The service is always great, the cheese dip is to die for and Monday's fajita special can not be beat! Cheap, cheesy, salty Mexican food with a decent bar-yes please!!
(5)
Paul W.
Ordered the camarones al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp). When they arrived it was obvious that the shrimp hadn't been deveined. They also didn't look adequately cooked. Tried to explain the issue to the server but it was obvious he didn't understand the issue. Food for everybody in the party came out incredibly fast. So fast it was obvious everything just sits in warming trays. Very different from when they opened years ago. Margarita was good.
(1)
Jessica M.
I'm only giving this location 4 stars, because the atmosphere is lacking. It's dark and dingy looking. However, if you want authentic Mexican food that is at a decent price, this is the place. By far one of my favorite go-tos here in town. This particular location serves better food, in my opinion, and the service is always speedy and friendly.
(4)
Teresa M.
This is my 2nd time at this location. The first time I also ordered a taco salad and it was good. This time I ordered the same. My shell was burnt and I didn't eat it. My tomatoes were dried up and shriveled, they had obviously been cut a day or two ahead of time. I ate a few pieces of hamburger only to find completely uncooked meat in my salad. The person I was with also had pink hamburger on their nachos. I didn't know what I had eaten until we got home and talked about it. I thought it was a mushy tomato. The waitress didn't bring me a refill. I won't be coming back to this location.
(1)
Terri M.
The chile relleno was really pretty good. Super spicy, but very flavorful. Not too bad for Iowa mexican food. I still thing most mexican restaurants in Iowa are cooking for white people, I just don't see the kick and the flavors I am used to having with mexican food. Service is good, and it's a good place to go if you have kids or want to sit and eat a lot of chips and drink Coronas =) EDIT: I have been here a couple of times since my initial review, and I don't know what happen, but the food was absolutely horrible. Tortillas hard, chips stale and salsa was obviously out of a jar. I will never return again. I think they've really gone down hill. One star.
(1)
Andrea T.
We go here for lunch a lot and I find myself underwhelmed by their food. I find myself getting the same thing every time I go and the really sad part is that I even modify it from the menu. One plus is that they have quick seating and service. However, the payment line can get lengthy.
(2)
Lyssa H.
Yuck. Not sure how you can screw up Mexican food, but El Rodeo does it. I've been a few times and have been disappointed every time. Their food is standard fare but bland- not even the salsa has a kick. Their margaritas are the best thing on the menu, but why go to a Mexican restaurant if you don't like their food? I really don't understand how they stay in business. Reading the other reviews here, I'm not the only unimpressed diner.
(1)
Jen B.
We actually stopped in here twice during our stay in Des Moines, but the first time we had to abruptly leave after ordering drinks as a family member suddenly passed away. The staff was very gracious about it and we tipped well, vowing to come back. We returned two days later for dinner. It was standard Mexican fare with a menu that had about a hundred things on it. Lots of vegetarian options. We ate about three baskets of the free chips and salsa (good, not very spicy). My cheese enchiladas with beans and rice were rich and filling, to the point that I probably should have made this two meals. Weak margies, I think they come from one of those slushie machines. The prices were ridiculously cheap and the service was attentive. The food wasn't anything to rave about, but you'll definitely find something you like (assuming you like Mexi food at all -- and if you don't, why are you here?).
(3)
Neal J.
Staying the night in Des Moines, we stopped in to El Rodeo for some dinner. All in all El Rodeo is fair at best. The salsa they brought out with the chips lacked flavor, although the chips were some of the better ones I have had. I ordered the chicken chimichanga for dinner, which was pretty average, both in size and taste. Lack of flavor seems to be a theme here as the side of beans were also close to tasteless. Service here was subpar as well. Our server didn't seem all that busy, but at least 2 of his tables, including ours didn't receive the attention they deserved.
(3)
Jason K.
Good Mexican food in Iowa. Who would've thought? El Rodeo has fast, tasty food with friendly service. Best of all, it is affordable with cheap beers and $6.35 combination plates. Combination #11 is what I had, two enchiladas and a taco. This place is great for groups because they willingly divide checks up and they have great margarita pitchers.
(4)
Roz S.
El Rodeo seems to have a pretty substantial local following, but it's basically your typical textbook Mexican restaurant (for Iowa anyway). The entrees are cheap with few standouts. Based only on the food, I'd pass - there are many better options. I prefer El Aguila Real, which has more vegetarian options and a more impressive menu overall. Also, the chips here were dreadful - cold and overcooked, and it tasted like the oil needed to be changed. The food arrived fast but the service was terrible. A runner dropped off an incorrect entree and disappeared, the waiter took quite some time to check back, and then tried to argue with us about it. Finally, he got a menu and was proven wrong, and only then begrudgingly fixed the problem. At least the price is right.
(2)
Travis N.
This place is an institution.
(4)
Justin W.
Pretty standard Mexican fare for Des Moines. In that respect, El Aguila Real has a slight edge. However, what makes El Rodeo is definitely the margaritas. I was a little off-put when I saw them being poured from a gallon jug and figured I'd need to drink about ten of them to get a buzz. Much to my surprise, they mix them up damn good before putting it in that jug. Two and you're good to go. Cheap also. This place is different than other Mexican places in town in the regard that it is a bigger and more modern building. Definitely a plus if you're coming in a big group. Personally, I don't mind my Mexican places being a little dingy looking. Upkeep is usually inversely proportional to the quality of the food in my experience. On the downside I have had some pretty inattentive service at this location. This usually occurs at quieter points in the day when the servers probably have other duties to be attending to and I have experienced decent service when they have been jam packed.
(3)
Andy G.
The food is good, not great. The margaritas do the job. And it's moderately priced (for Des Moines.) However, I've never not had the time of my life when I go to El Rodeo. Maybe it's nostalgia, but El Rodeo shaped my margarita drinking life, and I can't wait to get my fix during Drake Relays 2007.
(4)
Drew H.
I liked the food. My main rating point is the salsa, which I didn't think was that great, but others might really like it.
(3)
Allen H.
Good food and service on the several visits I have made, with a bit more atmosphere than the dozens and dozens of other generic Mexfood places that have popped up in Des Moines in the past five years. I have now eaten at three (are there more?) locations, and all are quite different in how they look which makes me not like the other two as much as this one. I'd recommend La Hacienda right down the road over El Rodeo, though.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
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.
Courtney T.
The service is always great, the cheese dip is to die for and Monday's fajita special can not be beat! Cheap, cheesy, salty Mexican food with a decent bar-yes please!!
(5)Paul W.
Ordered the camarones al mojo de ajo (garlic shrimp). When they arrived it was obvious that the shrimp hadn't been deveined. They also didn't look adequately cooked. Tried to explain the issue to the server but it was obvious he didn't understand the issue. Food for everybody in the party came out incredibly fast. So fast it was obvious everything just sits in warming trays. Very different from when they opened years ago. Margarita was good.
(1)Jessica M.
I'm only giving this location 4 stars, because the atmosphere is lacking. It's dark and dingy looking. However, if you want authentic Mexican food that is at a decent price, this is the place. By far one of my favorite go-tos here in town. This particular location serves better food, in my opinion, and the service is always speedy and friendly.
(4)Teresa M.
This is my 2nd time at this location. The first time I also ordered a taco salad and it was good. This time I ordered the same. My shell was burnt and I didn't eat it. My tomatoes were dried up and shriveled, they had obviously been cut a day or two ahead of time. I ate a few pieces of hamburger only to find completely uncooked meat in my salad. The person I was with also had pink hamburger on their nachos. I didn't know what I had eaten until we got home and talked about it. I thought it was a mushy tomato. The waitress didn't bring me a refill. I won't be coming back to this location.
(1)Terri M.
The chile relleno was really pretty good. Super spicy, but very flavorful. Not too bad for Iowa mexican food. I still thing most mexican restaurants in Iowa are cooking for white people, I just don't see the kick and the flavors I am used to having with mexican food. Service is good, and it's a good place to go if you have kids or want to sit and eat a lot of chips and drink Coronas =) EDIT: I have been here a couple of times since my initial review, and I don't know what happen, but the food was absolutely horrible. Tortillas hard, chips stale and salsa was obviously out of a jar. I will never return again. I think they've really gone down hill. One star.
(1)Andrea T.
We go here for lunch a lot and I find myself underwhelmed by their food. I find myself getting the same thing every time I go and the really sad part is that I even modify it from the menu. One plus is that they have quick seating and service. However, the payment line can get lengthy.
(2)Lyssa H.
Yuck. Not sure how you can screw up Mexican food, but El Rodeo does it. I've been a few times and have been disappointed every time. Their food is standard fare but bland- not even the salsa has a kick. Their margaritas are the best thing on the menu, but why go to a Mexican restaurant if you don't like their food? I really don't understand how they stay in business. Reading the other reviews here, I'm not the only unimpressed diner.
(1)Jen B.
We actually stopped in here twice during our stay in Des Moines, but the first time we had to abruptly leave after ordering drinks as a family member suddenly passed away. The staff was very gracious about it and we tipped well, vowing to come back. We returned two days later for dinner. It was standard Mexican fare with a menu that had about a hundred things on it. Lots of vegetarian options. We ate about three baskets of the free chips and salsa (good, not very spicy). My cheese enchiladas with beans and rice were rich and filling, to the point that I probably should have made this two meals. Weak margies, I think they come from one of those slushie machines. The prices were ridiculously cheap and the service was attentive. The food wasn't anything to rave about, but you'll definitely find something you like (assuming you like Mexi food at all -- and if you don't, why are you here?).
(3)Neal J.
Staying the night in Des Moines, we stopped in to El Rodeo for some dinner. All in all El Rodeo is fair at best. The salsa they brought out with the chips lacked flavor, although the chips were some of the better ones I have had. I ordered the chicken chimichanga for dinner, which was pretty average, both in size and taste. Lack of flavor seems to be a theme here as the side of beans were also close to tasteless. Service here was subpar as well. Our server didn't seem all that busy, but at least 2 of his tables, including ours didn't receive the attention they deserved.
(3)Jason K.
Good Mexican food in Iowa. Who would've thought? El Rodeo has fast, tasty food with friendly service. Best of all, it is affordable with cheap beers and $6.35 combination plates. Combination #11 is what I had, two enchiladas and a taco. This place is great for groups because they willingly divide checks up and they have great margarita pitchers.
(4)Roz S.
El Rodeo seems to have a pretty substantial local following, but it's basically your typical textbook Mexican restaurant (for Iowa anyway). The entrees are cheap with few standouts. Based only on the food, I'd pass - there are many better options. I prefer El Aguila Real, which has more vegetarian options and a more impressive menu overall. Also, the chips here were dreadful - cold and overcooked, and it tasted like the oil needed to be changed. The food arrived fast but the service was terrible. A runner dropped off an incorrect entree and disappeared, the waiter took quite some time to check back, and then tried to argue with us about it. Finally, he got a menu and was proven wrong, and only then begrudgingly fixed the problem. At least the price is right.
(2)Travis N.
This place is an institution.
(4)Justin W.
Pretty standard Mexican fare for Des Moines. In that respect, El Aguila Real has a slight edge. However, what makes El Rodeo is definitely the margaritas. I was a little off-put when I saw them being poured from a gallon jug and figured I'd need to drink about ten of them to get a buzz. Much to my surprise, they mix them up damn good before putting it in that jug. Two and you're good to go. Cheap also. This place is different than other Mexican places in town in the regard that it is a bigger and more modern building. Definitely a plus if you're coming in a big group. Personally, I don't mind my Mexican places being a little dingy looking. Upkeep is usually inversely proportional to the quality of the food in my experience. On the downside I have had some pretty inattentive service at this location. This usually occurs at quieter points in the day when the servers probably have other duties to be attending to and I have experienced decent service when they have been jam packed.
(3)Andy G.
The food is good, not great. The margaritas do the job. And it's moderately priced (for Des Moines.) However, I've never not had the time of my life when I go to El Rodeo. Maybe it's nostalgia, but El Rodeo shaped my margarita drinking life, and I can't wait to get my fix during Drake Relays 2007.
(4)Drew H.
I liked the food. My main rating point is the salsa, which I didn't think was that great, but others might really like it.
(3)Allen H.
Good food and service on the several visits I have made, with a bit more atmosphere than the dozens and dozens of other generic Mexfood places that have popped up in Des Moines in the past five years. I have now eaten at three (are there more?) locations, and all are quite different in how they look which makes me not like the other two as much as this one. I'd recommend La Hacienda right down the road over El Rodeo, though.
(3)