Here are five can't-miss Mexican food and drink spots in Iowa City
If you're in search of a tasty taco, a cheesy quesadilla, or a boozy margarita, the Iowa City area has an array of seemingly never-ending Mexican offerings.
These five can't-miss spots will keep you coming back for more:
More: Latino Fest to Illiterati Fest, four events to check out this weekend in Iowa City
La Mexicana
A hidden gem sits just off the Coralville strip. La Mexicana offers a large menu littered with delicious food and drink offerings. You can't go wrong choosing between the mega burrito, the chimichangas or the homemade tamales. Finish it all up with a tres leche.
For drinks, try a cold, bottled Jaritos in a variety of flavors or one of their agua fresca offerings. A Press-Citizen preference is the Jamaica, a Hibiscus iced tea.
And if you're ever feeling peckish or thirsty on a Tuesday, La Mexicana offers $1.50 street tacos, 99-cent soft and hard shell tacos, and two-for-one house margaritas.
Location: 1701 2nd St, Coralville
Contact: (319) 259-7178. https://www.lamexicanaia.org/. View Menu.
More: Here's everything you need to know about the new school year in Iowa City
La Regia Taqueria
If you asked 100 area residents where to find good Mexican food, La Regia would likely be the most popular.
That's for good reason.
The menu earns a clean sweep over hunger. Start off with delicious, fresh-made queso while you look at a litany of protein options. Carne asada is classic. Al pastor offers sweet and savory, and almost nowhere else does it better. For seafood lovers, the fried shrimp is mouthwatering. The birria tacos are to die for.
Anything you can imagine, you can get at La Regia. Like many other Latin restaurants in the area, La Regia also offers a grocery store, equipped with fresh-made chorizo and so much more.
Location: 436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City
Contact: (319) 341-8226. https://www.laregiaia.com/. View Menu or Order Online.
More: Kendra Scott partners with local organizations to celebrate opening in Iowa River Landing
Estela's Fresh Mex
With locations in downtown Iowa City and Coralville, Estela's offers great options at all hours of the day. Whether you're heading in to work or getting off after a long day, Estela's can provide a delicious, sizeable burrito or bowl to satisfy any cravings.
Estela's operates like a Chipotle or Pancheros, with a line of rice, meats and veggies in a build-your-own setup. First opened in 2017, it has become a staple for a local, quick and tasty bite to eat.
Uniquely, Estela's offers a delicious lineup of breakfast burritos perfect for the "most important meal of the day."
Location: 184 E. Burlington St., Iowa City or 1810 N Coral St., Coralville
Contact: (319) 519-2003. https://www.estelasfreshmex.com/. View Menu.
More: Big Grove Brewery and Trees Forever team up for 'Good Grove' beer release, tree planting
Los Agaves Mexican Grill
This northeast Iowa City restaurant is perfect for an after-work gathering, a family dinner, or a nice date night.
The highest-profile sit-down Mexican restaurant in the area, Los Agaves offers chips and salsa as soon as you arrive along with a range of food and drink options sure to satisfy everyone.
Los Agaves also offers outdoor patio seating as well as a drive-up, carry out option, complete with on-site ordering.
Location: 2208 N. Dodge St., Iowa City.
Contact: (319) 519-2765. https://losagavesmexicangrill.net/. View Menu.
More: Authentic global flavors: Iowa City's top international eateries
Coa Cantina
Coa Cantina, in the heart of downtown Iowa City, offers a go-to drink spot with all of the margarita and beer options you can dream of. Just steps from campus, Coa Cantina replaced the Iowa City Social Club a few years ago.
Coa offers specials throughout the week, including half-price appetizers, cocktails, drafts and margaritas from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. On Mondays, stop in for live trivia. Tuesdays are Coa Cantina's "Mug Night" offering a range of deals on beers and margaritas. Sundays feature a brunch menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 18 1/2 S Clinton St., Iowa City
Contact: (319) 259-7199. https://coacantinaiowacity.com/. View Menu.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The five must-visit Mexican food and drink spots in Iowa City
