Hello dear
Welcome To Mesa 503
Mesa 503, located in Iowa City, is a vibrant Salvadoran restaurant known for its warm ambiance and welcoming staff. Renowned for its authentic culinary offerings, the menu features delicious tamales, diverse pupusas filled with savory ingredients, and enticing main dishes like Parrillada and Pollo En Salsa. Diners rave about the mouthwatering flavors and generous portions, making each meal a memorable experience. The cozy setting encourages interaction with the friendly chefs, who happily share insights into their flavorful creations. With standout dishes and a commitment to quality, Mesa 503 is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Salvadoran cuisine.
Taste the best
Discover Our Menu
Pollo / Chicken
US$4.00Queso Con Chicharron/ Cheese And Pork
US$3.502. Huevos, Platano Frito Con Frijoles Y Crema / 2. Eggs, Fried Plantain With Beans & Cream
US$11.50
1. Huevos Rancheros, Frijoles Y Queso Fresco / 1. Ranchero Eggs, Beans & Fresh Cheese
US$11.50Huevos Carne Asada Frijoles Y Queso
US$15.503. Huevos Fritos Con Casamiento Chorizo Y Crema / 3. Eggs, Rice & Beans Mix & Cream
US$11.50
Yuca Hervida / Boiled Cassava
US$10.50Pasteles De Pollo X3 / Chicken Pasteles X3
US$10.50Tortillas Fritas Con Queso Fresco / Fried Tortillas & Fresh Cheese
US$7.50 About
Mesa 503
Welcome to the vibrant world of Mesa 503, where the flavors of El Salvador come alive right in the heart of Iowa City. Nestled at 2302 Muscatine Ave, this cozy restaurant is more than just a dining spot; it's a portal to a rich culinary heritage that embraces warmth and authenticity in every bite.
At Mesa 503, the atmosphere is as inviting as the food is delightful. Cheery vibes and friendly staff create a welcoming environment, leaving diners feeling at home. As one satisfied customer noted, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience to cherish. The menu is an enticing collection of Salvadoran staples, each dish crafted with care. The pupusas, with their cheesy fillings, stand out as a must-try. Diners rave about the rich flavors that accompany them, captivating even those unfamiliar with Salvadoran cuisine.
For breakfast lovers, Mesa 503 offers the Salvadoran Breakfast, featuring huevos rancheros alongside fried plantains, beans, and cream. This hearty meal not only satisfies hunger but also celebrates the essence of Salvadoran flavors. Meanwhile, the variety of beverages, including horchata and mint lemonade, present a refreshing complement to the dishes, invigorating the palate with bright, zesty notes.
The appetizers, such as the yuca frita and pasteles de pollo, beautifully illustrate the breadth of flavors offered at this humble eatery. Diners can expect everything from the comforting textures of boiled cassava to the rich, spiced goodness of chicken pastries. As I indulged in these dishes, I couldn't help but appreciate the colorful presentation and the delightful balance of spices.
What shines through is the passion for culinary storytelling that Mesa 503 embodies. The interactive experience with the knowledgeable staff adds an educational layer to dining. They’re eager to share insights about each dish, making it a delightful journey of flavors and knowledge.
In a world where dining options abound, Mesa 503 stands tall as a beacon for Salvadoran cuisine. This hidden gem has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a connoisseur of diverse cuisines or a curious beginner, prepare to be enchanted by the delightful spread that awaits you at Mesa 503. You’ll leave not just with a full belly but with a craving for more of their delectable offerings.
In essence, Mesa 503 isn't just a restaurant; it's a cultural experience that deserves a place on your culinary map!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ It's clean, has a happy atmosphere, the employees are kind, and the food is always delicious. Mesa 503 is one of my few favorite restaurants in Iowa City! ”
“ Great restaurant, will be coming back! Extremely friendly and welcoming, they were very happy to teach us about their cuisine and give suggestions! Definitely recommend! Good food and great portions for the price, you need to try a main dish and a pupusa at the very least! Small inside, but quick service and a fantastic menu to choose from, I thought the mint lemonade was worth getting as well. ”
“ Hey everyone! I recently had the pleasure of dining at this amazing Salvadoran restaurant in Iowa City. Let me tell you, the experience was top-notch! The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food. The pupusas were absolutely mouthwatering! I couldn't get enough of the cheese-filled goodness. And the tamales? Oh boy, they were bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. Overall, I had an incredible time at this restaurant. If you're a fan of Salvadoran cuisine, this is a must-visit spot. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! ”
“ Had lunch here and loved it. The plantains are very well cooked and the creama they come with and wonderful flavor. The tamale and pupusas are also excellent. Not pictured, the mango juice/drink which you should absolutely get. ”
“ First timer to El Salvadoran cuisine and wasn’t expecting any different than Mexican, but was full surprised by uniqueness, freshness and presentation. So tasty, colorful and eye catching food. Spicy ketchup was a kicker to add extra zing to the food. Amazing interactive experience with the chef who was very helpful explaining and of course visual right next to menu was great to know what to expect. Fabulous small cosy place that everyone should try this yummy food! ”
“ Absolutely amazing little restaurant! This was my first time having Salvadoran food and it didn't disappoint. I had a couple of pupusas and a steak dish which was fantastic. The rice was absolutely heavenly, and pricing was very reasonable! ”
“ Tried Salvadoran food for the first time and it was pretty good! The passionfruit juice drink was super refreshing and delicious. Tamales were pretty good. Decent amount of portion for the price. Super quick service and friendly owners. There was no AC in the restaurant or it could have been down the day we went. ”
“ Mesa delivers an unbeatable experience if you're craving genuine, home-style flavors. Their pupusas are absolutely to die for – perfectly crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside, and packed with authentic goodness. Every bite feels like a trip to El Salvador. The ingredients are fresh, and you can tell they put love into every dish. If you're looking for a place that serves real, flavorful food, Mesa is the spot. Highly recommend – you won’t be disappointed! ”