Hidalgo Mexican Bar and Grill Ankeny — Restaurant in Ankeny

Don't go if you have a gluten allergy. The owner will tell you over the phone that people like you eat there all the time. The servers and kitchen don't understand anything about gluten. Remember that time you asked if something is gluten free and someone responded that yes it contains salt. It's a bit like that. I had done multiple times after being so reassured by the owner/manager. When you start explaining your gluten allergy your server will not their head but they're staring off into space because they don't understand what you said or that it's important information. After your waiter asks around about the chips you will get an answer that they are gluten free. But they are not. They claim that they cook them in the morning when they put new oil in the fryer. I find this to be doubtful but even if this is done it is not a safe process. Doing so does not clean the existing gluten from the fryer. Last time I attempted this business they served me flour tortillas (gluten) and the waiter new about it but didn't care to ask about fixing this or apologize. He was exceedingly rude from the moment he walked up to our table. Worst server I've ever encountered. When the kitchen staff deliver your food and you ask them if your dish is the gluten free one they can't confirm this to you. This makes me suspect they don't do the proper cleaning of surfaces or glove changes or anything that normally would be done for allergy requests. Very incapable of handling your gluten...

I placed an order via the grub hub app then went to go pick up. The lady at checkout counter says they do not take online orders and so could not find it. I then had to place another order and wait 45 min. I asked if they could call me when completed but I ended up coming inside when they didn’t provide a f/up call. I called to speak to a manager there and one of the ladies had me talk to Caesar. He was nice at first telling me they don’t accept online orders and I said that I’ve placed them before. He then hung up on me. I wasn’t being rude, just trying to figure out what happened. I then went into the restaurant and the lady at the front would not provide his name stating she “did not want to get involved “ I said you aren’t doing anything wrong but trying to help me out. Then the man I spoke to came up and started getting defensive stating he hung up on me because they were busy. Well then why didn’t you refer me to your manager? Caesar is not management. This was an awful experience… my first time ordering and this happens. Good way to keep customers not coming back. I’ll be sure and get the word around about this...

First time going in will be the last. The food was amazing. It’s just a shame that the poor service has to ruin the visit. The bald guy with glasses maybe early 50s. Went to the tables around us at least five times. Turned his back on us every single time. No refill, no how was your dinner, nothing. Finally went up to get the check at the counter. I feel weird for one of the very first times in my life leaving a zero tip for a meal that tasted so good. When he gave me back my change, he was looking at me as if to expect me to hand some back to him. I immediately explained to him why he was not getting a tip. All he said was OK with a shrug of the shoulders. Would’ve been nice if there would’ve been a mild apology for the lack of service throughout the entire experience. I don’t know, maybe I’m taking it too far in my head. It just irks me off to feel like we were being completely neglected on purpose while it appeared to be the “regulars“ were...