Modern Style Meets Classic Flavor At This Mexican Restaurant In Iowa

Fire trucks once rolled out of this building. Now plates of tacos roll out of the kitchen instead.

This Iowa restaurant fills a renovated Art Deco firehouse with bold color. A huge Lucha Libre mural sets a playful tone.

Can’t decide what to order? Street-style tacos let you mix and match smoky, crispy, and seafood fillings.

Fajitas, enchiladas, and loaded guacamole round out the menu. Charred local corn adds a homegrown twist, and churros wait for dessert.

Is the weather nice? A patio offers fresh air, while the dining room keeps the mood lively.

Got a party to plan? A private room handles bigger groups, and a full bar pours margaritas.

History, flavor, and style share one roof here. Ready to plan a taco night in Iowa?

A Firehouse Where Tacos Now Race Out

Malo opened in May 2014, and its home has serious character. The restaurant fills historic Fire Station No. 1, the building the Des Moines Social Club once renovated.

That gives the place a historic, stately feel before you even see a menu.

Google describes it as a stylish restaurant and bar in a renovated Art Deco firehouse. The pairing is fun.

Old civic muscle meets modern Latin cooking, and both seem comfortable.

Malo started as part of the George Formaro Orchestrate Hospitality family of restaurants. Ownership has since changed, but the restaurant keeps operating.

Malo announced it would close in 2024, but longtime investor Todd Millang bought it and kept the doors open

So the story here is a mix of history, a fresh start, and a kitchen still going strong in downtown Des Moines.

Street Tacos Worth Mixing And Matching

Start with the tacos, because the list is long. Malo serves street-style options like Carnitas, Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Beef Barbacoa, Chorizo, Mahi Mahi, Chipotle Shrimp, Chicken Tinga, and Pork Belly.

There’s also a Crispy Onion and Avocado taco.

Can’t pick just one? You don’t have to.

Malo offers mix-and-match taco combinations, so you can sample a few flavors in one sitting.

The menu also lists Codfish Frito and Seared Beef Tenderloin. That means seafood fans and steak lovers both have a lane.

Meat-free eaters get a path too, thanks to that avocado option.

A smart move is to build a trio with different proteins. Try something smoky, something crispy, and something from the sea.

It turns lunch into a tiny tasting tour.

Pair them with house salsa and chips if you want an easy start. Share a bit if you can, because there is plenty to try.

Your taste buds will thank you at Malo.

Fajitas, Burritos, And Other Big Plates

Cravings for a bigger meal? Malo’s entrees have you covered.

Fajitas come with grilled chicken breast, shrimp, carnitas, salmon, portobello, or filet mignon.

Burritos are on the list, and one is vegan. Enchiladas come in cheese, chicken, barbacoa, or seafood versions.

Chiles Rellenos and a Tamale de Carnitas round out the comfort-food side.

Looking for something a little different? Try the Wood-Grilled Chicken, Roast Pork Carnitas, or Shrimp A La Crema.

Roasted Beef Barbacoa and Quesadillas also show up on the menu.

The portobello fajita option is a nice touch for anyone skipping meat. The filet mignon version gives steak fans something special.

Variety is the real star here.

If you’re planning a group meal, this section of the menu makes it easy. Everyone can pick a favorite, and nobody has to compromise.

That’s a win for any table in Des Moines.

Start Small With Guacamole, Nachos, And Tot’chos

Small plates deserve a spotlight at Malo. The Loaded Guacamole is one of several guacamole options.

House Salsa and Chips are also ready for the table.

Nacho lovers get choices. The menu lists Seafood Nachos and Drunken Nachos.

Then there are Tot’chos, which pile nacho flavors onto tots.

Queso Fundido brings melty comfort. Fried Brussels Sprouts add a crispy, veggie-friendly bite.

An Avocado Tostada keeps things light.

Want something with more punch? Look at the Pork Belly Pupusa or the Fried Shrimp Tacos.

Seared Tuna and Shrimp Ceviche cover the fresher side of the list.

Order two or three to share and you’ve basically made a meal. It’s a fun way to taste the kitchen’s range.

Just save a little room for the entrees.

Sides That Steal The Show

Sides often get ignored. At Malo, they deserve better.

Malo Fries come topped with roasted jalapeño aioli, onion, and cilantro.

Charred Iowa Corn is served elote-style. That’s a nice local nod on a Latin menu.

Corn from the Hawkeye State, dressed up with bold flavor.

Refried Black Beans and Mexican Rice cover the classics. Crispy Yuca adds something a little different.

A Mexican Market Fruit Cup brings a fresh, bright finish.

Here’s a simple plan. Grab fries for the table and corn for the crunch.

Add the fruit cup if you want something cool next to the heavier plates.

These choices also help vegetarian diners build a full meal. Mix a few sides with an appetizer, and dinner is done.

Small plates, big personality.

Salads, Soup, And Sweet Endings

Not every meal needs a tortilla. Malo’s menu includes a Malo Salad, Gringa Salad, Caesar Salad, Blackened Salmon Salad, and Cobb Salad.

There’s also an upgraded Taco Salad.

Soup fans can try the Posole Colorado. It’s a warm, hearty option for cooler Iowa days.

Pair it with a salad for a lighter lunch.

Dessert comes next, and the choices sound fun. Churros, Chocolate Waffles, and Chocolate Cakes typically appear on the menu.

A Mayan chocolate custard may be available, too.

Menus can change, so it’s smart to check what’s offered that day. Still, chocolate and churros seem like a happy bet.

Sweet tooth, meet your match.

Sharing dessert is a great way to end the night. Order one or two and pass the forks around.

Everyone gets a bite.

A Lucha Libre Mural And Colorful Ceiling Panels

Look up, then look around. Malo’s interior features colorful ceiling panels and modern light fixtures.

Classic art hangs nearby, and a prominent Lucha Libre mural grabs attention.

The mood is often described as vibrant, modern, and energetic. Stylish and chic come up too.

It feels like a party that still respects the old firehouse bones.

Live musicians perform in the evenings. That adds a lively soundtrack to dinner.

It’s a good reason to plan a night out instead of a quick lunch.

The restaurant also has a full bar. Whether you’re there for a family meal or a date, the room gives you plenty to look at.

The mural alone is a great photo backdrop.

Design and food work as a team here. The bold colors match the bold flavors.

That’s the modern-meets-classic idea in action.

Claim A Seat On The Patio

Sunny days call for fresh air, and Malo has an outdoor patio. It has been noted for its inviting ambiance.

That makes it a fun pick when Iowa weather behaves.

Indoor dining is available too, so you aren’t stuck if the forecast turns. The patio is a nice option for tacos and chips.

It also works for a relaxed evening with friends.

Malo accepts reservations, which helps when you’re planning a group. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 9 PM.

The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Plan around those days so you don’t show up to a dark dining room. Lunch is a great time to catch the patio with a lighter crowd.

Evenings bring the music.

Wherever you sit, the setting adds to the meal. Fresh air, good food, and a historic backdrop make a pretty strong combo.

Parties, Parking, And Finding Malo Downtown

Planning a celebration? Malo has a private dining room called La Sala.

It holds up to 80 guests for seated events or 100 for cocktail receptions. Dedicated patio space is available too.

Malo also offers catering. That means the flavors can travel to your own event.

Reservations are accepted for regular dinners as well.

You’ll find the restaurant at 900 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309. Metered street parking sits right out front.

It’s free on Sundays and after 9 PM.

There’s another option nearby. The Wells Fargo garage at the southeast corner of 9th and Mulberry offers free parking after 5 PM and on weekends.

That’s handy for dinner plans.

Malo is a short trip for anyone staying downtown. Add the food, the firehouse, and the mural, and you have a solid reason to visit Iowa’s capital city.

Smart Tips For Your First Visit

Walk in hungry, but walk in with a plan. Malo can fill up fast on weekend evenings, so checking hours and reserving a table ahead of time can save you a long wait.

Going early on a weekday often means a calmer room.

Bring friends and order a few plates to share. One person can grab tacos, another can pick fajitas, and everyone can pass around chips and guacamole.

That way you taste far more of the menu.

Finally, look up before you sit down. The building and decor are part of the fun, so leave a few minutes to enjoy them.