The Ankeny Brief
Ankeny has a solid and growing lineup of Mexican restaurants, from family-owned sit-down spots with housemade margaritas to trucks slinging some of the best tacos in the metro. Here's the local rundown of where to go, what each is known for, and how to find the food-truck gems.
For Mexican food in Ankeny, the local favorites include Flame Cantina (family-owned, known for birria tacos and housemade margaritas), Mojito's, and Cancun Grill & Cantina for full sit-down menus, plus taqueria and food-truck options like Tacos Don Juan for street tacos. Tastes vary and spots change, so treat this as a starting point and check current hours.
Ankeny has more beyond these, including additional family restaurants and grills, so it's worth exploring past the first result.
For the taqueria end of the spectrum, look to the smaller, more authentic kitchens and trucks around town and just into Des Moines, where street tacos, al pastor, and birria are the draw. These are often the best value and the most authentic bite, if not always the fanciest room.
Tacos Don Juan is frequently called one of the best Mexican food trucks in the Des Moines area, and it often parks in the Sportsman's lot on Oralabor Road in Ankeny. Trucks move around and keep their own hours, so follow them on social media to catch them, that's half the fun.
Chasing a particular craving? See our guides to the best restaurants in Ankeny, the best pizza, breakfast and brunch, and the breweries and bars for the full local food map.
The Ankeny Brief is a free weekly email on where to eat, what's new, and what's happening around town. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Local favorites include Flame Cantina (family-owned, known for birria tacos and margaritas), Mojito's, and Cancun Grill & Cantina. Tastes vary, so try a few.
Flame Cantina is well known for birria tacos. Various taquerias and food trucks around Ankeny and Des Moines serve it too.
Yes, Tacos Don Juan is a well-regarded truck that often parks in the Sportsman's lot on Oralabor Road. Trucks set their own hours, so check social media first.
Yes. Alongside the sit-down cantinas, there are authentic taquerias and trucks serving street tacos, al pastor, and birria, often the best value.