We’ll be honest with you: The months of social distancing and self-quarantining have been rough on our tastebuds. There’s only so much cooking for ourselves we can do before we start to crave something a little more…flavorful. And when we think of “flavor,” it’s a safe bet the first cuisine that comes to mind is Mexican. Bold, flavorful, spicy, and comforting all at once, it’s one of the world’s great cuisines, and it’s right on our doorstep.
Many of Des Moines’ Mexican restaurants are worth a visit (or two, or three). Whether you’re trying out the brave new world of distant dining or keeping it closer to home with takeout, these favorite Mexican joints of ours will keep you well-fed and happy.
Greenside Recreational’s Favorite Des Moines Mexican Restaurants
3 T’s & MORE Mexican Restaurant
27400 Pacific Hwy S,
Federal Way, WA 98003
(206)651-7490
What’s the “MORE” in the name all about? It’s a valid question with no clear answer, but we’ll say this: The food is awesome! From old standbys—oozy quesadillas, piping hot carnitas tacos, fluffy
and filling tamales—to some more off-the-beaten-track choices like menudo and lamb barbacoa, there’s nothing that’s not worth trying at this festive and much-loved restaurant.
Circo Circo! Mexican Restaurant
25440 Pacific Hwy S
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 946-0396
We’ve written about this family-style eatery before, but right now its old-school offerings—hearty, filling enchiladas; soothing Spanish-style rice; fajitas with warm tortillas—have never tasted more comforting. The tangy margaritas aren’t bad either. If you choose to dine in, you’ll be treated to warm and attentive service too. These days, that personal touch goes a long way!
Aceituno’s Mexican Food
6621 S 211th St # 103
Kent, WA 98032
(253)236-5566
This well-loved local chain offers few surprises, but that can be a good thing. Instead, look for solid and flavorful renditions of many Mexican restaurant classics: Taco salads, overstuffed tortas (the carne asada is unbeatable), and chewy-crisp carnitas. And speaking of which, the asada fries are kind of devastating themselves. Take it from us, it’s a good kind of devastation.
Asadero Sinaloa
310 Washington Ave N
Kent, WA 98032
(253) 854-0971
We’ll admit it: Most of the Des Moines Mexican restaurants on our list have been pretty homey and casual. But Asadero Sinaloa, a Mexican-style steakhouse, deserves to be on this list as much as any of the other restaurants. Yes, you’ll pay a bit more for the pleasure of sampling dry-aged USDA prime (or imported or domestic Wagyu beef), but it will be worth it. From the imported Spanish Josper charcoal ovens to the Kurobota pork used for the signature al pastor burrito, it’s clear that attention to detail pervades every step in the service here.
Don’t forget to place your order for your favorites from our Des Moines dispensary too!
