Location: Ankeny
Top Restaurants in Ankeny
Where to eat Southwestern food in Ankeny: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best Southwestern food in Ankeny, Iowa, United States. Ankeny is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and home to Des Moines Area Community College. Ankeny is a rapidly growing suburb located just north of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. With a growing population of 62,000, Ankeny covers approximately 33 square miles and offers an outstanding quality of life, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. Being part of the greater Des Moines area, Ankeny offers big city amenities with the hometown feel of a small city. The U.S. Census Bureau recently named Ankeny the fastest growing city in the Midwest and the 14th fastest growing city in the United States.
Things to do in Ankeny
1. Cazador
Overall Ratings
4 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By tammym971
Before ordering we inquired if the beef fajitas were skirt steak and were told yes. When they arrived, they were disappointingly round steak covered in a pile of mostly onions. The waiter forgot the beer that was ordered, but charged $10 a shot for Souza Silver! Seems a bit over the top for an average tequila. But our lesson to ask before ordering. The chips and salsa were just ok. Carne asada was fair and rice/beans seemed fresh out of a can. Wonât be back.
2. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff T
We were in town for the fair and decided to stop here for some carryout. Glad we did! We had enchiladas, taco, burrito and rice & beans. We also tried their fresh guacamole, which was FANTASTIC! If we are in the area I would have no problem stopping here again.
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3. El Azteca Incorporated
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By JavyAnkeny
We frequently patronize El Azteca. This time we ordered take-out as we are very familiar with their beef chimichangas. Absolutely fabulous!We know their portions are very substantial for an order of chimichangas so we only ordered one to split. We received, in one order, two huge chimichangas filled with lean, seasoned, cubed, tender beef topped with queso and dollops of guacamole and sour cream, and lettuce and pico de gallo on the side. They serve an amazing rice, but we think their beans are "to die for" so we ask that they replace the rice for extra refried beans. They included their great tortilla chips and excellent salsa and we ordered queso for them. Everything was perfect, as usual. We have never had a bad meal from El Azteca.The wait staff is always friendly and efficient. Our to-go order was in aliminum and paper except for two small styrene cups used for the sauces. We like that! Better for the environment!I really can't say anything bad about them!
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4. Los Charros Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Craving Mexican food? El Charro Mexican Restaurant of Ankeny, IA is here for you. We are a family owned and operated business with full bar service. Our restaurant features homemade tortillas and a mesquite wood grill for the tastiest Tex-Mex cuisine. Our
Reviewed By RaeA798
Had a good meal at Los Charros on our trip across the country on a Fall leaf turning search! We stayed in Ankeny, Iowa on our way to Missouri and we were craving some Mexican food in the afternoon! We found Las Charros and decided to try it! We were pleasantly surprised in the combo plates! I ordered a taco, chili relleno and a sour cream chicken enchilada. The service was quick and attentive and the food was good! We are from the Southwest where Mexican restaurants are plentiful and so delicious therefore, we are hard to please on the road when we look for good tacos. It is tucked into a shopping plaza and is very roomy inside with a varied menu! Prices were very reasonable as well. It truly is a "hidden gem". We would recommend it to anyone who stops in Des Moines or the Ankeny area!
5. Chili's Grill & Bar
Overall Ratings
3 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Cyndeetrek
The smothered burritos were very good, but there was more rice inside than there was chicken-my only complaint, other than the waitress. While she was very good at being attentive and friendly, she kept screwing up the order. Also, when we first arrived the hostess mixed up who was supposed to wait on us, and so we waited quite some time for our order to be taken. Oh well, we still enjoyed the food.
