El Barco Mexican Restaurant
| Address: | 8801 Hickman Rd b, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA |
| Phone: | +1 515-276-0162 |
| Site: | elbarcodsm.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 33
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James Jones
The food is very good--best carnitas Ive had since the West Des Moines El Águila Real closed (sob! The original in Beaverdale isnt quite as good), and the choripollo is tasty indeed.As people have said, the quantities are very generous. The staff is courteous and helpful, and willing to put up with my use of what Spanish I remember. One thing you should know if you order the shrimp cocktail or the soup with shrimp--you get the whole shrimp. If like me you have a hard time peeling crustaceans, or like some are put off by _el camarón entero_ looking at you, you might want to think twice. That is not to say these items arent delicious (my wife tried the broth of the shrimp soup and it was excellent), so dont be discouraged from ordering them if you are good with peeling and such. (Our server cheerfully took the soup back and brought choripollo; we felt guilty about wasting good food, but left full and happy.) Des Moines is long past the bad old days when Mexican was the Chi-Chis at 22nd and University with dishes buried in most of a head of shredded lettuce, and quality restaurants like El Barco are the reason. Well be back and I hope you will give it a try.
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Alexis Warren
This is the best Mexican food Ive had in Iowa. Im a tough judge, as Ive lived in Denver for many years. I havent eaten a full range of dishes at Barco, but the salsa and fajitas are heads and tails above everything Ive been served in Iowa. The regular salsa is mild, but has a good flavor. We asked for a hotter salsa and mixed the two, and it was incredible--we downed two bowls of the mixture. The margaritas are also good. Not sure how this place doesnt have the best scores in town--its shoulders above Tequilas, MI Mexico, Tasty Tacos and anything in the range.
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Taylor Hamilton
We live in an apartment complex close to El Barco and its amazing. I have been several times and havent been disappointed once in my food. Always cooked well, tastes great and the service is perfect. Personal favorite is the chipotle burrito. Parking lot is a bit small so when it gets crowded it may be a bit challenging to find somewhere to park, but honestly, my favorite Mexican restaurant in all of central Iowa, if not my favorite one of all time.
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Bee Pompei
This is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Iowa. I live very close by, so I come in to eat all the time. Delicious flavors, friendly and efficient service, and excellent prices. My favorite dish there is the Chile Verde, which comes with rice, beans, tortillas, and of course the chile. I highly recommend this place to everyone! Enjoy
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Jeremy Heefner
Ate there on a Saturday evening. They were busy but kept up pretty well. The cheese dip very good, salsa was spectacular, and my seafood enchiladas were simply delicious. Everything was fresh and everybody enjoyed their meal. We will certainly go back and I cant wait to try their version of chorripollo.
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Roberto Flores
Exelente lugar y de un ambiente agradable, y personal muy amigable que se preocupa en tenerte bien atendido. Gracias! !
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Joe Zaza
Good menu, great flavors, good prices. Add bacon to anything! The Hot sauce is fresh made and excellent. Youve been to mexican places where your food comes out in 3 minutes and everything tastes the same - bland? This is not one of those places, been back twice already.
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Elizabeth Wells
I think this might be my favorite Mexican restaurant in Des Monies. It really impressed me that they did ceviche de pescado well. The decorations and atmosphere of El Barco is really nice and the service was great. Our chips, salsa, and water were never empty.
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Eduardo Navarro
Muy rica la comida y el personal super amable ..limpio el restaurante..y rápido los cosineros..se lo recomiendo...al 100%
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Joannilyou Smith
Not a favorite. The steak burrito did not have very much steak. The carnitas taco were good. The cheese dip was good. However, the Margaritas were to sweet. We even ask for more patron and they still were not good! Sorry.
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Dan Dieleman
This place has great food! The portions are large and the food tastes great, service has been excellent the times we have been there. I enjoy this place a little more then El rodeo because of the different choices on the menu!
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Tina Quang
Food is good but how are you going to argue with me when I said I ordered STEAK and shrimp and only received shrimp, and you also forgot my tortillas. An order of fajita with no tortillas. What else did you forget?
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Cynthia McKinney
Very good quality food. The wait staff is friendly and effective. This is an upscale Mexican restaurant with several seafood options. Prices are comparable to other Mexican restaurants in the area.
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Brianna Gonzalez
Hands down, El Barco is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Iowa! The food is always delicious, staff is friendly and the portions give you plenty of food to enjoy. Highly recommend!
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shelby-lyn thomas
The food is " ok" , nothing spectacular. Im used to better Mexican food, but my daughter got a cheese quesadilla,can it was actually good. But cant mess that up too much, lol.
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Dennis Vore
We were there on a very busy night. The staff was very pleasant and friendly. The food was excellent in taste and quantity. We had a wonderful dining experience.
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Oscar Ibarra
First time here and will definitely be back. Food was amazing, portions were big, and everyone was friendly. Best Mexican restaurant Ive been too in a while.
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Melissa C
By far the best Mexican restaurant in Fee Moines. The ceviche is incredible! Food is always fresh, drinks dont lack alcohol and wait staff is always good!
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Steven Martinez
Food was tasty and quickly served. Our particular waiter was having trouble getting our drink orders correct. Overall, good food and reasonably priced.
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Justine Desmond
The food is authentic and delicious! Portions are huge! Thursdays Margarita special is excellent! Staff and service is great! Highly recommend.
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Larry Early
We have had lunch here several times and have enjoyed it! Staff is always attentive to out needs with offering refills on chips and salsa.
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Steve S
My wife and I have been looking for a great Mexican restaurant in DSM. Here it is. Large portions and great food; a beautiful combination.
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ma rom
food is nasty. will never go there since the beans they served me had mold in them along with the rice. They didnt even give me a refund.
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Stephen Dietz
This place is new. It is not your typical TexMex. Very authentic and delicious. Many types of Tequila. Live music at night. Recommended!
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Lorna Stonebarger
After a vinergry glass of Sangria, we had a fabulous meal, way too much food. And I traded my sangria for a really good margarita.
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Dena Losen
Our favorite authentic mexican restaurant. Love the margarita specials on Thursdays and Saturdays. Very friendly quick service.
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Ryan Day
Huge menu so you can keep eating good. The salsa is pretty good and the service is very fast. House Margarita isnt bad either.
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Andrew Kytola
Pleasantly surprised... Good came out quick, and it is delicious... Seriously will make a point to come back...
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Nick Meurer
Best Mexican food on the West side of DSM, hands down. Carnitas tacos are insane. Great salsa. Awesome service.
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Franklin Gonzalez
Great food. Great service. Very friendly people and best of all authentic Mexican food. I give it 10 stars.
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Andy Walsh
Phenomenal food and beverages! This is only the second time Ive been here but we will definitely be back.
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Kenneth Brandt
With a name like El Barco meaning"the boat" youd think the have great seafood option but sadly no
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brandon peterson
Great food and service. Always looking for a good new Mexican restaurant and this one was great.
