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El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine is your destination for premier Mexican dining in Des Moines, IA. Specializing in authentic Mexican dishes, we offer favorites like fajitas, tacos, burritos, and mariscos. Enjoy our dine-in service, takeout options, delightful patio seating, a full-service bar, and a party room perfect for hosting events. We are committed to delivering a memorable dining experience, providing a diverse menu sure to tantalize every palate. Proudly serving the communities of Urbandale, Johnston, and Ankeny, we’re excited to share our exceptional Mexican culinary heritage with you.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 4351 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
Phone: (515) 254-9453
Website: https://elpatroniowa.com/
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El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine
El Patron is a local Mexican restaurant that serves up authentic cuisine. … 4351 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310. HOURS. Monday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 09 …
El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine – Des Moines, IA
El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine. 4351 Merle Hay Rd Des Moines, IA 50310 https://elpatroniowa.com/ Phone: (515) 254-9453 Email: [email protected]
Review of El Patron on Merle Hay in Des Moines – Facebook
El Patron Restaurant Review in Des Moines. Lena Ribbey ▻ Food Lovers … – at El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine.
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Reviews
Andrei Hrybouski
Absolutely amazing experience!
We barely had time to sit down at the bar before they already brought us fresh chips — that alone set the tone for the whole visit. The service was incredibly fast, friendly, and welcoming.
The beer was served in ice-cold frosted glasses, which was an instant win for us. The staff took their time to explain the menu, recommended what to try, and every suggestion was spot on.
And the margarita… WOW. One of the best margaritas we’ve ever had — perfectly balanced, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
Great food, outstanding service, and an awesome atmosphere. You can really feel that they care about their guests.
We will 100% be back and recommend this place to everyone!
… moreWe barely had time to sit down at the bar before they already brought us fresh chips — that alone set the tone for the whole visit. The service was incredibly fast, friendly, and welcoming.
The beer was served in ice-cold frosted glasses, which was an instant win for us. The staff took their time to explain the menu, recommended what to try, and every suggestion was spot on.
And the margarita… WOW. One of the best margaritas we’ve ever had — perfectly balanced, fresh, and absolutely delicious.
Great food, outstanding service, and an awesome atmosphere. You can really feel that they care about their guests.
We will 100% be back and recommend this place to everyone!
Hater Hating
Ok im super picky about agauchilies and this place definitely had them on point! Most places cannot make them correctly but this place made it just like in mexico! Service was good and that other food i ordered was good as we ll
… moreHeather Showers
Excellent food! We have had great service both times we’ve gone. Our food has been outstanding! Great flavor and big portions. Definitely a must stop for everyone!
… moreElan Morin Tedronai
Every staff member I interacted with was very polite. The chips were warm, flaky, and wonderful; the spicy salsa wasn’t very hot but was delicious. The fajita durango came out steaming, and topped with a quesadilla practically oozing cheese, and a surprisingly generous portion of guacamole. The tequila sunrise was the best I’ve ever had.
… moreLexy Deshong
My new favorite Mexican restaurant! I got the lunch special steak fajita. Delicious! The service was fast and if a worker that wasn’t serving me saw I needed something they handled it. A truly team player atmosphere from the workers. The restaurant its self is gorgeous. So much beautiful art work to admire. If you’re in the area a perfect choice.
… moreLaKrisha Spivey
It’s that time, y’all!!
Another restaurant review.
Hubby and I have been going to them for a while. This is his favorite Mexican spot. So long they moved from Douglas Ave to Merle Hay Rd.
Today, I got the Molcajete Rancho Fiesta, and hubby got Zapata. We tried mine at one other restaurant and loved it, so why not try it here.
They didn’t disappoint!! I didn’t realize it had a cactus. I thought I was eating some kind of pepper. I enjoyed the cactus. My favorite part was the panela. I love, love, love cheese. It’s very soft and creamy.
The drinks never disappoint and well worth the price!
The only downfall is don’t leave your meat in the bowl too long it will dry out but still good coming from someone who is a texture person and is very particular about her beef/steak.
The atmosphere and decor are great, and they even have patio space. I would definitely recommend it, but as I always say. Don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself!!
HAPPY EATING!!
… moreAnother restaurant review.
Hubby and I have been going to them for a while. This is his favorite Mexican spot. So long they moved from Douglas Ave to Merle Hay Rd.
Today, I got the Molcajete Rancho Fiesta, and hubby got Zapata. We tried mine at one other restaurant and loved it, so why not try it here.
They didn’t disappoint!! I didn’t realize it had a cactus. I thought I was eating some kind of pepper. I enjoyed the cactus. My favorite part was the panela. I love, love, love cheese. It’s very soft and creamy.
The drinks never disappoint and well worth the price!
The only downfall is don’t leave your meat in the bowl too long it will dry out but still good coming from someone who is a texture person and is very particular about her beef/steak.
The atmosphere and decor are great, and they even have patio space. I would definitely recommend it, but as I always say. Don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself!!
HAPPY EATING!!
Adam C.
Visited El Patron Mexican restaurant recently just after they moved to their Merle Hay Road location. The food is just as good as ever, and margaritas are great. The staff is excellent. Everyone was friendly and the service was prompt. It’s nice that they moved to a larger space. It was fairly busy, but did not feel crowded. We’ll be back again soon!
… moreMike Van Englehoven
Tried here today for the first time. They have a good spicy salsa if you ask. We had lunch special fajitas and they were outstanding. Meat was very tender and portions were very big. We will be back again.
… moreArmani Wilson
I had low expectations for Mexican food at El Patron, considering it caters to the American palate. However, the food and prices were disappointing. Instead, I recommend Hernando’s in Ankeny.
Let’s start with the chips. They were below average corn tortilla chips, and the salsa was just okay. I ordered queso ($6.99), but it was a tiny portion—probably half a cup of thin, bland queso. The Enchilada Supreme was also below average, lacking the quality of mainstream Mexican restaurants. The Chile Rellenos tasted off, somewhere between old grease and freezer burn. To make matters worse, they didn’t come with tortillas, and we had to ask for some, which cost an extra $3. My wife didn’t even finish hers.
The horchata aqua Fresca seemed to be the powdered variety, with a strange bubblegum note. The side of rice and beans was $4 each.
Overall, I spent over $60 on two adults, and it was a waste of money. Hernando’s is a much better option.
… moreLet’s start with the chips. They were below average corn tortilla chips, and the salsa was just okay. I ordered queso ($6.99), but it was a tiny portion—probably half a cup of thin, bland queso. The Enchilada Supreme was also below average, lacking the quality of mainstream Mexican restaurants. The Chile Rellenos tasted off, somewhere between old grease and freezer burn. To make matters worse, they didn’t come with tortillas, and we had to ask for some, which cost an extra $3. My wife didn’t even finish hers.
The horchata aqua Fresca seemed to be the powdered variety, with a strange bubblegum note. The side of rice and beans was $4 each.
Overall, I spent over $60 on two adults, and it was a waste of money. Hernando’s is a much better option.
Dr. Chad Johnson
Great atmosphere, food was really good as well!
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