Looking to satisfy a Mexican food craving, a few friends and I took a drive to La Cabana, the chorizo and salsa oasis west of Grinnell. As we walked in, I knew it would be all I had hoped for and more. The atmosphere was certainly welcoming. While the walls were brightly decorated with more primary colors than I have ever seen in one place, I was more fixed upon the staff harassing a birthday girl in an enormous sombrero. Is there any restaurant that does not have an embarassing birthday tradition?

The menu was as friendly as the staff (if not as embarrassing). You'll find the Mexican restaurant staples like the burrito, enchilada, and the fajita, but also an array of appetizers, from soups and salads to pre-dinner filling dips. (If your stomach is feeling particularly strong that day, try the queso and chorizo dip!)

Vegetarians need not worry--not only does almost every dish on the menu have a veggie and cheese variation, but there is also a separate vegetarian section, with dishes including chile and poblano enchiladas.

After scanning over the endless options, I finally decided upon "El Grande Burrito." To my surprise, "El Grande" was an understatement. The burrito was enormous and enormously satisfying. It certainly fulfilled my grease and guacamole quota, making the meal all the better.

But I warn you; even those with the utmost confidence in their appetite may be unprepared for dishes like El Grande Burrito or the Santa Fe Enchilada. While flan and churros sounded appetizing, the after-Thanksgiving-turkey-coma wasn't quite what I expected.

Naturally curious, we scoped the liquor selection. The bar is stocked with every Mexican beer you can name, a list of tequila-infused drinks, and of course, the margarita. At a whopping 68 oz., their largest battles Casa Margarita's. It may just be the biggest margarita around.

Whether you're looking for a Mexican food kick, a nice atmosphere in which to sit back and have a beer, or just a place to embarrass your birthday buddy, you're in luck. If you have got the 20 minutes of driving time to spare, La Cabana's got it covered.