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10 Best Mexican Restaurants In Des Moines
- 10 restaurants
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Updated July 17, 2026
The ten best Mexican restaurants in Des Moines include Tasty Tacos, Cowboy Mexican Bar and Grill, Bar Nico, El Toreado Restaurant Bar and Grill, Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, Tacos Mariana's, El Bait Shop, Fernando's Mexican Grill, Faustinos Taqueria, and Old West Mexican Restaurant. Des Moines’ Mexican food gets its character from a homegrown specialty: the deep-fried flour shell taco, which is a local fixture for over 60 years.
Mexican restaurants in Des Moines are found downtown, in the East Village, and along corridors like University Avenue and SE 14th Street. The city's collection of Mexican spots features historic family-owned chains, world-famous beer bars that serve tacos, and straightforward local taquerias. El Bait Shop provides a lively, rustic room with hundreds of beers on tap, while Tacos Mariana's is a simple, no-frills counter. These local institutions and newer destinations form the core of the area's food options. Dining at one of Des Moines's Mexican restaurants costs between $10 and $80 per person.
The best Mexican restaurants in Des Moines are set apart by their long-standing community ties and their focus on specific food items, from a locally invented taco to traditional preparations. Tasty Tacos is the best overall choice, distinguished by its 60-year history, its creation of the original fried flour shell taco, and its status as a multi-generational family business. As a fast-casual option, Tasty Tacos also serves some of the city's best food. Bar Nico provides a premier fine-dining meal with its creative, contemporary menu. Restaurants like Bar Nico offer vegan options, while nearly all traditional taquerias, including Tacos Mariana's, have extensive gluten-free choices built on corn.
The top Mexican restaurants in Des Moines are listed below.
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1
Tasty Tacos is a historic, family-owned Des Moines institution that has been serving its unique style of Mexican-American food since 1961. The establishment is famous for its original puffy, deep-fried flour shell tacos.- Item Prices
- 473
- Average Item Price
- $4.31
Tasty Tacos Menu PricesMore about Tasty Tacos
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
Mexican-American (local style)
Signature Dishes:
Original Flour TacosSteak Flour TacosJalapeno Poppers
Location:
1400 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant's signature is its puffy, fried flour tortilla shell, a unique local creation that is different from both hard corn shells and soft tortillas.
What Makes It Special:
Tasty Tacos is a beloved local landmark, celebrated for its multi-generational legacy and its one-of-a-kind taco that defines a specific Des Moines style of food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its invention and long-standing mastery of the fried flour shell taco make it a singular and foundational piece of Des Moines's culinary history.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$1 to $10 per person
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2
Chicken Mexican Latin American Burritos Soup Tacos New MexicanFiesta Mexican Restaurant is a casual, family-friendly establishment in Des Moines offering a broad menu of classic Mexican-American dishes. The restaurant is known for its festive atmosphere and generous combination plates.- Item Prices
- 166
- Average Item Price
- $12.09
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican-American
Signature Dishes:
Spicy Crispy Smash TacosFish TacosChoripollo
Location:
2025 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a very large and accessible menu that covers all the major categories of familiar Mexican-American restaurant fare.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is a dependable neighborhood spot known for its lively environment, fast service, and consistently satisfying comfort food.
What Sets It Apart:
Its role as a straightforward, high-volume family restaurant with an extensive, crowd-pleasing menu makes it a reliable choice for a classic Mexican-American meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMThursday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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3
Fernando's is a fast-casual restaurant in Des Moines that offers a build-your-own menu of burritos, tacos, and bowls. The grill focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and quick, customizable service.- Item Prices
- 28
- Average Item Price
- $6.93
Fernando's Mexican grill Menu PricesMore about Fernando's Mexican grill
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
Cal-Mex, Mexican Grill
Signature Dishes:
Barbacoa TacosBlackened Fish BurritoChicken Quesadilla
Location:
2650 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant operates on a customizable, assembly-line model, allowing customers to choose their own proteins, salsas, and toppings.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is a popular choice for a fresh, healthy, and quick meal, known for its high-quality ingredients and efficient service model.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on a modern, health-conscious, and fully customizable dining experience distinguishes it from traditional, full-service Mexican restaurants.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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4
Faustinos is a casual, family-owned taqueria in Des Moines serving a menu of authentic, homestyle Mexican dishes. The eatery is a local favorite, known for its traditional flavors and welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere.- Item Prices
- 96
- Average Item Price
- $5.02
Faustinos Taqueria Menu PricesMore about Faustinos Taqueria
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Birria PizzaTamal RellenoBurrito Ahogados
Location:
4944 Franklin Ave Ste I, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is well-regarded for its traditional, slow-cooked guisados (stews) and its rich, complex mole sauces.
What Makes It Special:
The eatery is known for its consistent, high-quality homestyle cooking that delivers the taste of a traditional kitchen.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on straightforward, well-executed comfort food in a simple, friendly setting makes it a pure and reliable neighborhood destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 AM–9:30 PMFriday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–10:30 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
Mexican Seafood EnchiladasOld West Mexican Restaurant is a vibrant, family-oriented establishment located in South Des Moines. Known for its colorful, traditional decor and expansive menu, it serves as a popular hub for residents across the Des Moines metro area, including suburbs like Ankeny, Waukee, and Johnston. It is a classic neighborhood spot where speed, consistency, and a friendly atmosphere are the primary focus.- Item Prices
- 367
- Average Item Price
- $11.21
Old West Mexican Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Old West Mexican Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining / Family Mexican Restaurant
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Enchiladas MexicanasQuesadilla GrandeHomemade TamalesCrispy FlautasSoft Taco Trio
Location:
4138 Fleur Dr #2324, Des Moines, IA 50321
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a dedicated outdoor seating area and a robust "Lunch Specials" menu served daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it a go-to destination for local professionals and travelers near the Des Moines International Airport.
What Makes It Special:
Old West is celebrated for its welcoming, "small-town" hospitality despite its location in a busy shopping center. It features a comprehensive kids' menu and a well-regarded cocktail program, particularly known for its margaritas, making it equally suitable for a quick business lunch or a full family dinner.
What Sets It Apart:
What distinguishes Old West is its broad appeal and accessibility across the Des Moines suburbs. Its ability to maintain a high-quality, "from-scratch" feel for traditional staples like tamales and flautas at an affordable price point makes it a standout in the local casual dining scene.
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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6
6. Cowboy Mexican Bar and Grill
Cowboy Mexican Bar and Grill is a casual, family-owned restaurant in Des Moines serving a menu of classic Mexican-American dishes. The establishment is known for its friendly service and a straightforward, welcoming atmosphere.More about Cowboy Mexican Bar and Grill
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican-American
Signature Dishes:
Classic ChimichangaTexas BurritoCheese Steak Burrito
Location:
1234 E Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides a comprehensive and accessible menu that covers all the major categories of familiar Mexican-American restaurant fare.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is a reliable local spot known for its consistent, comforting food and its role as a dependable neighborhood eatery.
What Sets It Apart:
Its focus on straightforward, well-executed comfort food in a simple, family-run setting makes it a pure and reliable choice for a classic meal.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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7
7. Bar Nico
Bar Nico is an upscale restaurant and bar in downtown Des Moines that offers a modern, chef-driven take on Mexican cuisine. The establishment features a stylish, contemporary interior and a sophisticated cocktail program.More about Bar Nico
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
Modern Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Papas BravasCampechano TacosRoasted Chicken Enchiladas
Location:
428 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:
The menu is a product of a well-regarded local chef, offering a gourmet perspective on Mexican food that incorporates high-quality, seasonal ingredients.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is known for its inventive, refined dishes that elevate familiar flavors in a chic, energetic, and modern dining room.
What Sets It Apart:
Its chef-driven pedigree and its focus on creative, contemporary cuisine distinguish it as a premier destination for a polished and upscale Mexican meal.
Operating Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 10:30 AM–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 10:30 AM–12:00 AM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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8
8. El Toreado Restaurant Bar
El Toreado is a long-standing, family-owned restaurant in Des Moines that serves traditional Mexican dishes. The establishment is a local fixture, known for its homestyle recipes and a casual, welcoming environment.More about El Toreado Restaurant Bar
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Arroz con PolloChori PolloBurrito California
Location:
3751 EP True Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant has been serving the community for decades, establishing itself as a beloved and historic neighborhood institution.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant is a cherished neighborhood spot known for its consistent, comforting food that has been served for generations.
What Sets It Apart:
Its location and its reputation as a simple, no-frills institution for classic Mexican plates make it a local touchstone.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 11:00 AM–9:00 PMMonday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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9
9. Tacos Mariana's
Tacos Mariana's is a small, no-frills taqueria in Des Moines that serves authentic Mexican street food. The establishment is a simple, counter-service spot cherished by the local community for its traditional recipes.More about Tacos Mariana's
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria
Type of Food:
Traditional Mexican, Street Food
Signature Dishes:
PupusasSteak TacosGorditas
Location:
1305 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, United States
Special Feature:
The taqueria is known for its authentic al pastor, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo) and carved to order.
What Makes It Special:
The eatery is a go-to for a genuine street taco experience, celebrated for its high-quality meats, simple preparation, and authentic flavors.
What Sets It Apart:
Its unwavering dedication to the traditional taqueria craft in an unpretentious setting makes it a purist's choice for authentic street food.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 11:30 AM–6:30 PMMonday, Wednesday–Saturday: 11:30 AM–9:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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10
10. El Bait Shop
El Bait Shop is a world-famous beer bar in Des Moines that also serves a popular menu of tacos and other casual Mexican-American food. The establishment is known for its rustic, lodge-like decor and its enormous beer selection.More about El Bait Shop
Type of Restaurant:
Beer Bar, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican-American, Tacos
Signature Dishes:
Breast & BreastQuesadillaNachos
Location:
200 SW 2nd St, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
Special Feature:
The bar features one of the largest selections of American craft beers on tap in the world, with over 250 draft lines.
What Makes It Special:
The establishment is a legendary destination for beer enthusiasts, known for its one-of-a-kind selection paired with a satisfying and popular taco menu.
What Sets It Apart:
Its identity as a world-class beer bar that also happens to serve well-regarded tacos gives it a unique character that is unmatched.
Operating Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines Famous?
What makes Mexican restaurants in Des Moines famous is a unique local creation, the original deep-fried flour shell taco. The food tourism in Des Moines is partly shaped by this specific, homegrown culinary invention, which has been a local staple for over 60 years. This sets Des Moines apart from other Midwestern cities that may have a more traditional taqueria culture. The food environment is also marked by a recent emergence of modern, chef-driven establishments that are bringing new interpretations of Mexican food to the city.
What Types of Mexican Restaurants are Commonly Found in Des Moines?
The types of Mexican restaurants commonly found in Des Moines include historic local chains, neighborhood taquerias, and upscale modern restaurants. Des Moines's famous cuisine is found in a few key restaurant models, from historic local institutions to contemporary downtown bars. The most common kinds of Mexican establishments in Des Moines are listed below.
- Historic Local Chains This category includes unique, multi-generational establishments that have created a specific, local style of Mexican-American food. Tasty Tacos is the prime example.
- Authentic Neighborhood Taquerias These are small, family-operated spots dedicated to serving traditional Mexican street food with classic preparations. Tacos Mariana's and Faustinos Taqueria represent this type.
- Upscale Modern Restaurants These are contemporary, sophisticated restaurants that offer creative interpretations of Mexican dishes in a chic, polished setting. Bar Nico fits this category.
- World-Class Beer Bars with Tacos These are unique establishments where the primary focus is an enormous beer selection, complemented by a popular and well-regarded taco menu. El Bait Shop is a famous example.
- Casual, Family-Friendly Restaurants These are accessible, sit-down establishments with broad menus of familiar Mexican-American comfort food.
- Fast-Casual Grills These are counter-service spots with a build-your-own format for burritos and bowls, focusing on fresh, customizable ingredients. Fernando's Mexican Grill is an example.
Are There Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines?
Yes, there are authentic Mexican restaurants in Des Moines that are dedicated to traditional recipes and cooking methods. Tacos Mariana's is a classic taqueria that prepares its al pastor on a traditional vertical spit. Faustinos Taqueria is a family-run spot known for its homestyle guisados and chile rellenos. These establishments provide a genuine taste of Mexico's food heritage, separate from the city's local taco creations.
What are the Signature Dishes at the Best Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines?
Signature dishes at the best Mexican restaurants in Des Moines include a collection of unique local inventions and traditional street food staples. A selection of the most popular and defining dishes served in Des Moines is described below.
- The Original Flour Shell Taco A unique Des Moines creation of a puffy, deep-fried flour tortilla shell filled with ground beef or chicken. Tasty Tacos is the legendary home of this taco.
- Al Pastor Tacos Tacos with marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit (trompo). Tacos Mariana's is a go-to spot for this traditional street food classic.
- Pork Cheek Carnitas A modern, gourmet take on classic carnitas, featuring slow-cooked, tender pork cheeks. Bar Nico is known for this inventive dish.
- Fried Fish Tacos Tacos with beer-battered and fried fish, a popular item at the city's most famous beer bar. El Bait Shop is known for its version.
- Tuna Tostada A contemporary dish of raw tuna on a crispy tortilla, often with avocado and a spicy aioli. Bar Nico serves a well-regarded preparation.
- Chile Relleno A classic homestyle dish of a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. Faustinos Taqueria is celebrated for its traditional version.
How Do Des Moines Mexican Restaurants Compare to Omaha's Best?
The Mexican restaurants in Des Moines have a separate character from the best Mexican restaurants in Omaha. Des Moines has a unique local taco tradition and a new wave of modern, upscale establishments, while Omaha is known for the deep-rooted and highly concentrated taqueria culture of South Omaha. The food environment in Des Moines is shaped by local inventions like the fried flour shell taco. Omaha's food scene is built on a foundation of numerous, long-standing, family-run taquerias that serve a wide array of traditional, straightforward recipes. Dining in Des Moines offers an experience of a food environment in dynamic evolution, while eating in Omaha provides an immersion into a more established and traditional taqueria culture.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines Offer Vegan Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Des Moines offer vegan options, with places like Bar Nico, El Bait Shop, and Fernando's providing plant-based meals. The chef-driven menu at Bar Nico includes sophisticated, plant-based dishes built around seasonal vegetables. El Bait Shop has several vegetarian tacos that can be prepared vegan. The build-your-own format at Fernando's allows diners to easily create vegan bowls and burritos.
Do Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Mexican restaurants in Des Moines have many gluten-free options, including Tacos Mariana's, Faustinos Taqueria, and Bar Nico. The traditional taqueria Tacos Mariana's serves all of its tacos on corn tortillas. The menu at Faustinos Taqueria is heavily based on corn, with many naturally gluten-free plates. The upscale restaurant Bar Nico also offers many gluten-free small plates and entrees.
What is the Average Price of a Meal at Mexican Restaurants in Des Moines?
A meal at a Mexican restaurant in Des Moines costs between $10 for a quick meal to over $80 for a fine-dining experience. A single person's meal at a taqueria like Tacos Mariana's or a local spot like Tasty Tacos costs between $10 and $25. A dinner for a small group at a casual, sit-down place like El Toreado or Fiesta Mexicana will be between $40 and $100. For a budget-friendly meal, an individual can eat for under $20 at a local taqueria. An evening at a high-end restaurant like Bar Nico will cost between $40 and $80 per person.
Is Mexican Food Popular in Des Moines?
Yes, Mexican food is a very popular and ingrained part of Des Moines's food culture. The cuisine's importance is clear from the fact that the city has its own unique, locally invented style of taco that has been a beloved institution for over 60 years. The city supports a wide spectrum of establishments, from historic, family-owned chains to nationally recognized modern restaurants. The success of these restaurant models confirms that Mexican food is a cherished and enduring staple in Des Moines.
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