold and moved to its current location on West Street, subsequently changing the name from Thumbs Up to just Thumbs.

We pride ourselves on the nostalgia of going out in college, summertime on the patio, and the loyal community that has been taking care of us for decades. Whether we are lucky enough to have you around forever, or we end up needing to say goodbye once school is over, thank you for the memories.