El Azteca

4.6 ( 1696 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
2727 Stange Rd, Ames, IA 50010, United States
+1 515-292-9494
El Azteca, located at 2727 Stange Rd, Ames, IA, stands as a beloved gem in the world of Tex-Mex cuisine. Renowned for its quick, friendly service, this restaurant consistently impresses diners with its mouthwatering entrees and inviting atmosphere. Highlights of the menu include the Beef or Chicken Fajitas, which arrive sizzling with a medley of red bell peppers, mushrooms, and green onions, paired perfectly with guacamole and tortillas. The Burrito California bursts with flavor, stuffed generously with grilled steak or chicken, rice, beans, and fresh toppings that leave a lasting impression. Diners rave about the substantial portions and the vibrant blend of spices that define El Azteca’s offerings. Customer reviews echo a sentiment of satisfaction, praising the “insanely fast” service and the restaurant's commitment to accommodating special requests, such as vegetarian options. Whether it’s a family celebration or a casual meal, El Azteca's warm hospitality—complete with homemade chips and dip upon arrival—ensures a delightful dining experience. With loyal customers like Melissa Bonpua, who highlights their stellar margaritas and pork tacos, it’s no wonder many consider El Azteca their go-to spot for authentic Mexican flavors in Ames. Overall, El Azteca is more than just a restaurant; it is a community staple that embodies the essence of flavorful dining.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
    • Serves great cocktails
    • Good for watching sport
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves happy-hour drinks
    • Serves happy-hour food
    • Serves late-night food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Trendy
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
    • Popular with university students
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts cheques
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For El Azteca

Jami Lou
Apr 16,2025
Always super fast, friendly service no matter how busy! Food is always fast, hot and delicious!
Beenz
Apr 15,2025
Service here is insanely fast, got our meals in 10 minutes after ordering. Food is delicious and there’s a ton of variety. I’m here at least twice a month.
Victoria Moser
Apr 11,2025
Already thinking about going again. Very good dishes with an extraordinary fast and kind service. When you arrive they will welcome you with some homemade chips with a dip. They don’t have veggie options in the menu but if you ask they will prepare most of the dishes that they offer to be vegetarian. For sure I’ll go back
Aleksandr Khindanov
Apr 11,2025
It’s just the best TexMex restaurant I have ever been to. The most delicious fajitas. Always tastes great. It’s very juicy. Service is excellent. I always had great experience.
Melissa Bonpua
Feb 18,2025
My favorite place to eat in Ames, hands down!! Fantastic and authentic Mexican food, wonderful service and delicious margaritas!! I've celebrated my birthday here 3 or 4 times, and they have great accommodations for large parties! I have searched far and wide for a place as good as El Azteca in MN, and I've yet to find more delicious pork tacos! 10/10 I love the queso too and lime margaritas on the rocks. The fried iced cream is also fantastic!! I've eaten here for probably 15 years now, and it'll always be my favorite Mexican place and an Ames staple for me!
Amy Brause
Feb 16,2025
The atmosphere seems very clean, the wait staff is FAST and personable, the food is hot and the place is always busy. The location on Stange is nicer than south location. On the weekends it’s hard to find parking.
Augster O
Feb 13,2025
This was a great choice on my trip to Ames. We wanted to chill and have some dinner, but we also wanted to watch the NCAA BBall games and have some chips and salsa and queso. They have a lot of TV’s. 65”. Great viewing. The chips are fantastic. The salsa is good. Very mild, which I like. The queso was hot, and a little too runny. The service was incredibly fast. Scary fast really. I doubt this will be everyone’s experience, but it was ours that night. Our food came so fast, we hadn’t even finished our first bowl of chips. The portions are massive. It’s really a lot to eat. And delicious. If I’m in Ames again, I’d definitely eat here again. And I’d know to bring a bigger appetite.
John Roberts
Feb 7,2025
Always great food, fast and friendly service. We had a birthday in the group tonight - sombrero, happy birthday song, and a complementary fried ice cream.

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