El Cascabel brings the warmth, flavor, and hospitality of a true Mexican restaurant to Grinnell, IA, offering a welcoming place where guests can enjoy everything from a quick lunch to a relaxed dinner with friends and family.
Located at 1014 3rd Ave, El Cascabel has earned a strong reputation with a 4.60 out of 5 rating from 176 reviews, reflecting the consistent quality, attentive service, and memorable dining experiences that keep customers coming back.
Whether you are stopping in for solo dining, planning a casual meal, or looking for a comfortable spot to unwind, this is a place designed to make every visit feel easy, satisfying, and enjoyable.
Guests can choose the dining style that fits their day, with outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services all available for added convenience. El Cascabel is known for fast service and great cocktails, making it a dependable choice when you want both efficiency and flavor without sacrificing atmosphere.
The menu offers a well-rounded selection that includes alcohol, beer, cocktails, coffee, spirits, comfort food, quick bites, and small plates, giving diners plenty of options whether they are in the mood for a full meal or something lighter to share.
Popular for lunch, dinner, catering, and dessert, El Cascabel also provides table service and comfortable seating, along with a bar on site and a restroom for guest convenience.
Accessibility and ease of planning are also a priority here. El Cascabel features a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet, helping ensure that more guests can enjoy the experience with confidence and comfort. The restaurant accepts reservations and takes both credit cards and debit cards, adding flexibility for individuals and groups alike.
With its casual, cozy atmosphere, welcoming service, and reputation for quality, El Cascabel offers more than just a meal—it provides a dependable, inviting dining experience where great food, good company, and genuine hospitality come together. Call +1 641-659-6217 to plan your visit and see why so many guests choose El Cascabel.
Our Specialties
Every dish tells a story. Explore our carefully curated menu featuring seasonal favorites and signature creations.
Our chef's signature creations featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
We partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients every day.
Every plate is prepared with attention to detail, combining traditional recipes with modern presentation.
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Tender strips of flank steak grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Grilled mushrooms, zucchini, onions, green peppers, gold peppers, red peppers and tomatoes.
Tender strips of chicken grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Fajita tender strips of beef steak, chicken and shrimp cooked with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Tender sliced beef and chicken strips grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Crab and shrimp with grilled onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and a blend of our own spices.
Shrimp with grilled onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of our own spices.
Beef, chicken, shrimp and chorizo grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Beef, chicken, shrimp and chorizo grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Tender strips of chicken grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Shrimp with grilled onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of our own spices.
Grilled mushrooms, zucchini, onions, green peppers, gold peppers, red peppers and tomatoes.
Tender sliced beef and chicken strips grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Crab and shrimp with grilled onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and a blend of our own spices.
Tender strips of flank steak grilled with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Fajita tender strips of beef steak, chicken and shrimp cooked with onions, bell peppers and tomatoes.
Straight cut French fries, topped with your choice of grilled chicken or tender steak, cheese dip, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
A serving of our homemade cheese dip, with shrimp, and pico de gallo.
One ground beef quesadilla, one chicken quesadilla, and one birria quesadilla, served with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and side of our homemade consommé.
A serving of our homemade cheese dip, with chorizo, accompanied by our fresh fried tortilla chips.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips with your choice of grilled beef or chicken with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, guacamole, and sour cream.
Straight cut French fries, topped with your choice of ground beef or chicken, cheese dip, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips baked with shredded cheese, refried beans, your choice of beef or chicken, topped with lettuce, tomato slices, guacamole, and sour cream.
Freshly cut avocado, pico de gallo, and freshly squeezed lime.
Our fresh fried corn tortilla chips topped with shredded, melted cheese. Add: refried beans, beef or chicken for an additional cost.
A serving of our homemade cheese dip, with chorizo, accompanied by our fresh fried tortilla chips.
Our fresh fried corn tortilla chips topped with shredded, melted cheese. Add: refried beans, beef or chicken for an additional cost.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips with your choice of grilled beef or chicken with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, guacamole, and sour cream.
Straight cut French fries, topped with your choice of ground beef or chicken, cheese dip, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips baked with shredded cheese, refried beans, your choice of beef or chicken, topped with lettuce, tomato slices, guacamole, and sour cream.
Freshly cut avocado, pico de gallo, and freshly squeezed lime.
Straight cut French fries, topped with your choice of grilled chicken or tender steak, cheese dip, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
A serving of our homemade cheese dip, with shrimp, and pico de gallo.
One ground beef quesadilla, one chicken quesadilla, and one birria quesadilla, served with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and side of our homemade consommé.
A bed of hash browns topped with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and chorizo sausage, coated with a layer of our homemade cheese dip, served with your choice of corn or flour tortillas.
Stack of three pancakes accompanied by two eggs prepared either scrambled or over easy, hash browns, and a cup of mixed fruit. *Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.
Three scrambled eggs with chorizo sausage served with a tossed salad, Spanish rice, and your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
Three scrambled eggs with diced tomato, and diced onion, served with a tossed salad, Spanish rice, and your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
A 10-inch burrito filled with hash browns, scrambled eggs, sautéed tomato and onion, and chorizo sausage, topped with our homemade cheese dip, accompanied by rice and beans.
Three eggs prepared either scrambled or over easy, then topped with ranchero sauce, served with refried beans, spanish rice, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas. *Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips marinated with homemade ranchero sauce, then topped with shredded cheese and your choice of chicken or beef, served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and Spanish rice.
Three scrambled eggs with diced tomato, and diced onion, served with a tossed salad, Spanish rice, and your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
A 10-inch burrito filled with hash browns, scrambled eggs, sautéed tomato and onion, and chorizo sausage, topped with our homemade cheese dip, accompanied by rice and beans.
Stack of three pancakes accompanied by two eggs prepared either scrambled or over easy, hash browns, and a cup of mixed fruit. *Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.
Three eggs prepared either scrambled or over easy, then topped with ranchero sauce, served with refried beans, spanish rice, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas. *Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.
Three scrambled eggs with chorizo sausage served with a tossed salad, Spanish rice, and your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
Fresh fried corn tortilla chips marinated with homemade ranchero sauce, then topped with shredded cheese and your choice of chicken or beef, served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and Spanish rice.
A bed of hash browns topped with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and chorizo sausage, coated with a layer of our homemade cheese dip, served with your choice of corn or flour tortillas.
Rich, smooth cheesecake rolled in a flaky pastry tortilla, served with vanilla ice cream.
Mexican sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture
Fried twisted dough glazed with sugar, cinnamon & honey.
Fried tortilla dough topped with honey, butter & cinnamon.
Vanilla ice cream rolled in corn flakes, topped with strawberry or chocolate syrup & whipped cream.
A southwestern delight Mexican custard
Fried twisted dough glazed with sugar, cinnamon and honey.
A southwestern delight. Mexican custard.
Vanilla ice cream rolled in corn flakes, topped with strawberry or chocolate syrup and whipped cream.
Fried tortilla dough topped with honey, butter and cinnamon.
Mexican sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture.
Rich, smooth cheesecake rolled in a flaky pastry tortilla, served with vanilla ice cream.
A tender sliced marinated and grilled chicken breast with green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes atop a bed of lettuce, served with dressing.
Traditional Mexican soup made with cow's stomach, broth with a red Chile pepper base, seasoned with lime, onions, oregano, and your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
Our crispy flour tortilla shell filled with lettuce, refried beans, shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and your choice of beef, chicken, or beef tips.
A bed of fresh crisp lettuce with green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served with dressing.
A bed of fresh crisp lettuce, with grilled shrimp and grilled chicken breast topped with green bell peppers, tomatoes, and sour cream, served with dressing.
Grilled beef or chicken with refried beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream, served with dressing.
Grilled chicken breast with our blend of house seasonings, avocado, rice, crispy tortilla strips, and pico de gallo.
Shredded chicken with our blend of house seasonings, Spanish rice, and pico de gallo, served with your choice of two corn or flour tortillas.
A tossed salad with grilled shrimp and shredded cheese.
Mexican-style hominy soup with pork accompanied with shredded cabbage, radish, and lime.
Strips of seasoned grilled chicken breast atop a bed of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, green bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheese, served with dressing.
Chicken breast marinated in our homemade chipotle sauce with green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes atop a bed of lettuce, served with dressing.
Marinated chicken breasts seasoned and grilled, topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, gold peppers, red peppers, and zucchini, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Big burrito stuffed with refried beans, Spanish rice, shredded cheese, hot sauce, and fresh ground beef seasoned with our spices on the grill, served, with a bed of lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Our multi-generational recipe for marinated pulled beef, accompanied by homemade consomé, Mexican rice, beans, one corn tortilla quesadilla, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Two shrimp enchiladas covered with a cheese sauce served with a bed of lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream, includes Spanish rice and refried beans.
Three soft corn tortilla tacos stuffed with perfectly grilled flank steak, cilantro, onion, and fresh Mexican cheese. Served alongside a cheese-stuffed banana pepper and sautéed onions, lime, and our homemade red, and green salsas.
A lunch size flour tortilla stuffed with cheese and your choice of chicken or beef, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Big burrito stuffed with refried beans, Spanish rice, shredded cheese, hot sauce, and fresh chorizo sausage seasoned with our spices on the grill, served, with a bed of lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
One flour tortilla filled with your choice of beef tips or chicken and refried beans, deep-fried and topped with nacho cheese, enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream.
Tender pieces of pork coated in our house recipe served with a bed of lettuce, onions, lime, and avocado, includes rice, beans and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
A seven-inch burrito stuffed with your choice of grilled chicken or beef and shredded cheese, pico de gallo, hot sauce, rice, and refried beans, then topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole.
Tender sliced chicken or beef grilled with onions, green hell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Four little chimichangas (2 chicken and 2 beef tips), topped with cheese sauce, enchilada sauce and served with lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole dip, and sour cream.
Our cheese quesadilla is filled with your choice of ground beef, beef tips, shredded beef, chicken, or refried beans, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
A ten-inch flour tortilla folded in half and stuffed with shredded cheese and your choice of chicken or beef, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
Our cheese quesadilla is filled with your choice of ground beef, beef tips, shredded beef, chicken, or refried beans, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and our own special supreme sauce.
A ten-inch quesadilla stuffed with shredded cheese, grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and your choice of grilled beef or chicken, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
A grilled flour tortilla folded and stuffed with shredded cheese, chopped beef, and refried beans, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
A ten-inch flour marinated tortilla folded in half and stuffed with shredded cheese and our homemade birria served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and consomé.
Our cheese quesadilla is filled with your choice of ground beef, beef tips, shredded beef, chicken, or refried beans, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream & our own special supreme sauce.
A ten-inch quesadilla stuffed with shredded cheese, grilled onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and your choice of grilled beef or chicken, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Our cheese quesadilla is filled with your choice of ground beef, beef tips, shredded beef, chicken, or refried beans, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, & guacamole.
A ten-inch flour marinated tortilla folded in half and stuffed with shredded cheese and our homemade birria served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, & consomé.
A ten-inch flour tortilla folded in half and stuffed with shredded cheese and your choice of chicken or beef, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.
A grilled flour tortilla folded and stuffed with shredded cheese, chopped beef, and refried beans, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, & pico de gallo.
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak is covered with our salsa ranchero, served with refried beans, Spanish rice, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A grilled 12 ounce skirt steak served with a loaded baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak grilled to perfection served with a tossed salad, spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak grilled with green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes served with refried beans, Spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A 12 ounce USDA prime ribeye steak served with a loaded baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak mated with grilled shrimp, topped with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño peppers, served with French fries. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
12 ounce choice top sirloin steak served with a loaded baked potato, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
A grilled 12 ounce skirt steak served with a loaded baked potato, sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
12 ounce choice top sirloin steak served with a loaded baked potato, sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak is covered with our salsa ranchero, served with refried beans, Spanish rice, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak grilled with green bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes served with refried beans, Spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A 12 ounce USDA prime ribeye steak served with a loaded baked potato, sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, and a side of chimichurri sauce. Accompanied by bread.
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak mated with grilled shrimp, topped with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño peppers, served with French fries. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
A fourteen-ounce t-bone steak grilled to perfection served with a tossed salad, spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas. *"Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.".
Grilled shrimp or tilapia cooked with our signature chipotle sauce in spices, served with a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion and avocado, includes spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Deep-fried tilapia accompanied by fresh lime, served with a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado, includes Spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Twelve shrimp cooked with our special sour cream blend served with Spanish rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
Flour tortilla stuffed with shrimp, crab, and onions, served with Spanish rice, guacamole salad, and cheese dip.
Grilled shrimp stuffed with cheese wrapped with strips of bacon, served with a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado, includes Spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Ten-inch quesadilla is folded in half and loaded with shredded cheese, grilled shrimp, crab, and onions, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and a guacamole salad.
Tilapia filet topped with shrimp, onions, tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and sliced pineapple, baked in butter, served with rice, salad, tomato, avocado, onions, lime, and jalapeños.
Three shrimp enchiladas covered with cheese sauce served with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and a mushroom quesadilla.
Shrimp, submerged in liquid seasoned with peppers, lime juice, salt, slices of cucumber, and slices of onion, served with homemade tostadas. *Thoroughly cooking foods of animal origin such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, or shellfish reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Individuals with certain health conditions may be at higher risk if these foods are consumed raw or undercooked.
Three enchiladas stuffed with crab meat, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
Tilapia filet topped with shrimp, spices, spinach, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, red and yellow peppers served with rice, salad, tomato, guacamole, onions, lime, and jalapeños.
Breaded and fried shrimp, served with a bed of lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado, includes Spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Shrimp cooked with onions and our ranchero sauce, served with a tossed salad and Spanish rice.
Grilled shrimp or tilapia sautéed in garlic flakes with onions, mushrooms, and olive oil, served with a bed of lettuce, tomato, and avocado, includes spanish rice and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Whole shrimp marinated and served in our chilled, authentic Mexican soup.
Fish tacos three corn tortillas filled with grilled tilapia, on a bed of lettuce with pico de gallo, sliced avocado, onions, lime, and rice.
One bean burrito, one cheese quesadilla, and one bean tostada.
One chile poblano and one cheese enchilada, with refried beans and Spanish rice.
One bean burrito with nacho cheese, one cheese enchilada and one bean tostada.
One bean tostada and one cheese enchilada with refried beans and Spanish rice.
One bean burrito topped with nacho cheese and sauce, one cheese enchilada, and one cheese quesadilla.
One chile poblano and one cheese quesadilla, with Spanish rice.
One cheese enchilada, one cheese quesadilla with refried beans and Spanish rice.
Two mushroom quesadillas.
One bean tostada and one cheese enchilada with refried beans & Spanish rice.
One bean burrito topped with nacho cheese and sauce, one cheese enchilada, & one cheese quesadilla.
One cheese enchilada, one cheese quesadilla with refried beans & Spanish rice.
One bean burrito with nacho cheese, one cheese enchilada and one bean tostada.
One chile poblano & one cheese enchilada, with refried beans and Spanish rice.
One bean burrito, one cheese quesadilla, & one bean tostada.
One chile poblano & one cheese quesadilla, with Spanish rice.
Two mushroom quesadillas .
Our multi-generational recipe for marinated pulled beef, accompanied by homemade consomé, Mexican rice, beans, one corn tortilla quesadilla, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
One chicken and bean burrito and one beef & bean burrito topped with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.
Two poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, topped with enchilada sauce, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Two dipped flour tortillas filled with refried beans and choice of beef tips or chicken, then deep-fried or served soft, topped with nacho cheese, enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.
A bed of rice topped with strips of grilled chicken and cheese sauce served with your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Five enchiladas (one beef, one chicken, one shredded beef, one bean, and one cheese) topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and ranchero sauce.
Tender pieces of pork coated in our house recipe served with a bed of lettuce, onion, lime, and avocado, includes rice, beans and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Three chicken enchiladas topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole, served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
Four fried corn taquitos (two beef & two chicken) served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.
Two burritos consisting of beans and beef tips with red sauces, topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream.
Two burritos consisting of beans and beef tips with red sauces, topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream.
Four fried corn taquitos (two beef & two chicken) served with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.
Three chicken enchiladas topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole, served with Spanish rice and refried beans.
One chicken and bean burrito and one beef & bean burrito topped with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream.
Our multi-generational recipe for marinated pulled beef, accompanied by homemade consomé, Mexican rice, beans, one corn tortilla quesadilla, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Two dipped flour tortillas filled with refried beans and choice of beef tips or chicken, then deep-fried or served soft, topped with nacho cheese, enchilada sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole.
Five enchiladas (one beef, one chicken, one shredded beef, one bean, and one cheese) topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and ranchero sauce.
Two poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, topped with enchilada sauce, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Tender pieces of pork coated in our house recipe served with a bed of lettuce, onion, lime, and avocado, includes rice, beans and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
A bed of rice topped with strips of grilled chicken and cheese sauce served with your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Sautéed shrimp with garlic, fresh lemons, and white wine, served over angel hair pasta, served with bread.
Fettuccine pasta served with our in-house Alfredo sauce, accompanied by bread and your choice of our Sonora-marinated chicken breast or shrimp (+$3.00).
Parmesan-crusted chicken served over bow-tie pasta with a in-house creamy Cajun sauce, mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini, served with bread.
Fettuccine pasta served with our in-house Alfredo sauce, accompanied by bread and your choice of our Sonora-marinated chicken breast or shrimp (+$3.00).
Parmesan-crusted chicken served over bow-tie pasta with a in-house creamy Cajun sauce, mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, and zucchini, served with bread.
Sauteed shrimp with garlic, fresh lemons, and white wine, served over angel hair pasta, served with bread.
Grilled marinated chicken breast, crispy bacon strips, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and juicy diced tomatoes, all drizzled with ranch dressing and wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Served with a side of crispy fries!
Grilled marinated chicken breast, crispy bacon strips, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and juicy diced tomatoes, all drizzled with ranch dressing and wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. Served with a side of crispy fries!
Shrimp and a marinated chicken breast seasoned and grilled, topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, gold peppers, red peppers, and zucchini, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
A tender, thin-cut ribeye steaks served with refried beans, cheese enchilada, a bed of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapeño peppers, sliced avocado, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Seasoned and grilled chicken breasts topped with onions and our special cheese sauce, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, pico de gallo and tomatoes.
A tender, thin-cut ribeye steak, grilled and topped with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, served with a chicken enchilada, refried beans, pico de gallo, and your choice of corn or flour tortillas.
Chicken breast grilled with our special recipe, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Marinated chicken breasts seasoned and grilled, topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, gold peppers, red peppers, and zucchini, served with Spanish rice, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
A thin-cut ribeye steak mated with shrimp sautéed with tomatoes and onions, served with refried beans and Spanish rice.
Four soft corn tortilla tacos stuffed with perfectly grilled flank steak, cilantro, onion, and fresh Mexican cheese. Served alongside a cheese-stuffed banana pepper and sautéed onions, lime, and our homemade red, and green salsas.
Chicken breast with special sour cream and mushrooms, with Spanish rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
A ten-inch big burrito stuffed with grilled chicken or beef, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, hot sauce, rice, and refried beans, topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and guacamole.
Three delicious marinated flank steak tacos cooked on the grill, served with cilantro and onion accompanied by consomé.
A thin-cut grilled ribeye steak and a grilled breast of chicken with Spanish rice; refried beans and pico de gallo.
Grilled chicken breasts topped with cheeses, onions, tomatoes, and grilled shrimp, served with rice and beans, sided with lettuce, sour cream, and pico de gallo.
Sautéed park pieces with our green sauce and a blend of spices, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Strips of beef steak grilled with hot sauce and a blend of spices, served with Spanish rice, refried beans, and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Chicken breast covered with chorizo and cheese sauce, served with Spanish rice, guacamole salad, sour cream and your choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Hear from our valued guests
After church last Sunday my wife Pam and I decided to try the new El Cascabel Mexican Restaurant in Grinnell, and we're seriously glad we did, it was an awesome dining experience. The El Cascabel is located in the old Depot Crossing just East of downtown Grinnell and SE across the street from the park. I ordered the shrimp El diablo which featured 16 perfectly prepared shrimp of generous proportions and smothered with a delicious tasting spicy chipotle sauce. Pam ordered a meal with steak and chicken, I tried a bite of the chicken, it was wonderful and literally melted in my mouth. This is a beautifully decorated restaurant with lots of atmosphere, our meals were nicely plated, of generous proportions and our servers were outstanding, we were quickly seated, with our orders arriving soon after. Both meals were simply off the charts delicious. Nelson Lopez the owner of the El Cascabel is the young man pictured with his mom. Nelson's parents are the owners and founders of Newton's La Cabana Mexican Restaurant. I can safely predict this will be a very successful restaurant, the folks in Grinnell are fortunate to have them and in for a real treat. The El Cascabel gets my coveted cleaned plate award for sure, a really excellent dining experience from beginning to end.
The interior of the building is beautiful! The food was good, hot and served in a timely manner. The drinks were strong! So be warned 😀 We went later in the evening, so the restaurant was quieter.
We are from Wisconsin and are in the area for the Nascar Race. We stopped in here because our hotel was in Grinnell. This place was absolutely amazing! Service and our waiter were outstanding, the atmosphere was incredible and the food was DELICIOUS! I wish we lived closer because we would probably be here every day! Not to mention, the train went by as we were sitting here eating, and that was an incredible experience to see that!
Authentic Mexican food located in the former Grinell Union historical train depot 😍 The building is absolutely beautiful. Everything structure wise (*brick and wood*) located to the left of the main entrance is all original. Exterior is just as beautiful as the interior. Plenty of seating options available, such as: table, booth, bar, and outdoor patio. Fully stocked bar. Loved the train track views. Huge selection of food options from traditional Mexican to pasta and steak. Loved all the historical pictures and train memorabilia. We ordered queso, Taquitos mexicanos, and the shrimp ranchero. Everything was delicious. Our food arrived in what felt like 10 minutes, use of fresh ingredients, and temperature hot. Service was just as amazing! Overall, great food in a beautiful building with huge character! Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ worthy!
It's a must go! Everything was good from the service to food to the overall experience!
We just found our favorite Mexican restaurant!! The service was top notch. Our waiter was super friendly and kept joking around with our children. One was having a birthday, so he brought out the sombrero and dessert. She was very thrilled. 🤣 The food was fantastic. Their salsa was very good! We got guacamole Mexicana and it was the best I have had in a long time. The ingredients were cut perfect. Our meals were hot, fresh, tasted wonderful. Rice was very tender and delicious. Portions are good sized. Prices are comparable with other restaurants. Beautiful dining areas and a large bar. So glad we found this restaurant!
First time eat at El Cascabel, very great experience. We satisfied with the food, service, nice and very clean restaurant. We ordered Lunch Carnitas, Chimicanga, Street Tacos & Flan was amazing. Rodrigo was a great & friendly server. Sure.. we will back again & recommended it !!
Really good Mexican food, love the train decor, friendly staff. We shared a chimichanga dinner with a side of rice and it was plenty. Good chips and salsa. The testy and restrooms were clean.
Cannot say enough about this place! Yes will return! Ambiance warm, food was very good, very good! Historic building ,very clean,can accommodate large parties, the bar area was very neat.had the street tacos steak, and the birria tacos. The best so far!
Such a striking location. Love that local history has been preserved. My shrimp enchiladas were phenomenal and I’m still dreaming about how cold and fresh the sour cream was.
Common questions about El Cascabel
El Cascabel is located at 1014 3rd Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112, United States, Grinnell, IA, United States.
You can reach El Cascabel by calling +1 641-659-6217.
El Cascabel has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 176 customer reviews.
El Cascabel features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
El Cascabel features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
El Cascabel features the following highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails.
El Cascabel features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
El Cascabel features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Wine.
El Cascabel features the following dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
El Cascabel features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
El Cascabel features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy.
El Cascabel features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
El Cascabel features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
El Cascabel features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
El Cascabel features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
El Cascabel features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
El Cascabel features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
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