El Azteca Mexican Restaurant is passionate about offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family. Enjoy a fresh homemade margarita, a variety of Mexico's finest tequilas and a great selection of beer. We take pride in offering traditional and authentic Mexican food, using the freshest ingredients and bold flavors that our menu has to offer.
El Azteca thanks you for the continued support and sharing the success and joy throughout the years. We at El Azteca, welcome you to experience our authentic Mexican meals in a warm, friendly environment at one of our two Ames locations. El Azteca Mexican Restaurant offers many options for traditional and authentic Mexican food.
El Azteca thanks you for the continued support and sharing the success and joy throughout the years. We at El Azteca, welcome you to experience our authentic Mexican meals in a warm, friendly environment at one of our two Ames locations. El Azteca Mexican Restaurant offers many options for traditional and authentic Mexican food.
Reviews (26)
K. W. B.
Jan 31, 2022
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Eyeless Heretic
Dec 27, 2021
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Holy cow the chimichangas were the bomb!! Just the right amount of rice and beans for the sides, they were topped with just the right amount of guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, fresh Roma tomatoes, and a bit of shredded cheese not to mention drenched in queso. I was told to check it out by a coworker and he was 100% on fire with this place as a recommendation. 10/10 let's go!!
Daniel Li
Dec 23, 2021
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The quesadillas I had here were bomb - maybe a little bit lacking in cheese but nothing serious. What lowered it a bit was everything else seemed a bit below average in quality. The guac, sour cream, lettuce, and the starter chips seemed kind of stale or off. But can't be too critical about that - this place nails what really matters, the core food.
Nicole C.
Nov 26, 2021
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My son started at Iowa State in the fall of 2020. We have seen the restaurant multiple times and always commented we should go. Let me just say - we've been missing out!
The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. The wait staff was so friendly and helpful. Even though it was busy, we got our food in record time!
The atmosphere was fun and relaxed. The wait staff was so friendly and helpful. Even though it was busy, we got our food in record time!
Robert Wilson
Nov 23, 2021
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Rohit Kanrar
Nov 14, 2021
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Bailey Lamb
Nov 02, 2021
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Honestly one of the best places ive been too. Every second was fantastic. We got to a table very quickly even when they where busy. Our server Adonis was on top of everything, my drink was never empty and was always there when we needed. The food was fantastic and came to our table really quickly. The atmosphere was perfect every table had a smile and the whole place was very clean. I wish i could give more than 5 stars and i hope Adonis gets a well earned raise and praise. 11/10
Julie F.
Oct 23, 2021
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This has become a favorite place to eat when I'm back in Ames. It was busy when we arrived but probably waited less than 10 minutes for a table. Food and service were both great. After a long day of tailgating and football the day before, we passed on the margaritas. Look forward to going back next time I'm in town!
Rocket To Mars
Aug 14, 2021
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Christy D.
May 04, 2021
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Darcie S.
Oct 24, 2020
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We were staying across the street and decided the convenience was worth a try. The food was excellent. The refried beans were some of the best I've had. I ordered pork verde and it was excellent and the tortilla's tasted home-made. Our waiter was prompt, friendly and helpful. Food came quickly. we had regular margaritas and they were fine. I recommend if in the area.
Christina P.
Sep 05, 2020
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Eymos O.
Sep 03, 2020
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Stephen R.
Aug 30, 2020
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I knew better than to get excited about Mexican food in the Midwest. Save your money and go Taco Bell. The waiter used a horrible fake Mexican accent. I wasn't called amigo as many times the entire time I lived in El Paso. The food was terrible, it was so bland I didn't finish the meal. I woke up sick this morning never again.
Roger W.
Aug 09, 2020
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Christine I.
Jul 19, 2020
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I love their raspberry margaritas, they use fresh raspberries and taste great. El Azteca literally makes the best margaritas in town.
My recommendations:
Pollo al chipotle - the chicken is tender and the sauce is mildly thick with a light chipotle kick, not super spicy imo.
Carne asada - so savory, great flavor. The meat is incredibly tender and onions are perfect with a slight crisp.
Quesadilla Special - it is incredibly filling, I am especially full after ordering this one.
Or any of their combination dinners, it's a great way to try a variety of their menu items.
The food comes in fast
My recommendations:
Pollo al chipotle - the chicken is tender and the sauce is mildly thick with a light chipotle kick, not super spicy imo.
Carne asada - so savory, great flavor. The meat is incredibly tender and onions are perfect with a slight crisp.
Quesadilla Special - it is incredibly filling, I am especially full after ordering this one.
Or any of their combination dinners, it's a great way to try a variety of their menu items.
The food comes in fast
Frequent T.
May 06, 2020
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Take out not recommended. Ordered three entree dishes that included flour tortillas. They forgot them for all three dishes. Should have checked. But come on. I used to be a big fan but they rush you on Dine in when it was available (pre corona) and the quality and service has gone down from when they were growing. Sorry guys. Get better.
Olivia R.
Feb 21, 2020
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Temi A.
Jan 31, 2020
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Granted there aren't a lot of mexican restaurants in Ames, but this is hands down the best one. From the staff to the food, everything is done with excellence! The atmosphere is very classy too, its a place you can go on a nice date or take the family out to eat after church on Sunday. They also do fun things on your birthday! My personal favorite dish is the Arroz con Pollo. If you're ever in the area I recommend stopping here for sure.
Sushma Ambekar
Oct 07, 2019
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Anna C.
Sep 22, 2019
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Tahna B.
Aug 31, 2019
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Stopped here late on a Friday night while traveling. We wanted something quick and this was quick. Server was very prompt. The chips and salsa were ok... the main reason I didn't give it 5 stars. My partner ordered the chipotle chicken and enjoyed it. Big portion but a bit spicy. I ordered the Enchiladas supreme and was very pleased. Nice serving size and good flavor. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes and the bill was very reasonable.
Jessica R.
Jun 03, 2019
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El Azteca used to be one of my favorite places to eat in Ames, but it has been going downhill for some time now. The service is still decent, but I often feel rushed to eat and leave. The last few meals I've had there have not been good.. not horrible, but not good. I'm not sure what's changed, but please bring back the old El Azteca!
Julie R.
Jun 10, 2018
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Still an AmesTopTen! We got Texas fajitas here today(see pics). They were very good and I had leftovers to take home. I come to this El Azteca, despite it being further away and older than the other one for a few reasons. I like the light here. Lots of windows. Very cheery place. I just feel more comfy here and that is a large part of dining in. Friendly staff. Very family and budget friendly. Clean. I used the bathroom to wash my hands and it was clean as well. Great good. The prices have gone up a bit since we were last here, but it's still very reasonable for the food you get. Lot parking
F. L.
Aug 20, 2017
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I'm from Houston Texas graving for real Mexican food... found this place because some people in Yelp reviews says it's good BUT my EXPERIENCED here today was not good at all! SERVICE, FOOD, and DRINKS are waaayyyy below my expectations!
Server was not friendly but we felt like we were rushed. Margarita drink doesn't taste like a margarita but it tasted like a little children's street lemonade drink instead. Carne tacos was served blunt. No sour cream nor little cheese or something as sides. Meat was over cooked and tasteless, no flavoring but DRIED UP PIECES OF MEAT.
Pork
Server was not friendly but we felt like we were rushed. Margarita drink doesn't taste like a margarita but it tasted like a little children's street lemonade drink instead. Carne tacos was served blunt. No sour cream nor little cheese or something as sides. Meat was over cooked and tasteless, no flavoring but DRIED UP PIECES OF MEAT.
Pork
Eric B.
Nov 12, 2016
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Mom, Dad, and I came here for dinner last night. We arrived just a bit after 5 PM to an already half-full house. By the time we left ~6 PM, the place was full and with a waiting list. Pretty impressive for a place that is almost out-of-town on the East side just short if I-35. I've been here before when it was a Happy Chef and most of the interior features are still in place.
I ordered a fajita-style quesadilla (with salad), while Dad ordered a bigger version of that, and Mom opted for a chicken Caesar salad. My portions were manageable, while theirs were huge and requiring a to-go box.
I ordered a fajita-style quesadilla (with salad), while Dad ordered a bigger version of that, and Mom opted for a chicken Caesar salad. My portions were manageable, while theirs were huge and requiring a to-go box.
