One of the best and tastiest ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is by enjoying authentic Hispanic flavors. And you are in luck, because all across eastern Iowa, you can find locally owned spots that dish up some of the most delicious and authentic Hispanic food around.
Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, so read up on these Hispanic food hot spots and then make a plan to celebrate with good eats. And don’t be shy about sharing your favorites!
Mesa 503
Iowa City
Mesa 503 is relatively new to the restaurant scene in Iowa City, but they have found their niche serving up authentic Salvadoran cuisine.
Inspired by the flavors and dishes of El Salvador, the team at Mesa 503 serves up authentic and fresh pupusas, tamales, and Salvadoran main dishes featuring everything from chicken, steak, shrimp, and more. They also serve up Salvadoran breakfast, so it’s worth a stop any time of day.Â
Maestro EmpanadasÂ
Iowa CityÂ
What’s better than one empanada? Dos empanadas.
At Maestro Empanadas in Iowa City you can get your hands on as many handmade empanadas as you’d like for just $2.50 a pop. This Argentinian restaurant is carry-out only, but they also sell frozen empanadas that hold up beautifully so you can extend your appreciation for authentic cuisine beyond the official month-long celebration.
There are options for meat lovers including beef, chicken, the Iowa-inspired barbecue pork, and breakfast empanadas. But they’re also known for their cheese empanadas, made with a house recipe of quinoa, corn, and zucchini. Don’t forget to grab some flan, Argentinian bread pudding, or cookies for dessert.Â
La Regia Taqueria
Iowa CityÂ
Like several Mexican restaurants around eastern Iowa, La Regia Taqueria started as a food truck selling tacos. But the owners dreamed of opening their own restaurant, so after two years they put down roots on Highway 1 on the west side of Iowa City and opened their dine-in location.
Today they serve up vibrant, authentic, filling Mexican cuisine—but don’t worry, they’ve kept the street-style tacos that keep customers coming back for more.Â
Mammitas Coffee and Latin CafeÂ
Iowa City
Need to plan a coffee date during Hispanic Heritage Month? Look no further than Mammitas Coffee and Latin Cafe.
This Latina-owned coffee shop and cafe offers up a mix of Cuban, Mexican, and Salvadoran food and drinks. Don’t pass up sampling their signature energy drinks, horchata, or dulce de leche lattes, which go great with their Mexican sweet bread.
All of it is inspired by the owner’s family roots in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico—especially her grandmother, Mammita. Snag a Cuban sandwich for lunch and hang out a bit in this downtown Iowa City spot.
Elenita Guatamex
Cedar Rapids
Perhaps one the newest restaurants on the list, this popular spot in Cedar Rapids is already making a name for itself with those looking to venture beyond Mexican food.
During the week you can fill up on traditional Mexican fare, but on the weekend they serve up authentic Guatemalan dishes that you can’t find at many other places in eastern Iowa. Choose from rice tamales, chicken or beef broth, Pepian, chuchitos, horchata, tamarindo, and more.Â
El Super Burrito & Lupita’s Bakery
Cedar RapidsÂ
If you need a one-stop shop for dinner and dessert, pay a visit to El Super Burrito.
It’s home to the Burrito Ahogado—a burrito filled with your choice of meat and beans then smothered in green salsa, guacamole, and sour cream and served on a sizzling hot plate. There are also other authentic Mexican dishes including delicious conchas and chicken tacos.
It’s always busy at lunchtime, and you simply can’t leave without a Mexican pastry: churros, pan dulce, tres leche cake, and flan are best-sellers.Â
Caucho
Cedar Rapids
Known for great hospitality and a truly distinct food experience, this is a favorite spot for repeat visits in Cedar Rapids. You can’t pass up their queso fundido or Peruvian ceviche. Plus, their tortillas are made in-house daily. They are also known for their top-notch bar service, featuring margaritas plus other craft cocktails and cerveza, including the famed Mexican Ashtray—a can of Tecate topped with smoked paprika salt, hot sauce, lime, and ground pepper. Recently under new ownership, the menu features other Latinx flavors as weekly specials, too. Come for the tacos (seriously, try them all) and stay for the eclectic, urban vibe.Â
La Casita Breakfast Cafe
Cedar Rapids
Why not start your day with the flavors of Mexico? That’s the main idea at La Casita, located just on the edge of downtown Cedar Rapids. The small, colorful diner serves up classic breakfast fare (omelets, skillets, eggs Benedict) but with a bit of a Hispanic kick. The chorizo hash and breakfast chimichanga are big hits. Something to keep in mind: The owners operate another highly recommended Mexican restaurant in Cedar Rapids. Mamacita Taco Bar recently opened on the city’s east side and quickly became a local favorite. Try the carnitas and thank us later.Â
El Sol
Solon
Small town Iowa knows how to do Mexican cuisine, too. El Sol in Solon is a mouth-watering example. They pride themselves on offering seemingly limitless options for burritos and serving up fresh-made guacamole and top-notch margaritas. Like many of the other Hispanic restaurants on this list, they offer not only dine-in options but carry-out and catering options to please a crowd.Â
Taqueria Los Reyes
Waterloo
It’s hard to go wrong with Mexican food in and around the Waterloo area, but Taqueria Los Reyes often gets recommended above the others.
This authentic, family-run restaurant does Taco Tuesday so well you can enjoy it any day of the week. You might also try the gorditas and tortas or their famed flautas. There are also tasty beverages to sip, including unforgettable flavored horchata and agua fresca.Â
Rudy’s Tacos
Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, Waterloo
Rudy’s Tacos is a household name on a first-name basis with customers, especially around the Quad Cities area. The eatery has been serving up tasty tacos since 1973.
Now in their 40th year, Rudy’s has created a franchise with several locations scattered around eastern Iowa (and western Illinois), where you can snag some tacos and other Mexican dishes to please the whole family.Â
Nally’s Kitchen
Davenport
The food may be fast at Nally’s but the ingredients are fresh and you can taste the difference.
This authentic Mexican restaurant opened about six years ago after the owners got their start hosting holiday parties for friends. They’ve been dishing up fan favorites with fresh twists ever since. It’s hard to resist the fresh salsa made with roasted peppers and tomatoes, not to mention the crunchy tortilla chips that deliver it.Â
Verde
Bettendorf
If you are feeling adventurous over the next few weeks, consider a meal at Verde, where you’ll find an inventive menu of contemporary Mexican dishes.
There are authentic flavors and techniques employed in innovative ways that are often presented so artistically you’ll have to snap a picture of your dish before you dig in. Some menu staples include the rice and beans or pork shoulder al pastor, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the Verde twist on each dish.
Do call ahead for a reservation as the restaurant is small and popular. Snag a Verde Paloma while you wait.