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+1 515-964-3322
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301 E 1st St, Ankeny, IA 50021, United States
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Welcome To El Molcajete - Ankeny
El Molcajete - Ankeny offers an exceptional dining experience that stands out in the crowded landscape of Mexican cuisine. Located at 301 E 1st St, this vibrant eatery emphasizes fresh, made-to-order dishes, ensuring that every meal bursts with flavor. Signature dishes such as the mouthwatering fish tacos and sizzling fajita burritos showcase their commitment to quality, while combination plates cater to diverse palates. Guests rave about the attentive service and generous portions, complemented by delightful drink options like the Corona margarita. With a warm atmosphere and an expansive menu, El Molcajete invites you to indulge in authentic Mexican flavors that leave a lasting impression.
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El Molcajete - Ankeny
Welcome to El Molcajete - Ankeny, a culinary gem located at 301 E 1st St in Ankeny, Iowa. This vibrant Mexican restaurant has quickly gained a reputation for its authentic and freshly prepared dishes that consistently delight the taste buds. With a focus on quality, it's no wonder that loyal customers rave about their dining experiences here.
One standout feature of El Molcajete is the dedication to freshness. Each dish is prepared upon ordering, as highlighted by satisfied patrons like Brandon Eastridge, who praised their fish tacos as the best he's had in Iowa. This commitment to freshly made meals means patrons can expect generous portions served hot, making every visit a fulfilling experience.
The menu offers an enticing array of choices, from lunch specials such as the hearty Chile Colorado Plate to the delectable Steak Ranchero, each showcasing vibrant flavors and traditional Mexican cuisine. For those seeking lighter options, the Taco Salad is a delightful choice, perfect for a midday meal. And don’t overlook the Pollo En Mole for a taste of rich, complex flavors that embody the essence of Mexican comfort food.
As you explore the combination plates, you'll find options like the Two Enchiladas or the satisfying Fiesta Burrito, each meticulously crafted for a delightful experience. From the moment you step into El Molcajete, you're treated to warm hospitality and an impressive selection of authentic accompaniments such as guacamole and chimichangas, elevating your meal to new heights.
The dining environment is clean, bright, and inviting, perfectly complementing the attentive service that El Molcajete offers. Guests like Luna B have experienced impeccable service, with servers who ensure that every need is met. The delightful array of salsas, ranging from mild to medium heat, adds a delicious touch to the warm, freshly made chips that arrive at your table.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional food and welcoming atmosphere at El Molcajete. As Dan Evans notes, it's an outstanding restaurant that excels in both customer service and food quality. Whether you're indulging in Pollo Carnitas or savoring shrimp fajitas as your meal choice, it's clear that El Molcajete is dedicated to providing an elite dining experience. Jeff Elsberry sums it up perfectly: "Best Mexican food in town" with a service that makes you feel like family.
Next time you're in Ankeny, be sure to visit El Molcajete. This isn't just any Mexican restaurant; it's a place where food is crafted with care and served with a smile. Your experience here promises to be not just a meal but a celebration of the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine.
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“ Not your typical Mexican restaurant. Food was prepared upon ordering, not precooked and warmed. Prepare to wait a little longer for your food, but its more than worth it. I had the fish tacos. Best I've had in Iowa. Ask for extra napkins as the fish tacos were stuffed full. Portions were large (not sure the dessert menu gets used much) and served hot. Restaurant was nice, clean and bright. Staff were smiling and very attentive. Will definitely return. ”
“ There was no wait. The server was impeccable with checking on the table. My fajita burrito was mouth watering juicy flavorful chicken. My partners burrito was a little more on the dry side, but he got a chicken plant base burrito. He said it was good but he wouldn’t get it again. His corona margarita was his favorite part of dinner. I appreciated that they gave us two types of salsa, a medium heat and mild. The chips came out warm as well. Overall, it was fantastic dinner experience. ”
“ Great spot for lunch! Stopped here on a road trip and glad I did. Got the lunch #1, the Enchilada. Was delicious and cheap! I’ll definitely stop here again! ”
“ An outstanding restaurant, elite Mexican food prepared well in a great overall environment. Loved the customer service, expansive menu had lots of options. Enjoyed Pollo Carnitas and my better half loved her Shrimp Fajitas. Great guacamole and salsa options. ”
“ Best Mexican food in town. You won't find anything on the menu that you won't like. Service is amazing, always checking on us to make sure we have everything we need. The food is amazing, we go there 2 to 3 times a week for amazing food and margaritas. They make us feel like family here and will forever be our choice to fill our belly's and try to forget our hard day a work. ”
“ One of the best restaurants in Ankeny! Certainly the best margaritas! Food is consistently fresh and well prepared. No stale rice that tastes like it's been sitting uncovered in the fridge for a week like some other restaurants closer to the highway. Saw some reviews that said this place was higher priced than other places; isn't expensive at all in my opinion. Even if they are more expensive, it's not by much and they're doing things much fresher and with better ingredients than others. The flavors, the textures, the experience are all top notch. Staff are always friendly and generally have a perfect level of attentiveness. You may have one server, but the whole staff is working to make your visit a great experience! Fridays around dinner they can get pretty busy, but the staff never make it feel like I'm waiting very long for anything. I've never had them forget my tortillas, but I know if they did I could just ask them, like a normal person, to get some for me and it would be no problem. If I had one complaint, it would be some of the noise level and echoing certain parts of the restaurant get due to just the shape of the ceiling. They could probably help fix this with decorations on the wall or sound paneling. However, this is such a small issue it's not something that would ever stop me from returning. ”
“ The food was delicious!! Beautiful presentation, huge portions... Everything from the taquitos to the skirt steak was impeccable. Our server appeared to also be the only bartender on duty. All things considered, his service was great. On a personal note, we had just come from the last viewing of my recently deceased father before cremation. Me, my 4 siblings, their significant others, and our father's widow didn't quite know what we wanted or needed when we arrived, but we were hugging each other and laughing n the time we left. We couldn't have chosen a better space to decompress. Thank you for being an easy, enjoyable part of a difficult day ”