La Hacienda at 3121 Ingersoll Ave en Des Moines es muy bueno

La Hacienda Mexican restaurant, a Des Moines institution for many yearson Army Post Rd on the south side has migrated north and sprouted a new location at 3121 Ingersoll Ave in the old Baker's Square location.

Well, it isn't exactly new, it opened last year in June. But Tuesday was the first day I could connive someone into springing for my lunch. Dave Tapp of Iowa News Brokerage was the willing participant who so generously extended the offer to meet me for lunch at a place of my choosing. Thanks Dave! I chose La Hacienda because it's close to my house and I drive by it everyday. Also I was eager to see what the owner Gustavo Perez had done with the Baker's Square space.

Inside was the predictable southwest decor, although somewhat subdued. The outside seems to have gotten more of a makeover than the interior. The service was top notch, they called us "amigo's" and "senor" and were also very quick with the obligatory chips and salsa and our drink orders. The waiters and counter staff were all very friendly and sported wide smiles and willing attitudes. The lunch specials were priced right, from $5-$7 and were very substantial. I ordered the chicken fajita platter and it made six sizable fajitas. There was also a large side plate of beans, rice, lettuce, guacamole, and tomato. The chicken was well seasoned and tasted fresh, not frozen, the beans were nice and creamy, the lettuce was crisp and the guacamole seemed homespun and was quite delicious. Dave ordered a burrito plate that came with a side plate as well that seemed almost more than he could handle, and he looks like he could handle a lot. We both felt the portions were generous and the food was especially tasty.

On the menu I noted there was a large selection of margaritas, which I was told later are quite good, and they have several large coolers with a wide variety of latin American beers if you're into that kind of thing. Dave and I spent almost two hours there chewing the fat and making sure we were both inductees into the "clean plate club." We never felt rushed and were comfortable discussing business without being crowded by other diners.

I'd give La Hacienda good reviews on all categories and will be back for sure.