Chapala

Reviews

• Qew T.

  star star star star star_border 17 September 2026

  Okkk, soooo. My first time eating Mexican food in Iowa. Please do not compare it to California lol. It was hard to find authentic Mexican food out in cedar Waterloo, however I heard this place was good. I give it like a 6.5. The margarita was alright, it just tasted like strawberry juice. I was like... where's the tequila? Is this virgin!? Lol. The food looks like a lot, but in actuality it's just spread across the plate. I thought the Chile verde needed more seasoning, however it was still edible. If I had the choice to go back I would because to me it's like the closest thing you'll get to "authentic" Mexican food. At least in cedar valley.

• Logan S.

  star star star star_border star_border 12 September 2026

  We stopped in the other night as we are still looking for good Mexican food like we had in California. I had heard that this place was great and had good food so we gave it a try. I ordered the fajitas and my spouse she ordered chili verde and we both were very disappointed. The fajitas were loaded with oil and tasted like burnt meat and veggies with no other flavor involved. The chili verde was so over powered with cumin (is the spice she said) the only thing to help it was a tortilla and some sour cream.
  
  However the service was great and the staff was friendly. Our food was to the table in 10 mins of placing our order. Most places when we ask for the side of beans and rice on the side for our daughter scoop it out seconds before serving it. These beans and rice were cooked done already and mine were still hot. We might return and try other things in the menu but wasn't super impressed.

• Julie P.

  star star star star star 10 September 2026

  Most wonderful and yummy late dinner here.My fiancee and I are out of towners and WOWed.Our service was exceptional for drinks and foods. He had a chicken chimi platter and I had a spicy shrimp,Camerones al Mojo de Ajo with mushrooms.The food tasted like it was JUST made. My shrimp were fresh tasting and prepared perfectly!
  This place is clean and festive. GO THERE!!

• Gene H.

  star star star star star_border 8 September 2026

  Heard about this place from many different friends...finally made it over and was pleasantly surprised.  Good portions and a fair price.
  The salsa has a good kick to it.
  I had the picadillo filled Burito or Chimi (I forget) and it was very good!

• Heather M.

  star star star star star_border 5 September 2026

  Best Mexican food around!! Always very fast, friendly service, and super reasonable prices.