Upon arriving in the afternoon for a late lunch with an empty stomach I ordered their birria torta that was recommended to me by the server. Restaurant was small, interior could've used a quick sweep. Restaurant was relatively quiet besides chatter from the workers whom seem to be friendly with one another which is a huge plus from a guest perspective. Walked out with a tab of $24 including time and entree with an iced coke which could use more ice in my humble opinion. Will definitely be back to try other options on their menu. read more

Flame Cantina in Ankeny promises a taste of Mexican street food with a modern twist, and for the most part, it delivers. My recent visit was a flavorful fiesta, with some dishes shining brighter than others. The Good: The homemade chips and salsa is a menu item (not complimentary) Which we don't mind because you are more mindful when eating them. They are also delicious and if you get the guacamole or the chees dip you will not be disappointed! Mango Shrimp Tacos: These were the stars of the show. The tortillas cradled juicy grilled shrimp, drizzled with a vibrant mango Pico de Gallo and bathed in a creamy guajillo crema. The sweet and spicy combo was a true explosion of taste, and the shrimp cooked to perfection - tender and slightly smoky. Quesa Birria Tacos: These braised beef delights were another winner. The slow-cooked Angus beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, swimming in a rich, flavorful adobo sauce. The crispy tortillas held up well to the juicy filling, and the accompanying onion and cilantro dipping sauce added a refreshing touch. Atmosphere: The restaurant itself is a vibrant and inviting space. The open kitchen adds to the lively atmosphere, and the colorful décor transports you straight to a bustling Mexican cantina. The 'OK' Taco Salad: While the ingredients were fresh and flavorful (ground beef, black beans, corn, Pico de Gallo, cheese, and a tangy cilantro lime dressing), the salad suffered from a glaring omission - lettuce! A taco salad without lettuce is like a margarita without lime - it just feels incomplete. (To be fair - our server offered to go get my Wife some lettuce, I just thought it was worth noting.) Service: The service was friendly, and on-point. Tristan kept the drinks filled and was attentive without being over bearing, in a small place like this it is a good balance. Overall: Flame Cantina offers a delicious and vibrant taste of Mexican street food, with some dishes truly excelling. The mango shrimp and birria tacos were standouts, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual and fun dining experience. Just be sure to request extra lettuce for your taco salad, and you're good to go! Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars. Flame Cantina is a great choice for a casual and flavorful Mexican meal, with a few minor tweaks needed to truly ignite all five stars. Pro Tips: Try the spicy hot sauce - ask for it, it one of the better ones I've had because it has both the heat and the flavor! Saturday's are $3 tacos until 5pm! I hope this review helps you decide whether to give Flame Cantina a try! read more

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Great Burrito; 7.5/10, however, for $16 the size was incredibly disappointing. I asked the guy to gesture how big the burrito would be, he gestured with his hands the size--which looked to be huge--roughly double the size of the burrito I received. I'm a thin guy and after eating the burrito I left hungry I ordered take out, the ambiance was nice but I wouldn't consider eating in, I've done it before. Save your money, for $13 you can get a much larger and delicious Burrito Burrito from Tacos Don Juan--which I'd rate 8.8/10 read more

Flame Cantina - Birria Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

I forgot how good this place was. I haven't been there since they first opened up, but my wife wanted to take me back there because she was recently there. we were greeted by friendly staff and seated us at a booth. We started with the trio-chips, guac, queso, And salsa. The chips were really good- thick and crunchy. You have to pay for them though. for our entrées, we split the Al past Doerr tacos and Birria tacos . Both were awesome. The real tacos were crunchy slightly soggy on the side. They were sitting on, but they came with an AU to dip in the Al. Pastor tacos were really good. They came with a mango salsa. For the sides, we got the corn which was awesome in the beans they both came with cheese. They have a really good drink selection. You can't go wrong with any of them. This place is really good. I would recommend it one of the best Mexican places in Ankeny. The only downfall is you have to pay for the chips, but they're totally worth it. read more

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We had large party. The server handled it very well. Got the birria ramen and it was great.

Wonderful food, wonderful service. Presentation was great, waitress was very attentive, will come again.

We consistently enjoy this place since it opened! This is not your typical Mexican American restaurant; they really have done an amazing job with their craft cocktails, and artisan food! Street tacos are my fave here, and their salsa trio is what I always order. The Quesa Barilla tacos are my husband's fave! As I mentioned all the cocktails are so well thought out and delicious and not your average cocktail with fun flavors. It's such a treat to have this type of restaurant here in Ankeny, the staff and management are wonderful and friendly each time we've been in. Thursdays they have half off apps, and $4 margs and $3 beer from 4-close. A great time to go. read more

Flame Cantina - Hibiscus Margarita.... So good. - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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I live in Johnston but now work in Ankeny. Seeing another Flame-owned nearby has helped the transition. They have a slightly expanded menu from the Johnston spot. I tried the taquitos and they were very good--fried to perfection. Service was cheery as always--I think some staff works at both restaurants. The vibe/decor screams suburban--not the warm, cozy atmosphere the taqueria has. Add horchata! But this spot is definitely worth checking out. read more

Flame Cantina - Fried Taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

A while back I was invited to the soft opening for Flame Cantina in Ankeny. It was great to see some old friends and make a couple new ones. The space was reserved for private parties during the soft opening, and I was lucky enough to be invited to share an eight top with a group of great people. I was the first of our party to arrive and the staff was friendly and inviting. I was greeted immediately with welcoming smiles and seated within a minute or two. I went with a citrus jalapeño margarita. Very good. Fresh flavors, a touch of salt, and a faint nice gentle burn... A great start. We were served an appetizer of chips, queso, and salsa. The chips tasted made in house, the queso was thick and delicious, and the salsa was The menu is varied and spans from appetizers and street food, a selection of sandwiches (including burgers) to the more up scale entrees. Something for everyone and at multiple price points. It's hard to make a choice. I was looking at shrimp and pork at the higher price point and birria tacos that were a $14 plate (I think). And I honestly don't think I could have made a wrong choice. Everything I sampled was cooked perfectly and was very good. It's the old Pie Five space. Open and spacious. They did a great job with their remodel of the location. Having been to Pie Five multiple times it has a completely different feel while still feeling familiar. The entree I chose was the diablo shrimp and I added a side of asparagus. If you are expecting Iowa hot...this ain't your game! I asked our wonderful server if she could please bring me a refill of ice water...or a pitcher. Straight from the depths of hell that sauce showed no mercy... And yet it tasted fantastic! The grilled asparagus was up to par with everything else. A great side for $4. As things were wrapping up we were brought a desert plate. The tall shot glass looking glasses had tres leche cake topped with a raspberry. And I can't remember what the churro themed cake item was...other than it being to die for. It was so good and I wish I'd paid more attention to the details. I don't think I could do it justice anyway. The owner and staff were wonderful from start to finish...and I know that they're still not fully staffed with having some positions left to fill. A really great experience, but I was among friends who I dearly enjoy their company. We were blessed with a great meal and preview of Flame Cantina... But I'd have been happy being with that group at a Village Inn. Food is subjective and to be enjoyed, but I'm most grateful for the community, the fellowship, and those I now consider friends. read more

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This is the only Mexican food I eat in Des Moines. Is so delicious, Birria tacos will never fail. Chips and Queso are THE BOMB read more

My partner and I went to dinner on a Wednesday evening and the seating area was about half full and we were seated right away at a high top table. The server was very friendly and seemed to be servicing every table himself so it was a little while between check ins but totally understandable and not their fault. He made sure we had everything we needed and we had no complaints with the service. The food...was amazing. The chips are homemade and came out warm. For salsa we chose the Verde and the mild. Both salsas seemed homemade and were so flavorful. I even asked if they sold them! The Verde (green) had the perfect level of heat for me and was my favorite. My partner ordered the Birria tacos and they were soooo decadent and the flavor was incredible. Delicious! I ordered the honey lime shrimp bowl and WOW this was sooo good and the size and amount of shrimp was well worth the price. We can't wait to go back! read more

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The people are nice & quick. Maybe a little too quick. I've been there 3 times & twice for to go. When I ate at the restaurant everything was perfect food, service, value! To go- check your order & receipt. Both to go orders was missing items. They don't answer the phone to call & inquire about a fix ‍. The food is fine & people are polite & fast but if I can't get what I order/pay for what's the point! read more

Everything was so fresh and flavorful. Food came out quick and hot. Wonderful service, too. Will definitely be back. read more

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Best enchiladas I've had outside of Southern California, they were absolutely delicious, as were the fresh chips, queso, salsa, guacamole, and the Mexican corn. The service was excellent as well. We will definitely be back soon. read more

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Came here after receiving a gift card for Christmas and are we glad! We had been to the previous restaurant at this location and also enjoyed it, but Mexican is our favorite. They had a ton of staff working and got us seated, drinks, and food right away. We got chips and queso to start and then I got the mango shrimp tacos (substituted shrimp for chicken! Yay) and my husband got Lola's burrito. I thought the chips were air-ey with good seasoning. My tacos were great and full of flavor and spice. Lola's burrito was kinda spicy, but good. They have a great atmosphere, a bar, several TV's, and I overall liked the modern Mexican feel. Hope to come back soon! read more

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We stopped in on a early Tuesday dinner and found ample parking and plenty of places to sit. We had friendly service and good food. They had specials on Margaritas until 6 I believe. read more

I had one of the worst service experiences with Jenna at Flame Cantina. She was dismissive, slow, and seemed annoyed. Overall not the best person you would like to meet when ordering your food! read more

Visited today and ordered chips (fresh made) and salsa and the birria tacos - delicious! Being from San Diego I consider myself a taco snob and we were not disappointed. Meat was really tender and a perfect balance of flavors with the included consome (birria stock). In addition, we experienced attentive service and the food quality was priced accordingly. Look forward to trying other items on their menu! Be sure to check out their daily HH specials : ) read more

Second time ordering food from Flame, not as good as the first. I ordered online and go the lime shrimp skillet. I got about 8 shrimp, which were very good. But then got a small heap of lettuce and about a quarter of bell pepper sautéed. While it was very tasty, I didn't feel it was enough to constitute the $18 tag. Wife got the quesadilla birria tacos. She had the opposite issue. She was full with the 3 tacos, but said the birria I make at home is better and she'd rather have that. read more

BUG IN MY TACO. Absolutely not. Tossed all my food and got a refund. This is not cool.

Stopped in on the weekend. It wasn't busy when we got there at lunch. We were seated right away. The chips and salsa/queso are not complimentary. We ordered chips and queso. The chips were warm like they were freshly made. The queso was watery and immediately dripped off the chips! Even at the end of our meal the queso didn't thicken up. We had a burrito bowl and tacos. They were fantastic. I'm glad the queso was not a reflection on the entrees. We really liked our entrees. The menu is limited compared to more authentic restaurants. read more

Flame Cantina - El pastor tacos, chips and queso, adobo chicken burrito bowl - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

We went after my daughters birthday party. Staff was very welcoming and we were sat fast. Ordered the chips and salsa with a side of queso for an appetizer. The chips are fresh homemade with a really tasty seasoning on them. The salsa and queso was very good. Ordered the Quesa Birria Tacos. The food came out very fast and was very tasty. It was my first time having birria tacos so I don't have much to compare it to. It was more like a crock pot beef flavor than a Mexican flavor but was very good dipped in the adobo aus jus. The restaurant was very clean and tidy with a few televisions and a small bar. read more

Flame Cantina - Quesa Birria Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

The Fish Tacos and other food we ordered were decent. The atmosphere/interior was nice and cozy. Our waitress was nice and helpful. The hostess was a little snooty and not all that helpful. Parking lot is crowded and a hot mess with the Jimmy John's drive thru interfering with Flame parking. You have to pay $6 for chips and Salsa; not free - most others offer this free. There was also a 3% cost of goods fee added to my bill. Overall, food was decent, but not worth the cost and lack of value. read more

It's rare to find a place we all equally enjoy. This is it for us. Delicious. We love that a brunch menu is offered on Sundays. I hesitate to shout it out too much because we don't want competition for a table. read more

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Cute make over and great Thursday NFL special! Margaritas 4.00. Half price starters. So far a great choice! read more

Flame Cantina - Cute bar - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

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Ok, having lived in San Antonio for 9 years in the military, I have yet to be convinced that there is any 'great' Mexican food in Iowa. So, while I was pulling for Flame Cantina, having had some decent street tacos at Flame Taqueria, I was a bit disappointed yet again. Drinks at the Cantina are cheap... you aren't getting freshly squeezed lime juice in your margarita but it is fine. $6 margaritas! I had enchiladas verdes which were disappointing. The salsa verde was merely a thin dried residue on the corn tortillas and smothered with cheese. There was nothing 'caliente' in this dish. Chicken was dry, salsa verde was dry, even the cheese was dry. The margaritas definitely came in handy. This could easily be better... but right now it hasn't made me change my mind about Mexican food in Iowa. read more

Flame Cantina - Enchiladas verdes...yes that dry hint of green coating on the tortilla is your 'salsa verde'. This could easily be better. - Mexican Near Me - Ankeny, Iowa

Delicious food! Everything I have tried has been fantastic! I have tried rheumatoid arthritis Torta, Street Tacos and a burrito. Win win win! read more

I really really wanted to like this place but I couldn't. I came here on my lunch break for the first time and I ordered the Lola's burrito bowl while my boyfriend got the chipotle glazed shrimp tacos. My burrito bowl had pineapple salsa in it which I like the meat and queso but for some reason the fruit tasted like Clorox wipes. My boyfriend asked for no vegetables on his tacos and was still given everything on it. I tried to eat what I could but unfortunately couldn't finish. We were also sat by the door which every time someone opens the door, our napkins kept flying away and got in our food. The table is maybe 2 feet away from the door so it was extremely cold as well. Our waitress was really nice though. Just do not know if I will try this place again. read more

Quesa Birria Tacos are probably the best tacos I've ever had! Kids eat free on Sunday for lunch too!

Stopped in on a Saturday night and it was kind of quiet. But sometimes that is just what you need. I had the margarita of the month which was pretty good. The food was plenty but a little too spicy for me, but it was good. The homemade chips weren't exciting. The staff was very friendly. read more

Food was good but employee who brought food had kept giving us the dirtiy looks. obvious she was unhappy for some reason Not coming back due to getting judged read more

Food was pretty good and the service was great! I ordered my food to go but their customer service was great still! Also the look of the restaurant/establishment was nice and clean. read more

We love The Flame in Johnston but there is a very different vibe at this location. The restaurant wasn't busy when we arrived and we were greeted promptly. Our waitress took FOREVER to take our order - the staff was having fun at the bar but ignoring the customers. The food was decent but she never bothered to check on us. I had to get up to request our check. I won't be in a hurry to go back - too bad as I had been looking forward to visiting this place. read more

You have to stop in and try Flame! They have absolutely the best chips. Try the dip sampler (guacamole, queso and salsa) and you won't be disappointed. I have gotten the tacos al pastor, as well as the quesa birria tacos and loved both of them. My husband was super pumped to order the machete! Huge. They have specials on Thursday nights with half-price appetizers and four dollar margaritas or something like that. 10/10 read more

The Birria tacos are always amazing and show up fresh and warm. Delivery is always fast and on time. I highly recommend coming here if you in Ankeny and have a craving for tacos. read more

Stopped in for lunch the other day and ordered what I always do at Mexican restaurants. Steak tacos and chips with queso and hot sauce. I've got to say with stopping at the Merle Hay one and this one these are NOW my favorite steak tacos around. Felt like stopping in for lunch was a lil slow on food but server was very friendly and tentative. read more

This is top tier fast Mexican food. We have been for lunch several times and finally made it for a dinner. You have to start with the Trio (guac, queso, & salsa). It will be enough for a table of 4. The shrimp tacos are fantastic as is the Birria tacos. The churros are always fresh and drizzled with Carmel. If you are sick of the same old fast Mexican, look no further than this hidden gem of Ankeny! read more

Absolutely awful. Waited 15 minutes for them to take our drink order but we were never given drink menus. Our food came before our drinks, room temperature and missing half of the items listed on the menu. Wait staff was rude. I will never be returning. read more

I was very excited for Flame after having an awesome meal from their food truck. However, I was instantly disappointed after picking food up from the restaurant. Fries were not cooked/fried, the Mac and Cheese had no veggies or other ingredients stated in the description, and the Churros were cold and hard as a rock. I don't like to complain, but after spending 50 dollars and throwing most of the meal away, I was super bummed! read more

Amazing food! Very nice portions. Michelle was very inviting & the bartender was informative. Highly recommended! Locally sourced fresh beef was delicious! Atmosphere was very inviting and comfortable. read more