This was our second time eating dinner here on our road trip from Illinois to the Buffalo Roundup in Custer South Dakota in September. Once again we had an excellent dinner of steak tacos and mole chicken dinner. So many of the reviews are from customers passing by Avoca Iowa while traveling. Don't hesitate to hop off the highway and have a wonderfully tasting, reasonably priced and cozy meal here. Well worth the detour. Great food and nice family owned restaurant. read more

I cannot begin to tell you what a wonderful experience we had at Casa Mexicana this weekend in Avoca, Iowa! Let me try by giving you this information. We live in a large town in eastern Iowa and there are probably +/-25 Mexican restaurants to choose from and we've tried many. There is not one that can hold a candle to Casa Mexicana! The food was spot-on and delicious, the service couldn't have been better and the prices were so reasonable. And the margaritas are so good! In a small town of probably less than 2000 people sits a hidden gem. If you are ever traveling in western Iowa on Interstate 80, Avoca is just a short distance east of Council Bluffs. You need to make Casa Mexicana a destination. We will always plan a stop whenever we are in the area! read more

Awesome staff! Food/drink was just okay, nothing to write home about. Service was nice and fast. We were there on a week night and it wasn't too busy at all! Seems like a nice place to dine alone or in small groups. read more

Casa Mexicana - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

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Everything was great! The owner was friendly and the food was outstanding. Not many restaurants deserve 5 stars but this one definitely does. Will definitely go back if in the area again. read more

This place is spectacular. Low key vibes that probably bump on a Friday/Saturday. We hit it up for lunch on a Monday on our way from Chicago to Denver and after a week of Italian beefs and other Midwestern restaurant fare it was like a cold, crisp glass of ice water after a month in the desert. Great selection, perfect flavors, and every dish we got flawlessly executed. Add in the quick and attentive service and we can't recommend this place enough. 5 stars. No notes. If it were closer to us we'd be there once a week. read more

Wonderful food at a reasonable price!! I'd recommend this place to everyone, & have!!

Food is decent, friendly staff. It is smaller so on a busy day it can feel crowded. Parking during busy hours can also be a pain. They do have several flavors for margaritas and the cooks are usually willing to be creative. read more

Great food with friendly people. Their tamales are awesome and you can't go wrong with the fajitas or Chili Relleno.

One of the most authentic Mexican experiences in Avoca Iowa period. I absolutely loved the food, in the background made me feel like I was deep in the middle of Oaxaca Mexico eating at someone's home. One of the best experiences for "just dinner" I have had. I definitely recommend this place. I'd give 10 stars if I could. read more

I just finished eating my food and I just want to say this is the best Mexican food I've ever had. I'm from NYC (The good Mexican food is in Queens) lived in Cali (known for Mexican food) AND LET ME TELL YOU...THIS IS THE BEST. Super affordable, nice owner, great service, and clean. The steak taco was super fresh and flavorful. I'm not sure what steak combo he gave me (I asked him to surprise me) but it was gone in the matter of minutes. I can't believe Iowa has such good food. If you're doing a road trip and passing by Iowa...PLEASE visit him. Such a genuine and loving owner. read more

Casa Mexicana - Inside - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

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I'm so thankful that we stopped at this place! Traveling from New York to Utah and we were craving Mexican and we had our expectations exceeded at casa Mexicana. We had the steak tacos and tacos el pastor and both were made so well. The service was so friendly and welcoming. If we could come back everyday we would. Everything looked and felt clean and the place itself was really cute. If you're passing by you definitely don't wanna miss out on this hidden gem! read more

Casa Mexicana - Tacos de carne - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

Others recommendations is not disappoint! We were arriving to town too close to closing time so called and placed a takeout order. Once we got settled in at The Cobblestone Inn (another recommendation!) we heated up the good sized portions of delicious food. We had cheese enchiladas, chili relleno, a spinach enchilada and rice and beans. Everything was delicious and the staff who took my order and greeted us when we arrived were helpful and friendly! If you happen to be in Avoca and like Mexican fare absolutely check them out! read more

Greeted immediately and the owner sat down next to us and asked where we were from and chatted about our travels. The food was delicious, fresh, large portions for reasonable prices. Restaurant was clean and neat. Decor was a delight. So glad we decided to venture off the highway and stop in Avoca, Iowa! read more

Service was amazing! Food was delicious! Salsa was delicious! Clean! Easy to find in a cute town!

We had a wonderful dinner last night! A pleasant surprise to add to our cross country trip experience. Lovely atmosphere, pleasant staff, great food! More than you would expect in such a small town. Give them a try!!!! read more

Great food and great people. Tremendous daily specialties. If it's not on the menu I bet they would make it for you. read more

We're traveling down I80 in the wasteland between Omaha and Des Moinses and hungry. We had a choice between Taco Johns and eating greasy imitation Mexican food served 30 feet from the restroom in a truck stop and traveling 1 or 2 miles into Avoca and eating at Casa Mexicana. Thankfully we choose the later. What great real Mexican food in a cute little town! Had the Burrito with a mix of steak and chorizo covered with cheese and a bit of green chili and it was very good and ample. My wife had the Camarones Mexicano which was incredible. Imagine 7 shrimp wrapped with bacon, grilled, served on a bed of sautéed vegetables with rice and beans. Wow , didn't expect this good of food in a tiny town in Iowa. Service was pretty quick but probably because we ate just after they opened and there was just one other diner. Warning, there are 4 high steps to enter the restaurant and marginal street parking. read more

Delicious! The owner, Abraham, makes everything from scratch except tortillas. Highly recommend the Hawaiian Tacos. Now don't roll your eyes he makes the best pineapple fruit salsa to go on these street tacos. There are 5 in the order with rice and beans. The mole tastes homemade and has an excellent combo of tastes. The salsa is flavorful and spicy too. Very attentive customer service. We will be back again and we know the food will be awesome. read more

The perfect dinner find after driving 900+ miles for the day. While the menu has plenty of options, I'd encourage you to ask the Abuelo what he'd recommend. He won't steer your wrong! And if you're in the mood for a dessert try the ice cream nachos. Super unique and tasty. read more

What a gem of a place. We were enthusiastically greeted. Service was friendly and attentive. Appreciated recommendations from the menu. Cute interior. Margarita was great and we loved the food, too. We would most definitely get food from Casa Mexicana if we lived in Avoca. Unfortunately, we are only passing through. read more

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We were passing by off i80 to Omaha from Des Moines and decided to stop. Not only was the food amazing but the service was top notch! We sat at the bar as the place was completely full. We ordered the chicken chimichanga and two lime margaritas. To say it was one of the best chimichangas I've ever had is an understatement! We'll be back read more

Casa Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

What a find! Some of the best Mexican food we have ever had and we are experts from AZ. Service was excellent. Presentation perfect. Server and owner were so attentive. You just can't go wrong. read more

We were immediately seated by welcoming staff. Our food was quickly served, and was absolutely authentically delicious! Thank you for nourishing these weary travelers. read more

Stopped here on the way to Colorado. Abraham was extremely friendly and the food was outstanding. The salsa had such great flavor and a little spicy. If you are looking for a nice quick meal, stop here you will not be disappointed. read more

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Found this gem driving from Des Moines to Omaha. It's about seven miles off the highway, but worth it. Service is wonderful and the food is great. It was nice to find a small town with a cozy restaurant vs. gas station/fast food. read more

Casa Mexicana - Chicken and Beef taco with rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

This was a great place to stop on our drive from Chicago to Denver! cute, comfortable, and clean inside nice people and great food - a real treat amidst a long road trip that had included way too many Wendy's and mcdonalds stops! read more

Our waiter/chef came up to us before we could read our menus and said the Steak Fajitas were the special and they were made with Ribeye steak. I was thinking cheese enchiladas like I normally get at Mexican restaurants, but I decided to try it since I love ribeye steak. He watched us as we took our first bite to get our reaction. He was clearly proud of it and for good reason. It was extremely delicious! The rice, beans, and guacamole were also good, but that steak!!!! Tasted like I was eating it right off the grill at a cookout. If I'm ever in the area again, even if I'm all the way in Omaha, I'm going back! read more

A hidden gem! Well worth the two minute drive into town from I-80. It is a relatively small establishment and we were greeted by a server behind the bar as soon as we entered. The menu was fairly typical and prices reasonable. We were quickly brought chips with salsa. Our server asked if we would also like queso dip. We opted for that also, not knowing it would add $5.25 to our tab. (That should be stated up front) We ordered combo fajitas and a #3 combo with two enchiladas and a taco. Everything tasted good. Better than most Mexican restaurants. I observed both servers and they were quite attentive, as well as good at multitasking. The only downsides were the issue with queso dip and our server not being very friendly. Overall, we would come back again if in the area. read more

A small, friendly restaurant with colorful decor hanging from the ceiling. Lots of items on menu including kid's plates and small combo plates for smaller appetites. We sat down right away and immediately received a basket of chips and homemade fresh salsa. Our drink order was taken and drinks were brought right back to us! We were already feeling special! Hubby ordered the bacon-shrimp covered with jack cheese (Camarones Mexicanos) and I ordered the 2-item combo with taco and enchilada. Both plates came with rice and beans. The hot plates of food were delivered within 5 min . Hubby's plate had 6 yummy large shrimp smothered with bacon and melted cheese. It Included tortillas and was presented like fajitas on a sizzling skillet with rice and beans, sour cream, tomatoes and lettuce with guacamole. Great flavors! My plate was taco and enchilada with rice and beans. All good flavors. If you are hungry for Mexican food, don't be afraid to try this restaurant. It is unassuming in appearance but you'll leave with that wonderful salsa flavor on your lips. If I drive by on the I-80 again, I'll definitely stop in! read more

I love Mexican food and I love this place. I spent two weeks in avoca for work, and this place made me feel at home. The staff is friendly and the owner kept us laughing. They were happy to make something custom when we asked and the margaritas were delicious. This place was often the highlight of my day. Thank you Abe!! read more

greatest service, food, & atmosphere! Stopped here from driving thru the area only 1.5 miles away super worth it. Green salsa and mole are delicious. The town is super cute so glad we found this place very authentic what i love! Abraham the owner is spontaneous very humble, I haven't get such a great service in a long time thank you for being on top of everything!! Also I love the mixed jams you guys were playing :) read more

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Great New Mexican restaurant! I love Mexican food and this was the greatest carnita burrito/ enchilada concoction I have ever had. Ask for the owner he is great guy and can sip up something special for you or the menu has about anything you could want! Great food we all cleaned our plates. read more

Amazing food in Avocado. Wonderful service with chips and salsa arriving just as we sat down. A definite stop again!!

Holy cow!!! Imagine my surprise being from Texas and ending up in small town USA in the middle of Iowa and finding real deal Mexican food. Met the owner for just a minute and he's from Mexico so you know it's authentic. Sat at the bar, had a direct look into the kitchen and he's hustling along with his other chef cooking up everything fresh. Got to know my bartenders and had them mixing up drinks to my liking. Highly recommend sitting at the bar if you're solo or with a friend. Good guys ready to hook you up with some stellar margs if you let them know what you like. I highly recommend a double shot of Patron since the glasses are large and a single will get lost in the mix. A usual idea of how a Mexican restaurant will be depends on the very first thing they give you. Chips & salsa....well they were good so I knew what may follow should be as well. They did not disappoint...the entire menu looked good but hit them up for a staple that usually can't be messed up. Tacos al pastor...if you can do this right then you have my vote. Not typical al pastor with pineapple chunks mixed in which isn't a big deal since this dish is so variable wherever you go, but the green sauce that could be a tomatillo pineapple sauce kind of thing with a fat slice of avocado made it rock in the world of al pastor. Look forward to returning and trying more goodies off the menu. Not far off the interstate so if you're travelling through and it's time to get your grub on zip off that highway at the Avoca exit and enjoy a good meal. read more

Casa Mexicana - Custom made margarita - Mexican Near Me - Avoca, Iowa

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An oasis in the night! We were driving from Denver to Iowa City. It was nearly 9pm and the prospect of finding a decent meal right off of the highway was dwindling after we cleared Omaha. Avoca loomed ahead in the darkness and my wife Googled for restaurants. We put in the address for this place as they served until 10pm. We entered the sleepy town of Avoca and ahead in a charming corner lot we found this gem! The sidewalks of the town were already rolled up and we didn't see another human being nor hear a barking dog! For a moment it felt like we might be in a Twilight Zone episode. A town stuck in the 50's and the only place open "downtown" is a Mexican restaurant in the middle of Iowa? We were greeted warmly upon entering. A sole other patron sat at the bar. A warm basket of fresh made tortilla chips was soon brought to the table. Mexican music played in the background. After dining, would we merge to find ourselves transported to a back alley in Tijuana!? The tequila pour is generous in their classic margarita and everything we had was as authentic Mexican as we've had from San Diego to San Antonio! Highly recommended! Exceptional service and food! Gracias! We emerged to find ourselves back into the sleepy town of Avoca not Tijuana! read more

Have only had their takeout but everything very tasty & top notch. Thx & welcome to Avoca!!

The food is great; the waiters are too. But our waiter did not wear a mask and we really wish he did.

This is an exceptional Mexican restaurant with reasonable prices. We eat there at least once a week. We drive 12 miles to get To the restaurant. It's worth the drive.The owner has run Mexican restaurants his entire life. He relocated from Seattle and has become a valued member of the Avoca community. You will not be disappointed. There are so many excellent dishes that it is impossible to pick a favorite. read more

Just happened to stop on the way home from a long trip. Fast and super friendly, very clean. I'm not a reviewer and this was so good I felt compelled to give them a great review. We were checked on by 5 different staff members multiple times and they couldnt have been nicer. If you are thinking about stopping by just do it! read more

Congratulations on your grand opening! We had a wonderful meal and will be back soon. You are a wonderful addition to the community and state! read more