My trip this go around was not as pleasant and the food not as flavorful. In building your own my tamale was okay, the rice was not edible because of the smell as it had gasoline or too close to the grill fumes, the red sauce was splattered over both entrees as if the chef was in a hurry with only a few customers in the restaurant-- yet the saving grace was the guacamole it was good even though the chips were hard. The server seemed to be in a haste which made for an uncomfortable environment. Perhaps quality control needs to do a reboot of their products to return back to the good quality food they are noted for serving. read more

See all

I've been here once with my partner. The staff were very friendly & inviting. We both enjoyed our meals (though it's been a bit so I don't recall mine). My partner had the quesadilla. The margaritas were great. The prices were reasonable for the quality & quantity of food. Definitely recommend. read more

I've been here twice now, food is wonderful. The first time I went service was great. The second time waiter was not attentive, and didn't check in on us. We had to ask for our server many different times throughout the night. I ordered steak tacos both times because they were so good the first time! I ordered the Paloma and a traditional lime marg, both were ok- not strong at all. Very mild id say and weak as far as the alcohol content. I would definitely come here again, I like the food- the portions are pretty substantial and the prices are pretty good. read more

El Barco - Menu & Paloma - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

See all

Really enjoyed the food here. Went on a spur of the moment wanting to try something new. Went ordered the fajitas, chimichanga an chicken tenders for my son. Love the salsa and chips, chips were warm and fresh. Fajitas were great, but I only wish the plate was actually sizzling. Shrimp was nice and juicy and not overcooked. Only took off a star bc service was a bit slow and hard to get their attention for the check, extra hot sauce, etc. but would go back again bc I heard their seafood is the best. read more

This is one of my go to Mexican places in DsM even though there is one closer to my house. The food is amazing and consistent. Staff is always so friendly and helpful. Food portions are huge, so we split the steak fajitas and even split an original margarita since they are basically 2 glasses full with the shaker they give you (they were willing to give us a 2nd glass). We left so full that I didn't even need to eat supper later on. Can't wait to come back. read more

El Barco - Weekday specials - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere was great. No complaints. Very fun environment.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Very Good food you get what you pay for. Pretty good service. 10/10 Recommend read more

El Barco - Parrillada - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

Horrible food...over priced and saggy with a bit burned. La comida no estaba fresco y muy cara.

One of my favorite Mexican food spots in the area. The food is delicious and hits the spot every time. Unfortunately, their service has been sub-par at best, so I can't recommend them for that. However, I do feel like their delicious food makes up for it at least a bit. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They keep up with being as clean as possible.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The parking lot feels small for such a busy location which can be tough to navigate. I would say most aspects of this restaurant are average, with the food being above average. The prices are also about average for sit down restaurants in the area. read more

Very authentic but some ambiance and VERY clean restaurant. Many dishes look great. The menu is extensive. So I asked the waiter for a recommendation and the picture attached is a special they run or it is off menu but can be ordered on request. It's street taco perfection The cheese is like a Muenster or Creamy Havarti and the perfect amount in the vase of the taco shell. The beef is marinated and tender- a succulent sweet and spice-savory. Then they fry/crisp the shell and the cheese melts into the beef and the shell takes on a golden crispy outside. The broth served on the side for dipping as well as the additional sauces to pour on the tacos make the meal mind blowing. DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING ELSE! Guacamole also fresh and huge portions. Chips and salsa also on point. I will be back! read more

El Barco - Off Menu Street Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

Diego 1100/10 server amazing quality care speed and time amazing night! De telling all of our friends how amazing & will be back

Best authentic Mexican food. Actually has some spicy flavors. Service is very fast and prices are reasonable. I see policemen eating there a lot so that is a good sign. read more

My favorite restaurant in Des Moines area [[HIGHLIGHT]]Amazing people, service, atmosphere, food, drinks.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 10/10 highly recommend you become a regular here. read more

I came here for a weekday lunch and they had plenty of open tables and the service was quick. First, their salsa is so good- I love it when there's more "juice" and less chopped veggies. I ordered the burrito bowl with chicken. Lots of good flavor and texture. Didn't get to try anything at the bar, but the choices looked good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good atmosphere with TVs and music playing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Back was hurting today so took it easy and bf decided to take me to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants to help me feel better. What can I say they knocked it out of the park this time!!! The music and lighting were perfect for middle of the day, they weren't too busy yet either. Service was a little slow, but I think we had a new waiter so I can understand. I did try to make myself pick something else but the Choripollo was calling my name, lol. Bf on the other hand ordered the special of the day- Birria Tacos. Delicioso mucho!! As I'm sitting here remembering the Birria tacos I tried I'm - it was that good! I've never had such an amazing flavorful taco that was just right in every aspect! You got the perfect size flour taco stuffed and I mean stuffed with the most tender shredded meat I've ever had!! Then you have the bursting flavors of cilantro and onion with the seasoning from the meat!! You also get a couple sides of different hot sauces, and some lime to spritz over your tacos! To top it all off you dip your already fully flavored tacos into an amazing meat broth that just ties it all together! You got to try the birria tacos if you've never had them! I ended up taking my dinner home and finishing off bf's, he got too full! Thank you El Barco for always having amazing, great tasting food!! Sincerely, Devoted Diner 4 Life! read more

See all

The Best Birria!!! I love the food and the service!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everyone is so welcoming and the vibes are always great![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

El Barco - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

Went with a group of 8 on a Monday night that was not full. The service was great. The margaritas were big and flavorful. Probably a mix, but it was what I was expecting. The chips, salsa and queso were good. Chips were crispy but not greasy. The meals were very large portions. Probably shareable for smaller appetites. Would come back. read more

Had the "fit fajitas" it was filling and very yummy! On top of the great food let me mention how amazing and attentive the staff was.

I was really happy with the choice to try out El Barco on a whim today. The meats in particular were very flavorful but everything was great. The chips and salsa were fresh and all flavor with no bite. The fish tacos came with a sauce that seemed to be house made - couldn't identify what it was and loved that it was unique. Very good price for the size and quality. Total bill was $40 for free chips and salsa, a crunchy beef taco, shrimp tacos and a chicken chimichanga - both of which came with rice and beans, and 2 sodas. Our server was very friendly and likable. read more

El Barco - Chicken Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

See all

In the area and looking for a place for dinner. Decided to try El Barco based on reviews we read. We weren't disappointed. It's a medium size restaurant that can accommodate a family or is nice for a cozy dinner for two. The menu offers a nice selection of traditional Mexican fare along with some unique dishes. We started with chips and salsa after ordering a couple of Patron margaritas. The chips were okay. Salsa flavorful. Loved the margaritas! I ordered ala carte a cheese enchilada, a steak taco, Spanish rice and refried beans. Hubby ordered Caldo de Mariscos. The food was impressive! Eye appealing! I really enjoyed the enchilada and taco, but the the Caldo de Mariscos stole the show! It looked like something we may have ordered at a high end restaurant! And, it was delicious! Can't wait to make a return visit! read more

See all

Went back for another go because some friends wanted to. I begrudgingly agreed to go along. I'm glad I did! I tried a different dish this time and it was loaded with flavor--plenty of citrus. Authentic Mexican saltines were served with the dish as well... A huge portion too! read more

Best Mexican food in the Des Moines area. Always great service and solid portion sizes for a good price. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant is always clean and well taken care of.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I wish they had more stars I would give 10. First time here and the food and service was amazing. A hidden and a must try!

Everyone everything was amazing, and the food was fantastic Server was spot on Shrimp tacos best Margarita I have had in years! read more

Staff and food doesn't get any better! Try the choripollo! Spicy margaritas or really anything! Love it all!

The food here was very good. The tacos and shrimp soup are a must try! The place is decent sized, and was busy. The service was good and fast. read more

See all

We stopped here for dinner after reading positive reviews and enjoyed our meal. The chips and salsa were good and plentiful (an expectation at Mexican restaurants) and the Margarita was very good (see pictures of both). I ordered the white fish Ceviche (see picture) and found it to be some of my favorite in the area. I really like a strong lime flavor and this definitely had that. The white fish was firm and tasted great. The only negative was the service. We wanted to order a 2nd margarita, but couldn't get the waiter's attention - and an attempt to ask another server to have him stop by was also unsuccessful. Food: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Service: 3 If you found this review helpful, please click on 'Useful'. read more

Literally one of the better Mexican sit down restaurants. Food is authentic and absolutely flavorful. Service is great! The atmosphere is awesome!!! People are so friendly and the drinks are boozy and delicious!!! Highly recommend read more

El Barco - Quesabirria and consume - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

This was mexican like all other mexican. Big servings and similar flavor. Guac was huge for $6. Chicken tacos and pork tacos were good but not outstanding. Classic burrito was huge! Rice and beans were served in styrofoam which is odd to me. read more

El Barco - Classic burrito and tacos with rice/beans - Mexican Near Me - Urbandale, Iowa

See all

Delicious food served hot and fast. They always have great service and the staff are very friendly!

The tacos are out! The Birria Tacos are some of the most delicious tacos I have ever had in my life. The ambience is relaxed but fun and the service is exceptional. read more

Ambiance was great- World Cup soccer on tv everywhere, service was fast and efficient- server stopped often- food was fabulous! Recommend aguachilles for extra hot shrimp ceviche, shrimp Diablo for medium heat, and chicken and shrimp fajitas for mild!! Cold beer, tasty chips&salsa! read more

Food was good but we waited 1:15 minutes for our food. Probably won't go back but may have been an off night...

Wonderful!!!!! Excellent Service, Great Food and [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pleasant Atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]! Will definitely become a Favorite for Mexican food! read more

After several friends recommended El Barco to us, we decided Cinco De Mayo was the perfect time to try it out! They were absolutely packed (I always take that as a great sign.) The margaritas were great and super affordable (and not too sweet or syrupy.) Once we were seated, the staff was super attentive and the food came out quick. I got the Texas burritos with steak--so delicious! Steak at Mexican restaurants can sometimes be tough, so I was pleasantly surprised at how tender and flavorful it was. The rest of the table got chimichangas, and they were also super flavorful. We've been looking for a go-to Mexican restaurant and El Barco is it! read more

Great food and service everyone is so nice plus the atmosphere is so warming would rate higher then 5 if I could

Nice food I recommend I like beef shrimp and more delicious! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife had been here before with my brother in-law and sister in-law and loved it so my wife and I ate here tonight, it was amazing. I had the Polo Loco (spelling?) and Birria Quesatocs (three beef tacos and soup) both were very good. Our server Marco did a super job, he came to check on us four or five times and the bill was very reasonable. Definitely worth going back. read more

See all

How can you wrong with margarita special? 2.95...yes please.....the food was delicious. The chips and Salas were chips and salsa. I had the chicken fajita salad that was the star. How and fresh. There was still steam rising from the meat and veggies at the bottom of the bowl. Our waiter was great. Definitely would go back again. read more

See all

Being as 3 meals cost $50 and the food was cold when it came out of the kitchen and there was no one in the restaurant at the time I would say pass on these guys and try one of the hundreds of other Mexicant restaurants around. I lived in Texas and let me tell you a secret Texmex restaurants are what you want and there are more Mexicant restaurants in Des Moines per. capita than where I lived In Texas. If you want fast/good Mexican food open a Swanson TV dinner or a can of Hormell hot tamales they are both better than what is served here for 1/10th the price. I question what meat they are using with the name El Barco. read more

This place is so authentic, the hostess only speaks Spanish. The food cam out surprisingly fast. This is the kind of quality food you'd find in Southern California. I had the Mahi Mahi tacos and you should, too. We heard that you can't find good Mexican food in the Midwest. That's not true at El Barco. read more