We Ranked 11 Of Iowa’s Best Mexican Restaurants And Here’s Who Made The List
Eleven Mexican restaurants just earned bragging rights across Iowa, and the competition was fierce. Stone-bowl molcajetes and fajitas that hit the table still hissing set the bar sky high here.
Rooftop patios, quiet dining rooms, and buzzing college-town counters all fight for the same crowd. Birria broth runs rich and slow-cooked in more than one spot, and each kitchen claims its own signature twist.
A few names on this list might surprise longtime Iowa diners, and one dish could reroute your whole weekend. Family recipes meet bold new experiments, and nobody at the table leaves hungry.
Curious who actually claimed the top spots? Grab a fork, because this ranking deserves a real appetite, a road trip playlist, and a free afternoon.
1. Cowboy Mexican Bar & Grill Brings Rooftop Seating To Des Moines
Rooftop seating at a Mexican restaurant in Iowa? Yes, and it works beautifully here.
The dining room leans casual and cozy, with a trendy edge that suits both quick lunches and longer dinners. Table service keeps the pace steady, and the kitchen moves fast.
Fajitas Texanas land with plenty of steam and noise, which makes ordering them feel like an event. Vegetarians can lean on the veggie burrito, and the chips and salsa travel well for takeout.
Live music appears on the schedule, and screens make the space workable for sports nights. Expect the volume to rise as the room fills.
Friday and Saturday evenings run busiest, so weekday visits feel calmer if quiet matters. Monday and Tuesday mornings are the sleepiest stretches.
High chairs and a kids’ menu make family meals simple. Reservations are accepted, which helps with larger groups.
Parking rarely becomes a headache thanks to a free lot and free street spots nearby. Curbside pickup, delivery, and a drive-through cover the nights when cooking sounds like too much work.
Cowboy Mexican Bar & Grill sits at 1234 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316.
2. El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine Wins Over Ames Diners
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all get equal attention at this Ames favorite.
Chilaquiles show up on the morning menu, while fajitas anchor the evening rush. The kitchen also turns out enchiladas and tacos with steady consistency.
Iowa State students fill many of the tables, giving the room a friendly college-town buzz. Groups fit comfortably, and solo diners never feel out of place.
The Molcajete El Jefe arrives in a heavy stone bowl, still bubbling. Sopapilla with ice cream closes the meal on a warm and cold note at once.
Design choices stay cozy and a little trendy, with enough polish to feel like a small occasion. Service tends to be quick without rushing anyone out the door.
Doors open daily at late morning and stay open into the evening. Friday and Saturday nights draw the biggest crowds, so earlier weekday visits usually feel roomier.
Free parking in the lot and along the street keeps arrivals easy. Takeout and delivery are both available for slow nights at home.
Find El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine at 524 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010.
3. El Toreado Keeps Things Relaxed In West Des Moines
A patio, a long menu, and a chill room. That combination explains the steady crowds here.
Carnitas tacos and chile verde headline the plates, while grilled chicken fajitas hit the table sizzling. Guacamole gets made fresh and disappears fast.
Molcajete dishes are part of the signature lineup, arriving hot in stone bowls. A full vegetarian menu means nobody in the group gets stuck with side dishes.
Outdoor seating opens the space up during warmer months, and dogs are welcome on the patio. Live music shows up on some evenings, adding energy without swallowing conversation.
Service runs quick and attentive, which suits both weekday lunches and family dinners. Kids’ menus and high chairs are ready when needed.
Friday evenings are the busiest stretch, so midweek visits feel noticeably calmer. Wednesday mornings rank among the quietest windows.
Reservations help with bigger tables, and lunch specials keep weekday visits easy on the wallet. Free parking in the lot and on the street makes arrival painless.
The restaurant occupies a spot at 3751 EP True Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265.
4. Rio Burritos Puts A Creative Spin On Cedar Rapids Favorites
Birria ramen. Birria grilled cheese.
The menu here clearly likes to experiment.
Alongside those inventions sit familiar burritos, tacos, and quesadillas built for big appetites. Portions run generous, so sharing works well.
Ceviche makes a striking centerpiece, and horchata cools everything down. A pambazo brings something different for anyone tired of the usual order.
Decor stays festive and clean, with a relaxed family vibe that fits weeknight dinners. Counter service and table service are both part of the routine.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus sit right alongside the meat-heavy plates. Guacamole is vegan-friendly and worth adding to the table.
Doors stay open Monday through Saturday, with Sundays off. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings tend to fill first, so plan around them.
A private dining room supports birthdays and small gatherings. Reservations are accepted, and catering can cover larger events.
Curbside pickup, delivery, and no-contact options round out the takeout side. Free lot and street parking sit close to the entrance.
Rio Burritos operates from 5001 1st Ave NE, Suite 104, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
5. La Regia Taqueria Pairs A Taqueria With A Grocery Aisle
Tacos on one side, imported pantry staples on the other. Iowa City gets both in one stop.
The space stays small and pared down, which keeps attention on the food. Counter service moves quickly, even when a line forms.
Cabeza beef cheek tacos sit near vegetarian Tacos de Papa on the board. Steak and cheese fries offer something heavier for bigger hunger.
Chips and salsa are vegan-friendly and cheap enough to add without thinking. Mexican sodas fill the cooler for anyone skipping the usual soft drinks.
College students make up a good chunk of the crowd, so the energy runs lively at midday. Groups and solo diners both fit fine.
Friday and Saturday afternoons through evenings bring the heaviest traffic. Weekday mornings are the calmest, and Wednesday closes early in the afternoon.
Reservations are not taken, so walk-ins are the plan. Sundays are closed entirely.
High chairs, a kids’ menu, and catering are all available. Free parking makes quick pickup runs simple.
La Regia Taqueria can be found at 436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246.
6. La Mexicana Serves Coralville With Quiet Comfort
Looking for a Mexican dinner where conversation stays easy? Coralville has the answer.
The atmosphere here reads casual, cozy, and notably quiet compared to busier taquerias. That makes it a solid pick for families and small groups.
Street tacos anchor the menu, joined by burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Birria shows up for anyone chasing rich, slow-cooked beef.
Choripollo brings chicken and chorizo together under melted cheese. The taco plate keeps things straightforward and filling.
A full vegetarian menu sits alongside the standards, so mixed groups have real choices. Portions stay hearty without pushing prices up.
Weekend mornings open earlier, which opens the door to a late breakfast or early lunch. Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings tend to be the busiest windows.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings run quietest for anyone who prefers an empty room. Service stays quick and friendly throughout.
Dine-in and takeout are both offered, though delivery is not. Reservations are accepted, and catering covers larger gatherings.
High chairs and a kids’ menu handle the youngest diners.
La Mexicana welcomes guests at 1701 2nd St, Coralville, IA 52241.
7. Abarrotes Carrillo Blends Market Shelves And Steak Tacos
Steak tacos built this place’s reputation, and the rest of the menu keeps up.
Part market, part eatery, the Davenport spot stays unassuming and comfortable. A handful of tables sit near shelves stocked with Mexican staples.
Breakfast starts early, with chilaquiles ready for anyone who wants a savory morning. Menudo appears on weekends only, so timing matters.
Huaraches, chicken flautas, and empanadas fill out the middle of the menu. Pambazo brings something less common to the counter.
Portions run large and prices stay modest, which explains the repeat traffic. Chips and salsa are vegan-friendly and easy to add.
The room feels family-friendly and cozy rather than polished. Counter service and table service both happen, depending on the order.
Sunday afternoons, Tuesday evenings, and weekend late afternoons fill up fastest. Monday and midweek mornings tend to stay relaxed.
High chairs are available, and the space works fine for groups. Takeout keeps things moving during the lunch rush.
Free lot and street parking sit close by.
Abarrotes Carrillo does business at 903 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52802.
8. Verde Takes Bettendorf Mexican Dining Upscale
Ready for Mexican food with a fine-dining touch? Bettendorf delivers it.
The room leans upscale and trendy while staying approachable. Plating gets careful attention, and small plates encourage sharing.
Aguachile tostadas bring bright, citrusy heat to the table. Pollo tinga sopes offer something warmer and heartier.
A gluten-free and soy-free menu sets this kitchen apart from most in the area. A full vegetarian menu is available too.
Prices sit higher than a typical taqueria, generally landing in the twenty to thirty dollar range per person. The experience matches that step up.
Hours are limited, so checking before heading out is smart. Tuesday through Thursday runs dinner only, Friday and Saturday add lunch, and Sunday and Monday are closed.
Outdoor seating opens up in nicer weather. Reservations are accepted and worth making for weekend tables.
Kids are welcome, with high chairs on hand. Gender-neutral restrooms are part of the setup.
Delivery and takeout exist, though dining in shows the plating at its best. Free parking keeps the logistics simple.
Verde stands at 1507 State St, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
9. La Juanita Stays Open Late In Sioux City
Craving a burrito after midnight? Sioux City has a place for that.
Hours here stretch well past when most kitchens shut down, running into the early morning on weekends. Breakfast service starts the day just as reliably.
Burritos, tacos, and chimichangas make up the core of the order sheet. The Burrito Ranchero and Tostada de Camaron give the menu range.
Pickled carrots and house hot sauce come with the territory. Chiles rellenos suit vegetarians, and chips and salsa stay vegan-friendly.
The setup is no-frills, with counter ordering instead of table service. Seating stays casual and a little cozy, and the room can get loud.
Expect a wait during peak hours, especially Thursday through Saturday evenings and nights. Early weekdays feel much calmer.
Students and late-night crowds keep the energy up after dark. Groups fit, and high chairs and a kids’ menu handle families earlier in the day.
Reservations are not part of the system, so plan on walking in. Free and paid parking options both sit nearby.
La Juanita holds down 1316 Pierce St, Sioux City, IA 51105.
10. Lalo’s 2 Mexican Bar & Grill Feels Like Dubuque Comfort Food
Family-owned and easygoing, this Dubuque kitchen sticks to what people actually order.
Familiar Mexican plates fill the menu, from burritos to combination platters. The Burrito Special with extra cheese has become a go-to.
Salsas get attention here, and the kitchen turns plates out quickly. Service tends to be prompt even during the dinner rush.
The room reads casual and cozy with a modern touch. Booth and table seating work for couples and larger parties alike.
Coffee and dessert round out the end of a meal for anyone finishing with something warm. Healthy options and small plates appear on the menu too.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the heaviest crowds. Weekday mornings stay quiet if a calm meal sounds better.
Kids are well covered with high chairs, changing tables, and a dedicated menu. Reservations are accepted for planning ahead.
Dine-in and takeout are the two options, with no delivery service. Parking is free but can be somewhat tight, so allow a few extra minutes.
Lalo’s 2 Mexican Bar & Grill is located at 1091 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001.
11. The King Mexican Bar & Grill Anchors The Cedar Valley
Modern styling meets classic Mexican cooking in Waterloo, and the balance lands well.
The mission here centers on authentic flavors with a contemporary presentation. Warm, family-friendly service backs that up.
Salsa and queso get made with care and set the tone for the meal. Dishes come together after ordering rather than sitting under heat lamps.
The dining room leans casual and trendy, with screens that make it work for game days. Outdoor seating extends the space when weather cooperates.
Doors open late morning and stay open into the evening every day of the week. Friday and Saturday nights fill fastest, so earlier arrivals help.
Sunday nights and weekday mornings are the quietest stretches. Service moves fast throughout.
Kids’ menus and high chairs are ready for families. Groups and solo diners both fit comfortably.
Delivery, takeout, and dine-in all run, and reservations are accepted. Free lot and street parking sit close to the door.
Coffee and dessert round out the end of a meal.
The King Mexican Bar & Grill welcomes diners at 2060 Sovia Dr #104, Waterloo, IA 50702.