Kevin
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant in Cascade Locks delivers the kind of meal that reminds you why you love authentic, well‑crafted Mexican food. From the moment we sat down, the service was warm, the atmosphere inviting, and the food came out looking and tasting like it was made with genuine pride.
We ordered a combination plate featuring a shredded‑beef taco, a chile relleno, and a ground‑beef enchilada, all served with classic rice and beans. Every item on the plate had its own personality. The shredded beef was tender and seasoned beautifully, the chile relleno had that perfect balance of roasted pepper flavor and melty richness, and the enchilada was hearty, comforting, and full of depth. Even the rice and beans, often an afterthought at many places, were flavorful and satisfying.
We also tried the Enchilada Chipotle plate, and it was a standout. The smoky chipotle sauce brought a bold, savory heat without overpowering the dish, and again, the rice and beans rounded it out perfectly.
To top it all off, we shared a margarita flight with mango, melon, blackberry, and guava. Each one was vibrant, refreshing, and surprisingly distinct. The mango was tropical and smooth, the melon light and crisp, the blackberry rich and slightly tart, and the guava sweet with a bright finish. It’s the kind of flight that makes you want to pick a favorite, but you end up loving all four.
If you’re passing through Cascade Locks or looking for a dependable local favorite, Ixtapa is absolutely worth the stop. Generous portions, great flavors, and a team that clearly cares about the experience. We’ll definitely be back.
… moreJake Mercer
This place is great! Down by the water in Cascade Locks. Great Mexican food with a beautiful view. I love the fajitas and the happy hour is great! Also next to a park to walk it off or sit down in the sun
… moreBecky Smalley
The food, atmosphere and the people was excellent. The Birria tacos was delicious, it was the first time I had them and I would order them again. It was really nice being near the Marina and watching the Paddle boat and all the activities on the water.
… moreSarah Hendrickson
Getting food to go with my favorite guy. Celebrating great things. Thank you Daniel (batemder) for the Laguna Margarita tonight. Best I’ve ever had. We got food to go. Always good to go as it is dine in..
… moreJill Townley
My husband and I ate lunch at Ixtapa after hiking in the Gorge and we have a new favorite restaurant in Cascade Locks. The menu has much more variety than a typical Mexican restaurant.
I’m always trying to eat more vegetable and the Spinach Burrito filled the bill deliciously. The grilled vegetables are rolled in a flour burrito and covered in a green sauce with dollops of guacamole and sour cream. It is big enough for three meals. Plus the outstanding cup of coffee was served in a cute Mexican-style mug.
My husband had the basic chicken enchilada plate that was fine but not nearly as exciting. He should have ordered the mole enchiladas. Maybe next time!
… moreClayton R. Telfer
We had to come down and check out the new IXTAPA Mexican Restaurant in our hometown. They did an amazing job transforming the visitors center into a very classy, family restaurant. As most of you are aware, I am not a huge connoisseur of Mexican cuisine, but their food was awesome and the service was wonderful. I think this is going to be the perfect addition to Cascade Locks, and I would expect it to be a big success. I would highly recommend it to everyone, both residents and travelers.
… moreAmy Garba
I enjoyed the seafood enchiladas and the beautiful view of course, as well as the tasty martini. But I did not appreciate the service, I was a party of 1 and felt like I was judged and extremely rushed so they can serve other people with bigger parties.. I’m talking 3 different people came to my table asking me “how are you doing” every 5 minutes, yet had to ask twice for things and she knocked down my silverware. That’s telling to me, if you’re gonna continue to ask you gotta deliver. I felt harassed and it ruined the experience. I just ended up asking for a box after the 5th time. I felt like I had to ask to finish my drink after I packed up my food. Smh
… moreMaryann Trulock
My sister and I have went out for dinner here and even though we went 30 minutes before closing time, the entire staff was friendly and accommodating. We got to enjoy the beautiful patio. We ordered a flight of margaritas to share, they were so good and so much fun. Our server was friendly and efficient. The food was amazingly good. The food was, the service ant the atmosphere were all top notch. We will be back here soon
… moreJenay McCord
Came here for dinner with my friend, seated right away in a booth by the window overlooking the columbia river and stern wheeler. We ordered our food to dine in but also ordered a couple items to go as well. Food was good, didn’t have longer than typical wait times on order to table, and they had a couple of sports games on various TV’s placed throughout the restaurant.
… moreBranson Varnell
I personally dined out and brought it back to the campground but it was amazing. Hands down best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Make sure to ask for queso on your nachos
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