Mextizo Brings The Spirit of Mexico To Cedar Rapids, Iowa
A taste of authentic Mexico has arrived in Cedar Rapids at Mextizo restaurant.
Owners Ozzy Aguirre and Ariel Barrios crafted more than a meal: they offer a lively cultural experience celebrating their Mexican roots.
Handcrafted tortillas, vibrant décor, and rich flavors create a genuine escape to Mexico without leaving Iowa.
1. More Than Just Another Mexican Spot
Standing out in a city already dotted with taco joints isn’t easy, but Mextizo accomplishes this with flair. Owners Ozzy and Ariel brought their Mexico City and Guadalajara roots directly to Iowa soil, planting something truly special.
The moment you cross the threshold, the transformation begins. Vibrant colors dance across walls while garden-inspired décor transports you far from the Midwest. Music fills the space with energy that feels both exciting and familiar.
This isn’t just dinner; it’s a mini vacation with each visit. The atmosphere they’ve created feels like a love letter to their homeland, inviting Cedar Rapids residents to experience Mexico’s warmth without a passport.
2. A Menu Built on Heritage
Family recipes passed down through generations form the backbone of Mextizo’s menu. Every dish tells a story of Mexican culinary traditions, reimagined with creative twists that surprise and delight.
Quesabirria tacos arrive steaming hot, ready for dunking in rich, aromatic consommé. The enchiladas reveal complex layers of flavor, hints of cinnamon dancing with chile heat in perfect harmony. Meanwhile, the legendary Chimi Gorda has developed a following all its own.
Street-style quesadillas crackle from the flat top grill, while elote, messy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, captures the essence of Mexico City’s beloved street food scene. Each bite offers a genuine taste of the country’s diverse regional cooking styles.
3. Handmade Corn Tortillas That Make the Difference
Fresh takes on a whole new meaning when you watch tortillas being pressed by hand throughout the day. The kitchen team at Mextizo transforms simple masa into the foundation for culinary magic every morning.
These aren’t the factory-produced circles found in grocery stores. Each tortilla carries subtle variations—the mark of handcrafted care. The corn aroma rises as they hit the hot surface, creating that distinctive toasty scent that fills the restaurant.
One bite reveals what makes this extra effort worthwhile. The texture, slightly chewy yet tender, provides the perfect canvas for flavorful fillings. This seemingly small detail elevates every taco, enchilada, and quesadilla into something memorably authentic.
4. Atmosphere With Heart
Laughter bounces off walls adorned with Frida Kahlo murals and colorful graffiti art. The dining room at Mextizo brilliantly balances playfulness with genuine warmth, creating spaces where memories naturally form.
Oversized booths welcome family gatherings while intimate corners provide perfect date-night settings. Overhead, wicker-shaded lights cast a golden glow, complementing the greenery that transforms indoor dining into something that feels refreshingly open-air.
Servers sporting cheeky taco-themed shirts move through the space with genuine enthusiasm. The entire environment pulses with celebration energy, whether you’ve arrived for a special occasion or simply Tuesday dinner. Every detail works together to create an experience that feels both exciting and comfortably familiar.
5. Drinks That Hold Their Own
Margaritas here aren’t afterthoughts: they’re main characters in the Mextizo story. The bartenders craft balanced cocktails that highlight quality tequila rather than hiding it behind sweetness.
Fresh-squeezed lime juice provides the backbone for drinks that arrive in salt-rimmed glasses, often garnished with unexpected touches like chile-dusted fruit or fresh herbs. Beyond margaritas, the bar offers Mexican classics like palomas and horchata, alongside creative house specialties.
Weekends bring the ultimate brunch companion, a Bloody Maria that swaps vodka for tequila and adds distinctive Mexican spices. These thoughtfully crafted beverages complement the food perfectly, creating complete flavor experiences that satisfy on multiple levels.
6. The Heart of Mextizo
Behind every memorable restaurant experience stands a team driven by genuine passion. At Mextizo, this dedication shines through in countless small touches that add up to something remarkable.
Staff members move through the space with pride, eager to guide guests through menu highlights or share stories behind particular dishes. Many recipes come directly from family traditions, carrying generations of flavor wisdom to new audiences in Iowa.
The restaurant has quickly become a gathering place where Cedar Rapids residents celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy Tuesday night dinner. This connection between food, culture, and community forms Mextizo’s true foundation, a place that feels simultaneously fresh and timeless, innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
