This place is my go to for Mexican cuisine in Ames! Got the fajitas and nachos and they were both amazing. Love the chips and salsa that they bring out when you first arrive. Great service and atmosphere! Take some amigos and go to El Azteca! read more

It was a dark and stormy night.... After a long Dad-related day, I wandered in (from the downpour) for a well-deserved Margarita, with mole chicken enchiladas on the side. The place wasn't very busy on this mid-week January evening, as I was seated quickly with the chips not far behind. The Margarita was refreshing and strong, the chips were fresh, and the enchilada came out hot and tasty. Service was friendly and fun, making my evening most pleasant. read more

El Azteca is a must when I'm back in Ames. The food is somewhat of a Tex-mex vibe and always hits the spot. They serve complimentary fresh tortilla chips with salsa - the salsa is mild and refreshing with a nice burst of cilantro. My typical picks for entree are any of the chicken meals - arroz con pollo, poncho's lemon lime chicken or chori-pollo. My dad likes the burritos - a common go to is the burrito California. My sister swears by the burrito ruleta and she gets it every time. This occasion I also got a raspberry margarita on the rocks which was scrumptious. Food is always fast and service is always friendly. read more

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The food was great.the atmosphere was amazing with all the sports. The service was great we got seated right way and they gave us are chips and salsa shortly after. read more

Great Mexican food with quick service. They're great at hosting large parties. The servers were very friendly and fast. They have a great chips and salsa that are brought to the table. The chips were crispy and thick and the salsa was fresh and spicy. My enchiladas were tasty! Fresh sauces and guacamole. My strawberry margarita was good but very sweet and not very strong. read more

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Fantastico! Our party of four arrived at about dinner time on a busy graduation weekend. The parking lot was full and we were prepared to wait for a table. Fortunately we were able to get a table right away. We ordered the chicken verde enchiladas , traditional beef enchiladas, a chicken tortilla soup and a chimichangas. Along with a round of margaritas, of course. The food came out so fast I thought they were at the wrong table. Everything was hot and super delish. I had the. Chicken enchiladas and they were as good as I've had anywhere, better really. The service was friendly and efficient. On a super busy night they delivered on all counts. Their staff is obviously well trained and management has their act together. El Azteca was recommended by a local and we would definitely recommend them to others. Buena comida! read more

Food and service was so great! The homemade sangria was to die for and our boys of course loved the fried ice cream! Can't say I was a huge fan of the white queso for chips. Pretty thin. My fajita quesadilla was perfectly seasoned and will get again next time in town. We were in town for a youth hockey tournament and love the convenience of this right in same parking lot as our hotel! read more

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Foods ok. I just prefer Casa Maya more Ames truly has too many choices for Mexican food. read more

Consistent in food quality, service and simply a friendly atmosphere! Always enjoy the experience

Food was excellent, fast, and generous portions. I will absolutely be a return customer!

A solid stop for Mexican food with a huge take-out contingent and plenty of interior seating and parking. Was in the middle of a difficult day, and glad that I found this place because they did their job well and without issue. I am a bit spoiled after many years of living in Southern California and visiting many Caribbean countries, so I might suggest that it is a good level for an Iowa Mexican restaurant but just a good place to have a meal, whether it is business or family. I had the Carne asada plate and it was good, as the guacamole was just average with chips that disappointed me. The server (Chivo) was a bit intrusive at times, but it might have been me in the midst of a lot of chaos. I'll come back when my world is not in such an uproar. read more

El Azteca - a table and chairs in a restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Every time I go to El Azteca I must get the Philly Cheesesteak Burrito, it is a must for any lover of Mexican food and Philly Cheesesteaks. I typically go to El Azteca when it's not super busy and my food always comes out within 7 minutes of ordering it, I cannot say the same for other restaurants in Ames. Both El Azteca locations are also great spots to watch sports with plenty of TVs around the seating areas. Love eating here, won't stop eating here. read more

An amazing restaurant. Food is awesome. Will go again. Clean. Delicious. Worth every penny.

I knew better to go here for Mexican food being from South Texas but I was talked into it. The guacamole was weird. It's like they added water to it to try and stretch it out. Fail. The queso was like hot milk, even tried to doctor it up with salsa. Fail. The chicken tortilla soup was great. The service was bad and they messed up the tickets which wasn't discovered until a day later. Fail. Sorry. Won't be back unless I just must have chicken tortilla soup, in which I'd just get delivered because the service is as bad. The greeter was very friendly. Have him train the others. read more

The food and Margherita were good. The bartender and our server were great. Unfortunately, the host was awful, very snarky and rude. We had to wait for our entire party to get seated which is fair enough. We asked him for a chair for our 88-year old mother as all the seating was taken. He said she could wait like everyone else. I asked to speak to his manager and he delighted to say that they weren't there - which I found highly unlikely. Again we asked for a chair for her and he said she could wait like everyone else was waiting or go sit at the bar. I asked him if everyone else waiting was 88 and that she couldn't possibly climb up onto a bar stool. Fortunately, the rest of our party arrived and shockingly we were seated right away. The host's attitude was just too disrespectful and unkind for me and I won't be back. read more

Jose was awesome! Very friendly!! Ordered El Grande burrito and Cali burrito !! Yummmm.

Best Mexican dinner in town! Very fast service and excellent margaritas! Two locations in Ames. read more

Amazing authentic Mexican food. Salsa very good. Guacamole. Delicious. Chips a bit thick but who cares the tacos and enchiladas to die for. Cheap too. Service is friendly. Schwing!!!! read more

Back again! As always, we were seated right away and greeted promptly for drinks. We never had to ask for a refill, food was fast and fresh. Bonus points for the ISU game streaming non every TV! read more

El Azteca - Carne asada tacos and Chile verde - Mexican Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Service was a little slow, but the chips and queso were soo good!! The portions for meals are big at a solid price. I would go here regularly. read more

Went to Ames for a business trip and stopped there for dinner last month (April 2023). Nice ambient and good food. Didn't try their drinks but others tried and liked it. read more

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Ordered food to pick up and didn't even have the main items I ordered and everything was completely cold. If you're looking for good real Hispanic food ames is not the place to look for it. read more

Great food! Also the chips and especially the salsa is super good. The service was quick and nice but they were to pushy for us to rush our meal and leave so that was my only complaint. They vibe was clean and normal restaurant vibes. read more

The staff and food are amazing! Great atmosphere/ clean and Quick!!! We eat at "Teca" often with our kids and grandkids. It's perfect for when you want to go out within a limited time frame or with little kids who LOVE their kids grilled chicken and rice ! This is our main go to!!! read more

Good Mexican food! Clean, service is good, no long waits. Parking can be problematic.

This restaurant has the best Mexican food I've had in a while. The chicken dishes are very good with real pieces of chicken, not mystery bits. The staff is nice and are great with recommendations and the restaurant is clean and very typical Mexican style restaurant. I wish they had a location in the Des Moines metro! read more

We stopped in just for a drink as we happened to be passing by on the way to our car. We sat at the bar so we could watch the game. I had a strawberry daiquiri that was amazing. It wasn't super syrupy which is sometimes the case with daiquiris. My fiancé got a Modelo which was nice and cold. The staff was super nice and attentive. We had no idea what time the place closed and never felt rushed to leave even though it was nearly closing time. Definitely plan to come back to try the food. read more

Burritos. It perfectly serves its purpose as a straightforward Mexican restaurant when you are craving straightforward Mexican food. It's nothing special but you get a pretty good value. Additionally, another plus is they have fast service. The chips and salsa don't really stand out but are a great filler while you wait for your food. Be so very careful because the chips and salsa go a long way and you will just be starting to get full when they bring out your meal. Solid restaurant. Seafood enchiladas are excellent. It is a great value for the amount of money. High quality food and service for a medium tier restaurant. If you're in the mood for tacos and enchiladas, there is no better place in Ames. Go back and continue to go back. Free tequila shot on your birthday. read more

Food was pretty good, although my taco salad shell got mushy quite quickly. I think offering a different type of beans in the salad instead of refried would help with the soggy shells issue. Next time I'll just order without the beans and see if that helps. Service was quick and friendly. read more

We love this place as we visit time and time again! Food is incredibly fresh and served quickly. Staff are all kind and helpful. Furnishings and setting are spacious and comfortable. Enjoy! read more

Honestly this place is my go to in Ames. Should be a staple restaurant in the Mexican world. I've visited both locations many times and they are consistent across both. You are always seated pretty quickly and immediately giving you chips and salsa (yummy salsa without the big chunks). Service is incredibly fast and I'm thinking their stove heats to like 700° they cook it so fast. They have a huge menu with all your classic Mexican items and more. Plenty to choose from and even your picky kid can find something. I usually get tacos, quesadillas, or a taco salad bowl. Ive never not enjoyed what I ordered! Inside they have plenty of seating and are able to accommodate large parties and celebrate birthdays as well. read more

We have always had a great experience at El Aztea. Good food, great service, clean place, always a pleasant restaurant to patronize.

It was a packed night for food, but I'm always happy to stop by one of my favorite places in Ames for dinner! It's definitely a top Mexican restaurant in the area, and the 30+ minute wait proves it. When you're seated, they always provide you with chips and salsa. DEFINITELY are one of the best servings of that combination I've ever had. Honestly I can clean out an entire basket myself. anyways, the pricing for the food matches the amount and quality you get. Worth every penny. I usually get the "arroz con pollo" with tortillas on the side and I'm always glad I do. You really can't go wrong with any of the options they serve. They are also pretty cognizant of what you want and don't want in your food. Overall, the service of El Azteca is quality. The servers, food, drinks, and atmosphere is a solid experience overall. read more

Best tacos in town? I don't know about that. Best chile relleno in town? possibly...best servers butts in town? definitely!

Food is always what I wanted and always quick! Complementary chips and salsa are also amazing. The people there are so kind and helpful! They also throw really great birthday surprises with the choice of fried ice cream or a tequila shot (if you're of age). I love this place and come here a lot with my friends!! read more

Chori-Pollo! Chorizo and marinated chicken--you can't go wrong with that. I was sad because my son liked my dish so much that he ate half of my meal. I wanted more. The portions are huge at El Azteca. The service is quick and friendly. They have vegetarian meals also. The pricing is good as well. In Ames, Iowa, El Azteca is my go-to place to satisfy my craving for Mexican food! read more

Had a really good time here with some good friends. Waiter was attentive but slacked a little on the chips because we ate them so fast. Lots of choices so there is an entree for everyone. Food is cheap but good quality. Salsa is bottomless so come hungry and leave happy! read more

El Azteca - Combo 30 doesn't disappoint - Mexican Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Good food and great ambiance! I ordered the Taco Salad which was tasty and very filling. My friend got the Fajita Salad which was equally good. Although the food was little over-priced compared to the other Mexican joints in the neighborhood, w we'd certainly go visit this place again for the great ambiance and yummy food! read more

Very good Mexican good. We like the taste, the atmosphere, the chips are the best around and wonderful chicken soup

My boyfriend ordered the Burrito California with a beef taco on the side, I ordered the Special Taco Salad (comes with chips and some queso drizzled on top). Everything was good, but the Burrito California was by far the yummiest as it was smothered in cheese. I was debating between 3 and 4 stars but decided to go with a 4 because of the burrito and the friendly, fast service. Unfortunately, they did not list prices on their drink menus. The atmosphere was your average Mexican sit down restaurant with a TV to watch from anywhere in the house! read more

El Azteca - Mexican Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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