I wish it was better, but here’s a tip for you all Mexican lovers — if the plate comes out ridiculous hot, it means the microwaved it — namely the beans. This place is no exception. The beans aren’t made by your Abuelita out back. They’re most likely heated up from prior cooking. Now this place isn’t bad. The carnitas tacos were amazing and the complimentary chips come out warm and yummy. I just wish they cooked fresh beans and rice.
Tony M.
Place rating: 1 Urbandale, IA
Well I’m not usually one to complain, especially with Mexican restaurants in Des Moines, seems like most of them all taste the same, bland bland bland, there are a few exceptions, like this place, but not in a good way, first off truth be told, the chips and salsa were good, but it ended there for me, I ordered steak ranchero and a hard shell taco on the side, first off what ask me how I want my steak cooked if your gonna cook it beyond well done anyway? The ranchero sauce was more of a orange watery mess, the tortillas were cold and tasted like they been setting in a bag forever, stale. The taco with ground beef to me was inedible, the beef is ground so fine that it resembles something out of a cat food can, and it was cold to boot, my sons enchilada was more of that same ground substance covered in a flavorless watery sauce, the retried beans were actually quite good, but who can just eat chips and beans? First time trying it and the last time.
Mike R.
Place rating: 2 Valley Junction, IA
I really wish I could review better but thru multiple visits we have experienced a myriad of assorted disasters. First off – apparently noone who works there can distinguish the difference between 15−28−42-etc, when ordering a Margarita. We’ve always ended up with a 15 oz no matter what size we ordered… The last time our family visited we brought a party of 9 and it was an absolute disaster. The server got EVERY order wrong. Food and Drink. We had to insist corrections on the bill to give them MORE money since they were so far off. Food is 3 of 10. Service is 2 of 10. Overall – Meh
Alex H.
Place rating: 1 Des Moines, IA
Never again. The service was slow, my food was pretty nasty. The chili was cold on the inside. I sent it back. They removed it from the check. Fair enough. My counterpart also had bad food, which wasn’t taken off the ticket. The food had little taste– it seemed like warmed up frozen dinners to me. The crowd didn’t help matters– the place was full with customers and wait staff. The noise level was miserable for me.
Jason S.
Place rating: 1 Des Moines, IA
Was in the area & had a coupon so decided to stop. The open sign was on & the hours on the building said open until 1030pm. The doors were locked & the staff just look at us through the glass. People were inside eating still. Not a place I will be revisiting.
Cory T.
Place rating: 4 Waukee, IA
Friendly staff. Great guacamole and chips.
Jessica L.
Place rating: 2 Des Moines, IA
I have been here twice and the overall experience is just ok. Last Monday, a group of my friends and I went for dinner. The service just wasn’t there — I had to ask for water refills every single time. They were fairly quick to get the first round of drinks and in fact they asked about a second round before taking our food order. The chips were nice — not stale but not awesome. The portion size wasn’t very big and I had asked how much to add shrimp to my fajita taco salad and he said $ 4 for 10 pieces. At El Rodeo, they charge $ 1 for about the same. The other ladies in the group said there wasn’t anything terrible but neither was there anything fantastic about the food. One thing to mention, the ladies who ordered margaritas were served the smallest size and then when they ordered the second round, the waiter asked them what size they wanted. They were not aware there were different sizes. I am unimpressed and will likely not be back which is a big statement because I eat Mexican food at least 4 times a week.
J R.
Place rating: 2 West Des Moines, IA
When you ask for silverware(you know… the stuff you EATWITH) and your server slams it down on a non busy night at 8pm… not happy. Food really was great but when my server acts like I’m a nuisance, it’s upsetting and distracts from what could’ve been a great experience.
Laura G.
Place rating: 4 West Des Moines, IA
I visited Cabo Sol for the first time last week. It is a neighborhood, privately-owned local Mexican joint that I don’t know why I had not tried yet. In West Des Moines, we don’t have very many local owned choices… mostly in big chain land out here. But, like in Downtown Des Moines, I LOVE the local eateries. So, I had never heard anything about Cabo Sol and went in with an open mind. I have to say I really liked it! I had Chicken Fajita Burrito and it had an excellent flavor. The price was good for the portion. The food came out fast. I thought our waiter was a little impatient — but he was okay. The place was clean and every one in my party also really liked their food. I will definitely be coming back.
V S.
Place rating: 1 San Diego, CA
This Place Was Gross! Service Was the Worst! Ketchup has more flavor than thier salsa! I ordered a Green Chili Burrito with tomatoes and sour cream, they brought me a Carnitas Burrito that was Disgusting, I told the Waiter it was wrong, he said«oh well» «next time» I made it very clear there will be NO next time. The spoon they gave my 2 year old daughter to eat with was HUGE, and her water was a 32 ounce to go cup, FULL! the Carnitas in my green chili burrito were extra greasy without flavor, it was a complete waste of my time trying to eat close to home! the sooner this place changes owners the better. it was gross!
Shawn C.
Place rating: 4 Chicago, IL
Good Mexican restaurant and atmosphere. More of you traditional Mexican restaurant versus a tex-mex place. Went there close to 9pm and restaurant was getting close to closing. Food was served quickly. Would recommend and would go again.
Andrea T.
Place rating: 4 Norwalk, IA
Hoping for a good Mexican place nearby, we came to the new place, Cabo Sol. Since it opened, there have been lots of cars in the parking lot when we have passed by. I had one question in my mind as we entered, «Is it the same owners as the recently closed Los Cabos(closed a couple weeks before this place opened)?» I will get back to that later. The place has a welcoming feel. Bright colors, clean, interesting chairs, overall, lots of character. We were seating quickly and drink orders were also taken quickly. The menu had some of the same items as Los Cabos had but what Mexican restaurant doesn’t have some of the same dishes. My question remained unanswered. It did take a little bit longer than desired to have our orders taken. I went for the Pollo con Chorizo without beans. My husband selected the Pollo Fundido(was his favorite at Los Cabos). The food came out rather fast. I really enjoyed my dish as it had a good amount of spice and the chicken was tender. My husband said he would give his dish a 4 as it was not as crispy as he would have liked(needed to be deep fried longer). The only true complaint I had about the place was how LOUD it was. There were only 6 tables full(less than half the place) and it was noisy! When we paid, which is done at the front, I asked my still unanswered question as to if this is the same owners that Los Cabos had. And the answer is, yes. Same ownership. All I can hope is that they keep their food and service at the current level and not let it taper off like Los Cabos did.