You don’t have to take a trip across the border to experience Latin American food. In fact, there are many restaurants serving Latin-American-style cuisine in Ames. 

Mexican: 

If you’re a fan of Mexican food, Ames will definitely satisfy your dining needs. In Campustown alone, there are five restaurants that serve Mexican cuisine. 

Fighting Burrito

Fighting Burrito isn’t necessarily an authentic Mexican restaurant, but that doesn’t negate the fact that the food it serves is absolutely amazing. Plus, its portion sizes are gigantic. A single buritto will fill up the hungriest college student. 

Favorite menu item: Veggie burrito. I always order a wheat tortilla, black beans, wild rice, two servings of veggies, cheese and corn salsa. The veggies are my favorite part of the meal. They’re sauteed, and extremely flavorful. 

Mr. Burrito

Mr. Burrito is more authentically Mexican, compared to Fighting Burrito. Although it hasn’t been open for long, Mr. Burrito has already become a popular spot for students seaking good Mexican food. Just beware: there isn’t much seating inside the restaurant. So go when it’s not busy, or be prepared to order takeout. 

Favorite menu item: Pork burrito. I have a sensitive stomach, which has made me wary of eating meat from ethnic restaurants. However, I decided to try a pork burrito from Mr. Burrito, and I’m so glad I did! It was the best pork I’ve ever tasted — extremely tender with just the right mixture of spices. 

Es Tas

Besides being one of Campustown’s most popular bars, Es Tas is also a fantastic Mexican restaurant. It may not be Ames’ most authentic Mexican restaurant (see the listing above), but its tacos are delicous and cheap. They even have an all-you-can-eat taco bar!

Favorite menu item: Beef taco. When it comes my food choices, they haven’t changed much since I was about five years old. I have always loved beef tacos. And Es Tas serves the best beef tacos in town. 

Angie’s Cantina

I originally went to this restaurant when it was Angie’s Kitchen. However, the business changed ownership a little over a year ago.  The eatery still serves breakfast like it used to, but it also serves Mexican food. You can eat a pancake and a tamale during the same meal!

Favorite menu item: Beef tamale. I was really tempted to put “pancake” as my favorite item. But since this is the Latin American restaurant list, I chose the tamale, which is very tasty! If you, like me, can’t decide on a food item, just eat a pancake and a tamale! Win-win!

El Patron

El Patron is an authentic Mexican restaurant and bar. The eating area doesn’t hold many customers, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With its small space, eating at El Patron is more intimate than most restaurants in Campustown. 

Favorite menu item: Cheese enchilada. This dish is not too spicy, yet not too bland. As someone who likes a little kick, but still prefers to feel her tongue at the end of the meal, this dish is perfect.

Brazilian

There’s only one restaurant in Ames that serves Brazilian cuisine. However, that restaurant offers enough delectability to make up for the low number of Brazilian eateries in the city.

Cafe Beaudelaire

Although small in size, Cafe Beaudelaire is big on character. The slogan for Cafe Beaudelaire is “the soul of Brasil in the Heart of Iowa.” This restaurant and bar has been in Ames since 1990, and has garnered quite the following. The place is especially busy when the World Cup is being played. At that point, you can hear the cheers of the cafe’s customers halfway down the block. 

Favorite menu item: Brasilian fries. These fries will make you forget that the French ever made fries. Coated in the perfect mixture of spices, Brasilian fries are a must-have appetizer when you go to Cafe Beaudelaire.