Restaurantji's Hiawatha picks for the finest Mexican cuisine.
“Not super easy to get to, but well worth it. We both ordered the chicken Street taco meal, with potato Ole's. (You can never go wrong with their potato Ole's... Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside... And not greasy at all!) The chicken Street tacos were fresh and filling. To get 2 meals that good for under $20... Yeah, we'll be back.“
“This place is AMAZING!! New flavors for Mexican food i haven’t tasted before. The service was fantastic, the workers are so nice and joke around with you and have fun. The food came out about 10 min after we ordered which is super fast for 6 people at a table. I tasted all the food on the table and nothing was overly spicy. It was all so flavorful and delicious. Everyone’s plate was huge too!! PLUS AT THE END WE GOT A FULL SIZED FREE SHOT THATS HOUSE MADE. That was very good too. Over all i will be a loyal customer to this restaurant.“
“We started off with chips and quesos. Our 9 month old baby tried the beans and loved them. Had the biarria tacos with rice and beans, and they were great. The husband had the biarra grilled cheese and the Cali burrito. Highly recommend that you get a gallon horchata and, as a horchatta lover, will definitely be back. The server was amazing, really nice, and attentive. Quick service. If you like watermelon candies, they also have a drink that taste exactly like one.“
“I don’t give five stars unless everything is perfect and the service is good. Good service is so hard to find anymore. Our server was amazing! We didn’t have to wait for anything and he was always checking on us and super nice. This was our first time here and I loved it. We all ordered breakfast and it was amazing. Also got chips and queso which were some of the best chips in town! Ordered a horchata latte which was amzing and the ozzy bfast skillet. The skillet was super good! My bf ordered the biscuits and gravy which was also super good.“
“Amazing experience tonight! A group of 5 girls got together and first met up at a restaurant on 1st Avenue and 2nd Street downtown. The service was beyond horrible. It took 45+ minutes and THREE requests for our server just to bring water to the table. One girl told our waitress to just cancel our orders as we were going elsewhere. The waitress literally gave us a thumbs up and kept on walking. We reconvened as a group to Mamacita's, and from the minute we walked in we were treated amazing. The restaurant was packed, and they were busy, but we never felt neglected in the least. Macarena was our server and she was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. The bartender was Julio, and the drinks were total perfection. Amazing food, drinks, and service. Mamacitas did an incredible job turning a bad dining experience into a wonderfully memorable experience!!!“
“WOW. We had such a great experience at Lacayo. First, THIS IS NOT ANOTHER MEXICAN RESTAURANT. This is Latin American cuisine and it’s one of the best places in Cedar Rapids. Everything is so flavorful, it’s all made in house (even the tortillas), and the service is wonderful. We had a meal with friends and enjoyed it so much, we went back for brunch the next day. Looking for a brunch spot that doesn’t just offer the same standard breakfast items but packs tons of flavor? This is your place. You have to get the tamale. The sauce is out of this world. Will be returning and bringing friends and family to share in the experience. This place is a must if you’re going to be dining out in Cedar Rapids.“
“I only go to Eva's every now and then because it's so far from my house and there are a hundred Mexican restaurants from here to there, but going back today reminded me how amazing the food was. Really, driving the distance is more than worth it. Yesterday, I happened to be on the right side of town and went back to Eva's. It's a small building but that's one of the things I like the most about it. It's comfortable and friendly. The server's name was Marili and she was great. She anticipated when I needed anything and never made me feel like I was asking too much. There was a high school(?) aged kid that was very attentive and courteous and helped the servers fill drinks, take plates, and check up on tables. I ended up tipping him as well because he definitely deserved it. The owner was a consistent presence, also making sure everyone was happy and everything was in order. This is a small, family owned business and it definitely feels like it by the way they treat and know their customers. If that wasn't enough of a reason to support this place, the food was probably the best Mexican food I've had. As soon as I sat down, I ordered a cherry coke and a small queso to go with the chips. The chips were thick (but not overly so) and had a really good crunch to them, and the queso was definitely worth the buy. Their menu is very extensive and there are so many different dishes that I haven't seen at other restaurants. I don't usually get appetizers at Mexican restaurants for some reason, but I wanted to try something new. To start, I ordered the Mini Chimis (Two fried chimis stuffed with chicken, beans, and cheese and served with a homemade dressing.) The dressing was something like a coleslaw, sweet and tangy, and I could have probably drank the stuff it was so good. The chimis were cut in half and served over a shredded lettuce bed and were cooked perfectly. had to move the plate to the back of the table so I would not just eat all of it right then and there and not be able to eat any of the chicken fajitas I had ordered for an entree. The chicken fajitas came out sizzling and had more and better flavor than other fajitas I've had. The tortillas were so fluffy and tasty as well I actually ordered another side of them to go! The fajitas are served with the usual rice, beans, and lettuce mix and topped with a fresh homemade guacamole. When the owner stopped by, I asked him if they made the guacamole in house and he said that yes, they actually made everything fresh there. You can definitely taste the quality and care put into everything. At the end, the total was $42.80, and I will still probably get 4-5 more meals out of the leftovers because of the generous amount they serve. This is the kind of place that once you go once, you'll probably have a hard time staying away from so keep that in mind before you make that decision. I couldn't think of one bad thing to say even if I wanted to. 10/10“
“We didn't plan on going here tonight, but this is where we ended up. I'm so happy we found this place. We stopped in tonight because we forgot it was Sunday and our normal go-to spots where we normally get food were closed already. So here we were hungry and in need of somewhere with some good food that was open past 8. Google led us right to them. I got the birria tacos. They were juicy with great portions and full of so much flavor. They have been the best birria tacos I have ever had. I will definitely be going back to try more options from the menu and some drinks.“
“El Super Burrito & Lupita's is really a great stop! The burrito was definitely one of the better in CR. The ingredients were simple, but each was really great on its own. With their powers combined, it is Captain…err Super Burrito! Shown below is the carne asada “Super Burrito.” The sauces were the perfect blend of spice and straight tastiness. Now my favorite part, the tamales. I’ve ordered them so many places and finally I’ve found my favorite! The pork was spicy and perfect for mah buds. BTW, it was incredibly fast and priced very well. They also have a bakery that looked amazing. Probably need to pick up some donuts in the AM.“
“This was my first trip to this restaurant. We were seated immediately. The wait staff was appropriately attentive. The selection options were great. The quality of the food and speed of service was above average. The facility was clean and well maintained. Thanks for a great experience!“
“Jessica our fantastic favorite server had us try a new food item!! it was fantastic!! Her smiling face and easy to talk to personality always takes us back to Villas at least once a week! if you go ask for Jessica!! love our waitress!!!! Villas NE Cedar Rapids “
“The food was good, but it wasn't anything different that you couldn't get at every other Mexican restaurant in town.The chips were served warm and had an excellent snap to them, and the salsa was crisp and tasty but nothing special. The queso was thin and tasty. (I like slightly thicker cheese sauce... and a little spice, which there was none. )Our server, Karlita, seemed to be bothered that we sat in her section. She stopped at our table and would ask us if there was something we wanted as she was walking away, so we couldn't really get the things we asked for previously in a decent fashion. The drinks were fairly prompt, aside from the only one that mattered, which was a simple cup of water for a toddler.I couldn't taste the chorizo in my beef & chorizo burrito, but again, it was still tasty. Their refried beans and rice were good.The fajita burrito was huge! It's smothered in queso sauce and pretty good, but again, it's the same as everywhere else.The whole reason we went to El Paraiso instead of El Super Burrito (which has the best burritos by far!) was to be able to have margaritas.The large margaritas came in a big beer stein rather than a margarita glass and tasted like any margarita mix that you can get at the store.This place is good if you don't like to try anything different than what you're used to.“
“WOW, they have the BEST fried tacos. everything we ordered was good but the fried tacos were so full of flavor. my very picky daughter loved them 10/10 will definitely be making this our new Mexican place to visit. the staff was very friendly. so happy they decided to come to CR.“
“I ordered the crabmeat nachos. DON'T DO IT !! They are placed in the microwave and there is no crunch, what a waste of money. The up side is the margaritas were good. C.Js is good to meet up with your friends & have a cocktail but don't expect delicious nachos“
“They have the most greatest and authentic azada corn tortilla tacos with onion and cilantro. Since I tried them out been a weekly or 2 times a week since to get a few. They now know me by heart and they say no lime first with me which is key due to family allergies.Dietary restrictions: They understand my partners allergies and make sure to not include it on my mine so I don't accidentally poison him with a kiss.“
“They have the most greatest and authentic azada corn tortilla tacos with onion and cilantro. Since I tried them out been a weekly or 2 times a week since to get a few. They now know me by heart and they say no lime first with me which is key due to family allergies.Dietary restrictions: They understand my partners allergies and make sure to not include it on my mine so I don't accidentally poison him with a kiss.“
“We’ve been thrilled with the food and service at Casa Las Glorias for many years. Lunch today was just another excellent experiment. Prompt and courteous service. Food was prepared quickly with the same amazing standards. Chimichangas, for example, are crisp when served with white sauce on them. We’ve had most of the menu items the years. All excellent.“
“Had a quiet lunch with my son and husband over here this afternoon. Food was delicious though the steak was done well when asked for medium rare on my sweetheart's meal. Dining area was well cleaned though it lacked decoration beyond minimal designs around lighting fixtures and some table designs. Overall a pleasant family friendly dining experience with delicious steak fajitas and a delightful raspberry tea. Wait staff and host were very attentive to us throughout the meal. Definitely recommend for a tasty meal with left extra to take home.Kid-friendliness: High chairs provided for little one“
“Huge shout out to Villas Patio 2 CR. Just before midnight last night my husband and I were so hungry and knew not many places were open at that time. We drove around looking for something that was open and we stumbled across a packed parking lot at Villas Patio 2 in the Fountains (Edgewood and Blairsferry). Long story short, they were only open that late due to having a famous band playing and there was a cover to get in. We were told we could get food at the bar. Sounds good to me! One of the owners came up to us and told us if we weren’t there for the band, he’d be happy to waive the cover, proceeded to clear a table in the back part for us and then offered to be our waiter! he gave us 3 options to choose from for food. We had the most amazing street tacos with the best service while the world class band played in the background. It was definitely a memorable evening! We loved seeing everyone have a good time and dance! I couldn’t understand a word the band said since I don’t speak Spanish, but they sounded great! I want to give a huge thank you and shout out to the owners of Villas Patio 2 in the Fountains. We were so welcomed and they truly went above and beyond for us. We had a few people from the restaurant stop and chat with us. It most definitely left a good impression and I know we will be back. I encourage you all to go and try their food. I can’t say enough good things about our experience of their staff. They turned “party crashers” into welcomed guests. Thank you!“
“Our go-to place for great Mexican food. The homemade tamales are amazing. My husband and grandson love their burritos, and my favorite is the chili relleno. They have a nice selection of Mexican sodas, and their pastries are delectable. Be sure to try both their red and green salsa... Made in store and wonderful. If you haven't already, give them a try. You won't be disappointed.“
“I got the steak and chicken burrito my gf got a combo fajita had steak chicken and shrimp all was amazing we couldn't eat it all so 2 meals for us chips and queso was good I wasn't fan of salsa it was cold and tasted like spaghetti sauce but will definitely be back food was “
“WE LOVE THIS PLACE! We drive an hr to get here, and it's well worth it!!! Amazing food and staff. We come hungry and leave happy. Our drinks were never empty, the service was top notch. FRESH HOMEMADE CHIPS! The salsa was soooo good and spicy! BEST in Iowa 100%. HORCHATA FRESH MADE DAILY!“
“They had authentic ingredients at a great price. Could do a better job of advertising where the grocery side of store is,. I almost missed it because the front looks out of business "restaraunt had same name"& "store was on the side"“
“Me and my family went here for dinner tonight and we were pleasantly welcomed by Trey who was absolutely amazing he was patient while we were deciding what we were ordering and very friendly when taking our order, it was clean and a very well kept area, Trey did an amazing job and we will definitely be coming “
“I was looking for a good Fajita place and stopped here. I ordered the Chicken & Shrimp Fajitas, which they gave me Chicken & Steak instead. However It was absolutely fantastic! I would totally recommend! Giacomo was also really good! Overall I'll be back!“
“Truly a gem in Cedar Rapids. The food is spectacular - if you are looking for fresh authentic Mexican food that tastes like it was made by family, this is your spot. Our family especially enjoys burritos and quesadillas. The prices are very reasonable as well. 5/5 absolutely recommend!“
“The breakfast burrito was fully loaded and jam packed with that flavor!! Everything was fuego ?? and super delicious!I had a 40 ft trailer and couldn’t park so they even ran it out to me when I pulled up! I really appreciate the customer service! EAT HERE!“
“The premier authentic Mexican restaurant in Marion!! I’ve been going there for years and it’s amazing every time. They also cater for events, which was also the best experience I’ve had for catering. They did our oldest boys high school graduation party and I can’t speak highly enough about how great they were!!!“
“This is my FAVORITE place to get Mexican in Cedar Rapids. Anything you order is going to be amazing! The service is always awesome and quick! I love the barrel margaritas, watch out they can creep up on you, one medium is good! The salsa is great. Burritos are huge! Quesadillas are filled with plenty of meat and cheese! Fajitas are so yummy! You cannot go wrong here!“
“All I have to say is yum!! First time trying it tonight and I couldn't even take a picture. By the time I remembered, it was gone! Even my picky 1.5 year old loved it. We got a Chipotle burrito, chicken fajita burrito and a kids enchilada and some chips and salsa. Love the freshness of the salsa also. Will be coming again to try the breakfast burritos next!“