First thing we ordered margaritas to get us started. 2 people ordered lime flavor and I ordered peach one. It was a friend's birthday! For appetizers we ordered white queso, guacamole to go with the tortilla chips ! The guacamole was so good, so smooth, not chunky. We all ended up ordering the combination plates! The cheese quesadilla on 2 of our platters was so good. Crispy! Yummy! Rice was very, very good, refried brand okay. Friend had gotten a flan? I think! I don't know how it tasted as was not shared with other people at table. Will definitely be back to the amazing restaurant. Not expensive at all ! The staff came out singing and serving for friend's birthday sweets. She even had big sombrero on head! read more

El Portal - Julie celebrates her birthday - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

We were excited to order. When we got our delivery we had no rice and beans at all. I called to check to see if our dinner came w rice and beans. I tried to ask the Manager but he just interrupted and talked over me. Kept telling me to contact Door Dash. I tried to ask why, since they don't make the food. He said it was a 3rd party. So to get their refund through them. I was just trying to ask about what came w the dinner. After 10 minutes of not getting a word in. I said listen, you need to shut your mouth so you can even hear me. He responded you can't talk to me like that and hung up. No, reason to treat people like that at all. I never wanted a refund but with service like that, I can order from any of the 20 other places in town that are Mexican places. Guess they don't need any more business. read more

El Portal - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

Pretty good food and service Inside is very clean and the vibes are good The staff is friendly and prices are decent for nowadays Would recommend read more

I ordered DoorDash last night and there was an issue with the order. BUT I called about the issue and not only did they agree to make it right with paying for the 2nd driver tip but they also went beyond with a coupon for future use. They will continue to get my business! Their food is authentic greatness. read more

Traditional Mexican restaurant inside a mini mall. Staff was friendly. Food was mediocre. Choripollo was ok. No cheese sauce on the chicken which I'm used to. Flavor was a little bland. Sausage was extra crispy, and a little charred. Meal included 2 flour tortillas. read more

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As always simply delicious with awesome service!!! The Good: We got seated right away in an out of the way corner as we had our 2 month old sleeping twins with us. They made sure that it was quiet enough for us. The food came quickly and tasted so good as it always does!! The Bad: Ummm nothing at all The Ugly Truth: Qe love coming here for caring and friendly service with awesome tasting food amd will return many many more times. The prices are low and portion are plenty. Everything is always clean read more

We enjoyed the Birthday song, wearing the Sombrero, drinking a lovely Birthday shot and a wonderful Long Island Iced Tea. The daiquiri tasted really good according to friends. The restaurant was the El Portal in Marshalltown. Great service, delicious everything and generous portions. Thank you Laura, Jennifer, Lynn ,and Kat for a great night out. My 67th birthday was a hoot, thank you. read more

I almost always order the Nachos Supreme with a Horchata to drink. The food always comes out hot, fresh and delicious! The staff are friendly and the food/drinks are served in a timely manner. They have a variety of food and drink options to choose from and I've never had a bad meal there. read more

Ate there today, super friendly staff! Ordered the fajita quesadilla when recommend by out waitress.... absolutely amazing!!!! And fast!

Pretty good Mexican place. Friendly staff,cool prices and cold beer Had a fajita taco salad,which was maybe...a sad maybe too small for me . I don't know,maybe a was tripping....but anyways,tasty with grill chicken straight off the grill Im coming back here again while im in the city for sho read more

El Portal - Fajita taco salat ! - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

I love Mexican food but was so disappointed in the food at El Portal that I can't imagine ever returning. The enchiladas had a small amount of a very liquidy, tasteless sauce, the chili rellano was not fully cooked, and we returned the guacamole that, to us, was made "wrong". I've loved guacamole my entire life and have never tasted any this bad. I have friends who love this place so we must have different taste buds. We moved here from Colorado six years ago and maybe we're used to a more authentic taste. Thankfully, Zamora's (yes, they have a yummy restaurant in the back!), El Puente and La Carreta are available when I don't feel like cooking! read more

First time here. As at all Mexican restaurants I had the chimichanga lunch. Flavored was good, service was quick and friendly, and chips and salsa were better than most. Price is reasonable and maybe just slightly lower than other places. Overall a positive experience and I will eat here again in the future read more

I was passing through town with my Dad a couple of weeks ago and we had it on good authority from a buddy that El Portal had some great food. I am pretty familiar with Mexican cuisine since it's one of my favorite types of food. I'm always up to try new places and since we were going to be in town, we decided to stop in and see for ourselves. We were there at lunch on a typical weekday and it was really busy, usually a sign that the food is good. We were seated right away and as is the case in almost every Mexican restaurant, we had chips and salsa at the table within seconds and a waiter to take our drink orders then as well. The chips were nice. Hot and crispy with just the right amount of salt. The salsa was really good, too. Slightly chunky and just right. I ordered the beef chimichanga and I was happy with it. The beef had great seasoning and the rice and beans were flavorful. Really good food! I recommend El Portal. The food arrived quickly and was tasty and the staff are very polite. I'll be back again sometime soon! read more

Just gross. Soggy not fresh. Way over priced and forgot our tortillas. No flavor and very sloppily put together

Middle of the road Americanized Mexican food. Okay for what it is, but definitely not an authentic taqueria. And I've had far far better tex mex. My first test of a restaurant is its clientele. This place was bumping for lunch. All white people. I'm white too, but the only Latinos in this place were servers. Not a good sign. The food agreed with my initial gut instinct - decent but boring and way too white-ified. For real Mexican, go to Zamora, Villachuato, Maria's Tacos, or Tacos y Mariscos Maravillos. read more

My brother and his wife and myself and my lady were traveling through Marshalltown at our hungry time of the evening and stopped without too much expectation. Well we got satisfaction. I have been to Mexico a few times and have made my own salsas, so what a surprise to taste such great food here. If not as spicy hot as some might like, it is good to have it so in deepest Iowa, as the hot sauces are available to sprinkle on, or I am sure you could ask for spicier. As it is for me, my wife has a tender mouth, and if it was all spicy I could not go with her. Ingredients all tasted fresh and tasty. All four of us were raving about the place as we left. The Owner or Manager visited our table to be sure we were well served. Our waiter was excellent, and the food arrived quickly and at the right temperature. Hope to be back the next time I visit my brother. read more

Despite being owned by the same group that owns La Carreta, El Portal's food was actually pretty good. Still the same mix of Mexican, Tex-Mex, and New Mexican, but with a few menu item differences. Key difference: their salsa actually had flavor and a little spice to it. The El Portal Special was delicious, as it was 4 mini-chimichangas (2 beef, 2 chicken) served with guacamole, lettuce, sour cream and enchilada sauce. I ate the whole thing, and was very satisfied. You can't get this at La Carreta, otherwise I might have there too. Avoid La Carreta, and come to El Portal instead. read more

We just moved here from a city that takes tacos seriously. While El Portal has standard Tex-Mex fare, prices are very reasonable, margaritas good (if a bit weak), but they earn an extra star for having vegetarian and vegan options, which we appreciate, especially when we don't want to trek down to DSM. read more

This place is the most authentic Mexican food in Iowa the waitresses and waiters are very nice very helpful Their food is amazing the red sauce is absolutely yummy I normally ask for no red sauce nice family atmosphere I've been back 3 times Can't wait till my parents come down so I can take them there read more

El Portal is, and has been for a long time, a solid choice to eat in Marshalltown. Let's get something out of the way first, El Portal does not sell authentic Mexican food. If that's what you are looking for, then look elsewhere. What this restaurant offers is their own take on a lot of different Mexican dishes. I personally don't like the majority of the options, but there are a few that I really enjoy. The menu is huge and there is bound to be something that everyone can enjoy. Where El Portal shines is in their service. The staff will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. At no point have I ever left dissatisfied. I've never heard anyone complain that El Portal service is slow, or that the food taste is inconsistent. The owners have had years to perfect how to run the place and it shows. I hear that's why they have restaurants in other cities in Central Iowa. I personally recommend Tacos de Carne Azada, and the Chicken Chimicanga. Also, the cheese dip goes amazingly well with their chips, and the frozen Margaritas are superb. read more

The margarita flavors are so good! The actually taste like the fruit and are very sweet. Decent vegan options too.

I ate here twice in July 2020 while back in town, and it was very nice experience. I was impressed with their adherence to Covid requirements. The food was very good. I had a tostada, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans (my baseline for any Mexican restaurant). The staff was polite and attentive. read more

This restaurant is in a very awkward building next to the K-mart. They have awesome service and helpful staff! We got our food fast which was nice because we were super hungry. The food was okay.. Not the best Mexican food I've had. I ordered the #3 combo, which was one enchilada and one tamale. The enchilada sauce was too tomatoey and not enough spicy.. If you are looking for some standard Mexican food this is your place. read more

El Portal - Diner like tables - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

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It started with my questioning of whether or not this place follows child labor laws. Our seemingly pre-teen waiter wrote down our order but didn't seem to understand anything we said. A few minutes passed and another waiter came by, asking about our order but he seemed just as confused, then abruptly walked away. After awhile, the food showed up incorrect and cold. I handed my plate back, reminding him I asked for no onions. He came back from the kitchen 60 seconds later with the same exact place and some of the onions picked out. All I could think was, "SMH." Anyway, bad times and bad food. read more

Delicious! Had the flautas dinner, includes a chicken, steak and beef~the beef was like a crock pot roast, so tender! Washed down with a peach frozen margarita followed by the fried ice cream. All the staff were very friendly. And super cheap! Loved it! read more

El Portal - Flautas dinner~ one chicken, steak and beef - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

It's true Tex/Mex food. If y'all just want a descant meal large portions and friendly staff this is the place to go.

Well with not many to choose from we went back to El Portal even after I said I wouldn't. They are on the way back to being a decent place to eat. The waiter was fast and attentive and Burrito Mexicanos was very good. What kept me from giving it another star was the rice. They must have change their recipe as this was tasteless and very dry. My wife liked her tacos but wished they would have put a couple of tomatoes on them. We will keep going back as long as it stays this good. read more

Great food. Excellent service. I would say to someone if they asked me, "what is the best Mexican restaurant in town?" I would most definitely say El portal. I love the spiocey bean burrito. Staff really care about yoyur order and get the food to you in an orderly quick and amazing fashion! 5 STARS for sure. The rice is very well cooked and quite well seasoned with a blend of authentic Mexican spices. More about the staff is they are very polite, they treat you like a king even when very busy with other orders. read more

Such a disappointment. Being new to Marshalltown, we were hopeful to find a good Mexican restaurant. This is NOT it. It was downright awful, almost inedible, and way over-priced. We ordered the El Portal that included a tostada, taco, chili relleno, enchilada, refried beans, and rice. The beans tasted spoiled, the rice was dry and flavorless, and every last item was a variation of the same over-cooked, dried, old ground beef with a different sauce on top. The bathrooms were also filthy (overflowing urinal), if that's any indication of how they maintain the kitchen. We definitely won't be back. I never thought I'd say this, especially coming from San Antonio, but even Taco Johns was better than this. Yuck. read more

Was definitely NOT authentic Mexican food. It was Americanized Mexican food like you would find at most "Mexican" chain restaurants, like la fuente or how chi chi's used to be. huge disappointment food-wise. Service was great and the employees were all very friendly. read more

Good food and the prices aren't bad Good place to go if your craving Mexican the service is friendly, but a little slow read more

Excellent food. Those that think it's crap only know the flavor of half-assed tex-mex food. This is as authentic as it can be North of the border. This is a great restaurant. read more

I don't understand the positive reviews on this restaurant. This was some of the most mediocre Mexican food I've had in years. I went because A-1 Thai Cuisine was closed. I would have done better at a chain restaurant. Bland salsa, enchiladas that tasted fresh out of a can, lackadaisical service. The place was packed, though, so perhaps the locals have a different opinion of what constitutes good Mexican food. I've had great Mexican food in Marshalltown - but not here. read more

El Portal is our favorite place to go in Marshalltown for Mexican food! Service is fast and friendly. Food is always good, and hot. Best margaritas in town and don't leave without ordering the cheese dip ... it's so good! read more

I don't understand the good reviews for thi place either? The food was bland without flavor. The salsa was cheaply made out of tomato sauce. The rice had a plain taste to it. The guacamole was the instant type you mix up in a bowl. The cheese had an odd taste to it. Everything about this place reminded me of hurry up and make it and serve? Someone needs to learn how to prepare food their. read more

I know locals seem to love this place, but I could really take it or leave it. The service is generally friendly. The owner is a hoot. However, the food is bland. The salsa is not at all spicy and is runny. The food really leaves something to be desired. read more

I've eaten at El Portal probably 30 times over the past 4-5 years they have been open. Truely one of the best Mexican resturants around Marshalltown and the area, which is saying alot as there are so many in Marshalltown. Not my favorite in town but still amazing. I always order the Quesadilla Cancun. This quesadilla is loaded with cheese, shrimp, crab and lots of flavor. A seafood must! Service is always very friendly and speedy. Try the Quesadilla Fajita or Burrito Fajita if your are not a fan of seafood. read more

Just another Mexican place. Food isn't bad. Service isn't bad. But there isn't anything that makes it stand out.

The food is always hot and fresh! Service is polite and quick! Best Mexican food I have had! Prices are decent! Need I say more! Go! What are you waiting for!!! read more

El Portal - Floutas! Excellent - Mexican Near Me - Marshalltown, Iowa

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This place wasn't very clean and the decor is a bit rough. I almost didn't eat here because of that. The food on the other hand was surprisingly good for the price with one very notable exception. The salsa was watery and had a bitter taste. I'm pretty sure salsa should not be bitter so lord knows what they did with it. read more