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    El Molcajete

    4.3 (87 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    El Molcajete Photos

    Business Info

    EL MOLCAJETE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - El Molcajete

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    Chipotle Enchiladas
    Max L.

    Amazing food. The server was nice and he got us the food fast. And we sat outside. The people next to us were very chatty.

    Kristyn M.

    Week night margarita craving. Wanted to expand our horizons, so we knew this one was one we had not yet done before. Early enough to beat the crowds. It's nice enough that we asked to be seated outdoors at the host stand. She takes us out to the table. We are the first outside tonight. The waiter was prompt with chips and salsa. There ws 2 salsas. Mild and spicy. We did order cheese, cause why not. We ordered dinner. Hubby got the nightly special and I got a burrito. We both had house margarita. Service was good. The only thing we thought was that it was a little overpriced for what we received. 4 overall, but 3 1/2 if you take into account the bill for what we had. Not saying anything was bad, but we could get more bang for our buck elsewhere.

    Cheese sauce for the win
    Cody M.

    great location for me to come for a visit. Good margaritas is what keeps me coming back. We got in early enough to claim a patio table and enjoyed the outdoors for our dinner. Food came out hot and staff was great checking in on us a few times. I also really liked that they had 2 salsa offerings as I am a fan of a little spice. I was smiling ear to ear while we had a short wait for our food.

    Rice/Beans
    Mark O.

    Solid three, closer to a 3.5. My server, Erick was attentive and checked in regularly. The salsa served with the chips was heavy on spice and light on vegetables, which I can appreciate. It kind of reminded me of the old "hot sauce" you used to find at Diamond Dave's restaurants in the area. I was in the restaurant about 45 minutes prior to close, which may explain a couple things. Some if the rice was hard, as if it had been in a chafing dish all day. Same for the tortillas in the enchiladas, though the chicken was just fine. Green sauce was zippy without being overpowering. I'll try again earlier in the day and update appropriately.

    Flavoted mojitos
    Jaci S.

    The service was AMAZING. Everyone was incredibly personable. I know I can be a nightmare of a customer with my modifications & that of my husband as he has a more sensitive stomach. We ate everything & couldn't find anything to dislike. The food was amazing, the restaurant was busy, but, we could hear each other & our server took time to chat with us as well. Our server made our drinks himself & I was bewildered. The best friends I have ever had, they were delicious. I got myself a mojito & my husband loved their margaritas. Our server even gave us a round of shots on the house. We absolutely loved loved loved our experience & will be coming back.

    Chicken Tortilla Soup
    Hannah V.

    We love going out for Mexican and we have been on the hunt for a good place here in Ankeny, since there are so many! It is easy to find, plenty of parking, has patio seating, a bar, and feels very open inside. Service was quick and excellent. Large menu of food, drinks, and desserts to choose from. We started with the most important, queso. We both agreed it tasted like our favorite. My chicken tortilla soup was piping hot and I loved that it didn't have a lot of veggies :) Overall, a good Mexican spot, but nothing too crazy! I can see us returning in the future.

    AWESOME Seafood Burrito
    Bob K.

    Had a lunch at El Mocajete in Ankeny this past Friday, and it was like meals we've come to expect from here ... AWESOME. We arrived just as the noon rush was winding down, but the place was still pretty full. We were seated immediately, and within a minute, chips and two minds of salsa had arrived at the table. TAKE NOTE ... for an additional charge, you can have guacamole made fresh at your table. Our waiter arrived quickly, took our order, and before the basket of chips were gone, our meal had arrived. My wife had the Fiesta Burrito, and I had the Seafood Burrito (pictured.) Both were excellent. We've dined here many times, and have found the place clean, with the entire staff friendly. And yeah, even the restrooms were pretty clean, and if you read other reviews of mine, you know I consider this important, especially on a busy day when many people may be using the facilities. 5 stars for El Molcajete !

    Peach margarita
    Allison H.

    Staff was very friendly! Food was pretty average but still good. Drinks were good but not too strong

    Tostada and Chimichanga with rice & beans
    Alex L.

    Great food and service! Love the outdoor patio in the summer/fall months! The menu has many selections to choose from! We also enjoy getting two kinds of salsa with the chips too!

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    7 years ago

    Spicy mexican with original margaritas. Staff was helpful with suggestions. Great flavors.

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    7 years ago

    food was sooo good and the waiter was super personable! i recommend the steak quesadilla. amazing!

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    Page 3 of 3

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    Flame Cantina - Homemade Tortilla Chips and Salsa

    Flame Cantina

    4.0(52 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    I forgot how good this place was. I haven't been there since they first opened up, but my wife…read morewanted to take me back there because she was recently there. we were greeted by friendly staff and seated us at a booth. We started with the trio-chips, guac, queso, And salsa. The chips were really good- thick and crunchy. You have to pay for them though. for our entrées, we split the Al past Doerr tacos and Birria tacos . Both were awesome. The real tacos were crunchy slightly soggy on the side. They were sitting on, but they came with an AU to dip in the Al. Pastor tacos were really good. They came with a mango salsa. For the sides, we got the corn which was awesome in the beans they both came with cheese. They have a really good drink selection. You can't go wrong with any of them. This place is really good. I would recommend it one of the best Mexican places in Ankeny. The only downfall is you have to pay for the chips, but they're totally worth it.

    Upon arriving in the afternoon for a late lunch with an empty stomach I ordered their birria torta…read morethat was recommended to me by the server. Restaurant was small, interior could've used a quick sweep. Restaurant was relatively quiet besides chatter from the workers whom seem to be friendly with one another which is a huge plus from a guest perspective. Walked out with a tab of $24 including time and entree with an iced coke which could use more ice in my humble opinion. Will definitely be back to try other options on their menu.

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    Our view

    Flame Cantina - Enchiladas Rojas

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    El Molcajete - mexican - Updated September 2026

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