Does Cedar Rapids Have Too Many Mexican Restaurants?

It's a running joke in Cedar Rapids. Stop me if you've heard it. "Hey look! A new restaurant is going in! I bet it's a Mexican restaurant!" It's true, Cedar Rapids does have plenty of Mexican restaurants to choose from. In an article from earlier this year, not counting fast food places like Taco Bell, Taco Johns, Pancheros, Chipotle, and others, Cedar Rapids is home to at least 30 Mexican restaurants. And that doesn't even count Marion and Hiawatha! So do we have too many in Eastern Iowa?

According to research from the Pew Research Group, the Corridor isn't unique when it comes to the number of Mexican restaurants. Nearly 1 in 10 restaurants in the U.S. serves Mexican food. A stunning 85% of American counties have at least one Mexican restaurant. And despite the optics, Iowa doesn't have any more Mexican restaurants than other Midwest states.

It shouldn't surprise anyone which states have the most Mexican restaurants. Pew reports that California and Texas have 40% of all the Mexican eateries in the entire United States. Other states that rank high include Florida, New York, and Illinois. Each state has 4% of the national total of Mexican restaurants.

So why do Mexican restaurants continue to be so popular? Well, they're delicious of course! I've long been a fan of Mexican food. From tacos to burritos and quesadillas, Mexican food appeals to a wide range of tastes. And the food is many times among the most affordable.

Remember, there is a reason so many Mexican restaurants exist. People eat at them. They are popular! Get out and support the many wonderful places in Eastern Iowa that serve amazing Mexican food!

Perhaps stop by one of these great restaurants soon.