Los Laureles in Des Moines

1518 East Grand Avenue

This is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in the state of Iowa. I first started going there in the early 90s, when it was more like a cafeteria; there have been several renovations since, and it’s a nice, family restaurant in the heart of the Latino community on Grand Avenue north of the capitol, and there are a number of other restaurants, shops, a large supermarket, La Tapatia (1440 Des Moines Street; it’s like being in Mexico, and it’s a must stop for all kinds of authentic ingredients, and some of the best produce in town), and even a few taco trucks. The tacos they serve in the trucks are like the ones at Los Laureles, double small corn tortillas, with a small portion of meat (carnitas, chicken, beef), a few slices of radish and some cilantro, which is a dish I often order. Three salsas come with chips at the beginning of the meal; the green one is gone first, and we often order more. My benchmark in a Mexican restaurant is the chile relleno. If that dish is authentic, and good, then chances are most everything else is too–and Los Laureles has some of the best. So good, in fact, that I’ve had a hard time exploring the rest of the menu. When I have, can say that the shrimp cocktail, Veracruz-style, is worth trying (and a great cure for a hangover). To drink: Jarritos and horchata,  cervesa and margaritas. Los Laureles is clean, reasonable, quick, and serves reliably good and tasty food. They’ve got late night hours, too, on weekends. Great place to be a regular; the waitstaff is super friendly.