El Cascabel
Mexican Restaurant
$
4.5
(89)
El Cascabel offers a vibrant and authentic Mexican dining experience, with many visitors praising its unique atmosphere located within a historic depot. The food is noted for its freshness and flavor authenticity, earning high marks across nearly all reviews. Some customers have highlighted a variety of traditional and creative dishes that satisfy both cravings for authenticity and a current culinary twist, making it a standout choice in Grinnell.
Restaurant website: Website
Phone number: (641) 659-6217
Address: 1014 3rd Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, USA
Opening hours
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Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)
**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**
" El Cascabel has such a warm and welcoming vibe. I never realized a restaurant in a train depot could feel so lively! My tamales were delicious, loaded with flavor. However, my friend’s order took a while to come out and there were a few issues with his meal. Still, the staff was quick to apologize and rectify the situation, which made us feel valued. All in all, I think El Cascabel has the potential to be great! " (*Curated Review*)
" El Cascabel is a beautiful restaurant inside an old depot, and that adds a charm that many Mexican places lack. I tried the beef burrito, and while it was very filling, the flavor was a little bland for my taste. The margaritas, however, were fantastic! The waitress was friendly but seemed to be rushing us a bit when we hadn't even finished our drinks. Overall, I think I'll give it another go to try more items before making a final decision. " (*Curated Review*)
" This place is fantastic! We walked in and were immediately greeted with smiles from the staff. The ambiance is lively, a reflection of a proper local joint. I particularly loved the fresh salsa and chips served straight away. We had nachos as an appetizer, and I couldn’t believe how much food they gave us. My only complaint is that my enchiladas could have used a bit more seasoning. Otherwise, I see why this restaurant has gotten so popular! " (*Curated Review*)
" Not too sure about all the rave reviews. I went there with high expectations but my experience was rather average. The lunch specials were a good deal, but the flavors missed the mark for me. The place is lovely, and the staff were polite. I think it could be worth another shot for dinner during the weekend when it’s busier. That might bring the food quality up a notch. " (*Curated Review*)
" Had a huge family gathering here and the staff was great at accommodating our large party. The cactus salad was a winner, and everyone enjoyed the food! I would recommend their specials as they change often and offer great variety. While there were a few hiccups with the service due to the size of our group, we were pleasantly surprised at how well they handled everything. Thank you, El Cascabel! " (*Curated Review*)
Archived Reviews (73)
" For a family dinner, El Cascabel is a perfect spot. My kids enjoyed the tacos and even I found something on the menu for my vegetarian diet. I loved their patio area, which was conducive and enjoyable, especially on a sunny day. Service could have been a bit quicker, but everyone was nice, which made up for it. The overall experience was good, and I would bring my family back soon. " (*Curated Review*)
" The newly opened El Cascabel is a great addition to Grinnell! The ambiance is charming, and truly reflects the historic heritage of the building. The queso app was delightful and the enchiladas were beautifully presented. The service was friendly, even if a bit slow. I had a mixed drink that paired well with my meal and plan to return to sample the other items on their extensive menu. This place is definitely worth a try! " (*Curated Review*)