El Huapango Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Grimes

I’m changing my review after coming in to pick up an order this evening - 1/5/2022. The woman at the front host stand who put together my pick up order acted as if I was inconveniencing her. She was very rude when I asked her about missing items in my order and about starting a punchcard.

When I first arrived, she was sorting receipts and didn’t look up for a while. Then, when she did look up, she just glared and she said nothing, at all, not even “Hello”.

I told her I was there for a pick up order and told her my name. She brought half of the order over and when I mentioned items were missing, she got annoyed and audibly sighed and rolled her eyes. When she came back one other item was missing and the whole sigh and eye roll was repeated again.

When I finally had everything in my order and I had the punchcard, I asked her one more question and she huffed and responded even more rudely. And, when I left, she didn’t say “Thank you” or “Have a nice evening”. Indtead, as I walked away, she made an audible sound of being annoyed…the “ptsh” sound. I know you know what I’m talking about.

If you’re having a bad day, don’t take it out on a customer who has spent money at your establishment and is only there to pick up food that was ordered and paid for. If you have that type of attitude, in general, maybe you should not be in the service industry.

At the time it was just me picking up and two other individuals eating in the restaurant. This was at 6:00 PM. It can’t be because they were busy at all.

I will not be going back again. Which is really too bad. The food is fabulous. But a restaurant’s wait staff and/or ownership is a huge reflection on the establishment. I generally do not write reviews like this but was truly disheartened, shocked and saddened by her behavior.

No longer valid as of 1/5/2022: Great service, food and drinks. So glad they had pick up open during the pandemic. We have become very loyal and...

We liked the food here, which I'd classify as "better" Tex-Mex, with generous portions.

Unfortunately, as other reviewers have mentioned, the service needs improvement. It feels like a new restaurant that is struggling with operations. The menu was dirty with old salsa spilled in it. We did not receive any refills of our chips and salsa. The drink order was initially wrong. I had to ask for water and napkins.

We came here specifically during happy hour, but was charged full price. When I tried to resolve it, I was bounced to three staff members before one explained it had to be a specific 12 oz. margarita listed on the blackboard. They did not apologize and would not adjust my bill. The website does not make this distinction, and I did not see a 12 oz listed on the menu. Other Mexican restaurants simply have happy hour without this ambiguity. Other restaurants make a better and cheaper margarita.

Overall, it was a disappointment with the poor service. There are better options in the area, without...

I'm new to the Johnston area and was craving Mexican. I decided to try a few out so I could eventually have great food when I was wanted. I started with El Huapango in Grimes. I tried one in Ankeny (the absolute worst) then Johnston and Clive. El Huapango was by far the best! I had the chimichanga meal and with only 1 eating, I was able to have 3 meals out of the 1 order. Huge portions plus came with chips and some amazing salsa (which some places charge for). Have already recommended to my friends and already have plans to go back. And don't forget the very friendly staff and their really decent prices. I spent $22 and that was with a $8 tip on a takeout. You should definitely try it out! And make sure you tip when you order, ESPECIALLY when it's a delivery. Service workers aren't appreciated enough. They literally pay their rent with those tips...