El Aguila Real Mexican

My 2nd favorite Mexican restaurant in the whole metro. The menu isn't as exciting if you're looking to try something a little of the beaten path as other restaurants in town, but there are still some unique dishes to be had. The best chorizo con queso in town is to be had here. I've almost always had good service here, and to me the only drawback is the cramped quarters of the restaurant and the fact that their ventalation system is horrible, leaving you smelling like you just got done working in the kitchen after you leave. I guess there's only so much that can be done to convert an old Long John Silver's fast food joint into a Mexican restaurant. How they left the swashbuckle door handles on from the LJS days is an added touch of class!

i find it wonderful/good food/good service/good price/ everthing i have tried on the menu has been great

My experience at El Aguila was absolutely awful. The waitress was rude to us and did not seat us in a prompt manner. The restaurant was not extremely busy and there were several tables open yet she ignored us for nearly 10 minutes before we were seated. The tables and booths in the restaurant were set closely together - personally too close for comfort. We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and they tasted like watered down lemon lime gatorade. She did not take our food orders until 20 minutes after she served our drinks and the food was barely tolerable. My chicken was dry and the rest of my food was bland. I love Mexican food and I am always excited to try new restaurants but I was highly disappointed with the service and food. The prices were comparable to other Mexican food restaurants but the food was not anywhere up to par. In my opinion, there are many other Mexican restaurants in the Des Moines area that have much better food, great prices, and superior service.

A great neighborhood place for tasty and authentic Mexican food. The décor is not fancy and the place is rather small, and unfortunately the wait-staff are often very cold and indifferent. But the food, reasonable prices and short wait times make up for that in my opinion. Their refried beans are the best I've ever had anywhere, including California and Arizona. They have a unique version of the chili relleno that is not battered or deep fried, but they are very tasty. The carnitas en salsa verde and fajitas are both excellent choices and the portions are very generous. They have a good selection of Mexican beer, but not of good tequillas.

I'm embarrassed to say, but we've been going here almost weekly since we moved here 2 1/2 years ago. It's great, fast, no-frills Mexican. Wednesday nights they offer 99-cent margaritas. An order of fajitas is gigantic - perfect for sharing. The atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired, they don't even have any music playing... but that has yet to keep me away!

Dude, I'm from California and I must say that this is the 1st Mexican joint that I found in Des Moines that can come close to holding a candle to some of the west coast places. The waitstaff consists of stone-cold wenches, but what do you expect? It is cheap and tasty food.

Hint: If they quote you 20 minutes on your phoned in take-out order, leave your house right away. It ALWAYS takes 5 minutes, no matter what.