Mesa 503 - Salvadoran restaurant in Iowa City - 2302 Muscatine Ave, USA

Absolutely delicous! The Pollo Con Salsa is recommended, the tortillas are soft and fluffy and the rice has the best seasoning. Also make sure to try to Horchata Salvadoran. Small dining area and more people were doing carry-out but the staff were amazingly friendly and helpful asking any questions about the food.

We ordered a couple of revuelta pupusas, a couple of garlic and cheese pupusas, a pork tamale, horchata and an order of plantains. The pupusas were small and not very flavorful. The sauce was just like strait tomato. They didn’t give very much repollo either. The tamale was authentic in that it had a large bone in it, but we didn’t really enjoy the flavor. Plantains were quite good actually. Best crema we’ve had in the US for sure! The horchata was also pretty tasty. Expect lower portions for the price and less flavor when compared with other pupuserias in the area. We much prefer El Gustitos.

Stopped in for a late lunch; we both got "grab & go" specials but ate in. Had the place to ourselves. Really good food, especially liked the rice and the hibiscus drink. Excellent service.

Stopped because i've never had El Salvadorian food before. A nice change from normal "Mexican" food. Food was delicious. I had 2 pupusas and the encebollado and they were awesome. The rice and homemade tortillas were very tasty as well. Next time im going to try some of the breakfast options.

I could eat this every week... I actually do. My favorites are grilled chicken, plantains and cream, and seafood soup. I never get tired of those choices. My husband loves all of the soups, especially the bean soup with beef. We eat the soups all year round and not just through the fall/winter, as they are that delicious.

Had this for takeout tonight. The yucca Frita con costilla was excellent, but as another reviewer said, they definitely skimp on the meat. They only gave 1 meat rib and a lot of yucca. Disappointing. The plátanos fritos con crema was very good. Highly recommend.

Gluten free! There is no flour in the restaurant. Food was great. This is more of a takeout place than dine in. They have a few tables if you cannot do carry out. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

We just had a delightful dinner of some vegetable Pasteles (Salvadoran empanadas) and the chicken with caramelized onions. We seriously ate every bite - RUN, not walk, to Mesa 503 this minute. I mean probably check and make sure it’s open. But then definitely GO!