There's an amazing array of Mexican food in the Des Moines metro. In fact, Mexican cuisine is available in virtually every neighborhood throughout the city.
With our city's vibrantLatin-American population, flavors like smoky cumin, salsa verde andflavorful chilies are bound to be found in the metro's Tex-Mex, fusion and authentic Mexican restaurants.
Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine like burritos, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, tostadas and quesadillas in Des Moines' neighborhood taquerias. Or go global with jackfruit tacos and Mexican wings.
Here is your comprehensive list of Mexican restaurants in the metro. Let this be your guide to buenacomida. We only included Mexican restaurants and markets in this roundup.
5 De Mayo Mexican Restaurant
Since 2011, this family-owned restaurant has been serving its authentic Mexican cuisine and frozen margaritas.
Location:Southdale Shopping Center, 5118 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 287-7772;5demayomr.com;Facebook
Abelardo's Mexican and Mexican Fresh Restaurants
This regional chain has five locations throughout the metro, one in Amesand eight in Omaha. It's known for fast service and reasonable prices. Some are open 24 hours.
Locations:
- 209 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny; (515) 965-7733
- 205 E. 14th St., Des Moines;(515) 266-6598
- 5525 Douglas Ave., Des Moines;(515) 278-4749
- 2510 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines;(515) 243-3743
- 5525 Mills Civic Pkwy., #130, West Des Moines;(515) 440-0323
Hours:Vary by location.
Contact:abelardosmexicanfood.com
Agave Grill
Agave Grill offers awide-rangingmenu of Mexican specialties. You can order online for pickup or delivery.
Location:12931 University Ave., Clive
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Contact:(515) 440-4561;agavegrillclive.com;Facebook
El Aguila Real Mexican Restaurant
This hidden Mexican food haven in Beaverdale has a festive atmosphere to match its menu of specialties. It was closed for more than a year after its old location took on more than five feet of water during a flood. It's back in a new spot with the same classics.
Location:4351 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Friday,11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 255-7050;Facebook
Amigos Mexican Grill
With an express lunch menu, and build-your-own street tacos and burritos, Amigo's Mexican Grill in Ankeny has the goods for a fast Mexican meal. Sides like chips with guacamole and queso are also available, along with Mexican beer and soft drinks. This restaurant opened in October 2018.
Location:502 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ste. 5, Ankeny
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Contact:(515) 554-1896; Facebook
Antojitos Mexicanos
This place has all the standards, plus gorditas, sopes and huaraches made with masa.
Location:4100 S.W. 9th St., Des Moines
Hours:Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Wednesdays.
Contact:(515) 661-2315;Facebook
El Azteca
This Ankeny favorite serves standard fare, a wide range of a la carte items and combinationdinners.
Location:1701 S.E. Delaware Ave., Ankeny
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 964-5903;elaztecaankeny.com;Facebook
El Bait Shop
With more than200 beers on tap and a Mexican-American menu loaded with old favorites, this downtown restaurant also features live music.
Location:200 S.W. 2nd St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Contact:(515) 284-1970;elbaitshop.com;Facebook
Bandit Burrito
Of course, burritos and speedy service are the thing at Bandit Burrito, but it's also known for its burrito bowls, quesadillas and nachos.
Location:5340 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact:(515) 254-9999;Facebook
El Barco MexicanRestaurant
Enjoy tacos, fajitas and festive margaritas at this neighborhood restaurant in Urbandale.
Location:8801 Hickman Rd., Ste. B, Urbandale
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 276-0162;Facebook
Bernardo's Burritos
Location:215 4th St., Des Moines
Hours:Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 12 p.m. to 3 a.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Contact:(515) 244-1555; Facebook
Blu Toro Cantina &Grill
For a more upscale Mexican-American experience, head on over to Blu Toro in West Des Moines' West Glen Town Center for new takes on old classics.
Location:5585 Mills Civic Pkwy., #110, West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; closed Sundays.
Contact:(515) 223-2302;blutorocantina.com;Facebook
La Cabaña Mexican Bar & Grill
This new Mexican restaurant on the south side offers plenty of Mexican specialties and combo plates. You can even get Mexican breakfast dishes all day like huevos con chorizo.
Location:1435 Army Post Rd., Des Moines
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact:(515) 630-1677;la-cabana-mexican-bar-grill.business.site; Facebook
Cabo Sol
This Tex-Mex restaurant in West Des Moines serves all your favorites including fajitas, enchiladas and pitchers of frozen margaritas.
Location:5010 Mills Civic Pkwy., Ste. 100, West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 223-6319;Facebook
Cancun Grill andCantina
This Mexican restaurant in Urbandale boasts a large menu of dishes influenced by the Yucatán Peninsula.
Location:3855 121st St., Urbandale
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 270-1870;Facebook
La Casa MexicanRestaurant
There's something for everyone at this cozy Tex-Mex restaurant in Indianola — carne asada, fajitas and vegetarian plates.
Location:508 N. Jefferson Way, Indianola
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 962-9422 ;lacasamexicanrestaurantindianola.com;Facebook
Cazador
This Tex-Mex house in Ankeny dishes up the classics along with a carb-friendly menu.
Location:103 N.E. Delaware Ave., Ankeny
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact:(515) 963-0486 ;Facebook
Los Charros
Serving traditional and Tex-Mex cuisine, Los Charros in Ankeny has an extensive menu including chile rellenos, quesadillas and shrimp chimichangas.
Location:2010 S.E. Delaware Ave #230, Ankeny
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 964-4264;loscharrosankeny.com;Facebook
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La Favorita
This specialty Latin American grocer will make authentic specialties like barbacoa and chicharrones to order.
Location:1700 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 262-5489;Facebook
La Feria MexicanRestaurant
This Mexican restaurant in Pleasant Hill will bring the fiesta. A full line of specialties is available for your feasting pleasure.
Location:4450 E. University Ave., Pleasant Hill
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 262-5448;laferiaiowa.com;Facebook
Fernando's MexicanGrill
Burritos and quesadillas abound at Fernando's. But be sure to check out the tortas with chicken, fish or steak.
Location:2316 University Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m., to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact:(515) 255-3700 ;Facebook
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
With two other locations in Iowa (Adel and North Liberty), Fiesta serves traditional fare with their own special twist. Save room for postres.
Location:1100 N. Hickory Blvd. #203, Pleasant Hill
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 262-1520;fiestadsm.com
Las Flores MexicanRestaurant
Another Indianola favorite, Las Flores is a great place to go for arroz con pollo, enchiladas and, of course, its jumbo margarita specials.
Location:200 S. Jefferson Way, Indianola
Hours:Monday through Saturday,11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 962-2792;lasfloresindianola.com;Facebook
El Fogon
New to the Mexican food scene in Des Moines, El Fogon has quickly become a fan favorite with its authentic dishes.
Location:1250 8th St., West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 635-0133;elfogondsm.com;Facebook
Guadalajara MexicanRestaurant
Feast on regional Mexican cuisine at this Ankeny eatery. A must-try is the sizzling Parrillada Fajita Special - steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo and carnitas (pork tips) with sauteed onions, tomatoes and bell peppers topped with melted cheese and served with rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo and a choice of flour or corn tortillas, available in single ($16.99) or double orders ($29.99).
Locations:202 S.E. Delaware Ave., Ankeny; 3221 Adventureland Drive, Altoona
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 963-0054;Facebook
Henry J's Taco House
Don't let the building's tiny façade keep you from enjoying big flavor. Tacos are the thing here, but be sure to give the enchiladas and tostadas a whirl.
Location:2920 S.W. 9th St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday.
Contact:(515) 243-3144;Facebook
Hidalgo Mexican Bar and Grill
This restaurant opened in Urbandale in late 2018. Enjoy burritos, enchiladas, seafood, soups, fajitas, appetizers andvegetarian dishes like a garden quesadilla - a grilled flour tortilla stuffed with cheese, mushrooms and sautéed vegetables.
Location:2675 100th St., Urbandale
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: (515) 276-4159;Facebook
Isla Del PacificoMexican Restaurant & Seafood
This authentic Mexicanrestaurant serves dishes with a focus on seafood. But definitely give theempanadas a try.
Location:1434 Des Moines St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 265-8660;Facebook
Kung Fu Tap & Taco
If motorcycles and cheap tacos are what you're into, Kung Fu Tap & Taco is the place for you. Tacos are only $1.50 here at this biker bar.
Location:210 Indianola Rd., Des Moines
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact:(515) 285-8226;Facebook
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Los Laureles
Carnitas, chimichangas and quesadillas — Los Laureles has many choices. This casual restaurant near the capitol serves traditional fare.
Location:1518 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Contact:(515) 265-2200;Facebook
Lina's Mexican Restaurant
This regional chain was voted the best 24-hour restaurant in the state. Lina's is known for its nachos.
Location:1221 Keosauqua Way, Ste. 101, Des Moines
Hours:Open 24 hours.
Contact:(515) 285-9138;linasmexicanrestaurant.com;Facebook
Malo
For a more upscale downtown experience, Malo's popular patio is the place to dine on nachos, tacos, enchiladas and burritos for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
Location:900 Mulberry St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 244-5000;malodesmoines.com;Facebook
Maria's Mexican Food
Maria's has two locations in the metro serving upnachos, tacos and burritos 24 hours a day except for Sundays. A breakfast menu is also available.
Locations:5405 Douglas Ave, Des Moines and201 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 24 hours a day; closed Sundays.
Contact:Douglas Ave.,(515) 348-9859; Grand Ave.,(515) 274-9727;marias-mexican-food.negocio.site;Facebook
El Mariachi
This popular Tex-Mex restaurant is a Johnston tradition, known for prompt service and classic favorites.
Location:5825 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 276-3887;Facebook
Mazatlan MexicanRestaurant
Featuring classic Mexican favorites like tacos de carne asada and new takes like Hawaiian chicken fajitas, Mazatlan is a neighborhood staple owned by the same peoplewho run Monterrey Mexican Restaurants.
Location:9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 334-9693;Facebook
Mi Lindo Mexico Mexican Restaurant
A taco truck has expanded into its own storefront in the former space of Scornovacca's serving plenty of recognizable Mexican fare from its popular menu but also Mexican-style pizzas. Along with tacos, enjoy breakfast platters, soups, burritos, tortas, chili rellenos and entrees.
Location: 3900 E. 14th St., Ste. #17
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30a.m.-10p.m.
Contact: (515) 803-0925; Facebook
Mi Mexico Restaurant
Enjoy family recipes at this Mexican restaurant in Clive with lots of lunch and dinner specials.
Location:11407 Forest Ave., Clive
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 222-6933;Facebook
Mi Pueblito
Location:103 N 1st St., Winterset
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 462-1640; Facebook
La Michoacana
This Mexican grocer offers authentic cuisine for carryout forreasonable prices. Try the $2 tacos.
Location:433 5th St., West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 255-5329;Facebook
El Michoacano Ice Cream and Mexican Food
Enjoy authentic Mexican food includingtacos, tortas sopes, empanadas andaguas frescas. But save room for its homemade ice cream, or helado.
Location:2922 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 277-1826;icelmich.com;Facebook
El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
This new Mexican restaurant in Ankeny offers both authentic dishes, Tex-Mex favorites, a full line of burgers and margaritas. Enjoy fajitas, burritos, tacos, enchiladas and appetizers like queso dip, shrimp ceviche and nachos. Or go for a combination plate for variety. Vegetarian options are also available, along with kids' meals. Be sure to save room for flan or churros.
Location: 301 E. 1st St., Ankeny
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Contact: (515) 964-3322; Facebook
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Serving authentic Mexican food in three locations, this local chain also owns and operates Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant. Enjoy traditional favorites with a special focus on waistline-friendly dishes.
Locations:
- 550 36th Ave., SW, Altoona;(515) 967-5820
- 8801 University Ave. #27, Clive;(515) 457-8900
- 6630 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines;(515) 224-5989
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:monterrey123.com;Facebook
Nacho Tequilas
This local neighborhood favorite serves authentic Mexican including tortas, pozole, breakfast, lunch specials and seafood.
Location:1945 N.W. 86th St., Clive
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 276-6487;nachotequilasclive.com;Facebook
Nuevo MéxicoMexican Restaurant
For a more modern take on Tex-Mex food, Nuevo México serves street tacos and Mexican burgers along with its classic dishes.
Location:6110 N.W. 86th St., A-106, Johnston
Hours:Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact:(515) 270-5010;Facebook
Old West Mexican Restaurant
For eight years, Old West has offered house specialties including steak and shrimp dishes and standard fare like burritos and tostadas.
Location:4138 Fleur Dr., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 285-2468;oldwestmexican.com;Facebook
Paleteria La Michoacana
For a unique treat, try the homemade Mexican ice cream from this little shop in the Capitol East neighborhood. Savory snacks are also available like chicken flautas and carne asada fries.
Location:1552 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 265-0696;Facebook
El Patio MexicanRestaurant
You can find this quirky spot in a historic house just off Ingersoll Ave. With its comfortable summer patio, this is the place to relax with some margaritas and blue corn enchiladas.
Location:611 37th St., Des Moines
Hours:Tuesday through Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Contact:(515) 274-2303
El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
This newly open Mexican restaurant is serving up plenty of traditional Mexican specialties like Fajitas Durango Style—an assortment of chicken, shrimp, steak and chorizo with a cheese quesadilla on top.
Locations:
- 6350 Douglas Ave., Urbandale;(515) 252-9987
- 1511 S. Union St., Des Moines;(515) 305-9436;
Hours:Des Moines: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Urbandale: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact: Facebook Urbandale;Facebook Des Moines
La Pena
Handmade tortillas are the thing at this little spot on Indianola Ave. This authentic Mexican eatery showcases sopes, tacos, gorditas, and burritos among many others.
Location:2010 Indianola Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Thursday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Wednesdays.
Contact:(515) 288-3226;Facebook
Pueblo Viejo
An assortment of nachos, combination dinners and mole dishes round out the traditional menu at Pueblo Viejo.
Location:3841 E. 14th St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact:(515) 265-1720
Quijano’s Bar & Grill
Thisbar and grill serves Mexican-American fusion of favorites. Enjoy nachos, tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas.
Location:1930 S.E. 6th St., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 243-9595;Facebook
Rancho AlegreRestaurant
A “taqueria and torteria” at heart, Rancho Alegre’s authentic take on Mexican cuisine is considered a hidden secret.
Location:3308 Indianola Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Wednesday through Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
Contact:(515) 282-4004;Facebook
El Rey Burritos
Don't let the smaller menu at El Rey Burritos fool you. It's still packed full of authentic favorites like carne asada, fajitas and flautas. But for challenge eaters, the Rey Rey burritois ready for you. It's over two feet long and contains three kinds of meat.
Location:1310 Grand Ave., West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 221-3577 ;Facebook
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
El Rodeo has three locations in the metro serving a wide-ranging menu of Mexican dishes including vegetarian options.
Locations:
- 1310 NW 118th St., Clive;(515) 440-2210
- 1234 E Euclid Ave., Des Moines;(515) 265-0551
- 7420 Douglas Ave, Urbandale;(515) 251-7647
Hours:Sundaythrough Tuesday, 11a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 11a.m. to 10p.m.
Contact:elrodeo123dm.com; Facebook Clive;Facebook Des Moines;Facebook Urbandale
Rusty Taco
This small regional chain with 30 locations serves street-style tacos with fresh and simple ingredients.
Location: 9500 University Ave., #2108, West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact: (515) 987-2454; rustytaco.com; Facebook
Pastelería Raquel
Raquel’s Bakery has been serving Mexican desserts for 18 years. The Tres Leches cake and Flan Napolitano are a must-try. But Raquel’s also serves tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and more.
Location: 1521 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Contact: (515) 263-9233; raquelpasteleria.com; Facebook
Taco Casa
With its quick counter service, you won’t have long to wait for Taco Casa’s assorted tacos and other Mexican specialties, including the frijolada — a plate filled with frijoles (beans), corn chips, three kinds of spicy sauces, onions and cheese, served hot from the oven with sour cream on top.
Location:2506 Euclid Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 279-7785 ;c-we.com/taco.casa;Facebook
Tacos AndreasAuthentic Mexican Food
Family recipes for eight kinds of burritos, a full line of steak dishes and traditional cuisine make this Mexican restaurant in Norwalk a local attraction.
Location:1400 Sunset Dr., Norwalk
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact:(515) 981-4148;tacosandreasnorwalk.com;Facebook
Tacos La Familia
This family-owned restaurant serves authentic regional cuisine from Guadalajara like birria (goat stew), tacos al pastor, sopes and carne asada.
Location:1610 6th Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Mondays.
Contact:(515) 244-6659;Facebook
Tacos Mariana's
Choose from 11 kinds of filling for your tacos at this taqueria in Des Moines. Variety abounds here with the menu’s full line of lunch specials, combination plates and a la carte offerings.
Location:1305 University Ave, Des Moines
Hours:Wednesday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
Contact:(515) 288-1499;Facebook
Tamale's Industry
As you can guess, tamales are the thing at this authentic Mexican counter in Merle Hay Mall’s food court. But try the tacos, tostadas and enchiladas as well.
Location: The food court at Merle Hay Mall, 3800 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact:(515) 288-1135;tamalesindustry.com;Facebook
La Tapatia Tienda Mexicana
This Mexican grocer has fourlocations in the metro — all serving carryout items like tamales and elotes (Mexican street corn on a stick rubbed with cheese, lime and chilies).
Locations:
- 1: 1440 Des Moines St., Des Moines;(515) 262-8097
- 2: 3504 Merle Hay Rd., Des Moines;(515) 334-9431
- 3:4007 SE 13th St., Des Moines;(515) 256-3283
- 4:1606 6th Ave., Des Moines
Hours:Vary by location
Contact:Facebook
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant & Seafood
This Mexican food fixture features plenty of margarita specials and a lunch buffet. Try the langostinos.
Location:3751 EP True Pkwy., West Des Moines
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 225-4007 ;Facebook
Tasty Tacos
The unmistakable fluffy flour taco shell filled with a choice of ground beef, bean, chicken, steak or pork with shredded lettuce and cheese is a regional chain favorite.
Locations:
- 2401 S.E. Delaware Ave., Ankeny;(515) 964-2400
- 1400 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines;(515) 266-4242
- 5847 SE 14th St., Des Moines;(515) 285-1946
- 2900 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines;(515) 262-1100
- Cobblestone Marketplace,8549 Hickman Rd., Urbandale;(515) 331-2000
- 6326 Mills Civic Pkwy., West Des Moines;(515) 226-1300
Hours:Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Contact:tastytacos.com;Facebook
Tequila Restaurante & Cantina
From super nachos to chile verde, there’s plenty to like on the menu in this cozy little spot in Des Moines’ East Side.
Location:2824 Easton Blvd, Des Moines
Hours:Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Contact:(515) 262-4485 ;Facebook
Los Tres Amigos
With its big combinations, vegetarian specialties and sizzling fajitas, there's something for everyone at this Tex-Mex eatery in Waukee.
Location:63 N.E. Carefree Ln., Waukee
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:(515) 987-0393;tresamigos123.com;Facebook
La Villa MexicanRestaurant
It's worth the short trip to Carlisle to enjoy margaritas and Mexican food at La Villa, offfering a wide assortment oflunch and dinner specials.
Location:30 School St., Carlisle
Hours:Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays; Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.Contact:(515) 528-9647;Facebook
Viva Mexican Restaurant
A great ending to this list, Viva’s elevated menu offers twists like chori pollo — grilled chicken breast topped with chorizo and smothered in cheese sauce. But save room for some smooth and creamy flan with whipped cream.
Locations:
- 6101 Grand Ave., Des Moines;(515) 255-8238
- 4531 86th St., Urbandale;(515) 331-2953
Hours:Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact:vivadsm.com; Facebook
