It was a dark and stormy night…read more... After a long Dad-related day, I wandered in (from the downpour) for a well-deserved Margarita, with mole chicken enchiladas on the side. The place wasn't very busy on this mid-week January evening, as I was seated quickly with the chips not far behind. The Margarita was refreshing and strong, the chips were fresh, and the enchilada came out hot and tasty. Service was friendly and fun, making my evening most pleasant.

El Azteca is a must when I'm back in Ames. The food is somewhat of a Tex-mex vibe and always hits…read morethe spot. They serve complimentary fresh tortilla chips with salsa - the salsa is mild and refreshing with a nice burst of cilantro. My typical picks for entree are any of the chicken meals - arroz con pollo, poncho's lemon lime chicken or chori-pollo. My dad likes the burritos - a common go to is the burrito California. My sister swears by the burrito ruleta and she gets it every time. This occasion I also got a raspberry margarita on the rocks which was scrumptious. Food is always fast and service is always friendly.

We wanted to go to the nearby High Trestle Trail Bridge, so we stopped here for lunch with our…read moregrandkids on a weekday just after noon. We were quickly seated and got our drinks and started to look over the menu, which house lots of options! The kids settled in on a grilled cheese and a taco respectively. I decided to get the lunch burrito and my wife went for the lunch enchilada. Our food came out pretty quickly and everything was very fresh tasting and the serving sizes are huge! For a lunch special I expected a lunch-sized portion and I got what I would consider an evening-sized portion. The same for my wife's meal. When we were wrapping up, they came out with ice cream for the kids. They really enjoyed that even though you would've thought they'd have been full after all they ate for lunch. The spice level on everything was very mild. The salsa had just a little bit of a zing to it but nothing that would stop the kids for eating it. Next time I will ask for some hot sauce or throw some jalapeños in my entrée, but I do like it spiced up a bit. Service was very good and a gentleman who I assume is the owner was very funny and engaged well with everyone in the restaurant. They have a parking lot and everything was neat and clean. We did not partake of any adult drink offerings, but they did have what look to be a nice nicely stocked bar

We're from New Mexico and this spot is great! The value for the dollar is excellent! We had the…read morechicken fajitas and a combo.

Stands out as my favorite mexican restaurant in Ames. I left for a year and all I was craving was…read moretheir queso. Above the rest in Ames. They have a small outside area and a bar. Not sure why by they do not serve alcohol at this time and are moving (yikes). But the food is still good. Service is very fast polite and professional.

WOW! It's both good and sad that I don't live in Ames, because if I did, I'd eat here ALL the time!…read moreOne of the Mexican restaurants we've ever been to! Salsa was fresh and chips were good and crispy. I got the steak tacos on corn tortillas and beans. All so great!

Truly authentic Mexican Food. Best sit down restaurant we have ever visited. Will go back soon!…read moreWonderful staff.

Amazing and very authentic. I travel to Mexico frequently. Lil hidden gem in Humboldt Iowa!read more

Great place. Margaritas are wonderful and the menu has so much variety. Breakfast is available…read moretill 1 PM. I have attached their new menu

New to the area, the food is fresh and so tasty. The service is great. Drinks are made well. I…read morerecommend the guacamole appetizer and their blended margaritas.

Amazing food great service . Very consistent . Always a wonderful experience.....this is our go to…read moreplace any time we want authentic great tasting Mexican food .

Walked in and loved the decor! Ordered margaritas,one house and one jalapeño, both were delicious,…read moretasted handmade. Ordered chorizo tacos and relleno burrito, both were good. Unique side came with the burrito, a refreshing change from most Mexican restaurants. Staff was friendly and attentive, food was delivered quickly. Definitely recommend, we will stop by again!

We stopped here for lunch while driving out to Colorado. It is a little off 80 but totally worth…read moreit. Clean restaurant- lots of seating and the food was great. Great service too! Don't let the outside of the restaurant deceive you. This place is good!!

Great food!! I look forward to coming here every time we are in town visiting Service is always…read morewonderful,atmosphere is very nice. Everyone we talk to that has been there feels the same way.

We enjoyed the taco salad, which was basically a gigantic taco shell, full with meat, cheese,…read moretomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream, and guacamole. This thing was big enough for three people to enjoy. I was only able to finish a quarter of it. The chips and salsa they bring out beforehand or made fresh and tasted delicious. My husband enjoyed the fajitas.

We were driving home to MN and stopped off the highway to eat here…read more Started with homemade chips and homemade salsa for free. They even put the salsa in a tiny carafe and don't skimp on tiny bowls of salsa. Even got a refill of chips. Entree: chose canitas and beef Barrio street tacos with no onions. Really yummy and filling. No prices on the menus. Ordered fried ice-cream but then this huge church crowd arrived. We skipped it and left to pay. Super good, authentic Mexican food. Review 88 in 2023.