Flame the Taqueria is Des Moines' hottest new taco spot
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El pastor tacos. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Flame the Taqueria underscores why DSM has embraced mobile eats.
The state of play: This "new" restaurant started on wheels about four years ago. (Don’t worry, Flame The Food Truck is still a thing and can be tracked via Facebook.)
- The stationary location opened its doors about six weeks ago.
- Both share some common menu items — like the "flame burger" — but the brick-and-mortar spot focuses more on owner Arturo Mora’s Mexican heritage.
What Jason ate: I met my aunt and uncle and we sampled each other’s dishes ($10 each).
- Huevos rancheros: A multi-layered open-faced tortilla sandwich-like structure with black beans, queso fresco, cilantro and red onions — topped with an egg, pickled onions and radish slices.
- Mango shrimp tacos: Grilled shrimp with crème, cilantro and mango pico de gallo served in flour tortillas.
- El pastor tacos: Marinated pork with Yucatan native spices, topped with pineapple pico de gallo, cilantro, radish slices and green tomatillo salsa.
The verdict: Everything we tried was fresh, delicious and creative. If you like authentic Mexican food, this place is well worth your time.
- Of note: It’s a cozy place with limited seating. If that’s a concern, you can order pickup here.
Where to find it: 5765 Merle Hay Road in Johnston, 515-410-1069
- Hours: Sunday-Monday: 10:30am-2pm; Tuesday-Thursday: 10:30am-2pm and 4:30-9pm; Friday: 10:30am-2pm and 4:30-10pm; Saturday: 10:30am-10pm.
This story first appeared in the Axios Des Moines newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard.