Best Mexican Restaurants in Iowa City, IA

I absolutely love Mexican food! Iowa City has some amazing spots. Trust me, I’ve tried many of them. Each place has its own vibe. They all serve delicious dishes that transport you straight to Mexico.

So, what are the best Mexican restaurants in Iowa City, IA? Well, you’ve got to check out La Regia Taqueria and Los Agaves Mexican Grill. These places are known for their mouthwatering tacos and vibrant salsas. You won’t be disappointed; there’s something for everyone!

Stick around! I’ll walk you through each restaurant. We’ll explore their tasty dishes, fun atmospheres, and why they should be on your must-visit list. Get ready for a delicious adventure!

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Iowa City, IA

1. La Regia Taqueria
2. Los Agaves Mexican Grill
3. Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina
4. Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City
5. El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine
6. Carlos O’Kelly’s – Iowa City
7. La Mexicana
8. LOS AMIGOS GRILL MEXICAN RESTAURANTE
9. Cactus Mexican Grill & Cantina
10. Cactus 2 Restaurant & Cantina

1. La Regia Taqueria

La Regia Taqueria is such a fun place! This little spot is along Highway 1. It has a cozy vibe that makes you feel welcome. The colorful decor really adds to the charm.

When I went there, I was super impressed. The tacos were amazing! You can really taste the freshness in every bite. The prices? Totally inexpensive. You can enjoy a great meal without spending a lot.

What I love most about La Regia is the authenticity. Each dish feels homemade. I suggest you try the al pastor tacos. They are packed with flavor and come with a delicious homemade salsa. Pair that with a refreshing agua fresca, and you’ve got a perfect meal!

2. Los Agaves Mexican Grill

Los Agaves Mexican Grill is such a great find! Located on North Dodge Street, it really stands out. The bright colors and fun decor create a happy vibe. It feels so welcoming when you walk in.

I had an awesome experience when I visited last. The staff were super friendly and quick. I decided to try the fajitas, and wow, they came out sizzling! The smell was just incredible. Every bite was flavorful and fresh.

What I love about Los Agaves is the wide menu. There’s something for everyone! I highly recommend the shrimp fajitas. They’re juicy and well-seasoned. And you absolutely need to order the guacamole. It’s homemade and so delicious—you won’t regret it!

3. Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina

Oh, Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina! It’s such a fun spot. The decor is bright and cheerful. It makes you feel happy right away. It’s great for any occasion.

The staff there are awesome. They made me feel so welcome. When I got my food, wow—it was amazing. I tried the enchiladas, and they blew my mind. They were fresh, packed with flavor, and just so good.

What I love most is their care for every detail. Each dish feels special. If you go, try the enchiladas for sure. Pair it with their guacamole—it’s perfect. You’ll be dreaming about the taste long after!

4. Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City

Estela’s Fresh Mex – Iowa City is such a neat place! It’s on E Burlington Street, and it’s super casual. You can grab your food at the counter and then sit indoors or outdoors. I love how friendly the vibe is!

When I went, I was excited to try the food. Everything was so fresh and tasty. The staff were really nice, too. I decided on a burrito, and oh my goodness! It was packed with so many flavors, and it filled me right up.

What I love the most is how affordable it is. If you visit, you have to get the burritos. They’re so good, especially with their salsa on the side. You’ll leave happy and satisfied!

5. El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine

El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine is a hidden gem. It’s on S Gilbert Street in Iowa City. The vibe is cozy. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. The place feels very welcoming.

When I went there, I was blown away. The staff was super friendly. They made me feel right at home. I tried the mole enchiladas. Wow! The taste was incredible. The flavors were rich and deep.

This place is all about real Mexican food. Every dish feels special. If you go, you have to try the mole enchiladas. They are perfect. And don’t miss the margaritas. They are awesome. You’ll have a great time there!

6. Carlos O’Kelly’s – Iowa City

Oh, Carlos O’Kelly’s is such a fun spot. It’s in a great location on S Gilbert Street. The place feels super cozy and chill. You can sit indoors or outside. They even deliver, which is a huge plus.

When I visited, I felt so welcomed. The staff were just so nice. They checked in often and kept things perfect. I loved their chips and salsa. It was fresh, crispy, and tasty. The enchiladas suizas? Total perfection. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.

What I really love is their vibe. It’s simple but warm. You feel comfortable right away. For food, try the queso blanco dip. It’s creamy, cheesy, and seriously addictive. A Tex-Mex dream!

7. La Mexicana

La Mexicana is such a wonderful spot! It’s right in Coralville, and I love the vibe. The place is cozy and colorful. You can eat inside or outside, which is nice. Plus, it’s really affordable.

When I went there, I was super impressed. The street tacos were fresh and full of flavor. I also tried their guacamole, and wow, it was delicious! The staff were really friendly and made me feel at home.

What I think makes La Mexicana special is the authentic taste. Everything feels homemade. If you go, you have to order the enchiladas verde. They are tangy and savory, just perfect. Every bite is a treat!

8. LOS AMIGOS GRILL MEXICAN RESTAURANTE

Let me tell you about LOS AMIGOS GRILL MEXICAN RESTAURANTE. It’s super cozy and easygoing. They’ve got seating options for everyone—indoors or outside. It’s also wheelchair-friendly, which is so thoughtful. If you don’t feel like going out, no worries. They offer delivery and takeout too. The prices won’t break the bank, either.

I still remember my meal there. I went for their enchiladas. Wow! They were cheesy, saucy, and just perfect. The guacamole on the side? Creamy and fresh. Every bite felt special. The staff was incredibly kind and made me feel so welcome.

What’s cool about this place? Their flavors really stand out. You can tell the food is made with love. The spices, the freshness—it’s all there. It’s not just about the food; it’s the whole vibe. Relaxed, friendly, and so inviting.

If you’re planning a visit, try the fajitas. They come sizzling and smell amazing. The flavors are bold but balanced. Pair them with a fresh lime margarita. You won’t regret it!

9. Cactus Mexican Grill & Cantina

Cactus Mexican Grill & Cantina is such a great spot! It’s right on S Gilbert St in Iowa City. The atmosphere is super inviting. You can choose to eat inside or outside. They also have delivery and takeout, which is super convenient. And the prices? Very budget-friendly!

When I visited, I decided to try the fish tacos. Let me tell you, they were amazing! Crispy and fresh, with lots of flavor. The staff were friendly and made sure I had everything I needed. It felt so relaxed, perfect for hanging out with friends.

What really stands out at Cactus is how fresh everything tastes. Their salsa and guacamole are so good! If you go, you have to order the fajitas. They come out sizzling and are bursting with flavor. It’s a delicious meal you won’t forget!

10. Cactus 2 Restaurant & Cantina

Cactus 2 Restaurant & Cantina is such a cozy spot. It’s right on E Burlington Street, which is super convenient. The vibe there feels cheerful and relaxed. You can pick a table inside or sit outside if the weather’s nice.

When I visited, I felt so welcomed. The staff was just lovely—smiling and quick to help. I ordered the chicken enchiladas. Oh wow, they were so good! The sauce was rich and had just the right kick.

What makes this place special? Everything tastes fresh, like it’s homemade. The ingredients shine through in every bite. If you stop by, try their sizzling fajitas. They’re packed with flavor and served piping hot. You won’t regret it!

Map of Mexican Restaurants in Iowa City, IA

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the best Mexican place in Iowa City?
  Oh, you’ve got to try La Regia Taqueria. It’s so good! Los Agaves and El Señor Cactus are also top-notch.

• Do they have veggie or vegan options?
  Yes, they do! Veggie fajitas, bean burritos, guac – you name it.

• Any authentic Mexican spots around?
  For sure! La Regia Taqueria and El Señor Cactus are the real deal. You’ll love them.

• Can I get takeout or delivery?
  Absolutely! Most spots have takeout. Some even do delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats.

• What’s the price range like?
  It’s pretty affordable. You’ll spend about $10–$20 per person.

• Family-friendly places?
  Oh, yes! Los Agaves and Carlos O’Kelly’s are great for families. Kid-friendly and casual.

• Do they serve alcohol?
  Yes, many places do. You can enjoy a nice margarita or beer with your meal.

• Must-try dishes?
  Tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas are a hit. And don’t skip the homemade salsas.

• Do I need reservations?
  Not usually, but it helps to call ahead if it’s busy. Especially for large groups.

• Best place for tacos?
  La Regia Taqueria, hands down. Fresh and full of flavor. Locals love it.