Fernando’s Mexican Grill
2316 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50311
Fernando’s Mexican Grill Menu
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Address :
2316 University Ave
Des Moines, IA, 50311 - Phone (515) 255-3700
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Justine C.
Way better than chipotle or any of those other places. Fernando's has fresh ingredients and the staff is super friendly. One of the staff makes a point to try and get to know everyone (or maybe its because I go at least once a week and its almost to the point where he knows my order before I even order). Either way, Fernando's is probably the one thing I will miss most about Des Moines after I graduate from Drake. What sets it apart from others? I can see them as they make everything and they toast the burrito after they roll it up. I think its pretty authentic.
(5)Ali F.
Just moved here from San Antonio, Texas and I was craving Mexican food and this place really exceeded my expectations. Good food and friendly staff.
(5)K J.
Since I moved to Iowa I haven't been impressed with the Mexican food. Don't get me wrong there are good places, but not much that tasted truly authentic. That being said, this was place was awesome! As the owner was making our tacos he asked if it was our first time there. After we said yes, he gave us a rundown of the quality of his food. His steak was 5 star quality. The chicken and pork were juicy and nothing is processed. They cut their own meat in house, the cheese is real block cheese, the beans are made fresh from dry beans, same with the rice. He doesn't skimp on toppings either and the multiple hot sauces were amazing and he walks you through it and the taste. You can tell the owner really cares about the product he is serving and wants you to love it as much as he does. I can't leave out the fresh tortillas that and homemade chips. With our tacos we split guacamole and queso. Both were out of this world. The guacamole had the perfect amount of kick that makes you think it is spicier than it really is. We also tried a side of rice because not all Mexican rice should be treated equal. They again had top notch if you enjoy those sides. The food is amazing and the best tacos I have had in Des Moines yet. I had steak and pork and I usually always get chicken, but any way you go you wont regret it. My wife had the blackened fish tacos and will probably never try anything else because they were so good. We will be back often and I can't wait to try the burritos. Bottom line, great food, clean, friendly, affordable!
(5)Mikaela F.
The food was delicious! They have many vegetarian options. I had a grilled veggie burrito as well as chips and guacamole. It was so good and filling. The staff is very friendly as well. I'll be back!
(5)Clair M.
This was my first visit to Fernando's and there will be many more to come! This restaurant was delicious, clean and has more options than I thought! The hottest salsa was delicious I had it on my huge chicken burrito! I definitely recommend adding guacamole it was great! Fernando was behind the counter serving up the food and he was very friendly! He warned me that the spiciest salsa has been too hot for most but I thought it was just right! This place is vegetarian friendly they offer tofu burritos but I'd double check to make sure there are vegan options. I will defiantly be back to try the tacos! Fernando said I should try the barbacoa next!
(5)Kelsey K.
I love Fernando's! It is a staple for me when I don't want to cook. The food is fantastic. You will see basically the same options you have at places like chipotle or pancheros. However, if you're looking for spice, this is not the place to go. You might have to wait a bit for your food, but he staff are friendly and like to get to know you.
(5)Joe F.
It's important to note that the flour shells are a ball of dough seconds before your order is cooked. I'm not sure of many other places in DSM doing that. This place means business and they don't mess around. Those beans? Not from a can. The salsa? Made from scratch. Would you like tofu in your burrito? They have that too. Great quality, amazing service, very clean and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Patrick T.
I had my first Fernando's experience last night and it was great! It was packed but the line moved super fast and I was eating within 5 minutes of my arrival! I ordered a veggie burrito with no cheese and no RICE! Vegan's beware their rice is cooked in a chicken broth! I was super happy the line cook told me this! Great service! I had veggies, guacamole, black beans, multiple hot salsa's, lettuce, black olives, and jalapeños. They packed the burrito to the max and I love how they throw it on the grill to get that crispy bottom! This is definitely a eat with a fork burrito! I gotta say the salsa's were some of the best i have had in town. The staff was fun and jokey with me as I went through the line and the prices were so right, I bought my friend Deo his meal as well! Great fast service, great burrito, I will be back for sure!
(4)Celeste B.
Fernando's does not disappoint! I tried it for the first time, as I was wanting a burrito, and we will definitely be back! I had a chicken burrito that was STUFFED full of fixings, including Spanish rice, beans and a variety of salsa. Half of it filled me up, so I'm sure I will have a great lunch tomorrow. Can't wait to go back and try their chile rellenos and a tortas! The queso was everything cheese should be. Fernando is a very sweet, talkative man who made us very comfortable.
(4)Kristyn A.
We're from Texas and this is where we come for our Mexican food fix. It's fantastic! Don't get the hot hot sauce unless you can really stand your heat. My favorite is the chicken burrito with green salsa.
(5)Janet E.
Fernando's offers good fresh tacos. I came here and ordered the seasoned beef taco. They offered three types of salsa (mild, medium, hot). The restaurant is very clean and the ingredients looked really fresh. The tacos are homemade and they show you how its flatted and cooked. Prices here are affordable. I also ordered the horchata as a drink and it was good. The place takes credit cards which is a big plus. My review loses a star because the restaurant did not offer any pork as a meat offering.
(4)Michael T.
It's okay. The prices are decent and there are 5 different heats of salsa. Not a bad place for an out of towner passing through.
(4)Elliot I.
More people need to get to this place. It is run by a guy who warmly greets every single person that comes in. He chats you up in a way that doesn't feel forced or fake. He's just a great guy and wants you to have the best possible experience in his restaurant. Their menu is pretty straightforward, and I'm always going to go for the burrito. What sets Fernando's apart is that after they make your burrito, they put it on the grill and get it nice and toasted. Such a simple idea that it's a wonder more places don't do that. Everything is at a good price and you will never feel ripped off at Fernando's. Let's make sure this place keeps going for a long time.
(5)Asad H.
Barbacoa quesadilla. Best quesadilla I have ever had! Threw some of their hottest salsa on top and I was in heaven. Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I'll definitely be going back!
(5)Jason R.
Let me first say that I am a transplant from Southern California. I know Americanized and authentic Mexican food. Fernando's is legitimate. Let me also say that the owner has examined every burrito that goes into a customers' hands from what I've seen - for example, he added more chicken to a burrito because it didn't look like it was enough and double-wrapped with another tortilla because a customer overstuffed his burrito. This alone to me is worthy of 5-stars. Reading some of these reviews depresses me. The pinto beans are flavorful. I'm sure they're cooked with some sort of animal bone in them (traditionally a ham hock). If you get black beans, they're traditionally vegetarian and lack that flavor only an animal can give you. To address the speed - they build the burrito then put it back on the grill. Quality takes time - and they do it right and efficiently. It doesn't take more than 4 minutes from when I order my burrito till when I pay for it. If you compare it to a sit-down Mexican restaurant (in Iowa -probably crappy), you'd pay $9-$10 with a side of rice and beans and it wouldn't be half as good... Plus you'd wait 15-20 minutes for it. Don't expect a fireplace and antique Mexican art on the walls or nice booths... This is a fast burrito and cheap. If you stay for a bit or if it's your first time here, Fernando will make you feel like a king (or queen). Love at first bite!
(5)Bee N.
Just tried Fernandos last night after a long day at Adventureland. I live really close and we were starving (lack of veg. options at an amusement park will do that)! We weren't sure what to expect. The staff was so wonderful and informative. They let us know about the chicken stock in their rice right off the bat so we could stear clear of it. I got the seasoned tofu and veggie burrito. It was large and filling. I do hope that they add another meat alternative some time, like maybe eggplant or seitan. The tortillas are home made and flattened right when you order and they also grill the burrito once it's folded. It makes it nice and crisp. I'm looking forward to my next visit.
(5)Steve R.
I love Chipotle, but this place has accomplished what I thought impossible: it is a way better version of Chipotle. Incredibly fresh ingredients, assembled the way you want. The tortillas are clearly home-made. And to top it off, they slightly grill your burrito to give it a little bit of a crunchy taste. Absolutely delicious. The manager (maybe owner?) was welcoming and helpful. Maybe it was Fernando?
(5)Ri T.
This place has the best Mexican food I have had in Des Moines! It was so fresh. The food was second to none! I cannot believe I lived here for a year without trying it! Will definitely be going back for more.
(5)Nick J.
I went into Fernando's wanting the staff to tell me what's best as I often do. They recommended a burrito and suggested either chicken or steak. I was offered a sample of chicken and went with it, along with rice and black beans. I added cheese, pico, corn salsa, cilantro & onion combo, jalapeños, guacamole and sour cream. Overall, I don't know what I was expecting but it ended up being just another burrito to me. Pros: - Good service - Fresh pressed tortilla - Well-seasoned meat - Free guacamole - Grilled again after its wrapped before its served Cons: - Seemed a little overpriced to me - Rest of the burrito toppings seemed to lack flavor (rice and beans seemed bland, maybe?) Don't take my word for it; definitely go as reviews seemed to be mixed. But perhaps keep your expectations in - check.
(3)Mark G.
I really enjoyed my tacos here, a lot of topping choices as well. Tacos had a lot of flavor in the chicken and steak. I had two hot sauce, one was the hot and the other the special super hot barbocoa, really liked that one a lot. The tortillas taste great as well. Will def go back and try the rest of the options.
(4)Ken-Matt M.
I work near Fernando's Mexican Grill and was excited to see it opening. I was growing tired of the other food offerings in the area and needed some more variety. I ventured in just 3 days after they opened. There were definitely some bumps in the road but overall it was a great experience. I had the two chicken tacos which at $4.75 were large enough to make them feel worth 5 bucks after tax. I also got a small cup of their medium salsa and a basket of chips for $1.99. The salsa is some of the freshest and most flavorful I've had from any local Mexican place in Des Moines since I've lived here. It's got just the right amount of kick. I also dressed my chicken tacos with a really great seasoned cilantro and red onion mix. I added some pico de gallo for good measure which was also fresh and tasted great. I also had a splash of their "special hot sauce" for tacos added which added just the right amount of kick and I love spicy food so that was great. The chicken was tender and seasoned well, and the flour tortillas I opted for instead of the corn option were nice and light but sturdy. The only gripe I had was with the rice which wasn't flavorful and clumped together and pastey. I went in on a Thursday, they opened the previous Monday, and I'm pretty sure they cooked the rice the Sunday before opening and were still serving the same rice. I ended up getting a side of the rice which was a $1.00, but I really only wanted a little on my taco. The girl at the counter misheard me and gave me a whole cup of the disgusting rice. Business was steady when I was there and I will definitely be coming back and highly suggest it. Just don't get the rice!
(4)JP L.
Super friendly staff, great food and great prices. The menu is small but something foreveryone. The burritos are like Chipotle in options and size. I highly recommend and can't wait to go back.
(5)Mary H.
I don't know why I haven't been back yet given how much I've been raving about this place to friends. This is the closest I've found to California level Mexican food. A lot of food for not a lot of money, and it's YUMMY food. They will let you sample the filling options, good luck making a decision!
(5)Nathan E.
I only leave reviews for deserving restaurants and Fernando's certainly fits the bill! Fresh and flavorful ingredients, as well as daily specials make this place a must have. The owner is extremely friendly and upbeat, and can you really go wrong with homemade tortillas? Stop by and try Fernando's once. I promise you'll be back.
(5)Bill C.
Flavorless. One word is really all that's needed to review this place. Flavorless. I had a barbacoa burrito with the typical toppings. The meat was unseasoned and flavorless. Even worse were beans and rice. At $1 each for a tiny cup, the value is equally bad. There are far superior Mexican restaurants within walking distance of Fernando's. I recommend the walk before settling on this place.
(2)Anne M.
You get your food quickly but the ingredients are so fresh! A veggie quesadilla at Fernando's never disappoints...never. It is also affordable which is even better!
(5)Ralph P.
It's a challenge to review a place that has their flavors down, but slips in to the "meh" range by poor execution and abrasive prices. Fernandos is a fast-casual style Mexican joint inspired by the likes of Chipoltle. You pick your vehicle (tacos, burrito, quesadilla ect..) and then customize it with various Mexican toppings and meat. I've patronized Fernando's more than enough to know that their portions are way too small. A quesadilla doesn't have full cheese coverage, an order of tacos is only two tacos with minimal meat cubes. Steak is sometimes fatty and small portions are strictly adhered to by a pathetic looking measuring device. The queso is heavily watered down, and fajita veggies cost an extra dollar or two! I can't say Fernandos is a good deal by any means. What's odd is that with these portions, prices aren't lower then competitors. Fernandos also struggles when things get too busy. Their expedition system needs some work and the place comes to a halt during a rush. Still, salsas and tortillas are home made and taste great. Chicken and pork when lean are also quite savory. As it stands Fernandos is a once in a while thing for me but could be much more.
(2)JB B.
Good food is only part of the puzzle. Like any great restaurant the Vibrant and clean facilities greet you at the door. Very pleasant and helpful staff round out this experience. Prices are reasonable as well. And, oh yeah, the food is good!
(4)Nick K.
If possible, I would give the food 4 stars and the service more than 5 stars. The two employees working when I visited were very kind and personable. I immediately knew this is a place I would be returning to give business to whether I liked the food or not. The food was good but not outstanding. I got the chicken quesadilla and it didn't stand out (either positively or negatively) from somewhere like Q'doba or Chipotle. With that said, this is a local business run by some great people, so if you're going to get some mexican food, come here instead. The burritos and nachos looked delicious. I will certainly be going back to try. (edit: I have since been back numerous times and have found the burritos to be delicious). Finally, I'm not sure why some people are complaining about the prices--they are akin to every similar place in the area. Plan to spend $5-$8 for your quesadilla, burrito, or whatever you decide to get. If you think a $7 burrito is pricey, then I'm not sure what to tell you. Go to Taco Bell?
(5)Raye P.
Fernandos needs to make some major changes before it becomes a regular stop for me. There are some solid toppings, but most meat items are way too fatty. I expect they do this to keep costs low. On that note things are really skimpy. From the rice to the beans, quite skimpy. A skimpy portion of poorly trimmed meat is unacceptable. They press the tortillas fresh, and finish them on a flat top, which is nice. Their in house salsas are also good too. Still, when you have Chipoltle actually costing slightly less, and Abelardos significantly less there may not be room for fernandos. A slight note on the staff. INCONSISTENT. One individual made a well proportioned burito, the other completely ignored my request for toppings on the side and just threw them on. Meh. Fix the meat, fix the portions, and fix the service. The flavors beneath this are solid.
(2)J M.
As a fan of Chipotle-style casual dining, I've sampled the fare from various similar restaurants. Each has its own set of charms and shortcomings, and all charge approximately $7 for a burrito that is a meal unto itself, at roughly a pound and a half of food. For my money, though, Fernando's has some real advantages over their competitors. For one, their handmade tortillas are grilled after they're pressed, and grilled again after being loaded. It makes for a tortilla that is more flavorful than one which is only steamed; more delicate as well, less chewy. I chose the barbacoa; slow cooked shredded beef which was bursting with flavor. My dining partner ordered a taco salad and allowed me to sample her dish; I found it fresh and flavorful, and would order it myself if I wasn't craving burritos. When that craving hits, you'd better have your options laid out. Drink options are fairly straightforward, with upscale bottled teas, Jarritos, and a fountain. No fresh-brewed iced tea, but they have unsweetened Fuze on tap, and that fit the bill for me just fine. The setting is very cozy, clean and brightly lit, with few tables, so you might want to take out on crowded days. And as Fernando's is close to Drake University, they attract a lot of hungry college students. Dining atmosphere is comparable to a small Subway. I think if I could think of any cons to the whole experience, it would be that food preparation takes somewhat longer than what I'm accustomed to at a burrito bar- the extra grilling adds time, but I feel it's well worth it. And it's also a heavy meal, so bear that in mind. Parking is mostly in the street, though there is a small lot around back. I did get to meet the proprietor on my visit, and he seemed very pleasant and eager to please. I definitely have a new place to go, when the burrito cravings strike.
(5)Dillon T.
This place has great service but that's about all. The food seems very bland and doesn't offer anything like the other burrito shops around town. It's next to campus so if you find yourself eating there and wondering how it's ranked so highly on yelp. Just look at their hours of operation and what market they are trying to appeal too.
(2)Caitlin L.
This place is awesome. I tried it for the first time yesterday - then went back today. All ingredients are fresh and everything is made in house. Both items I had were delicious. Very generous portions. Also, Fernando is super nice! :)
(5)Afton C.
Clean, friendly, lots of choices and did I mention delicious food! Oh and Fast and easy! You walk in the door and immediately are hit by the most wonderful aroma of fresh food being cooked with love!
(5)Allie L.
I have never had a better taco salad in my life. It wasn't like a typical wimpy taco salad like you'd purchase at most places. It was worlds better AND bigger. The shell is beyond words can describe and so is the fresh guacamole that they offer AT NO EXTRA COST. I would like Fernando to move in with me. Please, Fernando!
(5)J R.
Fernando's is awesome. Authentic Mexican cuisine. Chef Fernando captures complex and fresh flavors.
(5)Robert U.
Great fresh food combined with excellent, friendly service. It's great to have an owner that is on the scene and interacting directly with customers. The salsa verde has a perfect amount of heat, the fresh guacamole rivals any other in the area, and the fresh crushed garlic is a great optional topping that is not offered at other spots. Be sure to check on the lunch specials too. I am delighted to have Fernando's in the neighborhood and will be making it a regular stop.
(5)Jeff B.
As a student at Drake University, I was pleased to learn of a new Mexican restaurant opening across the street from my apartment. However, as a skeptic of most quick serve Mexican joints in the tradition of Chipotle, Qdoba, Panchero's, etc., I was worried Fernando's might be more of the same. I was wrong. All of the ingredients are consistently fresh and filled with more flavor than you'll find at any of the other places mentioned. The sauces are another standout at Fernando's (I recommend trying the hottest one if you like to sweat). Overall, it's Fernando's attention to detail that makes it great - whether it's the fresh pressed and grilled tortillas, the homemade sauces, the authentic toppings (cilantro and onion is a standout), or the last minute grill of your burrito to melt the cheese and cement the tortilla. I'm thrilled to have another great restaurant in the Drake neighborhood.
(5)Matt P.
Unwrap the glory- the barbacoa burrito will send you on a journey to flavor world. After experiencing this I don't know if I'll be able to eat anything else ever again. A confounding array of homemade items await you. Guacamole that makes you drop what you're doing and start assigning high five partners. Delicious, authentic salsas tempt your normal burrito routine. Be warned, chain burrito joints, Fernando's has thrown down the gauntlet and it is a velvety explosion of delight.
(5)Bobby L.
Fresh, tasty, and at a good price. This instantly became one of my favorite mexican restaurants in Des Moines. The staff is friendly and the food is great.
(5)Emily S.
My sister and I planned to have dinner at a Mexican restaurant on University, but turns out it's closed on Tuesdays. I noticed that another Mexican restaurant, Fernando's Mexican Grill, had just opened about a mile west on University, in the heart of Drake's Dog Town (do they still call it that?), so we went there instead. It was terrific! Fernando Gonzalez is the chef. The menu is simple -- tacos, quesadillas, and burritos wrapped in homemade tortillas, tortas on homemade bread, hand crafted chile rellenos, and salads for folks worried about their caloric intake . The pico de gallo was as fresh as it gets and his "special hot sauce" for tacos was excellent. The rice was perfectly cooked, the black and refried beans were full of flavor, the meats were well seasoned -- everything was wonderful. The owner, Khaled Abdalla, is clearly a pro. He offers authenticity, fresh ingredients, and friendly, fast service in a clean, attractive setting. You can't ask for more than that -- except maybe flan for dessert.
(5)Paul S.
I'll start off by saying that the service was just terrible, which put me in a bad mood, but the mood is their fault because it should not take 20 minutes to order at a fast food place when there are only three people in front of you in line. The kids making the food clearly didn't know what they were doing and were doling out the portions with something about the size of a thimble, all the while being watched by who I assume was the boss. The nachos were deeply disappointing, with only a tiny bit of grainy queso and sparse toppings (and at least half the barbacoa was inedible fat) and the burrito that my wife got wasn't much better, although she did like that it was grilled after being wrapped. I will say their salsas were pretty good, and the hot salsa WAS mouth-blisteringly hot, which was a positive in my book as it gave the food some flavor. To top it all off, we were then overcharged, because apparently asking for queso on your nachos costs extra, which makes no sense at all. The portions are tiny (and make you feel like you're being nickled and dimed as a result) and it's too slow to enjoy. Disappointing experience overall and I doubt I'll go back anytime soon.
(2)