If you are in Grinnell and love history, this is the place to go. It's where Grinnell was founded…read morein the 1850's where two train tracks cross. The restaurant is in the repurposed train depot. As for the food, the usual Mexican menu. The enchilada we had was very good as were the street tacos. Our meal started with warm fresh tortilla chips. The service was friendly and accommodating.

Came to El Cascabel as a family member of the owner recommended it being close to Grinnell (we'd…read morebeen in Marshalltown and were looking for Mexican here) and were excited at how close it is! The location is pretty cool - outside is very pretty to walk by and see and inside, and outside really, you see the trains go by directly next to it! That in itself already gave a cool ambiance. They played great music upon walking - Spanish station perhaps, but we loved it and as soon as we walked in were greeted with big smiles. It's a pretty big restaurant with a lot of room! An extensive menu also, we ended up with enchiladas, cheese crisp, and a chicken dish. They brought out some chips and salsa ahead of our meal, for the table, and that was lovely. Chips were warm but didn't seem super fresh although were still great. The salsa was quite mild but wouldn't expect different in the heartland. The service was wonderful and our server was attentive. As for the flavor of enchiladas - very good. Cheesy and delicious. The chicken was good, but being so close to Mexico coming from southern AZ we have pretty authentic close to native flavors. The seasoning was ok and the rice and beans that it came with were also alright. We were largely impressed with the service and structure more than anything. I was really happy with the michelada - such a staple for my meals when having Mexican so it was perfect!! We enjoyed overall and recommend. We may have to try others to have a better fair ranking of Mexican in Grinnell. But it's worth a try!

Driving through Iowa and found this gem. Excellent…read morechips/salsa. I had the Chicken Enchiladas and was not disappointed. Very fast service and the food was great.

I've eaten here twice in a week! That should say something about how well I like it. Once lunch…read morewith my husband and the lunch with a friend. The seafood (fish & shrimp) tacos on flour shells were awesome! I really liked them. My husband had the Chimichanga lunch and he thought it was very good. Second visit I had the Lunch #1. The chili relleno was very good, the taco was pretty blah. My friend had the Toledo Burrito and really liked it. Our server was nice but a little occupied with his phone on our second visit. The free chips and salsa were excellent each visit.

The atmosphere was good. The service started out poor. They seem to ignore us at first. My…read moreboyfriend said his food was terrible. Mine was good.

It was ok, nothing special. We were just passing through, and were starving. English seemed tough…read morefor them, wife had to explain how she wanted her margarita.

Maria's is a welcome gem on the Grinnell dining scene. Maria and her family opened the restaurant…read morelast year in a cute vintage building, and they make simple and delicious Mexican food, served with love. I had the grilled chicken tacos, and Maria walked me through all the fresh toppings. My son had a beef burrito as big as his head! There's a great drink selection and the bright colors make for a festive experience. The icing on the cake: They overheard my son get a call wishing him a happy birthday- and moments later the whole staff came out with a guitar and a cupcake with a candle and sang happy birthday. You have to love a restaurant like that!

Great option for quick lunch or dinner. Had takeout from Maria's last night. Our group tried the…read moreshredded beef tacos, shredded chicken tacos, empanadas and the chicken enchiladas. Everything was very tasty, and good portions. The ordering process over the phone was efficient, and I was able to walk over and pickup the food in short order. Friendly service in a cool old gas station on the corner of West and 4th Ave. Try it, you will not be disappointed.

Great food!! I look forward to coming here every time we are in town visiting Service is always…read morewonderful,atmosphere is very nice. Everyone we talk to that has been there feels the same way.

Stopped for lunch and had a nice meal. The place is huge and bright and clean! Very well decorated…read morein Mexican themed dia del muerto murals. They brought chips and salsa right away. The salsa is very very mild. The chips were crispy. We both had beef chimichangas. They were ground beef, not shredded beef. The rice was really tasty. I don't care for beans so skip them. They had some lettuce and tomatoes with sour cream to go on the chimichanga. The tomato was way too out of season so I didn't eat it. I just had water and my meal came to nine dollars. The waitress was attentive & checked in on us a couple of times. The place is huge so bring the whole gang.!

5 all around Best food and wait staff and owners…read more Love this place!! Great margaritas!

4.5 stars. Ordered through Doordash. Good flavor. Good portions well except for the Tacos al…read morePastor, it needed at least a spoonful meat more than what they sent me. Check photo, the other tortilla didn't have meat just the condiments. Other than that I think it's a good place to get mexican to satisfy cravings. I also wish they have flan.

The food was amazing, I think the portions are great and very tasty. I called in once and they had…read moreit ready right on time and the service was amazing

We had the green enchiladas and the super burrito. Both very good and too big to finish. Service…read morewas fast and friendly. Food was fresh and hot. Place was very clean. We will definitely go back.

After living in Jalisco, Mexico for the past 20 years, I can NOT understand any of the negative…read more reviews. First and foremost are their delicious friljoles de olla with in house tortillas de maiz. The salsa's are as authentic as you can get outside of Jalisco. I judge EVERYTHING on the beans, followed by sauces, this place ROCKS!!! If they don't appreciate your restaurant in Newton, come back to Jalisco where your food will be appreciated. Blown Away deliciousness! Great staff too boot! I am only assuming the negative reviews are based on a bunch of narrow minded "gringos" that expect the food to be piled with cheese and sour cream, and God forbid those delicious beans TOUCH the 10lb plate of garbage they are expecting. Caiate!!!

This restaraunt is our regular go to. This place is joyous, happy, and friendly! Our experience…read moreover the years is our comfort eats. Everyone is courteous, professional, and very attentive to the guest. The menu is solid all the way through. Great taste, always sizzling on the plate, delivered in very short wait. Good food, great people. Glad they chose Newton to settle in!

The food here is absolutely authentic. I grew up in Southern California and there is simply no…read morebetter Mexican food here in Oskaloosa. With real flavors you'd find in Mexico. Try something new like lengua tacos, or pastor. Great food. The service is amazing too. You're warmly greeted, and treated like family. If you can't pronounce something on the menu, ask I did, and I don't regret it at all. Very friendly!! This is a food truck, but it's really nice. This is the best Mexican food in Osky!! No loud tv or margaritas, but man is this good food. Try it!! They're season starts again in mid-March!!

I was really surprised to see no reviews on this excellent food truck. I don't get there often but…read morewhen I do the food is always fresh, plentiful and reasonably priced. My latest favorite is the ramen special...simply a bowl of ramen with birra beef and sauce on top. A bit spicy and super flavorful...absolutely amazing. Next time I'll take pictures!