Monterrey Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Ames

We had Sunday lunch with a friend family. They have a Mexican buffet, which is not common in Ames. From the $14.99 buffet, I enjoyed the guacamole, the queso fondido, the Monterey beef - which is grilled with peppers and onions, the soft flour tortillas and the hard corn ones, and many other items including a variety of deserts such as strawberry in fresh cream. One of the kid complained that the buffet has no ice cream. The tequila on the rocks was generously balanced, with ice on the rim of a thick glass that kept it at the right temperature during a long and enjoyable meal. Service was attentive and friendly. I haven't tried their wine list or their coffee, but this is for my next visit. This hidden gem is a welcome addition to...

I had vegetarian street tacos, and they were so good! They included a grilled jalapeno, a grilled green onion, two kinds of salsa, and a wedge of lime as tasty additions. These seem so special, you would think Pati Jinich (of Pati's Mexican Table) had prepared these! The chips and salsa were very good, too! We need to go back and try their margaritas and guacamole. :-) (No lard in the beans, so they are vegetarian friendly. There is chicken broth in the rice, so vegetarians would want to skip that.) It's pretty inside, and we look forward to...

I wish I could give the service another star. Best service I have ever had at any restaurant ever. Their food is delicious. The buffet is amazing. I was awestruck. The server walked up and handed out quesobirrias which are quesadillas with birria meat folded like a taco. Best Mexican food I have ever had in Iowa. I am 110% going back. We’ve only been there once and I keep thinking about...