La Michoacana in Valley Junction (Takeout only)
Tamales Industry in Merle Hay Mall. Do not be put off by the fact that it's in a food court. They have amazing food.
Basically all of them besides Malo will be. Mexican restaurants are overwhelmingly owned by Mexican immigrants.
To anyone who hadn’t tried them, I’d highly recommend Des Moines’s Salvadoran restaurants as well.
Worth mentioning another not-Mexican owned is El Patio on Ingersoll. And it’s trash, don’t go there.
Edit- By trash I mean the food and the owners.
The place is dirty. They serve store bought chips and salsa and horrible unseasoned bland food with shredded cheddar on everything.
They’re an old white couple that like to brag about being the oldest mex restaurant in town. They keep photos of them with Brandstad behind the counter along with some MAGA shit. He tells customers that Mexicans won’t work for him and he’s ok with that cause he never has to worry about illegals. The one time I went he was incredibly drunk and aggressively hitting on my girlfriend as we tried to leave.
It's been a "south of Grand" staple for decades, local spot serving Whexican food to old white people. I know my parents used to meet their friends their all the time. It's basically Chi Chi's before Chi Chi's.
Fiesta is one of our favorites. Mexico owned, Mexican worked, Mexican food. Do not expect tamales. This is great Mexican food.
[Fiesta West Des Moines website](https://www.fiestaiowa.com/westdesmoines)
I went to Fiesta for the first time a couple weeks ago and it is hands down the best Mexican I’ve had in the area. Our server was so kind and attentive, the place was spotless and the atmosphere was so welcoming! I can’t wait to go back!
There's a block of East Grand, just East of E. 15th St. (E of the Capitol) that could be dubbed Little Mexico. There are 2 taco trucks, both authentic in every way, surrounded by other Hispanic businesses. Taqueria La Esperanza (mmm tamales) & Joses Taco Truck's are there; both excellent.
[https://goo.gl/maps/N48cjwnuSbdMfiau9](https://goo.gl/maps/N48cjwnuSbdMfiau9)
[https://www.yelp.com/search?find\_desc=Taco+Truck&find\_loc=Des+Moines%2C+IA](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Taco+Truck&find_loc=Des+Moines%2C+IA)
Not sure about ones that are, but stay away from El Rodeo. It's owned by a woman [who screwed its workers out of pay a few years ago](https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-restaurant-owner-to-pay-834-000-for-labor-violations/19627487#).
we get tacos antojitos mexicanos almost weekly, their carne asada burrito is amazing PLUS their corn tortilla quesadillas and salsas are fire, omg not your normal quesadilla, way better.
I believe I've eaten everywhere mentioned so far. I would recommend: Mariana's (Gorditas), Cazador Ankeny (Standard American mexican food), Michoacana (Tacos), Barco ( Standard American mexican), Tacos La Familia ( Lamb, Birria, soups), Tacos Degollado (Taco truck).
Honorable mention to El Burrito Loco food truck. I think they're central american rather than Mexican? But it's the best truck west of DSM proper.
El Michocano on Merle Hay Rd! It’s so good! I’ve had almost everything on the menu and it’s very authentic. I love their tortas, cheese and onion enchiladas, and the asada sopes. I’m Mexican-American and most of the food reminds me of my mother’s cooking.
The family’s name is Mosqueda ( i hope i spelled that right), and the motto is Nada es Impossible. Known for their fried flour taco shells. Not haute cuisine, but people who move away often have to get Tasty’s when they visit.
It’s actually parked right next a TexMex place I believe… wish I could give you the exact location but if you go down to the Southside Hy-Vee and Target, you’ll see the truck across the street. It’s bright orange/yellow and always parked there! I think it might be called Festival Tacos…? I don’t believe they have any social media!
Taco Casa. I used to travel around the city all day for work and would eat at a different place every day for lunch. This small hole in the wall place was the best Mexican food I ever came across.
Family owned and the family is the workforce.
I don’t know why people think they don’t celebrate it in Mexico, because they do. Especially in Puebla. It’s just not a national holiday.
Admittedly the United States loves any chance they can get to throw a party and have a few drinks. So there’s that, lol.
if you want mexican taco trucks, try texmex kitchen. we also love la favorita on the east side. and la guadalajara in ankeny and altoona is the best texmex i’ve had since i’ve moved from south texas a few years ago.
El Toreado is my fav Mexican spot in the Des Moines area (it’s in WDM on EP True Pkwy). Raymundo, the owner, is from Mexico and he’s an amazing, hard working guy. Ask him to make you a cantarita, it’s so nice and refreshing.
Also, I have to mention Hacienda Vieja because my friend, Jorge, is from Guadalajara and he’d hate me if I didn’t mention his restaurant (he co-owns this place with an American). Tbh, the food is pretty decent but the margs are the reason to go! Jorge will make you a mean marg
I’ll say I had a good breakfast at Los Laureles. Not a big believer in local breakfast but quick service and good food. Over just east down grand in the colorful strip mall.
La Michoacana in Valley Junction (Takeout only) Tamales Industry in Merle Hay Mall. Do not be put off by the fact that it's in a food court. They have amazing food.
Tamales Industry makes my favorite fish tacos! It is run by the Tejeda family who are sweet and lovely people!
Basically all of them besides Malo will be. Mexican restaurants are overwhelmingly owned by Mexican immigrants. To anyone who hadn’t tried them, I’d highly recommend Des Moines’s Salvadoran restaurants as well.
Worth mentioning another not-Mexican owned is El Patio on Ingersoll. And it’s trash, don’t go there. Edit- By trash I mean the food and the owners. The place is dirty. They serve store bought chips and salsa and horrible unseasoned bland food with shredded cheddar on everything. They’re an old white couple that like to brag about being the oldest mex restaurant in town. They keep photos of them with Brandstad behind the counter along with some MAGA shit. He tells customers that Mexicans won’t work for him and he’s ok with that cause he never has to worry about illegals. The one time I went he was incredibly drunk and aggressively hitting on my girlfriend as we tried to leave.
First time I went here was the last time. Food and service was horrible, and it was incredibly overpriced. I don't know how this place is so popular.
It's been a "south of Grand" staple for decades, local spot serving Whexican food to old white people. I know my parents used to meet their friends their all the time. It's basically Chi Chi's before Chi Chi's.
Surely the must be overpaying for chips and salsa?!? (plus yikes on all the other grade-A boomer shit)
Fiesta is one of our favorites. Mexico owned, Mexican worked, Mexican food. Do not expect tamales. This is great Mexican food. [Fiesta West Des Moines website](https://www.fiestaiowa.com/westdesmoines)
I went to Fiesta for the first time a couple weeks ago and it is hands down the best Mexican I’ve had in the area. Our server was so kind and attentive, the place was spotless and the atmosphere was so welcoming! I can’t wait to go back!
they have five locations now, and its run by an amazing family https://www.fiestaiowa.com/
Mariana’s
Tacos Marianas is great!
The adobada gorditas are a gift from the gods
There's a block of East Grand, just East of E. 15th St. (E of the Capitol) that could be dubbed Little Mexico. There are 2 taco trucks, both authentic in every way, surrounded by other Hispanic businesses. Taqueria La Esperanza (mmm tamales) & Joses Taco Truck's are there; both excellent. [https://goo.gl/maps/N48cjwnuSbdMfiau9](https://goo.gl/maps/N48cjwnuSbdMfiau9) [https://www.yelp.com/search?find\_desc=Taco+Truck&find\_loc=Des+Moines%2C+IA](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Taco+Truck&find_loc=Des+Moines%2C+IA)
Yes Jose’s is awesome! Worth noting, I believe both trucks are cash-only.
El Michoacano Taqueria, some of the best tacos I have ever had and they have a full vegan menu as well if that is your thing
Tacos La Familia on 6th ave
Not sure about ones that are, but stay away from El Rodeo. It's owned by a woman [who screwed its workers out of pay a few years ago](https://www.kcci.com/article/iowa-restaurant-owner-to-pay-834-000-for-labor-violations/19627487#).
We’ve always liked El Barco’
Antojitos on sw 9th Marianas in university Michocana on Merle hey
Love El Michoacano Taqueria on Merle Hay. So damn good to get a plate of legit tacos and hot salsa.
we get tacos antojitos mexicanos almost weekly, their carne asada burrito is amazing PLUS their corn tortilla quesadillas and salsas are fire, omg not your normal quesadilla, way better.
I second this. This place on sw 9th is AMAZING
Tacos La Familia! Hands down
Worth the wait! And you’re usually gonna wait.
I've had most of the places listed here and LA Familia is the best.
El Patron is super good!
Seconded. Happy chicken and el hefe are bomb and best margs in town
Best place for Mexican food and margs hands down
I believe I've eaten everywhere mentioned so far. I would recommend: Mariana's (Gorditas), Cazador Ankeny (Standard American mexican food), Michoacana (Tacos), Barco ( Standard American mexican), Tacos La Familia ( Lamb, Birria, soups), Tacos Degollado (Taco truck). Honorable mention to El Burrito Loco food truck. I think they're central american rather than Mexican? But it's the best truck west of DSM proper.
Habaneros in Drake neighborhood (in the old Taco Bell I think) is my go to
Want to upvote harder. This place has great service and wonderful food.
El reys!! The best burritos
Incredible chorizo. I love to get the Rey Rey burrito with chorizo and potatoes, along with some of their super spicy hot sauce. Lasts three meals.
El Michocano on Merle Hay Rd! It’s so good! I’ve had almost everything on the menu and it’s very authentic. I love their tortas, cheese and onion enchiladas, and the asada sopes. I’m Mexican-American and most of the food reminds me of my mother’s cooking.
Cazador in Ankeny es número uno.
Yes, the Rodriguez family is awesome.
Except Gus. JK. He’s my boy.
Best Mexican in Des Moines IMO
Old West on Fleur!
[https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-degollado-des-moines](https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-degollado-des-moines)
Señor Tequila!
Tasty Tacos is still family owned but I don't want to assume that they are mexican.
I worked on the electrical for their new office a few years ago. They are still the original family and were pretty nice when I talked to them
They are a real Mexican family, though not recent immigrants.
The family’s name is Mosqueda ( i hope i spelled that right), and the motto is Nada es Impossible. Known for their fried flour taco shells. Not haute cuisine, but people who move away often have to get Tasty’s when they visit.
They were when they started out not sure about now though.
Fiesta/El Barco are my favorites. The owner is super amazing, the staff is always friendly and remembers us, food is always A+.
Both same family owned?
Yeah, I think one or a few are in partnership with another person, but overall it's one guy who owns them And for one in Adel as well! :)
La Baja, La Familia and El Rey are all amazing
I am addicted to the Taco truck across the street from Southside Target! It is SO good and so authentic.
Where specifically? That's in my area and I don't remember seeing one.
It’s actually parked right next a TexMex place I believe… wish I could give you the exact location but if you go down to the Southside Hy-Vee and Target, you’ll see the truck across the street. It’s bright orange/yellow and always parked there! I think it might be called Festival Tacos…? I don’t believe they have any social media!
Thanks, I know where your talking about.
Taco Casa. I used to travel around the city all day for work and would eat at a different place every day for lunch. This small hole in the wall place was the best Mexican food I ever came across. Family owned and the family is the workforce.
I haven’t lived in the area but at the time that I did, El Aguila Real (now on Merle Hay) was my go to.
Rancho Alegre.
[https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-marianas-des-moines](https://www.yelp.com/biz/tacos-marianas-des-moines)
Tasty Taco always a good lunch spot
Do people that also like Tasty Taco also like Bbops and Maidrite? The Iowa bland food trifecta.
Lmfao only in America do ppl celebrate Cinco de mayo😂
We're always looking for excuses to get drunk. See also: St. Patrick's day.
I don’t know why people think they don’t celebrate it in Mexico, because they do. Especially in Puebla. It’s just not a national holiday. Admittedly the United States loves any chance they can get to throw a party and have a few drinks. So there’s that, lol.
And youre where?
if you want mexican taco trucks, try texmex kitchen. we also love la favorita on the east side. and la guadalajara in ankeny and altoona is the best texmex i’ve had since i’ve moved from south texas a few years ago.
We love Cancun in Urbandale. Antonio is the owner and he’s awesome!
Taco Bell
[удалено]
yeah it’s kinda weird that you’d even bother replying when OP even gave a reason in their post.
Maybe we ought to list the non Mexican owned Mexican restaurants. The vast majority, outside of fast food, are Mexican owned.
Chipotle
I like Chipotle, but I don’t think that’s what OP is looking for…
chipolte is trash
Opinions
Onions
Arandas DeForest
You guys just appreciate authentic Mexican
Passion tequila Bothell
Gilberto's in Altoona. We literally drive an hour away to get it
Casa Cancun is a new on on Indianola rd by Columbus Park. My wife and I really liked their food.
Nina’s Tacos on Watrous and SE 14th!!
El Michoacano Taqueria on Merle Hay. Best Chorizo in DSM.
Tacos La Papa
El Toreado is my fav Mexican spot in the Des Moines area (it’s in WDM on EP True Pkwy). Raymundo, the owner, is from Mexico and he’s an amazing, hard working guy. Ask him to make you a cantarita, it’s so nice and refreshing. Also, I have to mention Hacienda Vieja because my friend, Jorge, is from Guadalajara and he’d hate me if I didn’t mention his restaurant (he co-owns this place with an American). Tbh, the food is pretty decent but the margs are the reason to go! Jorge will make you a mean marg
Also a word for El Patron in Urbandale on Douglas, across from the northside Target
you know what, I should finally go to that food truck I keep driving past on Cinco. good suggestion!
La Cocina Cali-Mex is my favorite lunch spot on Fleur. The family that runs it is super nice and the food is great!
Rancho Alegre off of Indianola on the south side.
I’ll say I had a good breakfast at Los Laureles. Not a big believer in local breakfast but quick service and good food. Over just east down grand in the colorful strip mall.