Bar Nico

Mexican Restaurant $$ 4.6 (172)


Bar Nico is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and inviting service, effectively combining modern techniques with elements of traditional Mexican flavors. While most dishes receive high praise for their freshness and taste, some diners question the authenticity, suggesting that it leans towards modern Mexican cuisine rather than purely traditional. Nevertheless, for those looking for a gluten-free option, this restaurant stands out as a gem, providing a safe environment for guests with dietary restrictions. Overall, the restaurant is highly recommended for its creative menu and warm ambiance.

Overall:

4.6

(149 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.6


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (515) 243-0611

Address: 428 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Paid Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

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!**

" Visited Bar Nico as a party of four on a Friday night and it was awesome! The appetizers like guacamole and salsa were fresh and the chips lovely and crunchy. Each of us opted for different entrees —I had the duck enchiladas and they weren’t what I expected but still quite tasty. I appreciate that everything is gluten-free. We really enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The service was a bit slow at times, but they were friendly and attentive. " (*Curated Review*)

" On my visit to Bar Nico, I really appreciated the emphasis on gluten-free cooking since I have Celiac disease. Everything was thoughtfully prepared. Their tacos were interesting and some felt a bit too modern than traditional Mexican fare. Still, I loved that every dish tasted fresh and vibrant. The ambiance was delightful with great music, but there was a tad bit of a wait for food—yet worth it for the quality we received. " (*Curated Review*)

" As someone who is cautious about gluten, I was thrilled to find Bar Nico. The vibrant atmosphere was a treat and the margaritas definitely lived up to the hype! The tacos were good, though not the most authentic I’ve had, but still beautifully presented. Overall service was smooth, but we felt a little rushed towards the end of our meal. I want to try their dessert next time! " (*Curated Review*)

" Bar Nico is a refreshing escape from the usual fast-food Mexican options. Every dish is gluten-free! I was impressed by their take on traditional tacos and their creative cocktails truly stood out! However, I did feel like some dishes lacked flavor and spiciness, which is essential in good Mexican food. Service was prompt and animated as well. I may pop in again to try their dessert soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" Bar Nico’s atmosphere is chic and warm, perfect for a cozy dinner. We ordered the grilled shrimp and duck tacos, both were quite good but didn't have the kick I usually expect from Mexican dishes. The cocktails were delightful and really complemented the meal. Overall, the service staff was polite but a bit slow. Yet we thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will likely return. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (139)

" What an amazing place! The food was fantastic, especially the tapas we ordered. The staff was very friendly and offered us a great selection of gluten-free options. We loved the vibrant atmosphere, but I felt the bill added up fast due to small portion sizes. This didn’t ruin our experience at all, and we'll be back to try more items from the bold menu! " (*Curated Review*)

" Had a family lunch here on a Sunday and the atmosphere was lively yet comfortable. We shared various dishes including the guacamole and duck carnitas, which were just heavenly! It was delightful knowing everything was prepared gluten-free so nobody had to worry about allergies. The staff was very accommodating. Overall, a great outing! " (*Curated Review*)

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