I went into this central Iowa restaurant telling myself I would be sensible.
That plan lasted roughly until I realized the buffet meant I could simply grab another plate.
I started small and sampled whatever caught my eye. Then I went back for the dishes that deserved another round.
Suddenly, lunch had turned into a small personal challenge.
What surprised me was how relaxed the whole thing felt. There was no need to gamble on one giant order when I could try a little of everything instead.
So, how many trips through the buffet line counts as enough? I never came up with a convincing answer, but this Iowa feast gave me plenty of chances to investigate.
Meet Guadalajara In Ankeny
Tucked into a quiet business stretch of Ankeny, this restaurant does not try to win you over with flashy neon or a trendy mural. It lets the food do the talking, and the food has plenty to say.
Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant has earned its reputation as an old-school fixture for Mexican eats. I noticed right away that it feels like a place built on steady favorites rather than passing fads.
The surroundings are more practical than postcard pretty. There is a hotel right next door, and the area leans industrial.
Once inside, though, the mood shifts. The dining room feels clean, bright, and surprisingly modern for a spot with such a classic menu.
The menu sticks to traditional Mexican comfort food, with enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, tacos, and hearty combo plates. Portions arrive big enough to make leftovers a real possibility.
You can find this crowd favorite at 202 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, IA 50021, just a short drive north of Des Moines in central Iowa.
An All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Worth The Trip
Here is my honest confession. I went back for thirds, and I regret nothing.
The lunch buffet is one of the most talked-about features at this restaurant, and after one visit, I understood the hype. It gives you the freedom to sample a little of everything without committing to a single entree.
My strategy was simple. I started with small scoops so I could taste more dishes before my appetite waved the white flag.
That approach paid off. I could go back for the items I loved and skip the ones that did not grab me.
A buffet like this is ideal for picky eaters and curious eaters alike. Kids can fill up on familiar favorites while adults explore bolder flavors.
The restaurant currently offers its lunch buffet every day. Holiday hours can vary, so I still suggest calling ahead if you are making a special trip.
A few practical tips help, too. Grab a fresh plate each round, pace yourself, and save a little room for another basket of chips.
For anyone chasing a generous Mexican buffet in Iowa, this one delivers exactly the kind of feast that makes another trip through the line hard to resist.
This version replaces the vague buffet-schedule statement with the restaurant’s current daily lunch buffet policy and avoids overstating the officially undocumented “all-you-can-eat” wording.
Warm Chips And Salsa On Repeat
Complimentary chips and salsa land on the table soon after you sit down, and they set the tone for everything that follows. My first basket vanished faster than I would like to admit.
The chips arrive warm and taste homemade. They have that satisfying crunch that makes it nearly impossible to stop at one.
Then comes the salsa. It is fresh, bright, and flavorful, with enough zip to wake up your palate without overpowering it.
Refills show up without much fuss, which is dangerous news for anyone trying to save room for dinner. I learned that lesson the tasty way.
On busy nights, the kitchen can take a little longer to send out entrees. Honestly, the steady stream of chips makes the wait feel pretty painless.
Takeout fans get a bonus. Chips and salsa to go is a popular request, so you can bring that crunchy goodness home for a movie night or a backyard gathering.
One word of caution. Enjoy the first basket, but pace yourself so the main event still gets the attention it deserves.
Some restaurants treat chips as an afterthought. Here, they feel like a warm welcome that keeps on giving.
Fajitas Worth Wrapping Up
Steak fajitas might be the dish that turns first-timers into regulars. The plate I tried came loaded with tender strips of beef, peppers, and onions, plus enough sides to build a small tortilla tower.
The portions are generous in every direction. Rice, beans, and fixings surround the meat, so each bite can be customized exactly how you like it.
Chicken fajitas are another dependable pick if beef is not your thing. They offer the same build-your-own fun with a slightly lighter feel.
For something a little different, the Cowboy Fajitas have their own little fan club. That name alone made me smile, and it is a fun pick beyond the usual steak or chicken.
Fajitas here sit a bit higher on the price scale than some other options. In my opinion, the quality and amount of food make the cost feel fair.
A quick tip for fajita fans is to ask for extra tortillas early. That way, you will not be stuck staring at leftover steak with nothing to wrap it in.
Pair your plate with a scoop of fresh guacamole for an extra creamy layer. It turns a solid meal into a memorable one.
Chimichangas In Every Size
Deep-fried, golden, and stuffed to the edges, the chimichanga ranks among the most-mentioned dishes on this menu. After one bite, the rave reviews made perfect sense.
The ground beef chimichanga dinner is a classic choice. It arrives fresh, hot, and big enough to test even a serious appetite.
Shredded beef is another tasty filling option. The meat stays tender inside that crispy shell, and every forkful feels a little indulgent.
Current customer favorites include the shredded beef chimichanga and the classic chimichanga dinner, so there is no shortage of ways to get your crispy fix.
The portions make these especially good picks for anyone arriving hungry. Rice and beans round out the plate and turn the whole thing into a seriously filling meal.
Fun fact time, and it is a good one. A popular story says the chimichanga was born in Arizona when a burrito accidentally tumbled into a fryer, though nobody can prove exactly who did it first.
Whatever its true origin, I am grateful for that happy accident. If you have never tried one, this is a great place to start.
My only warning is to bring a big appetite, because this dish does not mess around.
This removes mini chimis, which I could not verify as a current Ankeny item. Current sources do clearly support both standard and shredded-beef chimichangas.
Carne Asada, Carnitas, And Enchiladas
Some nights call for a plate built for pure comfort. That is when I skip the buffet line and order one of the classic entrees.
Carne asada is a big favorite here. The steak comes with a nice char, sautéed onions that add a sweet and savory touch, fluffy rice, tasty beans, and fresh guacamole.
To be fair, steak can vary a little between visits. If you like yours extra tender, it never hurts to mention that when you order.
Green chili carnitas brought a different kind of joy to my table. The pork was rich and flavorful, and fans of heat may want to ask for a spicier kick.
The regular carnitas meal is also generous. I walked away with plenty of leftovers, which made lunch the next day feel like a small victory.
Enchiladas round out my trio of top picks. The ground beef filling tastes classic and comforting, and the fixings come out consistently good.
For anyone who likes a little of everything, the numbered dinner combos are worth a look. I have heard good things about the #7 combo.
Each of these plates proves the kitchen knows its way around traditional flavors.
A Patio Made For Sunny Afternoons
Iowa summers are short, so I grab every chance to eat outside. The patio at this restaurant makes that decision incredibly easy.
Umbrellas shade the tables, and flowers and trees surround the seating area. It feels like a small escape, even with the busy roads and businesses nearby.
A sunny afternoon out here is pure bliss. The breeze keeps things comfortable, and the green surroundings soften the industrial backdrop.
Evenings are lovely, too. As the sun dips lower, the patio turns into a relaxed spot for a slow dinner with good company.
My favorite move is ordering a plate of fajitas and watching the sky change colors. Chips and salsa taste even better with fresh air on the side.
Patio seating can fill up on warm weekends. If outdoor dining is your goal, arriving a little early gives you a better shot at a shaded table.
Weather in the Midwest can flip in a hurry, so check the forecast before you go. A sudden storm can move everyone inside faster than you can say guacamole.
When the conditions line up, this outdoor space becomes one of the best reasons to visit. Bring sunglasses and an appetite.
Family Dinners And Birthday Cheer
Big families know the struggle of finding a restaurant where everyone leaves happy. This one seems to have cracked the code.
Parents of large broods call it their go-to spot, and I can see why. The menu has enough familiar choices that even the pickiest kids tend to clean their plates.
The atmosphere feels family-oriented without being chaotic. Tables have room for groups, and the service moves at a pace that keeps restless little ones from getting antsy.
Birthdays get special treatment here. Celebrating tables may hear an authentic birthday song, which adds a festive touch to the night.
Groups of six or more fit comfortably, which makes this a smart pick for reunions, team dinners, and milestone celebrations. The chips keep flowing, so nobody goes hungry while orders are placed.
I also appreciate how welcoming the place feels for guests of all abilities. Kindness and patience seem to be part of the house rules.
Large parties should consider calling ahead, especially on Friday or Saturday nights. A little heads-up helps the team prepare a table for your crew.
Few things beat watching a whole family laugh over a shared plate of queso. Moments like that make a meal feel meaningful.
Smart Tips Before You Go
Good planning can turn a great meal into an even better one. These pointers cover everything I wish I had known before my first visit.
Doors open at 11 a.m. every day of the week.
Monday through Thursday, the restaurant closes at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday stay open until 10 p.m., while Sunday also closes at 9 p.m.
Weeknights tend to be calmer. A Monday evening around 6 p.m. can mean little to no wait, while Friday nights bring a livelier crowd.
Parking is a breeze thanks to a big lot. No circling the block required.
Takeout is another handy option, especially for travelers staying nearby. Chips and salsa to go make a great add-on for later snacking.
Birria tacos have been served even though they are not consistently listed among the restaurant’s standard menu highlights, so it may be worth asking whether they are available.
Prices run a bit higher than some places for certain entrees, but the portions are big. Plan on leftovers and bring an appetite.
After all that eating, I left full, happy, and already planning my next round. For a feast worth every bite, this Ankeny favorite is simply too good to miss.
The important correction is the current official closing schedule.