We stopped at El Mariachi in Johnston around 6:30 and sat out on the patio, where a house swallow…read moreloudly judged us the entire time. Honestly, the patio ambiance is always pretty good here, bird commentary included. Service was a little slow, and we had to work harder than we should have just to get water, but our waiter was fine overall. Nothing bad, just nothing exceptional either. The complimentary chips and salsa were very good, and I love that they have El Yucateco sauces on the table if you want to spice things up a bit. I had the Chipotle Tacos with chicken for $13, which came with rice and beans. Kim had the #7 combo for $11, with one burrito, one enchilada, and one taco. Both meals were good, but the chicken in my tacos and Kim's burrito was seriously excellent. Tender, flavorful, and probably the best part of the meal. Kim had a small frozen raspberry house margarita for $6.25, and I had a jumbo house margarita on the rocks for $8. The house margaritas were the one thing I would probably upgrade next time. They were very sweet and not quite the stronger margarita flavor I usually prefer. They do offer several premium margarita options, so I suspect that is probably the better route if the drink is a big part of the visit. But they definitely ask premium prices! Our total bill with tip was about $54, which felt fair for two meals, chips and salsa, and two margaritas. Overall, good food, great chicken, nice patio vibe, and a solid casual stop -- just maybe spring for the upgraded margaritas if you have the cash.

4.6* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4*…read more Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $31 04/18/2026 This place has been on my Want to Go list for a while after seeing a recommendation in a publication. The first time we stopped by a number of years ago, we decided against going in due to there not being many cars in the parking lot. That was definitely not the case last night - the parking lot was nearly full and we had to wait about 15 minutes for a table, as they were quite busy. Needless to say, we left quite happy to have stopped - as we really enjoyed the experience. Our initial indicators of a good Mexican restaurant starts with their margaritas and then their chips and salsa. They passed it both areas - as both were above average. We started with a Spicy Jalapeno Margarita (see picture) from the bar while we waited for our table. It was good, but wasn't very spicy. The chips and salsa (see picture) were very good - tasty, fresh salsa that was thick enough to stay on your chips and crispy tortilla chips with enough oil to indicate they were fried fresh. For our meals, my wife ordered the Tacos Carne Asada (see picture), while I opted for the Tacos Carne Asada (see picture) - both based on our waiter Omar's recommendation. Omar was great - loved his recommendations, had a great sense of humor and was quite attentive to our needs! As stated, both my wife and I loved our plates - and yes, we shared with each other as always to both confirm. The only change I made to my plate was requesting corn tortillas - as I much prefer them to flour. I just can't say enough about both plates - not only did we REALLY like them, but there was plenty to bring home for another meal. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

Service was quick! Food and margaritas were outstanding. We ordered the fish tacos (pico on the…read moreside) and harvester enchiladas. So good!

Stopped on a Saturday afternoon was greeted by a very pleasant hostess, and we were able to be…read moreseated right away. Iced tea fresh and clear. We ordered some queso which was proper consistency mild and tasty. Chips were fresh and our meals were great. I ordered the Iowa harvest chimichanga with rice. Husband ordered à la carte two tacos, rice and beans. Everything was delicious the meat and the tacos and chimichanga was very flavorful. They mentioned on their menu beef sourced by Ory Brothers beef delicious will definitely be back. comfortable friendly atmosphere.

Oh my gosh I cannot say enough good things about this place…read more My mom and I were here visiting from out of town the other day and we had the best time. Salsa served when you are seated. I got the birria tacos and they were delicious. They were STUFFED with birria meat and each taco had a juicy lime wedge. It came with consommé as well. Quite possibly the best birria I've ever had (and I have a lot lol). Service here was quick, informative, and attentive. Our server was very kind. The restaurant was quiet when we were there, but we ate early around 4. Something I saw was they have a new item that caught my eye: horchata iced coffee. YUM. It was too late in the day for me to grab some at the time but if I'm back, I have to try. If you are wondering where this is, it's right next to Target! So, lots of parking! They have a couple spots over there by the restaurant too.

This was overall not good. Service was ok. Food was ok but small portions. Fajitas didn't have a…read morelot of meat. Mole was bitter.

Located west of Des Moines golf in a strip shopping center Los Alegres anchors the corner spot. The…read moreplace has a deep menu with all the standards. Generally all Mexican restaurant food is the same. Granted how can you make a burrito better than someone else? So far I haven't found it. Service is helpful, ambiance is good. Hey at least the food isn't bad.

Great food, drink and service while traveling on the road for Tacquila Tuesday. Definitely…read morerecommend the Street Tacos with Lengua and Pastor. The Quesabirria was very tender with a flavorful consume as well. The house margarita on the rocks was not too sweet and tasted refreshing. The restaurant itself is small with an outdoor patio and was just right for this traveler. We have Mexican food weekly on Tuesday no maytter where the road takes us.

The tacos and fideo are delicious! Ordered some funnel cake fries that were lacking the powdered…read moresugar which made it all subpar. The staff was not very skilled at customer relations or dealing with people at all.

Henry J's has been a staple on the south side of Des Moines for decades. Fresh Mexican food that…read moreset them apart from the franchise shops. Their homemade hot sauce is far and away better than you find anywhere else. The flour tacos are delicious. It's a family owned and run business that shows that you can compete in a crowded market if your product is superior. The ambiance needs work but many times we order to go and are never disappointed. Prices are moderate and this unique business represents what a mom and pop restaurant can produce. Try it, you'll like it.

I had the shrimp enchiladas at Lindo Jalisco and they were very good! The sauce was just the right…read moreamount -- flavorful without being overpowering -- and the mixture of veggies inside the enchiladas added a nice touch. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, tender and fresh. The rice and beans on the side were warm and tasty, and the complimentary chips and salsa were a great start to the meal, especially with both a mild and a hot salsa to choose from. Overall, a really satisfying and well-balanced meal! The employees there were attentive and warm to us, even though it wasn't busy at all since we went during off-peak hours. The restaurant was also spacious and was clean!

Kicking myself for not getting in here sooner…read more Yelp reviews got us in the door. The food, staff and atmosphere will get us back. On a random Monday evening we decided to stop in. The special was written on a board by the door. The Guava Margarita caught my eye. We were quickly sat and here is how it went. M: Mexican cuisine is outstanding here. A: All you can eat chips and salsa brought to your table. Great Salsa. R: Recommendations from the bartender/server for his favorite meal. G: Guava Margarita is a must have. A: A large menu to choose from. R: Reasonably priced restaurant I: I had to fight my husband off my meal. T: Tasty meals thrilled us. A: A full stomach is how we left Hubby ordered Burrito Carnitas with steak, onion, bell pepper, topped with green sauce, cabbage & melted Jack cheese. The bartender/waiter told me he had the Carne Asada:Charcoal grilled sliced skirt steak served with guacamole, roasted onions and jalapenos. Comes with the same cabbage and beans. The flavor was amazing. I fought off my husband off my plate. It was enough food for 2 meals and did not disappoint. Amazing. This meal was a little more than I usually get, but I might have started something.

The food was amazing -- fully authentic and cooked to perfection. The hand-made tortillas were…read morefresh and absolutely delicious. You can tell everything is made with care. Can't wait to come back!

Tried this place out finally. Great food. Loved both our meals & drinks. Decent service as well…read more Will definitely be back.

My last review was two years ago. The parking is good and accessible. Its a family owned place and…read morethe staff are friendly and always helpful. They still make their own salsas of differing heat and flavors. Its a all day taco spot .Their Birra is homemade and excellent as well as all their taco fillings being homemadeand fresh. Their chips are homemade and served warm. They make a wonderful homemade hibiscus tea. They also have Jarrittos pop. Its a cheerful place with wonderful murals.

What a hidden gem! Tucked away in a strip mall in a quiet Beaverdale neighborhood, it's easy to…read moreoverlook. I stopped for a quick lunch on a Tuesday. Taco Tuesday specials so I was able to get 2 fully loaded delicious tacos for $7. The meal included a few bites of potatoes and onions (just enough) and a small basket of chips. Great deal and good food. Only one note: they do not have any free items to drink. Bottled water is available for purchase.