We've got Clive's top Mexican restaurants covered for you.
“My family of 4 came here on a Friday night for dinner, it was our first time and it was very busy which is always a good sign. We were added to the waitlist and it was only about 15 minute wait til we were seated. Our server was amazing. She was on top of our refills. The margaritas are excellent, and the salsas and beans that come with the chips are by far the best we’ve had. Our food came out all at once and was fresh and delicious. We will be back! Muchas Gracias!Kid-friendliness: Kid’s coloring page menu with plenty of options for picky eaters. My 3 year old loved his cheeseburger.“
“Gotta give a shout out to my friends at El Rodeo in Clive. Been going to this restaurant for years and they never disappoint. The staff is amazing and the food/margaritas are excellent! Great atmosphere and love their outdoor patio when the weather is nice. Keep up the great job, El Rodeo.“
“I am a lover of Mexican food !! This was my first time at Maria's and I will go back again & again !! It was delicious, everything was hot and prepared fresh and the queso was amazing !!! On a scale of 1 to 10...it's a 10 plus!!!“
“You normally don’t think of pasta or cheeseburgers at a Mexican restaurant but their Mexican cilantro sauce and cheeseburger tacos are amazing! So is everything else! We always leave with extra and they reheat really well. So lucky this place is in my neighborhood!“
“I've been here twice this week, (don't judge me) Ordered birria tacos, comes with 3 tacos, both times along with Spanish rice. Delicious, the Spanish rice is the best in the area! The staff is awesome, so friendly! I will definitely be back. I can't offer pictures as I've devoured them so quickly both times.“
“Thank you Carlos and everyone from Toreados! I finished everything and I'm already full ? The service is very excellent and everyone is very friendly ? They didn't have Apple Pay but they will accept card numbers that still work to pay! I hope this review makes a difference and compensates for my loss!“
“Bang for your buck, you can’t beat Tacos Degollado, just east of 19th n University in Des Moines. This place wins HANDS DOWN in my opinion. Always have gotten the “special” part of the order right for everyone I have brought there. No onions never had onions, no cilantro always without cilantro. You cannot beat this for the quality, quantity and price. In DSM, as far as our street food goes, it’s the best in its category. You won’t be disappointed. Mucho Gisto!“
“The server was very nice and the atmosphere is very charming, I got the enchiladas, I thought it was a bit overpriced for 13 dollars but they give you an enormous amount of food, and the chicken and tortilla were both very well seasoned and made to “
“What this place lacks in charm & atmosphere, it makes up with food & service. I didn’t know this place existed until a couple of weeks ago and if you drove by, you would likely miss its Just steps away from the Franklin Library, it’s the perfect post library lunch spot. I have never had a cactus street taco before and theirs is delicious! Loved the mint-cucumber drink. Really want to try the hibiscus one next time. I’m excited to go back.“
“Excellent food. Like, one of the best Mex-Am restaurants in Des moines. Excellent service. Great drinks. Absurdly insane value. Really decent atmosphere except the music is a bit too loud.I had the Hidalgo Molcajete. Be warned. For $22 dollars, you'd expect this to feed one person. It does not. It feeds damn near an entire family.“
“This food is so rich and full or culture. The flavor is bursting with every bite- I come here so often, it’s my family’s go to place. One of the workers always helps my brother with celiac disease, we just call ahead of time and he gets my brother gluten free chips, with a separate fryer, utensils, gloves, and everything. Celiac, vegetarian, vegan, child, pretty much everything friendly!Vegetarian options: As a vegetarian may I say OH MY GOSH it is purely delicious!Dietary restrictions: A family member of mine has celiac, it has gluten free and celiac friendly choices- along with sesame free optionsParking: The parking is nice and easyKid-friendliness: Family with kid friendly, little kids love the kid options!Wheelchair accessibility: Wheel chair accessible parking and entrance as well as seating“
“Fresh great tasting food with plenty options, you can’t go wrong. I bought two steak tacos, two chicken tacos, rice, and elote in a cup. Everything was fantastic! The employees were extremely friendly and food was done quickly. I’ll be back again “
Mexican • $
“The best Pancheros around. Fast, great service, very clean, friendly employees. Food is consistent and great every time. I take my client there almost weekly and they always smile and say “hi” and remember her name. When I go without her they ask where she is. Great place!“
“We love our Mexican and usually have our go to stop, but we decided to venture out on a Saturday evening and try something new. Reviews highly recommended Amigos so that’s where we headed. We were greeted when we walked in and realized the restaurant was full, so we asked to sit at the bar. We were seated and given menus, chips and salsa. There were so many great looking dishes and choices, but we knew right away for drinks we wanted a Michelada with Corona, and a Victoria along with queso and guacamole and two waters. We looked over the menu while we waited for the drinks and dips. It was quite extensive but sorted into categories that helped narrow it down.The Victoria, water, guacamole and queso was brought almost immediately. The Michelada took a little longer for good reason… it was a work of art and something like I have never seen! I always order Michelada at Mexican restaurants but never had anything like this with so many fixings and such great flavor! I would come back just for this! We orders our entrees after receiving the drinks - the carnitas and the veggie quesadilla. It did not take long for the food to come out but we were enjoying the chips and dips and drinks so time wouldn’t have mattered. The carnitas were served with rice, beans, tortillas, and pico de gallo. The portion was very generous and the pork was tender, juicy and seasoned well. The quesadilla took up the plate it was so big and loaded with peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato, cheese and had tomato, lettuce & sour cream on the side. Both meals were the best we have had at a Mexican establishment and portions were very very generous… definitely left overs going home for smother meal.The service was fantastic, the atmosphere is great, and the food and drink, and menu options outstanding. I think we have a new favorite weekly stop!“
“After my favorite taco spot closed, I was so happy to find TNT's!! They sell individual tacos, so you can mix and match. Plus all the different flavors of Agua Fresca and horchata are all refreshing. I like the quesabirria tacos best, and the carne asada. I've only ordered to go, and the website is very easy to navigate. The restaurant is small, but it's quick service so you don't have to stay super long. I like the simple decor, and it's very clean!“
“This is my new favorite hidden gem. The food was absolutely amazing and came out quickly. Our server Santiago was attentive, extremely friendly, and just really great overall. The margaritas are unique and delicious. If I wasn't so full I would come back again tonight!“
“Our sever Omar was fast, friendly and amazing! Fajitas Mariachi were wonderful! My girlfriend said the Carne Asada tacos are the best she ever had. Chips and salsa were very good. The margaritas were decent. Great experience, we'll definitely be back soon!“
“Went for a quick lunch and walked away unsatisfied. Immediately thrown off by the lack of a lunch menu & the high prices. The Staff were friendly & attentive making the ordering & delivery of food quick. Due to high prices I shared an appetizer w/a friend & found the quantity & quality quite disappointing. To sum up my experience I would say the place & staff were great, food was mediocre and prices were far too high. So I don't plan on revisiting nor do I recommend visiting.“
“Very good and very quick. Need to wrap the hard shells tacos in paper instead of using the aluminum containers though. It would be cheaper for the company as well and keep the taco shells from getting soggy in 5 mins. Not sure why they don’t do that.“
“The Carnitas Tacos were delicious, so much meat packed in each one. The atmosphere is modern and clean, and the service was great. The starter salsa was good as well, and the chips were thick and crispy. Will definitely be back to try more dishes.“
“We have been here once for dine in and twice for takeout. As someone who is from a Mexico border area and grew up eating Mexican food , this is some of the best mexican food i've found In iowa. Specifically, he guacamole is the best that I have Found in iowa since I moved here years ago. We have had nachos, burrito, tacos, and a couple dinner plates , and everything has always been good. The Rice and beans don't have as much flavor or seasoning, but to be honest, I don't usually eat them anyway. Definitely recommend.Two entrees (fajitas and huge nacho plate), two guacamoles, plus tax and a 20% tip was under sixty bucks (my sons budget)“
“If you haven’t tried Bandit Burrito, let me just tell you right now. You are missing out! This is a must try location if you are in the DSM area. It can’t get any better than Bandit Burrito. I have tried them all, and personally not a big fan of Qdoba and Pancheros is ok. But this place here is no comparison, absolutely amazing. 100 percent RECOMMEND!“
“Food is delicious, the margaritas not so good for Wednesdays Margaritas night? they are weak and tasteless but the food is so scrumptious!!!!!I just ordered online and forgot to order beans and as a one time courtesy they are sending some! I appreciate that because that is all my daughter will eat!Update Baria tacos ? were very dry today and fatty! Kind of a waste of money! Unfortunately probably will never order from here again. ?“
“I ordered the regular steak burrito. The look and taste was great, but definitely not worth $12 each for the cheapest version (carne asada/steak). If you’re looking for burritos, I’d recommend many other restaurants that charge less for the same product.“
Mexican • $$
“The food was great here the one time I have been so far. Whoever is in charge of the website needs to update it though. Because it clearly lists under “services” that they take reservations and encourage you to call and make them. Just called to try to make a reservation for dinner tonight and was told by the employee on the phone that they don’t take reservations…“
“One of my favorite places to stop for a quick bite. I have never waited long at any of the locations. I love their steak flour taco's. My first wife was Mexican and most Mexican families have a chili (hot sauce/salsa) recipe that's passed down through generations. Next to my wife's family, tasty tacos is runner up for sure, love that stuff. Support this local chain and swing in.Actual paying customer- not a paid actor. Hehe“
“I noticed that they had decorations up for Valentine's Day. They have margarita specials. I had the lime margarita which was delicious. And steak fajitas. The service was great and the food came quickly. And they give you chips and salsa as much as you want free of charge.Kid-friendliness: They do have a kids menu.“
“Decided to stop by for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by how amazing the food, service and atmosphere was!We were promptly greeted and sat at a table where the waitress asked what we would like to drink and if we wanted any queso with our chips and salsa. Of course we did and by the time she came back with all three, we were ready to order. I ordered the steak quesadilla with rice and beans, a steak taco on a corn tortilla and my husband got a beef chimichanga.Everything was full of flavor, from the Smokey salsa served with our chips to the steak quesadilla and the rice! Will definitely be going back as the service was impeccable, the restaurant was very clean and tidy and the food was a hit! 10/10 would come back to eat here again!“
“This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in Norwalk! The service is always on point and the staff is super welcoming and friendly.We've been super into ordering the chori queso lately. The chorizo adds a whole other level of yum...a level you didn't realize you needed. I like the guac but it's not my all time favorite and will only order on occasion.I enjoy their steak sopes, pollo con arroz, and chimichangas, although I think anything would be good from here! Recently celebrated my birthday here and got some free fried ice cream, which is always a bonus! Check out if you're ever in the Norwalk area.“
“LOOOVVVEEE this place!! The burritos w the shredded chicken and creamy cilantro are my favorite! Often times I get it in a bowel w out the tortilla.Huge servings!! 1 meal will last me a couple servings at least. I do not pass this place without stopping in!Very friendly staff.“
“Okay, I have to share an experience. I just left a negative review for Taco Bell. About 2 miles from the store.On august 22 I went to taco bell down the street I waited 11 minutes, did not get waited on while everybody at the drive thru was getting waited on (about 8 to 10 people). The manager said after eleven minutes it'd be quicker if you used the kiosk. I am not an employee of taco bell. I generally don't use self check out either.At any rate I drove down the street. Four minutes away walked up to the counter at taco john's. After three minutes I had my food and was out the door. I just want to say a lot of people only leave feedback when they're upset. I am just the opposite. But occasionally I do leave negative feedback.Taco John's your people did a great job. Keep up the good work, thank you.“
“Fresh pressed tortilla, loaded with meat and whatever toppings this steak and chicken burrito was top tier a d then they finish it off on the griddle for a nice char on both sides! Would definitely recommend looking forward to going again. Also didn’t know there were three restaurant options (a fried chicken and a Mediterranean hummus restaurant) at the one on University Ave so it really can be a one stop shop for a variety.“
“Delicious food truck in West Des Moines near Valley Junction. They have a wide array of mexican food. Tacos, tortas, tacos dorados (fried tacos) and tostadas de Ceviche just to name a few. I had the tostada de ceviche today and it was so fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend everyone to go check it out. You will be very happy you did.“
“Welcomed as soon as we arrived. I ordered a margarita as I looked over the menu. Decided to have a taco salad with beef. I asked for no refried beans and it came as ordered. Homemade shell and plenty of toppings will have me going back soon.“
“I had been looking for a go-to neighborhood Mexican joint in WDM and this is the one. Checks all the boxes - great chips, drinks, entrees. Had a good atmosphere and I couldn’t believe the amount of people they had working. Was a welcomed sight since seemingly the majority of restaurants these days are short staffed.5 stars and I can’t wait to come back.“
“This is a great local spot to eat some classic Mexican food! Good service, good food, and good drinks! My only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is that their parking lot is small, and there is not a lot of street parking available. If it was easier to park here, we would visit much more often!“
“Always great food. Their pressed tortillas are simply amazing. Kids love their quesadillas especially with chicken in them. Their chips and queso are wonderful as well.Vegetarian options: Mixed veggies, black beans, and tofu are all optionsKid-friendliness: Quesadillas and tacos are probably the most popular optionsWheelchair accessibility: Close wheelchair friendly parking is available, no stairs.“
Mexican • $
“Food is fantastic! I recently ordered their burrito, and it was hands down the best I've ever had. I have gotten very used to Chipotle and didn’t have high expectations but from the first bite, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors and the freshness of the ingredients. The blend of perfectly cooked meat, the richness of the beans, and the tantalizing spices created a delightful culinary experience.What truly sets Fernando's apart is their unwavering commitment to quality. The burrito was generously filled with top-notch ingredients, and each bite was a savory delight. The texture, the taste, and the portion size were beyond exceptional.Moreover, the service was outstanding. The staff was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience. The cleanliness and ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall satisfaction of the visit.“
“This is my go-to mexi spot. Chicken fajitas are always on point. More often than not I stroll in, place a to-go order, and it's ready within a few minutes. Great portions, and a nice size bag of chips and salsa also included. The meat is never dry/overcooked and has great flavor.“
Mexican • $
“Let's start with the chips and salsa. Better than average chips with excellent salsa. Meni items had very large portions. Our group of four enjoyed their meals. The highlight was the Pollo Delight. Pressed chicken breast cooked in a tangy sauce with shrimp and pineapple. The mexican coleslaw that came with it was great. The low spot for me was the chicken in the chimichanga. Although there was more chicken than I could eat, it seemed to be fresh out of a can. No real chicken cooked in sauce.“
“I've been eating flour tacos and onion rings at Tasty Tacos since Pop's ran the orders and cash register at 10th & Grand (the now demolished Investment Building. ) I had three this Friday and the quality and taste are a delicious meal! ? ? ?“
“i LOVE TAMALES INDUSTRY!!!! Mexican Cuisine in and of itself amazing, but somehow, someway, Tamales Industry made it 1000x BETTER!! I thought Tamales Industry was just another mid run-of-the-mill mini mall restaurant, but I was surly mistaken. If your making the same mistake, underestimating Tamales Industry, don't. Its amazing.“
“I haven’t had amazing tacos since I was in Brooklyn 2 years ago. I have been on the hunt since my favorite place to go closed during the first surge of Covid. I try new taco places at least 2 times a week, and each has been a disappointment. I am super picky about my Al Pastor, especially. This place has me believing in good tacos again. 100 % recommend this place.“
“this is not only the best Mexican food I've ever tasted but this is the best food in general I have ever, this place has some amazing staff that made the most amazing meal I've ever had. I am now a life long customer of awesome cuisine.“
“Might be biased but I absolutely love this place. I’ve been to many different Pancheros and this one just always seems to hit the spot. The place itself is a little dry but I guess we have to be the ones to entertain ourselves sometimes or else you might just be boring. 9.7/10 definitely recommend!!“
“This was a childhood memory of mine. They don’t really have these anywhere, except kind of the Midwest, Wyoming, Kansas, Minnesota area. We stopped by and got a six pack and a pound. The potatoes oles are good and the tacos I think are better than Taco Bell’s.“
“This eatery is excellent. I really appreciated it and adored it. The staff is fantastic, and you never need to flag anyone down because they are always checking up on you . Elite food was served. I had a great time here and would definitely return. a well-designed kids menu, as well as another area where children may place orders with good portion sizes and kind, hospitable menus and service.“
“It's a go to spot for fajitas. Best in town in my opinion. Services lacked slightly in comparison to other visits. Server was just absent and at end of meal basically had to demand a box and check. Like he asked if everything was good and then just walked away before I could ask for a box, then flagged him down, to get said box but didn't offer the check when the box showed up. Like bro, were all done here, let us leave.“
“Always love Monterrey. We are a family of vegetarians and they always accommodate any needs we have and have a great vegetarian menu!They are always super quick with making our order (we always order takeout/pickup). The restaurant is always busy, but always looks very clean. Food is always hot and they are super consistent with taste/quality.Great bang for your buck. For 3 adults getting 3 vegetarian entrees and chips/salsa it's $35 and we tip $5 to whoever put in / made our order for us.. Pretty hard to come across any restaurant, fast food or not where you can get such large portions and feed 3 adults for under $40!“