Checked out Fernando's for the first time last night and really enjoyed it! My husband got the Barbacoa Burrito and I got the steak tacos. We paid under $17 before tip, for the price I thought the portion sizes we're pretty big. The tacos were overflowing and very flavorful. Definitely recommend it!! read more

Service was great; the owner was working the line and was very polite. Happened in when they had fish tacos available (once a week) ...slightly over seasoned but very good nonetheless. Everything was fresh. The owner came out and checked on everyone personally, which was a nice touch since it's kinda fast foody. read more

While visiting Des Moines for the day we googled and found Fernando's. Great choice! Fresh ingredients and delicious fish tacos and Barbacoa nachos. The hot sauce was amazing and the friendly atmosphere and enthusiasm for their food was fun to experience! read more

Fernando's Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Just tried Fernandos last night after a long day at Adventureland. I live really close and we were starving (lack of veg. options at an amusement park will do that)! We weren't sure what to expect. The staff was so wonderful and informative. They let us know about the chicken stock in their rice right off the bat so we could stear clear of it. I got the seasoned tofu and veggie burrito. It was large and filling. I do hope that they add another meat alternative some time, like maybe eggplant or seitan. The tortillas are home made and flattened right when you order and they also grill the burrito once it's folded. It makes it nice and crisp. I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

Fernando's does not disappoint! I tried it for the first time, as I was wanting a burrito, and we will definitely be back! I had a chicken burrito that was STUFFED full of fixings, including Spanish rice, beans and a variety of salsa. Half of it filled me up, so I'm sure I will have a great lunch tomorrow. Can't wait to go back and try their chile rellenos and a tortas! The queso was everything cheese should be. Fernando is a very sweet, talkative man who made us very comfortable. read more

Fernando's Mexican Grill - Giant chicken burrito, with chips and queso in the background - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I went into Fernando's wanting the staff to tell me what's best as I often do. They recommended a burrito and suggested either chicken or steak. I was offered a sample of chicken and went with it, along with rice and black beans. I added cheese, pico, corn salsa, cilantro & onion combo, jalapeños, guacamole and sour cream. Overall, I don't know what I was expecting but it ended up being just another burrito to me. Pros: - Good service - Fresh pressed tortilla - Well-seasoned meat - Free guacamole - Grilled again after its wrapped before its served Cons: - Seemed a little overpriced to me - Rest of the burrito toppings seemed to lack flavor (rice and beans seemed bland, maybe?) Don't take my word for it; definitely go as reviews seemed to be mixed. But perhaps keep your expectations in - check. read more

Kind staff and delicious food. Get the barbacoa!! It's amazing. Try whatever special they have, especially during Drake Relays. Come hungry.

I ordered the steak burrito, no sour cream, with beans. It was very good, however a bit too greasy for my taste. I almost felt sick eating the whole thing. If they made it a little less greasy, I think I would have enjoyed it much more. Interesting that they do not have any pork burrito... read more

Nando's is fantastic, always get the veggies anda the queso is also fantastic. The hot salsas even have fantastic taste. I would recommend getting the barbacoa as it is always fantastic. read more

This is the real deal, authentic Mexican food. Just like my mom would make at home! Loved this place until Fernando insulted me over the phone and told me he didn't need my business- all because I called to let him know I needed my burrito redone as it has been made wrong. Was too busy and irate to deal with a courteous customer who simply wanted another burrito. Lost a customer who told others about the amazing and delicious food here and now I tell them it's not worth it! Chipotle is just as good. read more

AMAZING FOOD, OUTSTANDING SERVICE, TREMENDOUS ADDITION TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD! Fernando's is a wonderful restaurant offering fresh, flavorful. affordable Mexican food served by truly gifted, passionate owners who obviously love what they are doing! Hat's off to Fernando, Kahlid and the rest of the team! ***** all the way! read more

When I briefly resided in Ames, I came across this place through another site, mainly because it has halal meat options (back in 2016). Overall, the food was delicious and the staff/owner was friendly. Plenty of seating is available and it's in a pretty safe, walkable part of town (as far as I could tell). It is street parking, though there was no issue finding it regardless. If ever in the area, I would certainly visit again. read more

Fernandos needs to make some major changes before it becomes a regular stop for me. There are some solid toppings, but most meat items are way too fatty. I expect they do this to keep costs low. On that note things are really skimpy. From the rice to the beans, quite skimpy. A skimpy portion of poorly trimmed meat is unacceptable. They press the tortillas fresh, and finish them on a flat top, which is nice. Their in house salsas are also good too. Still, when you have Chipoltle actually costing slightly less, and Abelardos significantly less there may not be room for fernandos. A slight note on the staff. INCONSISTENT. One individual made a well proportioned burito, the other completely ignored my request for toppings on the side and just threw them on. Meh. Fix the meat, fix the portions, and fix the service. The flavors beneath this are solid. read more

I absolutely love this place quick friendly fast food.. You go in order what you want.. Pay for it. then grab your food and sit down.. You get free refills.. The meat is sooo good and flavorful read more

Fernando's Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I received poor customer service. There was no friendly greeting or demeanor. Also, the guy behind the counter shouldn't disrespect the customer by speaking in spanish as if no one speaks the language besides you, pendejo. read more

Great food, in a nice little area... parking sucks though but it's on a college campus so that's understandable

Less expensive than its competition, and far tastier. Nothing beats watching a tortilla get made in front of your face from raw dough, watching it fill with your choice of ingredients, make its way down the line, and to your tray. It's not pretentious, it's not overwrought, it's simply good food, done well. I've been here a few times (I'm a recent Drake grad, so it was in the neighborhood) and I've never had a bad experience. They know it's about the food first, and they do that so well that nothing else matters. read more

Wow was this place a surprisingly tasty burrito joint. Went here for lunch with a couple of buddies. The line takes a little bit to get through, but all of the customization choices are fantastic. Their tofu is sautéd with a great pico mix that had a nice kick to it. The nice touch at the end of the line is the way they grill your burrito on both sides. My burrito was brimming full of veggies so it did not stay together to eat with my hands, but damn was it tasty to eat with a fork. I look forward to going back and tasting a few different hot sauces and the guacamole. read more

Overall a nice fast made to order Mexican restaurant, Chili Relenos are fantastic!!! The order consists of 4 small to mid sized peppers, rice & lettuce. Ordered chips & gucamole (chips were average guc was just ok). If the guy & chips were better I would have given my rating a 5 based on the Chili Relenos, but the chips brought the overall rating down. read more

First of all, let me say, I'm not a big fan of Mexican food. Fernando's may help change that. When you place your order, a raw ball of dough is flattened and thrown on a grill. I've never experienced that and believe me, it makes a difference. The resulting shell for the taco or burrito is tender and flavorful. Out of the choice of meats, we went with the seasoned beef for 2 tacos and chicken for a huge burrito. You then have your choice of fresh toppings. I loved the pico and a red onion and cilantro mixture, just wished I asked for more of both. The guacamole was also fresh and tasty and a wonderful cool contrast on the tacos. I'll try the steak and the blackened fish on my next tacos...both looked yummy. Two types of beans are offered, black and refried. Had the black in the burrito and a side of the refried. Loved both, but man, I wish they didn't make the refried so hot. I LOVE well made refried beans, but I'm a wuss when it comes to heat, so I couldn't finish 'em, darn it, cause they had such good flavor. Burritos are not my cup of tea, but this one very good and loaded with as much as you want. Couldn't finish my 1/2, but my hubby was happy to help out. Not much in the way of seating, just a few tables and a couple booths and the place is brightly lite and clean, so atmosphere is nothing fancy, but adequate. Staff seemed friendly enough and helpful. read more

Best burrito I've ever had, hands down, including places with amazing Mexican food like San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

This place is nice, friendly and best of all delicious! The staff is friendly and the food portions are insane! Everything is so affordable and delicious! read more

Check out Fernando's Mexican grill. I just had the best burrito of my life, and that is no joke! Homemade and fresh everything! You will not be disappointed! read more

My husband and I thought we would try out Fernando's since it was a new mexican place and we LOVE mexican food. All ingredients were fresh, the tortillas were made while we were in line, and the price was great. I got 2 tacos, one with corn tortilla and the other with flour tortilla - wow! I topped my tacos off we different toppings for each, and that included guacamole ( I didn't have to pay extra!). For those who love guacamole but don't want to pay an additional dollar or two, this is fantastic! You can also get queso on your entree - yum! My husband got a burrito that was put back on the grill to get it nice and warm before eating. They have tons of salsas, including a very yummy roasted corn salsa and a fresh pico. We will definitely be back - the owner was awesome and very friendly. We hope they last and get lots of Drake business when students come back soon. read more

Came here because of the reviews & it does not hold up to the reviews. Everything is extra, lady is not the nicest & I am very disappointed. Only in town for a bit but won't be back. read more

A newer dive in the Drake neighborhood where the Drake students and professors can indulge in some amazing authentic Mexican food. In a way it reminds me of Abelardos, but it is so much better! They have tacos, burritos, you name it. Choose your protein and dive into their fresh delicious ingredients. They even grill your burrito as an amazing final touch that makes the burrito oh so delicious. I love their sauces and queso! Its awesome on your meal or on the side with chips! They are always fairly busy but the line moves quick and the workers are very friendly. They even have vegetarian options too which is awesome! Only reason I gave four stars instead of five, is the parking. Oh boy is it tricky to find parking. You can park in front, which there is usually no parking available, or you can go through the back and use the back door at Fernando's, which heads straight to the line! All in all an amazing Mexican place to stop by if your in the Drake neighborhood! read more

I love Fernando's! It is a staple for me when I don't want to cook. The food is fantastic. You will see basically the same options you have at places like chipotle or pancheros. However, if you're looking for spice, this is not the place to go. You might have to wait a bit for your food, but the staff are friendly and like to get to know you. read more

We're from Texas and this is where we come for our Mexican food fix. It's fantastic! Don't get the hot hot sauce unless you can really stand your heat. My favorite is the chicken burrito with green salsa. read more

Best burrito in Des Moines. Fresh ingredients and a friendly staff that takes their food serious. Delicious.

These are the best burritos I've ever tasted outside of a taco truck. Yum yum yum. This has Pancheros and Chipotle beat - no contest.

I only leave reviews for deserving restaurants and Fernando's certainly fits the bill! Fresh and flavorful ingredients, as well as daily specials make this place a must have. The owner is extremely friendly and upbeat, and can you really go wrong with homemade tortillas? Stop by and try Fernando's once. I promise you'll be back. read more

I have never had a better taco salad in my life. It wasn't like a typical wimpy taco salad like you'd purchase at most places. It was worlds better AND bigger. The shell is beyond words can describe and so is the fresh guacamole that they offer AT NO EXTRA COST. I would like Fernando to move in with me. Please, Fernando! read more

Decent tacos. Have had better at a taco truck and cheaper. Horrible customer service. The lady making my taco said 10 times as many words to her coworker as she did to me. 3 stars for the average run of the mill tacos and 0 stars for customer service. read more

Great food and made with the best ingredients. The tortillas are the best I've ever had! What puts it over the edge is the friendly service with employees who take the time to get to know the regulars. Fun hidden fact: they have great horchata that's not listed on the menu, but it is super refreshing. A true staple to the Drake neighborhood that any visitors should try. read more

I had the barbacoa burrito, and it was easily the best burrito I've ever eaten. The fresh made tortilla really sent it over the edge. And the owner is so friendly! read more

It's a challenge to review a place that has their flavors down, but slips in to the "meh" range by poor execution and abrasive prices. Fernandos is a fast-casual style Mexican joint inspired by the likes of Chipoltle. You pick your vehicle (tacos, burrito, quesadilla ect..) and then customize it with various Mexican toppings and meat. I've patronized Fernando's more than enough to know that their portions are way too small. A quesadilla doesn't have full cheese coverage, an order of tacos is only two tacos with minimal meat cubes. Steak is sometimes fatty and small portions are strictly adhered to by a pathetic looking measuring device. The queso is heavily watered down, and fajita veggies cost an extra dollar or two! I can't say Fernandos is a good deal by any means. What's odd is that with these portions, prices aren't lower then competitors. Fernandos also struggles when things get too busy. Their expedition system needs some work and the place comes to a halt during a rush. Still, salsas and tortillas are home made and taste great. Chicken and pork when lean are also quite savory. As it stands Fernandos is a once in a while thing for me but could be much more. read more

Just moved here from San Antonio, Texas and I was craving Mexican food and this place really exceeded my expectations. Good food and friendly staff. read more

Barbacoa quesadilla. Best quesadilla I have ever had! Threw some of their hottest salsa on top and I was in heaven. Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be going back! read more

Good food is only part of the puzzle. Like any great restaurant the Vibrant and clean facilities greet you at the door. Very pleasant and helpful staff round out this experience. Prices are reasonable as well. And, oh yeah, the food is good! read more

Super friendly staff, great food and great prices. The menu is small but something foreveryone. The burritos are like Chipotle in options and size. I highly recommend and can't wait to go back. read more