The Hungry Mind
16 S Commercial Alley, Mason City
(641) 423-0121
Recent Reviews
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Very interesting place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Potato Salad, French Dip, Club Sandwich
This place these days has an intensely weird vibe, mediocre food, and that’s if you can even catch them when they’re open. This place was incredible 20 years ago. Why bother going here when State Street Deli is a block away?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
The food was ok…
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Delicious meals, locally owned and operated. Fun atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Small Greek Salad, French Dip Sandwich
Not what it once was sadly. Food products used from Fareway to include deli meats, pickles, potato salad etc. as evidenced by stored in pop cooler behind the register. You can see the deli meats stacked in plastic Fareway bags. Woman delivered a half consumed package of what looked like Sara Lee bagels probably out of her cupboard to owner/preparer. . The bread on my sandwich was either toasted or old? But I asked for non-toasted. Didn’t get a pickle, which was supposed to be included in the hefty $18 price. The veggies on my sandwich were fresh. The place could be cute, but smelled musty - ceiling above me had mold growing - so if you have allergens not the spot for you. I always choose local but can’t on this one.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 3
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
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
Great !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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
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
Restaurantji Recommends
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.
I should have turned and walked away.
This little shop deserves more recognition. The food is amazing. Great sandwiches!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Club Sandwich
Atmosphere only goes so far
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.
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