I am currently in Spain for the second time this year and let me just say that the chocolate and gluten-free churros that I had at Bar Nico in Des Moines, Iowa of all places were the best I've had - far better than any of the chocolate I've ever had in Spain hands down.
I honestly don't know how this place is in business with their incredibly affordable Happy Hour. We nearly got one of everything because it was in the $5-7 range for each dish.
Even their normal prices are fantastic for meals. We definitely enjoyed the chicken wings and I loved the black squid ink tortillas that were part of the chimichangas.
We loved basically everything we ordered and it was so nice that the entire menu was naturally gluten-free as a celiac.
I live in Vegas and have talked about flying back to Iowa specifically so that we can eat here again, that's how much we liked it.
Service was fast and polite, the ambiance felt moody and cool.
Visited: November 2025
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David James
The most celiac friendly restaurant I have been to. Interesting variations on Mexican food that I haven't seen available in other restaurants this style. Mild spice levels for those who would be reluctant to try this style of food. Fresh ideas and flavors for those who are tired of the same old burrito and enchiladas routine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John O'Reilly
This bar is a fun spot! I tried their smoked old-fashioned the other night, and it was amazing—really creative and smooth. The place has a cozy, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to just relax, and the staff are super friendly, always joking around and checking in without being overbearing. Every visit so far has been a good time, and I honestly can’t think of a reason not to give it 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alyssa Newell
Hands down the best gluten free restaurant I’ve been to!! Service and food are amazing. Not to mention they also have amazing margaritas!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin H
Get the lobster taquitos - they're amazing. All the food we had was fantastic. Service was wonderful. It's easy to see that management and staff take pride in the place. They're quick to welcome everyone entering, make excellent recommendations, and keep everything clean and looking sharp. The churros are a bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Norris
Great food and drinks! Enjoyed everything
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kendra Wolf
First, I gave 4 stars because of the restaurant and the quality of the food and flavor was quite good. However, I wasn't too impressed with the finished product overall. First, the Chipas are excellent and fun! Then we had the campechano tacos, pork belly tacos, and lamb empanadas. All have quite different descriptions, but they all basically had some form of escabeche on top (or as a bed) which was not listed as a topping for either dish. The amount of escabeche was also the same or more as the meat, so it seemed overpowering on each dish. It also made all 3 plates more similar in taste, just different meat instead of having distinct individual entrees. If any of the entrees came with the toppings listed in the description, they were much less noticable (or indistinguishable from each other). As I said, the quality and flavor was good, I just didn't feel we got what we ordered.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Allison
I love bar Nico! I got the pork belly tacos and they were delicious! They also have great drinks, I had the prickly pear punch and salty dog and enjoyed them both.
Suzana
It is a very lovely place to eat dinner and chat with friends. They also have good coffee! (This is not the case in Des Moines, overall.) Staff is very friendly and wonderful.
lex yardstick
Best Atmosphere and food of any Mexican food I've had in while
Kind bartenders and amazing gluten-free selection. Mango habanero salsa that was the best I’ve ever had! When traveling with dietary restrictions it is tough, and I would stop through here again in a heartbeat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allen Carlson
What an incredible place to really try authentic foods. We needed a safe gluten free option and this place takes that seriously. Service was perfect not one detail missed. Definitely give this place a try
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vanity Glamour (VGCosmetics)
Some of the freshest, most flavorful food I've had at a restaurant in a while! Cannot wait to come back soon. And our waitress was so great too, she got everything perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stephanie Willcox
What a find!! Completely GF kitchen and happy hour is a crazy great deal apps and entrees. We LOVED the tortillas, hand ground and made each day. Taking some home. The lamb empanadas are awesome and Wild Boar so good!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Corina Turriff
Food was good, margaritas were tasty and no complaints on the service. We had fish tacos, pork belly tacos, and chips and salsa and I would order any of them again. Good ambiance.
I am currently in Spain for the second time this year and let me just say that the chocolate and gluten-free churros that I had at Bar Nico in Des Moines, Iowa of all places were the best I've had - far better than any of the chocolate I've ever had in Spain hands down.
I honestly don't know how this place is in business with their incredibly affordable Happy Hour. We nearly got one of everything because it was in the $5-7 range for each dish.
Even their normal prices are fantastic for meals. We definitely enjoyed the chicken wings and I loved the black squid ink tortillas that were part of the chimichangas.
We loved basically everything we ordered and it was so nice that the entire menu was naturally gluten-free as a celiac.
I live in Vegas and have talked about flying back to Iowa specifically so that we can eat here again, that's how much we liked it.
Service was fast and polite, the ambiance felt moody and cool.
Visited: November 2025
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The most celiac friendly restaurant I have been to. Interesting variations on Mexican food that I haven't seen available in other restaurants this style. Mild spice levels for those who would be reluctant to try this style of food. Fresh ideas and flavors for those who are tired of the same old burrito and enchiladas routine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This bar is a fun spot! I tried their smoked old-fashioned the other night, and it was amazing—really creative and smooth. The place has a cozy, laid-back vibe that makes it easy to just relax, and the staff are super friendly, always joking around and checking in without being overbearing. Every visit so far has been a good time, and I honestly can’t think of a reason not to give it 5 stars.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hands down the best gluten free restaurant I’ve been to!! Service and food are amazing. Not to mention they also have amazing margaritas!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Get the lobster taquitos - they're amazing. All the food we had was fantastic. Service was wonderful. It's easy to see that management and staff take pride in the place. They're quick to welcome everyone entering, make excellent recommendations, and keep everything clean and looking sharp. The churros are a bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and drinks! Enjoyed everything
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First, I gave 4 stars because of the restaurant and the quality of the food and flavor was quite good. However, I wasn't too impressed with the finished product overall. First, the Chipas are excellent and fun! Then we had the campechano tacos, pork belly tacos, and lamb empanadas. All have quite different descriptions, but they all basically had some form of escabeche on top (or as a bed) which was not listed as a topping for either dish. The amount of escabeche was also the same or more as the meat, so it seemed overpowering on each dish. It also made all 3 plates more similar in taste, just different meat instead of having distinct individual entrees. If any of the entrees came with the toppings listed in the description, they were much less noticable (or indistinguishable from each other). As I said, the quality and flavor was good, I just didn't feel we got what we ordered.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
I love bar Nico! I got the pork belly tacos and they were delicious! They also have great drinks, I had the prickly pear punch and salty dog and enjoyed them both.
It is a very lovely place to eat dinner and chat with friends. They also have good coffee! (This is not the case in Des Moines, overall.) Staff is very friendly and wonderful.
Best Atmosphere and food of any Mexican food I've had in while
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Kind bartenders and amazing gluten-free selection. Mango habanero salsa that was the best I’ve ever had! When traveling with dietary restrictions it is tough, and I would stop through here again in a heartbeat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What an incredible place to really try authentic foods. We needed a safe gluten free option and this place takes that seriously. Service was perfect not one detail missed. Definitely give this place a try
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Some of the freshest, most flavorful food I've had at a restaurant in a while! Cannot wait to come back soon. And our waitress was so great too, she got everything perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a find!! Completely GF kitchen and happy hour is a crazy great deal apps and entrees. We LOVED the tortillas, hand ground and made each day. Taking some home. The lamb empanadas are awesome and Wild Boar so good!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good, margaritas were tasty and no complaints on the service. We had fish tacos, pork belly tacos, and chips and salsa and I would order any of them again. Good ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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