Tacos Mariana's


Address »	2225 1/2 University Ave, Des Moines IA (Map)

Phone »	(515) 288-1499

Website »	n/a

Downtown »	No

Type »	Restaurant

Tags »	Mexican

Avg User Rating »	(based on 7 reviews)
User Reviews

User Reviews (7 reviews)

Aug 16, 2008 AandD

We tried Tacos Mariana's for the first time on a Saturday at noon. It was packed and with people who know great Mexican food -- Mexican families.

Here is the authentic food of Jalisco. It doesn't get any better even in Mexico. The tortillas are loaded with pure corn flavor; the chicken, beef and pork tacos are incredibly good and prepared from scratch. It may take a bit of time to get the dishes, but the wait is worth it for this quality of authentic Mexican food.

Service was very friendly; the owner is chef, server, cashier and giver of smiles. There is even a gentleman who plays guitar on request.

The restaurant is spotless and bright; the tables and chairs are hand-carved from Jalisco and colorful and fascinating. This is not a tablecloth kind of place, but it is a wonderful place to eat great Mexican dishes.

The menu has lots of choices, a la carte and combinations. Most of the lunch crowd was eating one of the 5 soup specials. These are huge bowls of spicy soup with loads of shrimp, fish and other choices. At $6 it is a complete meal. Tacos are $1.25 and fantastic. The prices are very reasonable.

Great authentic food. The best we have ever found in Des Moines or anywhere. Good service and friendly people who are happy to see you. Fun atmosphere.

This is located on East University at the corner of East 13th, on the North West corner.

Jul 18, 2008 chris07gtcs

I've been wanting to try this place for quite some time, But had always been 'put off' by the stories of their irregular hours and location. My bad. All the riviews here on dead on. You want muy authentico? Here's your place.
I knew they recently moved, But I wasn't real sure as to where. A couple of Saturdays ago I called them to find out, only to be greeted in spanish. A Mexican restaurant? This has to be a good sign. Bad thing is it took me another week to find them!
Not only were the tacos fantastic, the atmosphere was neat too. We went around noon on Saturday and there was an old guy in the corner playing classical guitar. Way cool! Service was slow but gracious. My wife was saw the gorditos and said that is what she will get next time. Yes, there will be a next time, And soon! Please note their new location is on the NW corner of 13th and University.

Apr 22, 2008 hojo

Best authentic Mexican tacos in town. Extremely fresh, although sometimes slow. Plus the hours are anyone's guess. The burrito platter here is also a steal with rice, beans and a giant burrito smothered in cheese for less than 6 bucks.

Dec 30, 2006 rhonda picha

Very authenic food. The stars alotted here for this rating is solely based on their flavorful food and nothing else. Service is poor, environment is poor, even seating is limited.
If you can endure the disarray and apparently unkempt decor then you can enjoy some mexican food the way the mexicans like it.
Of course you should always call before making the trip, their hours are unpredictable and be sure to take your Entertainment coupon with you (it will get you a free entre when you purchase an entree).

Feb 10, 2006 Shane

Stopped by on a Tuesday for lunch and they weren't open. I couldn't find any signs as to their hours or if they were out of business. I would suggest calling ahead.

I had eaten there once before. "A hole in the wall" is putting it mildly. The food is good, and must be authentic. There is very little seating room.

Jan 29, 2006 Deb B.

I feel like I'm back in Mexico when I eat here. She makes kick a** tacos. Carne asada is my favorite, with everything. (cilantro, onions, & hot sauce) Only $1.25 each is a great deal too. MUY DELICIOUSO!

May 08, 2005 Bobby Villasenor

I liked the tacos there. Coming from Mexico i finnally found a place to eat good mexican tacos. The Real deal if you like tacos. Try al pastor!