Address: | 436 IA-1, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA |
Phone: | +1 319-341-8226 |
Site: | laregiaia.com |
Rating: | 4.7 |
Working: | Closed 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM |
MA
Matt Uhlman
Echoing the familiar cries of my fellow foodies - Iowa City finally has a legit standard Mexican restaurant! Having heard about the taco truck, but never visiting, we were ecstatic when we found out these peeps now have a store front. Standard, unassuming restaurant with 10 or so tables, a cooler in the corner that houses delicious south of the border sodas (we had lime, mango and orange) in glass bottles and Univision on two TVs so youre always up on your Mexican soap operas! The tacos are far and away the best in a 30 mile radius. No less than a dozen choices are at your beck and call and range from some amazing fish and carne asada, to the more unusual, but equally delcious, beef cheek and lengua. These little paradise meat circles are only $1.50 a shot and though youll need a fair number to fill you up (3-5/person) theyre worth every penny. Topped with cilantro and onion, the flavors are incredible and left us wanting for naught! In equally awesome fashion, my wife tried the California burrito, which includes fries inside - its as close to a burrito nirvana as weve seen in a while. One of the more flavorful and hearty burritos weve had and a nice change from the delicious bricks served at other establishments. The salsa and guacamole were very fresh - like made while we wait fresh tasting - and were simply icing on a delicious Mexican cake. Far and aways, the best Mexican weve had in a long time and a true answer to the question, "Wheres the best Mexican food in town?" Double stamp it, no eraseys! End of the day - this is where you should be going if youre looking for solid, true Mexican food.
DA
Dan Green
Hell no. I was under the impression that this was the most authentic Mexican joint in town due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews. Excited to give this place a try, I went in with high expectations. I left with high blood pressure and the need to evacuate my bowels as soon as possible. The restaurant itself looked clean. But clean in the way that taco bell looks clean on the inside. Taking a look at the paper menu I was still not totally dissuaded of the authenticity of this restaurant. It was not until after I received my "nachos" (see picture) did I realize what I was truly in for. Not only had I just unintentionally ordered stadium nachos at stadium price, my veggie burrito, (not pictured, but youll get the idea) wrapped in thin paper, was 80% rice, the kind you see on the right in the picture. I might as well have driven to the coast and drank seawater for 1. How long it took to receive this banquet of filth and 2. How saturated in salt EVERYTHING was. My poor mother, god bless her soul got the carnitas tacos. Neither of us finished our meals. I want to stress how misleading the reviews on this place are. "Best taco in town", "best Mexican food in town", get out of here. Save your money. Skip this place and go to Mamis and get a burrito that at least tastes decent.
RO
Robert One-Man Johnson
We just had another great meal at La Michoacana Taqueria in Iowa City. It is located in a storefront, next to their small grocery store in the mini-mall that houses Pauls over on Highway 1. They have incredible tacos carnitas served in doubled corn tortillas that they have heated on the flat top grill until puffy. You can also get chicken, beef cheeks, steak, tongue, marinated pork, or tripe. They have a full menu of traditional, authentic Mexican fare. They have no margaritas or beer, but do have a good selection of soft drinks imported from Mexico (made with real sugar) and various canned juices. Today, they had a special offering of hand-made tamales, chicken with green sauce and pork with red sauce. They only make the tamales on weekends. In my opinion the food is very tasty, inexpensive, and high quality. The folks who work there, Marlon and the whole crew, are hard-working friendly folks, very down to earth, always with a smile. There is usually a lengthy queue of folks waiting to enjoy, especially at lunch time. We go there a couple times a week. It is not a fancy place. We love it!
GE
George Michael
Update Apr 21 2017. Fuimos anoche y estaba repleto, tuvimos que esperar unos minutos. Pero nos llevamos una gran sorpresa: habian reorganizado las mesas. Despues entendimos que habian alquilado el local de al lado para ampliar el area de clientes. Este lugar sirve comida popular. Le cambiaron el nombre hace poco, antes era La Reina. Ellos combinan la tienda con el restaurante. Es casi como si fuera comida rapida, pero es deliciosa. Tienen muchas opciones de comida mexicana. Vamos en familia con alguna frecuencia.
AN
Angela Sage
Great tacos in a town where good Mexican food is lacking. Prices arent cheap, but also arent expensive; very reasonable. The service isnt great, but they make up for it in the quality of their food. Everyone who came in after we did (including us) were confused if you should seat yourself, go to the counter to order, wait for a server, and go to the counter to pay because no one was quick to help or serve any customers. All staff are very friendly and helpful once you get their attention. In my opinion, they should remove the server component and just let patrons order, pick up, and pay at the counter. It would remove a lot off confusion and seems to be how the restaurant is set up anyway.
AS
Ashlee Wilson
If you are appreciative of REAL Mexican food this place is where to go! We were driving through Iowa City looking for somewhere quick to eat and just so happen to see it. I got a taco combo with beef tongue tacos and it was spectacular! My boyfriend ordered a Burrito California and loved it as well! Great price for the amount of food we got. We also ordered chips and salsa, their tomato salsa wasnt the best weve had. It wasnt bad, just different. What their tomato salsa lacked was made up for in their salsa verde! Probably some of the best we have ever had! If you are looking for a quick, cheap meal and AMAZING food, this place is it!
EM
Emily Magnuson
We came to La Regia a month ago with five friends. We sat and waited for a waitress for twenty minutes... they were not busy. The waitress took our order, then we sat and waited for food for an hour. After an hour and twenty minutes the manager realized we had not been fed. Then we waited an additional 20 minutes for food. And then we were charged full price! I loved this place before they remodled, i even wrote them a letter with our bad experience and no response. We are never eating here again!
WI
Winnie Uluocha
I am from Chicago originally and moved here last year for school. Chicago is the food capital and Ive had my share of authentic Mexican restaurants. La Regia is exceptional and truly the best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. Their tacos are fresh and reasonably priced. The customer service is great and they get you in and out fairly quickly. My favorites are the Al Pastor and Lengua tacos. You really cant go wrong with any dish you select. An absolute must try.
VI
Visual Productions
Great taco joint. Delicious tasty tacos and spicy salsas. Place is usually overcrowded. Employees are nice but dont expect great service. This is not your typical Tex-Mex restaurant with free chips and big margaritas. If you have a big appetite and want tasty and original greasy tacos this is the place [pastor, carnitas, chorizo, tongue (lol), tripe (lol) tacos, just to name a few]. Ask for Horchata water instead of soda to complete your meal.