El Malo did not disappoint! And similar to last time, the entire experience was a movie. I came here with friends—two of which are my best friends—and we absolutely had a time. From the moment we walked in, the vibes were on point: great energy, beautiful crowd, and that perfect mix of lively without being overwhelming. The drinks were so good, especially the Espresso Martinis, the Café con Queso (surprisingly delicious and definitely a standout!), and the Watermalón—refreshing, fun, and dangerously easy to sip. The DJ had the place rocking all night with music that kept us on our feet, and the transitions were chef's kiss. The soundtrack alone could bring me back. If you're looking for a spot with great drinks, banging music, and a whole vibe, El Malo is it. Can't wait to run it back! 😎✌🏾
Keishaun
Great Experience ! Ambiance was very sexy and we ordered 3 different items off the menu. Each were extremely delicious. The beef dish (I forget the name) was somewhat shareable for two people. We didn't stay late enough to see if transition into a nightclub, but next time I come back I think I'll reserve a table for a later time.
Michael Thompson
Half Price margaritas on Wednesday!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Lillie
Loved the food and the waitress. Sat too close to the employee doors so it was loud With their conversations. At one point an employee was yelling across the room to another employee during our dinner in the (green) area of where we were seated. Service was great food great the employees should be more mindful of private conversations.
Emily
So much fun. Make sure if you're wearing tall heels that you reserve a table because it makes it much more fun.
Sam Wendt
Service could have been slightly improved with more attentive wait staff (we we had empty drinks for 10-15 min while waiting ) but the food was very good with a large quantity and high quality.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Al Pastor Tacos
Dawson Alstott
Just an overall great experience! Went here before homecoming with my friends, food is great and it feels so cozy. 10/10 definitely going again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aisling Kokott
We were so disappointed with our experience tonight — especially because we came in really hoping for a good vibe and a relaxing night out.
The host seated us but offered no greeting or warmth beyond asking how many were in our party. We chose to sit on the patio, but it was honestly gross — multiple dirty, unbussed tables, flipped-over cushions, and someone who clearly wasn’t a guest hanging out nearby. It felt uncomfortable and neglected.
We asked to move inside, and even the only other table on the patio said “maybe we should go inside too.” Inside wasn’t much better — tables left dirty, smashed chips on the floor, and just an overall feeling that no one cared about the space or the guests in it.
Not one person on staff smiled or made us feel welcome. We ordered a cocktail and an appetizer, but at that point, we decided to skip dinner and leave.
We really wanted to love this place — it had the potential for a great vibe — but the lack of cleanliness, energy, and hospitality completely ruined the experience. Sadly, we won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Dera Aswegan
A must try in Des Moines. Friendly staff, Shelby my waitress was a delight. I had shrimp ceviche and a trio taco plate. Great options. Seared beef tenderloin taco was incredible. dos pescados beyond expectation. A list of hand made fresh salsa, hand made tortillas. Im looking forward to coming back for more. Parking is easy. Easy to find. And they cater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Heinz
Nice upscale place for Mexican food. We got queso and guacamole, both very good. I got the mix and match street tacos; mahi mahi, carne asada, and beef tenderloin, all were delicious. They have a nice drink menu as well. They also have an outdoor patio, though we sat inside, plenty of seating options. Lighting inside could be better, dark spots and spotlights in your face at the same table. Overall the food would bring me back!
Love the vegan burrito with the vegan chorizo. I have dreams about this burrito. You can tell everything is made from scratch. Drinks are mostly good. The margaritas kind of lack in flavor. Service is mostly good. The atmosphere is good, but kind of loud if you're trying to have a conversation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
cheryl wisneski
The food portions are insanely huge, the drinks are good and the service ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
kevin Thalken
Literally the BEST Meican food and service I have ever experienced
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcus
Was such an exuberant experience! Great Food, Stiff Drinks, attentive staff, music, upscale ambience was top notch! We definitely will be coming back soon!!!
Michael Olmoz
Really good food and the margs are cheap. Wish they would play Spanish music rather than lady Gaga but everything else is great.
El Malo did not disappoint! And similar to last time, the entire experience was a movie. I came here with friends—two of which are my best friends—and we absolutely had a time. From the moment we walked in, the vibes were on point: great energy, beautiful crowd, and that perfect mix of lively without being overwhelming. The drinks were so good, especially the Espresso Martinis, the Café con Queso (surprisingly delicious and definitely a standout!), and the Watermalón—refreshing, fun, and dangerously easy to sip. The DJ had the place rocking all night with music that kept us on our feet, and the transitions were chef's kiss. The soundtrack alone could bring me back. If you're looking for a spot with great drinks, banging music, and a whole vibe, El Malo is it. Can't wait to run it back! 😎✌🏾
Great Experience ! Ambiance was very sexy and we ordered 3 different items off the menu. Each were extremely delicious. The beef dish (I forget the name) was somewhat shareable for two people. We didn't stay late enough to see if transition into a nightclub, but next time I come back I think I'll reserve a table for a later time.
Half Price margaritas on Wednesday!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Loved the food and the waitress. Sat too close to the employee doors so it was loud With their conversations. At one point an employee was yelling across the room to another employee during our dinner in the (green) area of where we were seated. Service was great food great the employees should be more mindful of private conversations.
So much fun. Make sure if you're wearing tall heels that you reserve a table because it makes it much more fun.
Service could have been slightly improved with more attentive wait staff (we we had empty drinks for 10-15 min while waiting ) but the food was very good with a large quantity and high quality.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Al Pastor Tacos
Just an overall great experience! Went here before homecoming with my friends, food is great and it feels so cozy. 10/10 definitely going again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were so disappointed with our experience tonight — especially because we came in really hoping for a good vibe and a relaxing night out.
The host seated us but offered no greeting or warmth beyond asking how many were in our party. We chose to sit on the patio, but it was honestly gross — multiple dirty, unbussed tables, flipped-over cushions, and someone who clearly wasn’t a guest hanging out nearby. It felt uncomfortable and neglected.
We asked to move inside, and even the only other table on the patio said “maybe we should go inside too.” Inside wasn’t much better — tables left dirty, smashed chips on the floor, and just an overall feeling that no one cared about the space or the guests in it.
Not one person on staff smiled or made us feel welcome. We ordered a cocktail and an appetizer, but at that point, we decided to skip dinner and leave.
We really wanted to love this place — it had the potential for a great vibe — but the lack of cleanliness, energy, and hospitality completely ruined the experience. Sadly, we won’t be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
A must try in Des Moines. Friendly staff, Shelby my waitress was a delight. I had shrimp ceviche and a trio taco plate. Great options. Seared beef tenderloin taco was incredible. dos pescados beyond expectation. A list of hand made fresh salsa, hand made tortillas. Im looking forward to coming back for more. Parking is easy. Easy to find. And they cater.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice upscale place for Mexican food. We got queso and guacamole, both very good. I got the mix and match street tacos; mahi mahi, carne asada, and beef tenderloin, all were delicious. They have a nice drink menu as well. They also have an outdoor patio, though we sat inside, plenty of seating options.
Lighting inside could be better, dark spots and spotlights in your face at the same table.
Overall the food would bring me back!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Love the vegan burrito with the vegan chorizo. I have dreams about this burrito. You can tell everything is made from scratch. Drinks are mostly good. The margaritas kind of lack in flavor. Service is mostly good. The atmosphere is good, but kind of loud if you're trying to have a conversation.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food portions are insanely huge, the drinks are good and the service ok.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Literally the BEST Meican food and service I have ever experienced
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was such an exuberant experience! Great Food, Stiff Drinks, attentive staff, music, upscale ambience was top notch! We definitely will be coming back soon!!!
Really good food and the margs are cheap. Wish they would play Spanish music rather than lady Gaga but everything else is great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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