Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Stanwood

We stumbled upon this restaurant close to closing time. Looked a bit like a Don Jose's or El torito from the exterior, I wrong about that. The house made chips were some of the best I've ever had so thin and cri6, the salsa was very good but I didn't eat much it was too spicy for me, they also serve their chips with a little dish of beans. oh my God so good. I had been craving a tamale, and ended up with three item combo. A pork tamale, a mole enchilada, and a chile relleno that didn't seem to be fried but instead was wrapped in egg like a tiny omelette. Everything tasted fantastic, the Chile Reyno was not what I expected and was not hot but tasted good nevertheless. The mole sauce was a pleasant surprise to see on the menu had a beautifully complex flavor without too much heat. And the tamale hit the spot after having craved it. I don't live near this restaurant but will definitely seek it out whenever in the area. My dinner companion who unbeknownst to me is very picky about Mexican food also loved this place and saved it in her maps as well to return to. Next time I will order extra chips and beans...

Not only is this a great Mexican restaurant, it also has one of the best staff I have encountered in ANY restaurant - worldwide. Typically, the food is excellent. Prawns cooked exactly, the table-side guacamole is to die for, seafood enchiladas are exceptional in both the white (mixed seafood) and red (prawns) sauces.

Is the food perfect every time? No. But, any problems I have ever had have been immediately acknowledged by the staff and they usually offer to comp my ENTIRE next meal (not just a dinner selection, but the ENTIRE meal).

Here is the top reason to visit this restaurant: The Staff. They are friendly, learn your names, remember when you were last there and immediately own-up to any problems that happen. Wow! What a refreshing difference from most restaurants that when you try to bring up a problem, the staff act like you are putting them out.

Try Ixtapa in Stanwood. You likely not only won't be sorry, but you may make some new friends that really care about you.

Disclaimer: I am not an employee or owner of any Ixtapa restaurant / franchises. I am just a...

I really can't say enough good things about Ixtapa. We are so coming back here again and when we do we will take pictures and update this review with them. 1. Chips are served warm with mild salsa and refried beans to start...better than most free chips offered at other restaurants we've had. 2. Ribeye Tacos: wow these were so good...my wife orderd them but I had to try them for myself (and will definitely order them myself next time)! 3A. Enchilada with Barbacoa Beef: tender shredded beef with a delicious red sauce. 3B. Tamale with Pork: what makes this stand out is the incredible green sauce...all served on top of a corn husk for a very nice flair. 4. Service is prompt and friendly and it was a pleasure chatting with our server. Ixtapa is by far the bext Mexican Restaurant in the Stanwood/Arlington area. Like I said, we're coming back...and this time to take pictures!

EDITS: Back the next day and...