The Hungry Mind

16 S Commercial Alley, Mason City
(641) 423-0121

Recent Reviews

Amaris Boore

As a party of five, it was our first time coming into the restaurant. We had heard great things. However, as soon as we stepped in the only man working yelled at us that it’s going to be a 45 minute wait minimum for our food to come out. We stated that was ok we can wait. A few minutes later he yelled at us that it was going to be about 20 minutes until he could even take our order. Again a few minutes go by and he stormed to the front and closed the store (it was 12:30pm prime lunch time). Then he finally yelled at us that he has over 10 orders and it’s going to be a long time. My mother finally stated “that’s ok we can go somewhere else”. And he said “yeah that’s good”. Didn’t even get to order.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Kyle Lucas

Atmosphere is unique like no other in town. Vintage and home feeling. Food was good, service was good. Had the Philly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Matthew Evans

I should’ve taken a picture of the club before I tasted it. There wasn’t anything left! Fantastic sandwich and really cool atmosphere for a relaxing lunch. Check it out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Small Greek Salad

Sarah Heinz

My most recent experience with food here was terrible. The menu online didn’t show prices and when we called the owner said they vary based on availability and cost… I decided to try a salad and for the $16 price tag expected a good sized one and quality ingredients, this was not the case (see photo). Just plain iceberg lettuce with some tomato and green pepper, frozen/packaged chicken, and a melted slice of cheese on top? So disappointed and I won’t be going back. This is such a cute place and I remember dining here many times in the past 20 years. It’s unfortunate they haven’t kept up with the quality and charm they used to have. NOT worth the cost or quality.

Food: 1

Mike England

This little shop deserves more recognition. The food is amazing. Great sandwiches!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Club Sandwich

Loretta Fudge

Atmosphere only goes so far

Gretchen Raza

I do not know what happened to this place. 5 years ago it was my favorite spot, they always had wonderful quiche, soups and sandwiches. I recently stopped in, the restaurant was empty and the owner told me how "other businesses" were pushing him out and he divorced his wife and started ranting about politics. He explained that some food is seasonal and they don't offer quiche year round. The menu and food has definitely went downhill ever since the new owners took over. I am not sure what is homemade there anymore. It seems like nothing. I had a sandwich with chips and a pickle for ~$12. I was disappointed to see a local spot like this lose so many great workers and great food. The new owner doesnt appear to appreciate quality food as much as the previous owner. So disappointing that I can go to the grocery store, spend the same or less money and make a much better sandwich.

Allan Allard

I found nothing to be homemade. The potato salad and dressings were all Fareway brand. Went there for a Rueben and they were out. We will not be back.

Gach Raza

I do not know what happened to this place. 5 years ago it was my favorite spot, they always had wonderful quiche, soups and sandwiches. I recently stopped in, the restaurant was empty and the owner told me how "other businesses" were pushing him out and he divorced his wife and started ranting about politics. He explained that some food is seasonal and they don't offer quiche year round. The menu and food has definitely went downhill ever since the new owners took over. I am not sure what is homemade there anymore. It seems like nothing. I had a sandwich with chips and a pickle for ~$12. I was disappointed to see a local spot like this lose so many great workers and great food. The new owner doesnt appear to appreciate quality food as much as the previous owner. So disappointing that I can go to the grocery store, spend the same or less money and make a much better sandwich.

Sandra Hayworth

Had their half sandwich and wild rice soup. It was good and the owner was very friendly. Check it out!

Jessica Foutch

I’ve been going here since I was a child. I recently went back to split a sandwich with my mom & she also got a cup of soup. The new owner charged me for two half sandwich meals instead (which was double the price), even though I clearly ordered one sandwich & a cup of soup. I didn’t even get the side for my half that’s supposed to come with said meal. He skimped on the mayo & turkey. The pickles & lunch meat weren’t the same quality. He continued to complain about the community the entire time when I was trying to enjoy lunch with my mom while I was visiting from out of town. We were the only table there. I will never go back again even though it used to be a local staple for me when I visited.

Peggy Knudtson

Got rejected entry at the door at noon time due to catering orders taking preference, even though I was told earlier on the phone to knock on the door if locked. No problem. But putting a sign on the doors stating this would be more preferable than being told at the door they can’t serve you because short staffed and “making more money than they need” ? Um, OK, I won’t be back.

joshua howard

No mayo! 20 bucks for a sandwich and still can’t stop putting mayo on it when I asked twice! SMH

Jillian Woodward

I’ve always loved the Hungry Mind! It’s a cool little place to grab food for lunch! I love the club sandwich! The new owners are a young couple from CA, and they changed the menu up a bit and raised prices (this was over a year ago.) They also got rid of the French fries and anything you have to ‘cook’ so that was a bummer. But the food is fresh, I love supporting local, and cute place to sit and visit! The owners are nice as well.

Bobbi Jo Holtz

Nostalgic & cute little place. Our wraps were good.

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