El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine — Restaurant in Des Moines

Yesterday I had a long day of ripping and runnin' and was in preparation for another long day today. I was still in the middle of running my errands and knew I didn't have time to cook at home, which can only mean one thing for me....tacos at this time in the evening, around 730-8pm. I had only been to El Patron Authentic Mexican Cuisine once before, about 5 weeks ago and their street tacos were.....okay, okay enough for me to return. So I pop in to place a to-go order. I was greeted immediately and was handed a menu after telling the hostess this was a to-go order. The only reason I asked for a menu was to see if they offered taquitos and price, outside of that my mind was dead set on chicken and streak tacos. A gentleman comes right over with pad and pen in hand ready to jot my order. I asked if they offered taquitos. He says no and attempts to explain why, saying that the oil to cook them in was too expensive to fry them in because the taquitos its were cheap and that because the ends were open all the ingredients it was stuffed in would come out 😳 I really couldn't have cared less about the reasoning behind the no, I just needed a yes or a no and was trying to avoid and hangery-headache. Wanting to move on I place my order, 3 chicken tacos, 2 steak tacos and a side of pico de gallo. I asked the price because I didnt see it actually listed on menu...he says its not on the menu but they are $3.00 each 😮‍💨 Okay that's fine, seems fair enough and again, I'm trying to avoid being hangery and headache. I pay for my order, around $23. I wait and my order was brought out to me in a decent amount of time. I leave and continued my last couple of errands and then headed home. After getting into my place and getting relaxed so I can eat in peace, finally.I eat. The pico de gallo looked fresh and tasted great, started with the chicken tacos and they tasted great as well.......until getting mid-way of the 3rd taco 😮‍💨 And there I felt it, felt something on the side of my lips 😫😫😫😫 oh goodness a piece of blondish-brown short hair!! I bout died!! I was and am still DISGUSTED! That is the absolute worst!!! So I take a couple of pictures of the situation since I was in the middle of it. I was so pissed, and still hungry and still had a early long day ahead of me, I immediately threw the food away and hopped in the shower. After allowing myself to "calm down" I called them to let them know about the incident. A young man answers, I quickly go into the problem " Hi, I was just in there maybe about 45 mins to an hour ago, I order 3 chicken and 2 steak tacos and half way thru I find a piece of hair in my meal" His immediately response "Oh yeah I remember you, and it wasn't 45 mins/hour ago, it was more like 3 hours ago soooooo.... there's not much I can do at this point". My jaw dropped because whhhhhaattt?!?!? I repeated the entire situation because I just kneeeww he must've misheard me. But nope, that was his answer and he was sticking to it 🫨 At this point...I was flabbergasted 😵‍💫 because WTH does time have to do with excusing hair in your food?!?? He over-talked me several times after that, NEVER apologized or took responsibility on behalf of the restaurant, nothing, nada! Finally 20 seconds before he hung up on me, he low-key threw in, we can give you credit but because its been 3 hours there's nothing we can do! He repeated this ridiculous statement a couple of times and then hung up on me. The math, the timing, the professionalism, and the cleanliness wasn't mathing at all 🙅🏾‍♀️ You couldn't pay me to return to this place and you readers can do what you please after reading this experience, just don't be stupid tho. Good day and...

It's that time, y'all!! Another restaurant review.

Hubby and I have been going to them for a while. This is his favorite Mexican spot. So long they moved from Douglas Ave to Merle Hay Rd.

Today, I got the Molcajete Rancho Fiesta, and hubby got Zapata. We tried mine at one other restaurant and loved it, so why not try it here.

They didn't disappoint!! I didn't realize it had a cactus. I thought I was eating some kind of pepper. I enjoyed the cactus. My favorite part was the panela. I love, love, love cheese. It's very soft and creamy.

The drinks never disappoint and well worth the price!

The only downfall is don't leave your meat in the bowl too long it will dry out but still good coming from someone who is a texture person and is very particular about her beef/steak.

The atmosphere and decor are great, and they even have patio space. I would definitely recommend it, but as I always say. Don't take my word for it. Try it for...

Greater at door was very friendly. Seated at table followed shortly with chips and salsa. The drink order was next. After about perfect timing the waiter was back to take order. The order was for 2 different fish meals. Timing on the food was about what I was prepared for. My fish combo had 3 different fish. All were prepaired perfectly. My son had a fish combo fahita. He had so much food that I got to sample some of his meal. I loved his fish could not tell what it was didnt ask it was very good the shrimp was not overcooked the crab was imitation crab but again very good. They were good about refills. You just have to catch the right person to get them for you. Not everyone who walks by you will help you. Had to be your server or the manager. I very much enjoyed the whole trip and will...