The Hungry Mind

Sarah Heinz

2023-08

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.

Amaris Boore

2024-01

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.

Gail Raza

2023-05

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.

Kyle Lucas

2023-11

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Jillian Woodward

2023-05

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.

joshua howard

2023-05

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

Jessica Foutch

2023-05

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.

Leanne Shimon

2022-05

What a gem! This one is off the beaten path but so worth looking for. Locally sourced ingredients, yummy choices and friendly owners. Check it out!

Matthew Evans

2023-09

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Peggy Knudtson

2023-05

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.

Justin B

2022-05

Must have remembered it too foundry, because it didn't live up to expectations. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly, but food was lacking. The fries tasted like they were made yesterday, and reheated in a microwave. The all American burger left alot to be desired, like flavor. Maybe I just caught them on a off day.

Andrew Johnson

2019-05

Wanted to try this restaurant since my wife and I have never ate at this location. We also like to support local businesses in our community. As I do enjoy a retro style atmosphere our table was very sticky and the chairs looked and felt like they might have been dug out of a dumpster. The Burger Patty inside the burger looked and tasted like a charred overcooked meatball. The fries my wife received were just little end pieces you would find at the bottom of the bag. The price I paid compared to the quality of the food was disgusting. Unfortunately we will not be returning.

Luke S

2020-05

The two stars I'm writing come almost solely from the atmosphere. I loved the cozy "hole-in-the-wall" feeling of an establishment you'd find in a really old colonial town, but the food left a LOT to be desired. There were 4 of us that ordered in a nearly empty restaurant. It took over a half hour to make 4 sandwiches! Also, Hungry Mind, please consider putting something as simple as salt and pepper on your philly sandwich. It had very little flavor.

Allan Allard

2023-05

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.

Blake Hansen

2018-05

Food here is decent, but not out of this world. Pretty typical lunch menu (hot and cold sandwiches mostly) and the service is fairly quick, but not so fast that I'd come here when I'm on a tight schedule. Decor is pretty cool and quirky, which definitely adds some character to the place.

Nick Schmidt

2021-05

Great people, delicious food, cozy and interesting environment, and fair prices. Definitely my new favorite place to destress on lunch break! I would heavily recommend stopping in, getting a sandwich, and chatting with the owners

Tom Dixon

2017-05

We had a group of folks from Minneapolis, Des Moines, and elsewhere that picked this as a nice middle meeting spot for lunch. It was a great selection. Big and varied menu. Good food. Fun folks working here. We had a great lunch and a great time!

Jeffrey Fish

2021-05

Drove 4 and a half hours on a road trip and was looking forward to a good lunch. Arrived at 1:30 and was refused dine in service because they close early on Wednesdays. This information was not stated on Google Maps or their website. Very disappointing.

Angie Madson

2019-05

Not impressed..if I could give no stars I would. Ordered our food, sat down... 35 mins later find out.. they had no meat for the 2 clubs that were ordered.. so asked for a French dip and plain burger just pickles.. about 10 mins later..comes back again.. no meat for the French dip.. are you kidding me!! Ordered another burger.. which makes 4 burgers now.. the 2 that were ordered were not right but.. ate them anyway cause by that time we were starving and it was pushing 1+ hour.. its Saturday afternoon.. you should always have meat for you sandwiches. Ridiculous. Check another place off that we won't be going back to 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Toleka King

2021-05

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Mason City. Perfect for lunch and if you want something sweet try their baklava. My favorite things to eat are the guacamole bacon burger or the blue cheese bacon burger each with a pumpernickel bun.

Sandra Hayworth

2023-05

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

Director Main Street Mason City

2021-05

Locally owned and operated, menu features a fantastic variety of fresh and locally sourced products! This Mason City gem is like a hidden treasure and a must try! Absolutely charming!

rylee trustin

2023-09

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Mike England

2023-06

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Laura Timmerman

2022-05

We just picked up sandwiches to go. Absolutely delicious! Fresh breads, crisp vegetables and quality meat. Excellent service and plating.

Jodi Ludwig

2020-05

The atmosphere is so cute and our meal and service was fabulous! Highly recommend stopping here for soup and sandwiches if you are in the area!

Rebekah Glader

2020-05

Everything is microwaved. Worst soup I've had in a while. Cool looking spot, awful food. Literally the whole time we were there, the microwave was running. At least heat your soup on the stove.

Bill Mulert

2019-05

Has been a downtown lunchtime staple in this town since 1976, and is still good. Am hoping they can cope with the difficult business environment in downtown Mason City.

Hannah

2019-05

I got takeout and they wrapped it nicely for me. My all American burger was delicious. Staff was very friendly ,will be back

Dawn Chavez

2018-05

Unique atmosphere. Vegetarian options. Terrific homemade soups. Best French Dip sandwich I've EVER had!!!