Hard shell soft shell can' are my go to's Also, the burritos are incredible and I do enjoy the special chicken enchiladas

I was so excited to come back here because this was one of my favorite childhood restaurants. I hadn't been in years and decided to order my usual, even buying two because I remembered how much I loved them. Unfortunately, I had no idea the ownership and ingredients had changed. The food tasted nothing like it used to and was honestly disappointing. I ended up throwing one away and giving the other to someone else because I couldn't eat it. What made the experience even worse was that after I explained the issue, no one offered to remake my order, provide a refund, or offer any kind of solution. I understand recipes and ownership can change over time, but customer service shouldn't. Sadly, this visit didn't live up to the memories I had, and I don't see myself coming back. read more

About a year(ish) ago Taco Casa changed ownership and went through a remodel. If you're not familiar with Taco Casa... It's been around for about a hundred years. It's located in the triangle at MLK and Douglas. And it's easily one of the most divisive restaurants in the metro. People either LOVE Taco Casa or they HATE it. Lol They gave me a reminder of how much I miss this place. In the past this used to be regular stop for me. I've eaten hundreds if not a thousand chicken soft tacos with onion... But I've neglected it since the ownership change. Any military veteran will probably tell you... "NEVER wash my coffee cup!" When you knock off the primer (the stain) it ruins the taste the coffee. I'd heard about the staffing changes and the remodel and couldn't help but think... How can you do all that and not compromise some of the flavor? I don't do change well. There are certain expectations. It's like Waffle House. If I walk into a Waffle House and don't get "Hey Honey!" or "What can I get you Sweetheart?" by a server that's missing a few teeth and who can fit into something smaller than a size 18... I'm out. Well... Everything I'd heard was true. The place looked great! The rotunda has been remodeled. No more raggedy booths it's all low and high top tables now. I bet it doesn't even leak any more... They have a brand new point of sale system and a fountain soda machine just to the Left of the front counter. The menu board is electronic...not plastic with modular letters and numbers. Even though the hot sauces taste the same it's no longer serve yourself from the squeeze bottles in the ice bucket. They give the red and green to you in individual cups. No more chili dogs and they've added fajitas and a couple other items to the menu. I ordered two chicken soft tacos with onion and a large Coke. $17 and change before tip. They offer a 15% discount for military and veterans now... I didn't notice this signage until after our transaction had been completed. No biggie. I'll remember it next time. That's a great thing for the owners to offer especially being just downhill from the VA Hospital! The wait seemed much shorter than many of my previous trips. They called my name and I went up and took my tray and headed to a table. The moment of truth... Did taking the primer off ruin the taste? Other than getting sour cream that I didn't ask for... They were delicious! And I don't mind sour cream so that's all good. The chicken still has that shredded texture I love. The cheese melts in your mouth and accentuates the taste. Add the green! And they were wet! Some people probably don't like how much they drip, but it's part of the Taco Casa experience! With the chicken you have to do the lean like eating a proper Italian Beef that's been dipped. You eat completely over the tray so you don't open your shirt up as collateral damage... But they were OH SO good! Same great taste. The only thing I regret is that it's been a year+ since my last visit to Taco Casa. Now I'll level with you on something. The ONLY thing I normally eat here is the chicken items. Under the old ownership there was something about the ground beef grind/texture that I didn't care for. BUT other people really like some of those ground beef items. I didn't try a beef item today. That may have changed under the new ownership. But you're on your own. I will say you can't go wrong with the chicken soft tacos...! Oh and I forgot to mention... If $17 seems expensive for two soft tacos and a large Coke. Those tacos are about the size of a swaddled newborn baby. One would be more than enough for most people. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551371055892 https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/taco-casa-des-moines read more

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Have been a customer for 30+yrs. Enjoy the new changes and quality. Do not enjoy that 2 Beef Burrito, and 2 small orders of Frijoles came out to 27+ Dollars. No drinks. Strictly takeout. So disappointing from one of my North Side Favorites!! Never go back again! read more

Amazing food since I was a kid. Really wish the "pizza" with the thick dough like crust in foil pan would make a reappearance.

Best Mexican place. I haven't changed my review and if anything they have gotten even better. Probably a cult following but the quesadillas are special as are the other dishes I have ordered. It is one of those spots that isn't that easy to find nor does the inside inspire you but once you have the food you'll understand. read more

It's conveniently located near the Marriott Fairfield on Oracle Ave, Its not just about food which is ok it's also about expectations, everyone is under staffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. The parking is easy and plentiful. The restaurant was clean and they also have a nice seating area.The service was fast and efficient. It seems to be very popular with local seniors in the area. It is Mexican restaurant that focuses on a older clientele. This is not a contemporary restaurant. It's limited spiciness with flour tortilla tacos with Shredded lettuce and tomatoes.. it has a very affordable lunch menu and of course has frozen house Margaritas. I can't criticize it.But I felt that the food that I had was not very flavorful, but obviously there were a lot of people there that liked it.So it's probably just not my cup of tea. As long as you have the right expectations, you won't be disappointed like I said parking was okay.Cleanliness was ok and staff were very prompt and helpful. read more

Poor service along with poor food is not a good combination. Had lunch at Taco Casa today and tried to order my food at the counter but they were too busy answering the phone instead of waiting on people there. Ordered two soft shelled tacos and received the worst tacos I have ever eaten. Dry no sauce nothing threw the 2nd one away should have gone to taco johns. Place has changed hands and is nothing like it used to be simply horrible. Will never be back. Rest rooms? Outside like a gas station what a dump! read more

Taco Casa - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This place has gone down hill since the new owners took over. The beef is no longer seasoned, it's just crumbled meat now- no flavor. The chicken is no longer seasoned, either. The counter staff are not helpful, nor do they know the menu. I used to eat here a few times a month because I work close by, but no more. It's a shame because this place has been around forever and used to be one of my favorites. read more

Another long time establishment sold to new owners and gone forever. Food quality isn't the same. The only item that remains the same is their hot sauce. That is not enough to keep us coming back. Try Maria's west of Taco Casa on Douglas for true good Mexican take out . read more

This was our go to for Mexican take out. Delicious and worth the money. However $9.55 for a softshell taco is ridiculous. We will go elsewhere. read more

Do your self a favor - don't eat at Taco Casa. Ever. The food is seriously disgusting. It's like if they piled on liquid garbage from a pigs slop trough. I'm not joking, either. The enchiladas are drenched in some type of inedible cheese sauce, erupting with an incalculable amount of sodium, and seriously both mushy and disgusting. The "soft taco" is made with a large past-due tortilla that is extremely hard and cardboard-like. The beef inside is gross. The quesadilla has no melted cheese but is just full of that same cheese sauce and old grey beef. The only good thing about the food I received from Taco Casa was their hot sauce. The hot sauce was not too bad. The other stuff though...will give me nightmares. The people working seemed nice enough, it's just that the food is seriously disgusting. I would easily pay $15 again, as many times as it took to never eat the food another time, ever in my entire life. This place should have been shut down years ago. The food is inedible. Don't go here. Don't say I didn't warn you. read more

Taco Casa - "Enchiladas" - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

It's a great spot get a lot of food for the money it's always pretty good nothing fancy but it's a place I stop periodically. Sometimes I get a craving for it I think that's a good sign read more

Reopened and now they use cheaper cheese with higher prices. This was a GREAT franchise from Texas and the few that are left in the South are much better than this one. read more

I have loved this place for over 30 years. But lately the meat has been too salty. Tonight was even saltier than ever. Please, cut down on the salt! Thanks. read more

I got a "taco salad" tonight. It was literally just meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato thrown in a Styrofoam container with a taco shell broken in half and thrown on top! Been going here for years! Won't be back and apparently I have to add a star to post this read more

Taco Casa - This was my "Taco Salad" - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Awesome food and service! I highly recommend recommend, just as good as the location in Okoboji! It never disappoints!

Food was mediocre at best. It's cheap and plentiful, but that's about the best I can say. The salsa was the best part. Service was unpleasant. The two women manning the place were like the Iowa version of the Soup Nazi. read more

The establishment has been remodeled and that looks great! However, the food is not the same as it was! The meat is bland, the red sauce that they are famous for putting on their burritos, is no longer something to be desired! Coupled with the fact that their prices have risen exponentially! I have been a longtime patron and will not refer or visit the restaurant again! read more

I heard there are new owners however, food tastes exactly like I remember (I have been going to the taco house and/or taco casa since the 80's when I lived in IA) and that is a fantastic thing. Great cheese, hot sauce....nothing fancy but everything I've always loved about these 2 restaurants over the years. if you like spicy, request the green sauce too! Food came out quickly and all the staff were super friendly. read more

Great customer service, if you want great food at a great price look no further! The portions are amazing.

I'm sorry to say, my first (and possibly last) visit to the 'new' Taco Casa was not good. This review is solely based on my food. My husband and I have been huge fans for many many years. So much so that we still make the jaunt there from Bondurant. We are pretty simple in that we usually get nothing but tacos (and sometimes cinnamon and sugar chips of which I passed on today). The soft-shell oh so special yummy flour tacos of yesteryear are no more. We got home and took a bite. It was NOT the original. #1 no lettuce?! I mean really? Lettuce belongs on tacos! #2 and this is my biggest issue....cheese! What is this yellow crap on my tacos? I absolutely HATE that nasty liquid cheese crap!!! Where is the very flavorful shredded cheese? Apparently right down the drain with the rest of the taco. It's also like a third of the size it used to be. And then the meat. Not much and absolutely not the same. Maybe some will like it. But I gotta say, if you always stayed in the normal taco lane for the best tacos ever, I think you will be quite disappointed as I was. For the new owner, I truly do hope you succeed, but for this diehard taco casa soft-shell taco fan....i will take a pass. read more

I was so upset they raised their prices and all the items are smaller and what a disgrace to the Previous owners. The Chili Quilies were 1/2 the size they were, they were in a pie pan before now it is 1/2 the size, and maybe 10 chips and did not even fill a 1/4 of a pot pie pan the Prices DO NOT MATCH the internet menu and I will never go back I was so disappointed that I left my food and when I left another gentleman told me that he thought the same thing. to the owner, you can clean up a place and make it look better but when you double your price you should at least have the same portion NOT LESS read more

I love everything about this business. The history, the food is consistently delicious. The staff are all hard working and go above and beyond. I always have to take a dozen soft shells to Colorado for family. (Along with A/E party dip.) Staff always knows exactly how to pack it up for traveling. It is the best kept secret in town. The remodel they did is outstanding and welcoming. (Except they changed Pepsi to coke). My service animal always gets a bowl of meat when we visit. They are so kind to my service animal. This business is a gem. Thank you for always being consistent. It's so much fun to go in and hear from other guests their positive history with this restaurant. Taco Casa is a staple in the community. read more

The food is consistently good, but be prepared for the service. Sometimes they are all arguing and could care less if you're there or not, but still good food. Highly recommend the hot sauce. The place has been there since the 60's and it's not on everyones radar. read more

Amazing food and hot sauce. If your looking for quick filling food look no further. If you are boogie it's not for you.

I stopped here for lunch and was pretty disappointed. The burrito had hardly any meat in it, the iced tea was horrible, and the enchilada thing that friend ordered was a wet mess. The food came out pretty quickly, but was fairly low quality. Probably won't go back here. read more

Taco Casa - a chocolate sauce in a plastic container - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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The service was mid, the young lady behind the counter made comments about us after we ordered and laughed. We got home and the food looked okay, we ordered a couple tacos and a taco salad. The meat was barely cooked through and completely unseasoned. I also think the ratio of meat to taco was off, which would have been fine if the meat was seasoned right instead of grey and bland. Won't be back. read more

Horrible food and even worse service. Employees are plain mean to customers. Yelling and cursing seems the only way they can talk to customers. Long waiting times to get your food and when it is finally handed to you it's cold and disgusting. Nacho's were burned, dried out cheese and some unrecognizable meat? and beans mixture on top. Burrito's are made of cardboard and were stone cold. Seemed they were premade and someone tried to microwave them. I can't believe this place is still in business. Please don't subject yourself to their food and service. Believe me , it was the last time I ever spend any money there anymore. read more

I'm halfway through this taco and there's still about 3 lbs left. Good Mexican food and I've been to LA. Getcha pull!

Taco Casa is a small, poorly maintained little restaurant with uncomfortable seating and a very difficultly-accessible location. It's not authentic Mexican cuisine. However, their food is outstanding! It's a very casual, almost homey sort of atmosphere with made-to-order menu that is true comfort food. Their burritos are outstanding and filling, and very affordable. Highly recommend! read more

Taco Casa - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Good food and good service on take out orders. What more could you ask for? This has been a favorite for us for Mexican food for years. Thank you very much, Taco Casa! read more

I love this place! If you're looking for a classy Mexican restaurant, this isn't it! If you're looking for tasty Mexican food, in a hole in the wall restaurant, you found it. I always get the nachos grande and the quesadilla. I always eat the nachos and then take the quesadilla home because the nachos are extremely filling. The quesadilla isn't what you'd think. Filled with a ton of cheese, meat and onion, then folded into a rectangle shape, not a circle. It's awesome. One last important thing to get is the green sauce. Lots of it!!!! Very tasty and Very hot!!! read more

We love the Taco House - thought we would try the sister restaurant- Taco Casa. It is very similar to the Taco House in Milford, near Lake Okoboji. The food and salsa are great. The neighborhood is a bit rough as well as the restaurant. read more

Taco Casa - Inside and outside seats - Mexican Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We LOVE this place. You're not there for the seats (which aren't uncomfortable at all, fwiw) so ignore that review. Be pleasantly surprised at how good it is - if you want fancy, cook it at home. If you want good food, reasonable prices, check em out. We go every time we're in town, never disappointed. read more

Being you cant get enchiladas after 6pm and they close at 8pm I say pass on these LAZY people! They claim they dont have enough people but yet they have enough people at noon and at 5pm but yet they dont have enough at 6pm. Unlike the food service industry most of us have to work for a living and we dont get off till 6pm or later. If they dont have business they will stop being lazy and start serving the full menu and being open normal hours!!! read more

This is my favorite Mexican spot! I love everything they have. Their nachos, burritos and their soft shell tacos are unbelievably terrific!

Michelin 3 Star baby! Ask for chef Henri, okay I'm kidding. Been going there since 1975. 3 beef enchilada with onions is the best. Soft shell taco is great, I add sour cream. Deluxe nachos is a solid choice. They had a change of ownership 3 or 4 years ago, minor change for a bit, has settled down. Watch the dates on the milk cartons, they've been iffy on that for 45 years. Might be the best prices in town. read more

This is the Waffle House of tacos, literally. Small locally owned business, only one in Des Moines and one in Okoboji. It is always busy and loud or at least the staff is. You can see the food being prepared while you wait or you can stand outside on their covered patio that makes you forget your on a busy intersection until someone honks or yells something crazy. Food is great and prices are cheap. The hot sauce is fire. They also have kids plates. I suggest calling your order in ahead of time. You might have a hard time getting through but that's half the charm about this place. read more

DEE-LISH-US!!!! The boyfriend swore that this place would make up for the tragic lunch experience at D'Leons in Lincoln, NE where I'm fairly certain we were served squirrel burritos. So I was quite leery when he offered up a trip to Taco Casa to cure our holiday-shopping hunger pains. First Impressions: The floor was filthy but I attribute that to everyone's muddy, wet boots that had tracked in snow and slush. They sent out someone to mop twice while we were there but it was truly a loosing battle. We both ordered chicken; me a taco, him a burrito and of course, nachos to share. (C'mon, I'm in Iowa... got to live it up!) The tortillas were fresh and homemade - the shredded chicken was tender and savory - the salsa was HOT and heavenly. Jalapenos on the nachos and a cool root beer to slow the heat. I was a happy, happy girl. I really look forward to heading back to Taco Casa on my next trip to the midwest. I'll be craving it until then. read more