Los Compadres is my favorite area Mexican restaurant. I'm very surprised that I have never written a review. The reason Los Compadres is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area isn't because of any one dish they do incredibly well, but because everything I have ever had there has been considerably better than the average Cedar Rapids Mexican retaurant. So, if there's one particular item you're obsessive about, I think it's possible that you could find a place that does that item a little better, but if you're eating with multiple people or you like to try a variety of things, I would highly recommend Los Compadres. The items I get there the most frequently are tacos campechano, burritos campechano, and pollo con arroz. My wife generally get's the Jose's special, and my kids typically get chicken fajitas. I would recommend any of those dishes. read more

The food was pretty good. Nothing stood out except the cheese dip and the margaritas. The cheese dip was really flavorable. The margaritas were strong. The dinners lacked some flavor, especially my enchiladas. I would go back if I were in the area again. Maybe try the chicken enchiladas next time. The server was good and the ambiance was ok. Nothing special. We were seated quickly and served rather fast. read more

See all

Mediocre food and crappy service combine for a totally forgettable experience. I'd recommend that you stay home and eat and flush the money down the toilet - you will be happier and save the gas money. read more

Came in one even big after work the service off the top walking in the door was great the food not what i was expecting but I'm from the south and we use lots of seasoning the meat could of used more seasoning! Now the drinks the drinks were dranks they are not greedy with the liquor they pour you can taste that off the top so you'll only need one of those blue things!! lol it was definitely on point!! Would definitely and highly recommend their table side guacamole read more

Not a great area. We were staying in the hotel next door. Needing to eat and not feeling safe enough to walk further we came here. Much nicer than expected. Like any other Mexican cantina. Same decor. Same menu. We ordered fajitas to split. They were a solid 3. Could have used some seasoning but it did the job. read more

Los Compadres - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

See all

I came here for a friend's birthday party. Service was awesome. They came often for refills and shots. But they took a long time to take orders. It was super hot inside. Maybe because it was hot outside? I had flautas with shredded beef. It seemed like ground beef. It was just ok. I would probably only come back for their lunch buffet. I have enjoyed it before. It was just not that great when there are so many other choices for Mexican food. read more

Food was decent, but the service was absolutely terrible. I was never offered a refill on my water until the very end of the meal when I was asking for boxes and sauce containers. I had assumed maybe it was really busy inside since I was sitting on the patio she seems to be running back and forth a lot. Once I went back inside I discovered that this was not the. I finally asked if I could just get some to-go containers for the food and sauce and the check. She came back with the check and one styrofoam to-go container. I asked if I could please get some sauce containers and a separate container for the chip so they wouldn't get soggy. She came back with a bag for the chips and two styrofoam cups with lids that didn't fit for the sauces. I went inside and asked if I could possibly get some sauce containers instead of these cups. There were four additional staff members standing at the host station chatting and there weren't very many people inside the restaurant. One of the staff went to the kitchen and brought out a to-go bag. I repeated my request for some sauce containers instead of these two, and I specified two, styrofoam cups. My waitress came out of the kitchen at that time, and asked again what I needed. I repeated again asking if I could please have some sauce containers instead of the cups. She went into the kitchen and came back with one sauce container. At this point I gave up and put the salsa in the sauce container, balanced balanced the cup with the guacamole upright inside the bag with my food and left. There did not seem to be any language barrier between me and my waitress. I don't know if she was stressed or just not listening, but it shouldn't have taken so many conversations just to get some to-go containers. And, on top of that, if she was struggling, there were four other people standing there that could have helped her or stepped in to translate if she didn't understand. My opinion of the entire front of house staff is extremely poor. read more

Los Compadres - Looking to go containers, including the styrofoam cup with the lid that didn't fit that I was given for the guacamole. - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

See all

This was some of the best American Mexican food we have had. Two of our children ordered from the kids menu, getting chicken strips and mini corndogs, both with fries. The portion sizes were huge! There were six chicken strips and seven mini corndogs, each with a heaping serving of fries. One of my children ordered two of the a la cart burritos. They were huge, too! He loved them. My husband and I ordered the molcajete. It was phenomenal! Steak, chicken, pork, chorizo, panela cheese, roasted jalapeños, and nopales, all topped with a delicious tomato salsa. Seriously so good! This came with tortillas, rice and beans and was more than enough food for two. Our server was prompt and attentive, the restaurant was clean, and the food was great. We will definitely visit again! read more

See all

Service was attentive and menu had a lot of variety. Music and decorations are festive and encourage a good atmosphere .. take it from a native from Mexico City.. check out Los Compadres read more

Los Compadres - Bar area - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Not sure what they gave me but I ordered carne asada and this picture was passed off as that! I was given 2 very thin cut fatty tough steaks that they passed off as carne asada. Their margarita was some sort of bright green mix and also tasted horrible. read more

This is my FAVORITE place to get Mexican in Cedar Rapids. Anything you order is going to be amazing! The service is always awesome and quick! I love the barrel margaritas, watch out they can creep up on you, one medium is good! The salsa is great. Burritos are huge! Quesadillas are filled with plenty of meat and cheese! Fajitas are so yummy! You cannot go wrong here! read more

Los Compadres - Barrel margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

This restaurant is awesome. They give you authentic Mexican food in big portion sizes which was perfect for us. The service was great and they gave us a lot of chips and salsa! 10/10! Would recommend! Would go back! read more

I love this country. I am I am usually not surprised because let's be honest as we go from place to place to get good eats and we end up with mediocre at best sometimes. However, Los Compadres is definitely not that. This restaurant is as close to a home run as I have seen in a long time I was blessed tonight with Chile Colorado Verde and let me tell you... it is at least one of the top three best Colorado dishes I've ever had! Who knew that I would have to go to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to get knocked on the floor by such an amazing dish. And if the symphony of flavors and perfect amount of heat wasn't enough, when the order came to my table it was a very large portion that would feed two adults pretty easily. You get the chips. You get the salsa. And that gorgeous huge portion platter all for $17.50. That, ladies and gentlemen, is what is known as true love! I had the pleasure to look over the menu while I was waiting for my food to arrive and this place is a gem. They have all the wonderful delights that you could want from your Latin table, including drinks, margaritas and delicious desserts (I had the churros). I am going to miss my one night stay in Iowa because I would love to stay an extra just so I could eat dinner at this wonderful restaurant. Do yourself a favor... whether you're out as a local or you're on a motorcycle trip passing through, stop into this restaurant and let the flavors welcome you into a world that is rarely seen in small town America anymore. Absolutely delicious!!!!! read more

Los Compadres - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Every time we've been here the food has been awesome! Service is always great too! Highly recommend! read more

Ala Carte and Buffet options. Food was good, Nice decorations and Mexican music. And they had Horchata.

Incredible mole sauce. Delicious margaritas. Tacos were also fabulous. Service is incredible.

There's some good and some really bad here. We were greeted and seated quickly and with a warm friendly server who is also a hostess and also a bartender. Sort of a red flag but there but it seems to be a family business so that happens. We had a party of 7. All ordered margaritas or beers. We got waters and chips and salsa pretty quickly but the chips were not salted and the salsa lacked any sort of zip so it was basically crushed tomatoes. We waited and waited for the drinks. This was a Wednesday night in September. Should have been much quicker. Finally got all but one drink and the overall consensus was that the drinks were tasteless and lacked pretty much any alcohol. We didn't complain though and oddly the bartender started walking around with a bottle of tequila and offering "mas tequila" to anyone. I didn't have my drink yet so I asked if he could check on it and I got it about one minute later. Tasted like water with a squeeze of lime. I asked the server for more tequila and she said they would have to charge. After noting that the bartender was handing out free shots to those who were fortunate enough to have received their drinks timely - I finally had more tequila free of charge. Once that was added, the drink tasted more like a margarita. Then We waited a long time for her to take our orders. When the food finally started trickling out of the kitchen - slowly- we did enjoy what we ordered. I had the pollo con arroz with grilled veggies. It was super delicious and huge portions. Again the server was super slow getting us our checks. I doubt I would come back here unless it was for takeout. Ambiance was very basic Mexican restaurant style. No mariachi band or anything. Music was very quiet. I recommend this place get some additional Servers and bartenders to improve. read more

Los Compadres - Pollo con arroz with grilled veggies and the barrel margarita - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

We did take out to be able ti rest in our hotel earlier after a long day traveling Lincoln Highway from Chicago. Their telephone was constantly busy and the wait after ordering in person was Over 30 minutes - hmm not good when you feel tired. We ordered the Comadre Salad one with shrimp one with chicken and added avocado. Really good fresh salad filled with cumbers, greens, onions, generous serving of avocado and the protein of choice. Tasty 2 thumbs up. It was too much for my husband and for me was super satisfying, great serving portion Update: my husband told me that, as he was waiting for 40 minutes for the takeout salads, people at the restaurant were complaining about slow service and a funky non-pleasant smell. Sorry no pictures. I was tired and devoured the salsa without thinking. read more

Diana was awesome, took the time to engage in our laughter convo..... Food is as expected in Mexican resto ,although the carnival was on the dry side & the portions was really relatively small. read more

So I had an overnight here in Cedar Rapids and I like to explore the area that I am staying in. I passed by Los Compadres on my way to a classic car place (which was awesome!!) On my way back I say that there was a buffet at Los Compadres. Now I like a buffet because I can pick what I like, not so that I can eat till I explode. So I looked at it and decided that it seemed like a good local place to try. I started out with one chicken soft taco and one beef soft taco. The tortillas turned out to be cold but the meat wasn't too bad. I didn't finish those and went back to try what looked like a chimichanga. The taste wasn't far off from the chicken soft taco. I only took a few bites from that. Then I went back to try something rolled up in white sauce and then some nachos. The "something" turned out to be a crab enchilada. The tortilla again wasn't that great so I ate the crab, what I presume to be canned imitation. It was ok. I then went back to try the quesadilla and I also got more chicken and beef because that wasn't bad. I only ate part of the quesadilla, they were little triangles, and all of the meat. I then went for the churros. I figured this much. They were hard and cold. I was a little disappointed for $12.99. Oh, and if you pay by CC, then it is $13.49. So I paid by cash and the cashier seemed to have a 'not so happy look' on her face when I handed her a $20. She fumbled around a little bit and then reached under the counter for what looked like a purse. She presided to give me my change. In conclusion, I would not recommend this place at all. Well, at least the buffet. Maybe off the menu is better. The only thing that I enjoyed was the nachos. Everything else just tasted the same. They also had beans and rice. But I try to stick with protein for the most part. I love Mexican food but I would have been better off going to Taco Bell. read more

Ordered Shrimp Fajitas from their Lunch Menu. It was so satisfying and delicious. I forgot to take photos when served, so it's halfway gone. However, they topped guacamole that house made from scratch on my salad was so amazingly delicious. All staff were good people, and they made me feel welcomed. I recommend this business. read more

Los Compadres - Shrimp Fajitas from Lunch Menu - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WARNING: DO NOT GET FOOD TO GO. EXTRA HIDDEN FEES FOR PICKUP ORDERS. While the food is hands down the best mexican I have ever had, I simply won't be going anymore due to deceitful practices. I called in my order to them, not even using Grubhub or Doordash (which they aren't on) to get an order to go. Upon getting the receipt, they put a $0.75 to-go fee. On top of a credit card service fee. Like what? Nowhere on their website or menu is this mentioned. Sure, it's only $0.75, but in an age where the customer is being used to extract as much money as possible from the customer, this doesn't feel right. I've seen credit card surcharges before and I am semi-OK with this (still really bad) because I get it, inflation and you want to keep the prices down but now a to-go fee? Really? I have to pay you extra now to step foot in your door for 2 minutes to grab my food after already driving there? Congratulations on losing a customer over a $0.75 hidden fee. Hope it was worth it. read more

Los Compadres - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

My fiance and I came in hoping to have a really good margarita, a cold beer and some dessert. We walked in and immediately felt unwelcome. We were sat in a booth near the door. Three different servers looked at us and decided to serve other tables instead. We sat there for 20 minutes with some stale chips and salsa. We left and upon telling the hostess we were leaving all she said was "ok." Okay. You don't need my money then. read more

I went with my family to Los Compadres for dinner. We ordered a large fresh bowl of Guacamole and the waiter/cook came to our table and made it right in front of us. It was a very cool experience! I definitely can't wait to go again and order the guacamole. I ordered a chicken burrito which came gigantic and so let's just say I got a to-go box, lol. Everyone loved their food that they ordered! Very nice experience!! read more

See all

We have looked for a Mexican restaurant that we liked since we moved to Iowa. We were in Cedar Rapids for a meeting and came across this one by chance. We liked this one. (Once hubby knew green Chile wasn't gonna be anywhere out here it got more possible to adjust). Margaritas were great, not tasting like sweet sour mix, and Andres the waiter touched them up with a bottle of patron in the middle. Hubby got Chile rellenos and I got carnitas. Huge pile of pork. We took a whole meal out with us. Not too noisy where we were seated, a plus, ON A FRIDAY NIGHT. Prices a little high, but this is prices for everything everywhere right now, especially food. read more

Where do I begin. Service was seriously lacking. Waited over 10 minutes to even be acknowledged and that was after a patron who I assume was a "regular" said something. Shame on me for not leaving and going somewhere else. Alas I stayed and hoped the food would be better. Chips were ok but their "salsa" is straight up marinara sauce out of a jar. My burrito was large but forgettable and tasted like a microwave one from the dollar store. Employees gathering at their own table with drinks they served themselves from the bar. Got the ticket, paid and left this pathetic establishment. read more

Los Compadres - "Salsa" - Mexican Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Not the biggest fan of buffets but my customers wanted to go here and it is what it is. If you want a quick buffet Mexican...right away...and a shady crowd,, this may be right up your alley. That being said, watch your ticket because they charge an 18 % for 6 or more. I double tipped. ‍. Service was good but 18% + my tip good.....not that good Did I mentioned it was a buffet?!???!? . Mind you that there were only 6 of us that had 2 drinks al piece for + buffet for $178. That's fine but make sure your patrons know this! Especially if you're going to put imitation crab met enchiladas, I said enchiladas. Not gonna lie, they're good but it would be nice to know what you're getting. Btw, get there early because they do get a line. (Another head scratcher). read more

I love this place. Authentic Mexican food not Tex-m Mex. I've tried a lot of things on the menu and never been disappointed. The Chile Colorado is a personal favorite. Slow toasted pork in a red sauce that comes with rice, beans, and tortillas. The margaritas are good, but potent. The staff is fun and friendly. Overall, a great place read more

Stopped in here for lunch, ended up with the $12 lunch buffet. Nice selections, including decent fajita meat and white queso. The only thing that was so-so was the beef taco meat. Virtually no flavor. Otherwise, pretty decent value - especially for lunch read more

Food is absolutely delicious & the restaurant is nice, big & clean! It so convenient right next to our hotel!

Overnighting at the Hampton Inn nearby, got in late and was looking to grab a bite. We didn't really care what type of food, but thought we'd give this place a try; WE ARE SO GLAD WE DID. Service was amazing, I had the Carnitas and my Dad had the Grilled Vegetable Quesadilla and washed them down with a couple of Modelo Especials...perfect. Great Place, great service and great food. Wish I could come back soon...but if I'm ever in these parts again, will definitely stop by Los Compadres. read more

This place is always hoppin'. While I have never actually sat down and eaten in the restaurant itself ( I always get my eats to go here) I can bare witness to the wonderful service and food that is getting doled out here. The servers never stop moving and it smells really good every time. I always see a guy pushing a cart around that has a huge bowl of fresh guacamole that he hand makes at the tables. They have a very nice bar area that has a ton of beers and Margaritas are being made 2 at a time sometimes 3. The Carnitas here are AWESOME and I have had them several times. Another fave of mine is the EL Capo, its a seafood quesadilla with a ton of cheese along with a seafood enchilada with rice and beans too. Whatever you order they provide chips and salsa that satisfy. I have had take out from here several dozen times and each meal was made hot and it always tasted good. I'll go back whenever I'm in the area. read more

Nothing but great experiences here. The flautas or fajitas are my go to selections. Note that when they offer you the large margarita it comes in a QUART mason jar. Strap in for it, particularly when the bartender walks around with a bottle of tequila to "top off" your giant margarita. Uber is your friend! read more

Quick and friendly service, I asked for a recommendation and the server suggested tacos el pastor, it was excellent & I will order the same again. The house margarita on the rocks was flavorful and a good value for the price. read more

Would be five but the salsa is marinara sauce l. The flowers are fake too Dray is here too

I'm a meat and potato man, stuck in IA with only 2 restaurants around, both Mexican. So, I ordered a Fajita and asked for rice to be substituted with French fries. No problem! Great server, great service! I'm a happy customer. read more

Amazing service by Diana, she was beyond nice and welcoming! I cannot praise her service enough!! The fresh made guacamole at the table was delicious! All our meals including the seafood chimichanga, steak & chorizo quesadilla, and burrito campechano were delicious, especially the steak! I am new to the area but I will definitely be back! The jumbo margaritas & dark cherry mojito were also tasty! Best re-fried beans I've had in recent memory! Thank you Diana! read more

First, the salsa is very good. The Chile de Arbol salsa (upon request) was so good. Ask for the hot salsa and they'll bring it out. The regular salsa was not overly sweet and had good flavor. The service was quick and kind. This is my second time here and I'm from Minneapolis. The food here is very good. You can sit and talk about how authentic it is or isn't. Or, you can review the flavor, experience, cold beer and great food/salsa. Bottom line, it's the very best food in the area, hands down. I'll be back for more!! read more

See all

Walked into a 15 minute wait, was seated within 5 mins after having very good margaritas made from the bar! It was Saturday night and they didn't make them weak! The tableside guac was fresh and amazing! The queso was just as good! I split the chicken, steak and shrimp fajitas and it was more then enough! While we waited for our food, the bartender walked around the restaurant and add shots of tequila to everyone's drinks - that will get me back! Great service, friendly people! Can't say enough of this place, well worth it! read more

See all

Food was good, clean business. Terrible service. Waited to be seated and the service went downhill from there. Had to ask for drink refill, chip and salsa refills and even ask for my check. read more