Excerpt from the Des Moines Register DateBook Dining Out section:

Wave The Flag for simple, earthy Mexican food

"The atmosphere is casual and festive at El Aguila Real and the food is the genuine article..."

"At El Aguila Real, 'the real thing' means simple, earthy Mexican food of good quality - and lots of it - and a pride of ownership that's palpable...It doesn't mean highly-spiced, exotic or trendy fare."

"The chips actually stand on their own with an earthy, intense, roasted-corn flavor..."

"The beans in the bean enchilada were wonderful - silky and creamy and deeply flavored with the rich taste of smoke and pork. A Mexican friend says here mother likes Al Aguila Real's beans so much that if for some reason she couldn't maker here own beans, she'd want El Aguila Real's. A ringing endorsement, to be sure."

"The chicken enchilada was filled with earthy, savory pieces of dark meat..."

"[As for desserts]... it was the flan that took the cake. Silky, but substantial, it didn't quiver skittishly on the plate like a colt finding its legs, but was firm and toothsome. Each spoonful was eggy and rich and drenched with an almost liqueur-like flavor from the caramelized sugar on top."

"It's [the flan] rich elegance belies the atmosphere at El Aguila Real, which is casual and festive. It's a great place to go no a Friday night with the family or friends to indulge, relax - and get a taste of the real thing."