Marias Mexican Food in Valley Junction

Maria’s Mexican Food in Valley Junction, West Des Moines Iowa

Maria’s is the latest place with the same menu and business plan as Abelardos. It has all the taqueria specialties, available at a counter or drive-thru, is open late, and very affordable. It should be noted that this original location is very bright, clean, well lit and service is better than the other places like it. It might seem beside the point, but Valley Junction has a long history of Mexican restaurants over the years, from the place on 5th St that was so busy back in the nineties to the Modern Mexican place in the 8th St strip back when that area was booming.

Location: 210 Grand Ave. in Valley Junction area of West Des Moines

Online At: facebook page is HERE. They also do the online ordering service from sites I haven’t used yet.

 

Open Since: they moved in around 2017 after the Burger King closed.

Specialties: the menu is almost exactly the same as Abelardos, with additions like jalapeno poppers dipped by hand, pork chops and carne asada steaks.

 

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Taqueria El Gordo & La Flaca on SE 14th

Taqueria El Gordo & La Flaca Taco Truck in Des Moines Iowa

Location: 1013 Se 14th St in Des Moines.

This taco truck with a couple inside has been working beside the old La Pizza House while the building is being renovated.

First spotted: Spring 2018

Specialties: the menu includes carne asada steaks and a selection of seafood.

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El Mezquite Taqueria on East Euclid

El Mezquite Taqueria Taco Truck on Euclid Ave in Des Moines, Iowa

Location: in a parking lot beside the Cash Saver at 1320 E Euclid

First Spotted: Spring 2018

Specialties: they have the usual taco toppings and serve breakfasts.

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La Ventura Tacos y Pupusas on University by Drake

La Ventura Tacos y Pupusas, or La Ventura Taqueria, on University Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa.

 

Location: 2225 University Ave in Des Moines, Iowa

 

A couple weeks ago the La Ventura Antojitos truck was parked outside the old Tacos Andreas near Drake University. They were serving from the truck while getting the interior ready. The new owners have done a decent job of cleaning the interior but the old fixtures are still there and the inside only has four tables.

Active Since: Around August 2017. Before that it was Tacos Andreas and very briefly a trombo with al pastor was operating in the front.

 

Specialties: The usual tacos and quesadillas, but the menu on the front has a picture of a loaded chicharron preparado that isn’t listed on the menu, and they have had daily specials like enchiladas or soups, I’ve even seen them make eggs that aren’t on the menu for customers.

 

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Tacos Talpa on SE 14th St

Tacos Talpa Taco Truck in Des Moines, Iowa

This truck popped up in the spot where Antojitos Mexicanos DF was parked last year.

Location: 4200 SE 14th St in an empty car lot.

Active Since: Spring 2017

Specialties: cabeza and birria tacos.

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Sabores De Mexico in Windsor Heights

Sabores De Mexico Taco Truck in Windsor Heights, Iowa

Sabores De Mexico is based in West Des Moines and serves at Sherwood Forest and local events.

Online at: Facebook page is HERE.

Location: They are parked in the Sherwood Forest shopping center at the corner of 73rd and Hickman.

Active since: summer 2016

Specialties: tacos, nachos.

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Taco Casa on Euclid by Douglas and MLK

Taco Casa Mexican Food in Des Moines, Iowa

Taco Casa has a huge menu with a message on the back claiming the place was started by a Mexican immigrant a long time ago. The interior and the painted murals and menu choices are like a step back in time.

Location: 2506 Euclid Ave, just off the corner of Douglas Ave and MLK.

Online at: website is HERE

Active Since: the menu claims they have been doing business for 53 years. But this place has been HERE for as long as I can remember.

Specialties: The salsa and hot sauce is great, so are the beans and enchilada sauce. Most of the menu is basic mexican food with melted cheese on top.

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