Location: Ames
Top Restaurants in Ames
Best Mexican food near Ames, Iowa, United States
Best Mexican restaurants nearby. Discover the best Mexican food in Ames. View Menus, Photos and Reviews for Mexican restaurants near you.. Ames is a city located in the central part of Story County, Iowa, United States. It is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Des Moines, and had a 2016 population of 66,191. The U.S. Census Bureau designates the Ames metropolitan statistical area as encompassing all of Story County; combined with the Boone, Iowa micropolitan statistical area (Boone County, Iowa), the pair make up the larger Ames-Boone combined statistical area. While Ames is the largest city in Story County, the county seat is in the nearby city of Nevada 8 miles (13 km) east of Ames.
Things to do in Ames
8. El Maguey Mexican Restaurant Bar And Grill
Reviewed By nutritionist339
My daughter and I ate here recently. We loved the atmosphere and the redesign and the background music. The staff was friendly and courteous. Prices seem reasonable for the good quality of the food. We will be sure to visit again soon!
7. Abelardo's
Reviewed By Ch0ucr0ute
Tortas and tacos are wonderful, fast, and authentic. Be sure to try one or more of the several homemade salsas available, ranging from mild to smoking hot. Don't be put off by the exterior (a former Long John Silver's). Interior is nothing fancy, but great place for food made fresh when you order.
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6. Mr. Burrito
Reviewed By Ch0ucr0ute
Yes, this very small and modest establishment (seats maybe 10-16?) serves the best and most authentic Mexican food of any restaurant in Ames, and is owned and run by a Mexican family. They specialize in fast food, so tacos, tortas, etc.are the main items you will find here. You order at the counter and watch as the staff assemble your items. Everything is cooked from scratch. I can't say for certain whether the corn tortillas are made locally (they do taste homemade) but they are definitely fried fresh for your order, as you watch. You choose from a wide range of meats, including lengua and tripe, and choose whatever else you want in your item. The food is very tasty, 100% authentic Mexican, and always hot. They really stuff the tacos full of whatever meat you choose and then add whatever else you want. The owners are very friendly, efficient, and helpful. Prices are very affordable and reasonable. The only drawback is the small size of the restaurant does not always allow seating, so you may want to plan for carry out.
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5. The Fighting Burrito
Overall Ratings
3 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By cbeckler
My teenage son and I went here for lunch while visiting Iowa State University. The food was good - kind of like Chipotle in that you get to pick what to put on your burrito, but the choices were more varied. I had the Jack Trice and it was very good. They had some technical difficulties with the cash register, but eventually got it worked out. My other college student said it was good for late night dining.
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4. Pancheros Mexican Grill
Overall Ratings
3 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisStarDestination
I have always loved Pancheros and received good service. Yesterday I went in and the guy making my burrito was rude and distasteful. I know I can't expect much going through fast food and all, but this guy needed a lesson in customer service. Hoping I get better service next time- if there's a next time..
3. Los Altos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Mlg2
This was our first visit to Los Altos and it was wonderful. The service was great, the food was amazing, and you must try the margaritas. I had the shrimp Chimichanga and my friend had the tamale and chili relleno. This is a definite restaurant we will go back to.
2. El Azteca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By init4keeps
We came back to check this one out again. Last weeks visit to the other El Azteca was very good! The salsa today here was so spicy I couldnât eat it. And I got the number 30. Shredded chicken enchilada was bland. Like unsalted and no spice at all. Next I tried the ground beef enchilada. It had a smidgeon of spice. The queso was watery that covered the enchiladas. On to the shredded beef quesadilla. A smidgeon of flavor. The cheese had most of the flavor here. That being said, it was FAST getting our lunch! Friendly staff. Family friendly. Clean. Full bar available. Street and lot parking. See pics. TVs for the sports fans. Prices are ok. But, seriously, Iâm a bad cook and could have done the same or better. Thatâs why we go out to eat! MarcyâsDinerTantrumScale 5/5-NoScreamingKids.
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1. El Azteca
Overall Ratings
4 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By Jerome B
Went to El Azteca with a group of seven and got seated immediately at dinner time. We put in a complicated order of six or seven different dishes. I'm off wheat and ordered the arroz con pollo with corn tortillas - it was extremely good. I'd be happy to go back again as, I think would the other members of my party. We lingered talking and weren't rushed at all on a Friday evening around 7:30.
