Tortaco

Short version: If you don't try Tortaco, you're doing yourself a disservice. The food is absolutely delicious, the staff are very kind, and the servings are very fair for the dollar.

Personal suggestion is to get the torta Cubana. It has phenomenal flavor, filled full with meat and fresh ingredients, and despite how loaded it is, the bread doesn't collapse and maintains a satisfying thin crunch on top and bottom that's very satisfying to bite into with a wonderful soft chew. The meats are flavorful and you can tell taste each of them as they hit your tastebuds. Fresh mango cuts through to keep it from being too savory or salty and adds a bright sweetness.

I only have 2 criticisms:
1 - The chicken is very heavily peppered. I like it, but my kids can't eat it.
2 - Parking is limited due to location.

I have never had a meal from Tortaco that I didn't absolutely love. There portions are large, the food is well seasoned, and near as I can tell, very authentic.
I've only tried their Tortas and Burritos, but both are plenty big enough to fill me up, especially the Tortas!
If you like things spicy, make sure to ask for some of their Habanero Onions on the side - they are delicious and will make your lips burn!
They also have the best Horchata (milky rice water beverage) that I've found in Ottumwa, and I can't get enough of it. I need to learn their secret so I can myself gallons to drink at home.
Parking is somewhat limited, but they have never been so busy that I couldn't find a spot for my car.

This place Has the best tortas in town hands down probably in the state in fact, absolute fire all around service and all

Was in Ottomwa for a day and stopping by Tortaco did not disappoint. I had a huarache but my friends had a torta and it was huge! Also there is one called the mother of the tortas or something like it which I’m guessing is bigger. But I saw another customer sorprised cause the burrito he order was mega huge and he looked happy

If you have never been here, you are really missing out! Al Pastor Torta was so delicious I literally got chills! And went back next day for lunch. This is NOT your cookie cutter Mexican food.

My life has not been the same since having this amazing restaurant torta like I think about it daily and I do love out of town so imagine the agony that I feel when I want this sandwich

Absolutely delicious. Best I've had in iowa period. Al pastor is yummy. Burrito is big enough to be 3 meals. Customer service is 100% top notch. I hobbled in today after working my usual 10 hour shift barely able to hobble. Didn't wanna cook just wanted to sit and put my feet up. The gentleman at the register took my order and told me I could have a seat in my vehicle and they would bring it to me. As he saw the amount of pain I was in. He didn't have to but I greatly appreciate it and went and to my truck. They brought my food to me I thanked them again and went home. Thank for the amazing service and delicious food. 😋

Absolutely the biggest & best burritos I've ever had in my life. I'm in love😍🤣. Good luck finishing one of their mouth watering burritos in one sitting. 😋 🤣 I didn't eat all day knowing I was going there today and I still couldn't finish it... almost though. I'll get it next time 🤥

I have been to several name brand restaurants that hawk their Cuban sandwich across the nation. This hole in the wall restaurant beats all of them. The complexity of rich flavors and handmade/homemade marinated meats along with habanero infused onions with fresh choices of salsa verde and salsa chipotle add an extra level to the already heavenly pairing meats with a french style of bread. You can tell its all handmade by watching them prepare your dish with fresh herbs/spices.

Don't forget their delicious horchata which comes not from a soda dispenser but from a refrigerated pot chilled to perfection in a chest refrigerator showing a single batch brewed recipe.

Serving sizes are large so expect to be full for 6 hours afterwards after eating one of these masterpieces.

I can't wait to go back and try one of their other sandwiches or burritos.

Got the al pastor tacos with side or rice and beans. The Salsa you get with the Tacos has an amazing kick and flavorful. It won't make you sweat. But if you don't do well with anything but mild Salsa it might be too much. I wish there was a little more pineapple with the meat just to give it a bit more of the sweet to the spicy but it was soooo good. Beans and rice are typical sides and flavor.

I really enjoy the true to life Mexican Cuisine. The owners' and employees are some of the best down to earth folks, who can tailor anything to your personal liking.

Cozy restaurant with the best food I've ever had in Iowa! Wow

Best Cuban sandwich ever! Oozing with delicious flavors! Will definitely go back!

Food was amazing! The server Ester was wonderful! Let's give the girly a raise!

This is the best place in town for Mexican food. The service is amazing & those pickled onions are to die for. I eat here at least once a week

Best tacos in iowa

This is the best food I've had in years
Soooooo good 💯

Good food

Good food and good staff

The best 👌