The Daily’s DPD duo had a craving for Mexican food, and hitting up the drive-thru at Taco Time wasn’t going to satisfy them. They had heard about the new murals in La Fuente and decided to go on a cultural outing that included some food.

Atmosphere:

KB: I’m not sure you can ask more of a Mexican restaurant than ethnic music, bright walls and friendly waiters that joked around with us. La Fuente has always been a very clean restaurant with bright walls. I’m glad the murals are back.

KF: The newly painted murals on the walls were refreshing to look at. The mariachi band music playing in the background and Spanish television channel playing on the TV made me wish I had paid more attention to my high school Spanish teacher. Quiero besar tu pie.

Service:

KB: We had two waiters it seemed, but I’m glad they checked on us frequently. They were friendly and smiled, joking with us. Some of my favorite Mexican restaurants are the fastest, and La Fuente does not fail this test.

KF: Our servers were pleasant enough, and very fast. I couldn’t always understand what they were saying though because our table was really close to the kitchen and it was sort of loud.

Quantity/Value:

KB: Mine was not as gigantic as Kate’s, but our meals were equally filling. I had a good amount of sour cream and lettuce as my sides, which I piled on my Quesadilla. I really did wish I had some rice and beans, though. In the end I ended up stealing Kate’s rice, so that made up for it.

KF: When my side dish arrived, I thought it was my main entree, and tried to scoot it to the center of my plate until my waiter had to tell me (twice) that it was merely the side. To give you an idea of the size of my meal — the side dish needed its own plate.

Quality/Taste:

KB: My thing with La Fuente is that it’s good solid food, but not great. The food is well-cooked and tasty, although my beef was kind of tasteless. It’s just not spectacular. The tastes of my food did not attack my mouth, although they were pleasant. I wanted more punch. I’m glad La Fuente is never bad, but I really wish some time it would be great.

KF: My food was tasty, but not mind-blowing. My chicken quesadilla fajita was huge, and good — but I wished it was a little less greasy. The presentation was also up to par, as my plate was full of color. However colorful though, my meal was just a tad lackluster.

La Fuente Mexican Restaurant

217 S. Duff Ave.

(515) 233-6696

11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

Kate’s Meal:

Quesadilla Fajita with chicken, water with lemon

$7.25

Kim’s Meal:

Quesadilla Roja with beef, water

$5.62