Great food. My partner really enjoyed his meal and I loved mine. The margarita was also great. The price was ok for the area. Staff were friendly. read more

We went for lunch. service was pretty good. I was torn between the chimicanga or the chili relleno. I opted for the chimi with shredded beef, no beans. I wish I had done the relleno. there's better chimis out there. mom had the chicken salad with no spice. S had enchiladas. the guacamole was pretty bland, perfect for my no spice in my life mom. the salsa was to spicy for her. the cheese dip was very yummy. the bathrooms were clean, service was good. read more

El Rodeo - lunch chimicanga no beans, shredded beef - A Mexican dish featuring seasoned rice, a chicken burrito with sauce, and a side salad with chopped vegetables. - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

Great service & food! We were immediately seated & served chips & salsa. Our drinks quickly followed & then our food. The location is right off I-35 so it's a great lunch spot if you're driving through Des Moines. read more

Stopped by while in town. I can't say enough how great the service was. The server was super attentive and the food was nice and hot. Today is National Margaritas day, so of course has to try that. I was not disappointed! Overall, this place was great but looked like most Mexican restaurants. I'd come back again. read more

El Rodeo - Fajita burrito - A large Mexican burrito topped with sauce, shredded cheese, and melted cheese, served on a blue plate with some sauce and melted cheese around. - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

I came here with our family to celebrate a birthday and we had a good experience. We had chips, salsa, and queso to start. Their salsa isn't my favorite, but the queso is good. I ordered a chicken quesadilla and side of rice. Nothing wrong with it, just average Mexican food. They seemed quick with the service and had friendly staff. Plenty of open seating at tables and booths. They will bring an ice cream sundae for the birthday person. read more

El Rodeo - A Mexican dish featuring rice, a burrito with melted cheese, shredded lettuce, a tomato slice, and sour cream on a green plate. - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

AMAZING!!! El Rodeo is my family's go-to restaurant. We either dine-in or grab takeout at *least* once a week. Their food is always delicious, never have had a bad meal. We love everyone who works there - they genuinely recognize and love their customers. We love the Deo !! read more

The fajitas for two was very large, had a good amount of vegetables and a lot of chicken. The margaritas are awesome.

The food quality exceeded our expectations. We stayed a hotel nearby and decided to try this restaurant that adjoins our hotel. My wife and I both ordered the chicken breast salad and loved every mouthful. The grilled veggies over lettuce topped with thin savory chicken breast had rich flavors that we hadn't expected. It's a good choice for travelers looking for something light and savory. read more

The first leg of our recent trip to New Mexico finished in the greater Des Moines metro area -- so we selected a hotel along the interstate in Clive. El Rodeo was within walking distance of our hotel, we were tired, so it was the logical choice for dinner. We started with margaritas. Though not sensational, they were well constructed with an ample amount of tequila which proved to be just what we needed to wind down after a day on the road. As I always do at a new Mexican restaurant, I ordered carnitas for my entrée. The portion was ample and pork was reasonably tender and moist--though still far from the best I've eaten. The leftovers made for a nice lunch on the road the next day. Because of the convenient location, decent food and service, El Rodeo is a good option for road warriors and road trippers even though it serves average Americanized Mexican food. read more

El Rodeo - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

stop the straws and stop the sodium - both over the top with plastic and unnecessary sodium in the food. Save the whales and our blood pressure. read more

Stopped by while on a solo work trip. The verdict? Good place to enjoy big portions served quickly --- with a large margarita. Coming from the Bay Area- the prices here are outrageously low-- I mean 15-20$ for a pitcher of margs?! Different world. And no I didn't drink the pitcher to the face -- just an observation. I enjoyed some fajitas- the one with all meats. Not bad. The menu is pretty vast- so there will likely be something for everyone. read more

See all

We came during lunch and ordered off the lunch menu. Chips and salsa were the best! The food was good, service was ok. We were seated by a window and there were ants crawling all over the sill. Our 2 meals with 2 sodas were $35 which is probably a little steep for lunch menu compared to other Mexican restaurants. read more

See all

Excellent place to relax and listen to the soft music in the background. The lunch special was reasonably priced. The menu was very inviting with a plethora of palate pleasing dishes. My favorite was the taco chicken fajitas. My entire dish could have been somewhat hotter as it relates to heat. Overall everything was superb! read more

See all

Overall very disappointed in the food. Service was great. Food was below par. All pretty bland. Would honestly go to taco bell before here

Really impressed with this restaurant in Clive! Food is quickly served and the menu is extensive. Portions are large. I had the low carb salad and there was so much chicken and veggies. The service was fast and efficient, without being overwhelming. If I lived in the area, this would be in my restaurant rotation. read more

We went to this restaurant yesterday to celebrate my youngest son's birthday. We had excellent food and service . What else could you want from a dining establishment. Got to give this local establishment a try . I think you will love it. read more

margarita on point. burrito excellent. overall great experience service was good. great value for what we got !!!

My son and I had dinner here tonight. I had the seafood enchiladas, they were very good, filled with shrimp and crab meat. Not the imitation stuff real shrimp and crab. My only complaint is that one of them were a tad cold. There were 3 on the plate served with rice and guacamole, lettuce and tomato. My son had the macho burrito he ordered ground beef but it came with chicken. He did eat it and said it was very good. We ordered cheese dip and it came out after the food. I would definitely come back again. Server was attentive and polite. read more

El Rodeo - Seafood enchiladas - A Mexican dish featuring enchiladas topped with creamy sauce, served with rice, sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, and guacamole. - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

Stopped in as we were passing through town. The best thing they have going for them is speed. The food was average at best. Chips and salsa were alright. I had the #8 enchilada and chili relleno plate. It was a red salsa but very little spice and flavor. read more

El Rodeo - Enchilada and chili relleno plate - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Patio is great. Service great. Food not. Didn't seem like home made tortias or salsa. Food very Tex Mexi not authentic.

I came here for a work lunch. We were promptly seated and had our orders taken. Out chips and salsa were OK. It wasn't the best salsa or freshest chips, but it was fine. The food arrived relatively quickly for a larger group. I had the chimichanga and it was quite flavorful. After dropping off food we didn't see our waiter again. Nobody got refills though many cups stood empty. For the speed of service and food along with the flavor, I'd likely come back when in the area. But as I know of other places I'd prefer, if given the choice I'd venture to another option. read more

See all

Ate here for the 1st time. I don't recommend it. They give you lots of food but the meat has no flavor and it kind of dry. Had the #1 2 tacos, 1 enchilada & a Chili con Queso. My friend had the #3 1 Taco, a chalupa and an Enchilada. Neither of our orders were right. Service was just so so. Nothing to brag about. But most of all the beef had no flavor. No Mexican seasonings that you expect at a Mexican restaurant. Definitely will not return or recommend. read more

Always so solid food here. I was taken back that they opened in 95. I remember when the Urbandale location opened. Opened the flood gates for so many Mexican Places. Good service, clean, great drinks and reasonable. Went with the Fajita, beef, chicken, shrimp and chorizo. Very tasty and plenty. I think someone forgot the dollup of guacamole with the rice tho. But all delicious anyway! read more

El Rodeo - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

The girls and I have been going to El Rodeo for DECADES, though not on the regular for the last ten years. One of the girls was in town for Christmas so we thought we'd meet at our old stomping grounds for lunch. Big, HUGE mistake. The quality overall has declined appreciably but the food!! Ugh. I'll never eat there again. My burrito was nasty, the margarita wasn't much better. My friend wasn't impressed with hers either. How do you mess up VEGETARIAN FAJITAS?!?! Yet that is not the worst. I paid $18.00 for the "Cowboy Fajitas" For my partner. IT WASN'T EVEN EDIBLE. Full out NASTY. read more

Just visited the El Rodeo for the first time / on a recommendation from La Quinta. (Traveling home from California) What a treat ! I'm a "Mexican food snob" ..... and It was superb! Looking for something light, we ordered their shredded beef tacos - with an "El Rodeo" Margarita! The flavor was Perfect and the marg was exceptional! Our server was Maria - she not only ensured we enjoyed our meal - but she made sure our order was exactly what we wanted! She was So sweet & fun! See you next time Maria - this will definitely be a favorite "must stop" for us! Highly recommended! read more

I went to this place with my family on a Saturday evening and the service was great! I ordered beef nachos along with a plate of beef enchiladas, Chile relleno and rice. The nachos were very good but a little dry and needed some kind of sauce or pico or. The relleno was good and flavorful but the rice was just okay. The food really deserves 3/5 but because of their superb service, this place gets a 4 from me. read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

I'm not a regular with Mexican but when I go I have my simple favorites. We had a group of 6 and sat right away after the lunch rush. The Margarita special was good and the wait staff was on top of it. No one at the table had issues with food. They loved the chips and salsa. I always get the white cheese to dip my chips. Yum. Mix the cheese and salsa and you are set to go. I can't do the hot stuff so it was perfect. I heard that this is the best one of the three. Bill was a little slow but that's just tine for food to settle. read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

The food was was not very good, and I found a hair in my rice and beans. The service was not great either, we never even got water for our table and had to ask for basic things like salt. Overall very subpar experience, I will not be eating here again. read more

El Rodeo - The hair I found in my rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

El Rodeo is your nice comfortable Mexican restaurant everybody needs. The service is very good and extremely fast (Like less than 5 minutes sometimes). The chips and salsa are free (as they should be), but I get queso as well. I've gotten Tacos, Chimichangas, Burritos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas and more and they have all been excellent. I haven't found one thing they have done poorly. I can't talk about one item I love because I love all of them. El Rodeo has been a Mexican restaurant staple for years because it doesn't do anything wrong. read more

Fairly standard cheap Mexican restaurant. Nothing really impressed me here. Margarita was a little small for the price. Food came out within a minute of our order which was nice but it was almost too quick. The food was hot but again nothing that special. I had not been to this place in awhile and I think it will be awhile before I'm back. Overall nothing bad there are just so many other places within the area. read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

This place is the best Mexican food choice in town. Everyone is helpful and the food is always great. The margaritas are great also.

We dine in for the best service and ultimate food presentation. This trip had the Queso with chips, our Chimichangas were stuffed with beef, sauce was great. Prompt & attentive service, great Margaritas. As newbies to the community, we have found a great replacement for the Mexican restaurant back home. read more

Run-of-the-mill Mexican food. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't spectacular. The ambiance was quiet and the waitress was good and attentive. I've had lots of Mexican and I just thought the food was lack luster and both baskets of chips we got were on the stale side (Didn't keep me from eating them lol). I just think with so much great Mexican food in the Des Moines area you gotta step your game up and have something that stands out. Unfortunately, I didn't get that here on this visit. I would be willing to give them another chance, but it won't be anytime soon. read more

This has been a favorite lunch spot during the work week but I do have to say this place has gone downhill as far as customer service and consistency with food. I think everyone there must hate their job. Smiles are few and far between, as well as their manners with simple "you're welcome" or a head nod as acknowledgement, and rectifying any issue (wrong food, missing items, cold food) doesn't always happen. They seem to blatantly ignore and avoid any kind of interaction with their customers. Aside from all that, three times now they've tried to screw me/my friends out of money when the check came (see photo), and act mad or inconvenienced when I bring it to their attention. There are plenty of other Mexican restaurants in the area with everything opposite that I've mentioned here that I will be visiting instead. read more

El Rodeo - Third time this has happened. - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Best Mexican restaurant we have tried in the West Des Moines area. Moderately priced and yet very good sized potions. I loved their pico de gallo which I like to add to the beef enchiladas! Thanks to quick and pleasant servers, I will consider this my go-to place for good Mexican food!! read more

El Rodeo - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

I stopped here due to it being close to my hotel and a co-workers referral. I was seated and brought complementary chips and salsa--the salsa was delicious! I stuck with one of the combination platters of an enchilada and a taco with rice and refried beans. I ate pretty much all of it! Everything was really tasty. The staff was pleasant and prompt with their service. I would recommend a visit if you're in the area. read more

El Rodeo - Enchilada and taco combo - Mexican Near Me - Clive, Iowa

The problems started with the salsa, tasteless with no character. The killer was the use of a cheese sauce instead of cheese. This is Mexican Cuisine for those who think Velveeta is just like cheddar. read more

First, I have a disclaimer. I ordered carry out so I didn't get to sit and enjoy the margaritas that have apparently put rose (or green) colored glasses on other positive reviewers. I stayed at the hotel next door (La Quinta) and ordered the beef nachos and a small burrito. I'm an Arizonan, but I try to not be a Mexican food snob. Heck, I enjoy Taco Bell as much as higher end Mexican restaurants. But I knew I was in trouble when I saw the nachos. Not real cheese. OK, maybe it's real cheese in that it came from a cow, but it also came from a bottle. It's the type of cheese you'd get with movie theater nachos - just worse. Then they just threw a scoop of beef on them. Wallah. Nachos. But, I'm not a snob, so I ate them anyway. The cheese tasted terrible - like an awful combination of melted Velveeta mozzarella & those weird regional cheeses often found in the midwest. But I was a trooper and hid the taste of the cheese with the ample salsa they provided. Then my gastrointestinal system told me what it thought of my meal choice. I was in La Quinta hotel, throwing up and pooping nonstop all night. When I stopped pooping, I started puking again, and vice versa. It's bad enough that I'm in a La Quinta in Clive Iowa in snow & 16 degrees, but thanks to El Rodeo, I had my own all-night rodeo ride on the toilet. Maybe it was because I didn't stay for the margaritas. At any rate, if you're a fan of puking and pooping out half your body weight in 8 hours, go to El Rodeo - and order the beef nachos. Tell'em Brandon sent ya. read more

The food was gross! I ordered a taco salad with chicken & a top shelf margarita. It was a fried tortilla with a huge blob of shredded chicken, a handful of lettuce that was brown on the edges & a white tomato slice. NASTY! The margarita was just ok but I couldn't taste any tequila. The charge was 8.99 for salad & 8.99 for the margarita! Service was terrible. He was in such a hurry he forgot my friends dessert order but he sure remembered to snatch the check back and add it on. There seemed to be something going on in the back with lots of loud noise and yelling with laughter. Do not waste your time and money here when there are so many Mexican restaurants available. I will never go here again. Everything felt dirty. read more

Super good, super fast, and I have never seen a mexican restaurant with food this good have such a clean and polished interior especially in the restrooms. I now wish I lived a lot closer. Our server was incredibly friendly, and the prices were fantastic. All said and done, I cant wait to come back! read more