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15 Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver

Denver’s dining scene has evolved far beyond steakhouses and ski-lodge fare. Today, the Mile High City is a legitimate destination for Mexican cuisine, offering everything from generations-old family recipes to modern, chef-driven interpretations. The city’s proximity to the Southwest and its rich Hispanic heritage have created a culinary landscape where authenticity and innovation thrive side by side. Whether you are looking for a quick taco on your lunch break or a sit-down dinner with handcrafted margaritas, the options are seemingly endless.

What makes Denver’s Mexican food scene so special is its diversity. You can find the deep, complex moles of Oaxaca, the seafood-centric dishes of Baja, and the hearty, chile-smothered plates that define Colorado’s own unique style. Many of the best spots are family-owned, with recipes passed down through generations and tortillas pressed by hand every morning. Others are pushing boundaries, combining local ingredients like Colorado lamb or Palisade peaches with traditional techniques to create something entirely new.

For locals, Mexican food is not just a meal; it is a staple of the weekly routine. The debate over who has the best green chile in town is a serious, never-ending conversation. That famous green chile—a pork-based, slightly spicy stew—is the unofficial state dish and a point of pride for every restaurant that serves it. It is often used as a measuring stick for quality, smothered over burritos, rellenos, and even breakfast plates.

Visitors often arrive with a specific craving for tacos, but quickly discover the depth of the menu at a great Denver Mexican restaurant. From sizzling fajitas and tableside guacamole to late-night al pastor sliced off a vertical spit, the experience goes far beyond fast-casual expectations. The atmosphere matters too, ranging from colorful, family-friendly dining rooms to sleek, dimly lit cantinas perfect for a date night.

In this guide, we have curated a list of the fifteen best Mexican restaurants in Denver to help you navigate the city’s crowded culinary map. We considered quality of ingredients, authenticity of technique, atmosphere, and consistency of service to create a list that represents the very best the city has to offer. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident looking to expand your rotation, this list has something for every palate.

From the bustling streets of the Santa Fe Art District to the trendy corners of LoHi and RiNo, great Mexican food is never far away. These restaurants represent the heart and soul of Denver’s culinary identity, offering warm hospitality and unforgettable flavors. Use this guide to plan your next meal and discover why Denver is quickly becoming one of the country’s best cities for Mexican cuisine.

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

Address1294 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone(303) 778-1294
David Bruce★★★★★
We enjoyed everything. Service was very prompt. We ordered too much food for the two of us. We started with their salsa and guac. Both were great but the salsa was the standout if choosing just one. I got the enchilada plate…one cheese, one carnitas and one chicken with their verde and mole sauces. My wife got the chicken Adelitas Mole which was also quite good.
C S★★★★★
First time visiting this place from Salinas ca where the food is fantastic. This was the first authentic experience I have had when visiting the area away from home. The service was outstanding and so was the food! We ordered the salsa flight, guac, mix and match tacos with asada, pollo and carnitas but the highlight was the asada sopes! Handmade sopes were refreshing and delicious! The asada was so flavorful and tender. This was def my favorite dish! I would love to come back to try the breakfast menu. Our server was Marlin who was fantastic. She was kind and helpful. The manager was welcoming and very helpful and kind. We will definitely be back!
Sara Ancira★★★★★
We took a chance without knowing anything about this place. We both had the carne asada dinner w/shrimp. It was delicious and authentic. We loved the fresh tortillas as well. Denisse sat us quickly, took our orders promptly, and served our meal extremely fast. She was great!
Ruby P★★★★★
Absolutely AMAZING food oh my gosh I was genuinely blown away. I sat at the bar and was taken well care of by Macy and Sebastian and made sure to grab some chipotle cream cheese enchiladas. I will 💯 be coming back and here and telling everyone I know about this spot 🤤
James C★★★★★
This was our first visit to Adelitas, and it definitely won't be our last. Rachel was fantastic, she took the time to walk us through the menu and let us try a few of the house sauces, which made choosing a lot easier. We ended up ordering the enchiladas and the chicken mole, and both were excellent. The chicken was incredibly tender, and everything was full of flavor. The house margaritas were refreshing and paired perfectly with the meal. Even though the restaurant was busy, the service was attentive and our food came out very quickly. Just an overall awesome experience!

Encanto Cocina & Cantina

Encanto Cocina & Cantina

Address2124 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone(303) 993-3085
Alexia Quintana★★★★★
Encanto absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the service was incredible and everyone made us feel so welcomed. The food was AMAZING, but what really stood out was how attentive and thoughtful the staff was throughout our entire experience. We were also celebrating a birthday, and they went above and beyond to help us make it special! 🎂✨ A huge thank you to the manager, Daniel, for making sure we received nothing but the best service and for making our celebration so memorable. You can truly tell when a restaurant cares about their guests, and Encanto definitely does. We had such an amazing experience and will 100% be coming back! ❤️ Highly recommend!
Alondra T.★★★★★
We came in for lunch a little after noon. We sat at the bar because they had 2 big reservations come in and it would be faster. Eder was our bartender/server. He was very attentive, friendly and on top of what we needed. The food was great. I got the Encanto and my friend did too. Mine with charro beans and guac, hers with steamed veggies and a salad. Everything was delicious, the salsas we got afterwards were flavorful but not spicy. We got a the sunny afternoon and venom punch drinks, both were really yummy! Music was fun and atmosphere as well. They opened the windows out to the street so the view was great.
Suze Collins★★★★★
Well done! Great service, excellent food and fun atmosphere. We sat outside and really enjoyed the awesome weather. The food was perfection! Well flavored, hot and fresh. Every bite was special and we are thinking of a return visit in the newer future. A must try!
Casey Elliott★★★☆☆
Bar/Restaurant Mash-Up It has the vibes of a bar but you can sit (if you made food reservations) so it's kind of nice in that way. You will have fun here, BUT, you should know 👇 - NO SEPERATE CHECKS FOR LARGE PARTIES, so be prepared to have that figured out before you go because trying to do it there is hectic. - TABLE SERVICE IS SLOW TO KICK OFF - They have some really tasty mocktails that are not on their menu - Tell them about your birthday or occasion or whatever you're there celebrating, they do have a fun performance they do. But be prepared because this place gets packed and you're likely to see 5+ celebrations in a night! General Review: Very high energy but that's par for the spots on Larimer. I loved the energy and the staff was nice, but the service and timing are way off. I don't blame them, it seems like a hard mix to manage with people going in and out bar style and having large parties for food/dining. It took an hour from being seated to get orders in, we didn't get menus and then when we said as much the waitress (who was super sweet) made a "yikes" face and showed us the bar code on the cocktail menu (a singular cocktail menu for a table of ~15) that we could scan as all the menus were in use at the moment. Once orders were actually in things picked up from there, the service was fast and they came around often to refill water and get drinks etc. honestly if they could just bridge that gap of service in the middle somehow then this place would get way higher marks. The food was tasty and the prices were average for the area.
Ysabella Bernaola Mahoney★★★★★
We had Mauricio as our server last night. He was incredible!!! I’ve served for a very long time and I kept communicating how impressed I was with his service to be super honest, transparent, and give really good recommendations as well as a really warm welcoming for our first time there. Beyond that the portions of the food was incredibly large, and so we felt extremely satisfied with the only how good the food tasted, but also the amount given! You had the House margarita which was very good too! Overall, really loved our server and will definitely be coming back again specifically for him!

Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Downtown Denver

Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Downtown Denver

Address1801 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone(303) 433-8300
Alvie★★★☆☆
I had dinner at Savina’s Mexican Kitchen in downtown Denver. The food was very delicious and the service from the staff was good, but the atmosphere felt very flat. They seemed quite short-staffed during our visit, as it took a long time to take our order, bring our drinks, and finally serve the food. Server was very apologetic about the delay bringing food and drinks to the table. It was a completely different experience compared to the past, likely due to the recent name and possible management change. While the whole experience wasn't bad per se, it was definitely underwhelming. It is still a decent spot if you are just chasing great flavors, but the slow pace and quiet vibe left a bit to be desired. Hopefully, they sort out the pacing soon!
Rob Hale★★★☆☆
Perhaps I went to this establishment with too high expectations, but Savina's was a big disappointment. I had been here before when it was Los Lomas and it was a decent experience then. But this visit was a let down. It began at arrival when the seating host could not find our reservation, despite my having confirmed it that afternoon. They did have a table so we were able to get in but the initial challenge at the door was disappointing. They did find the reservation after we were seated. Our waiter was friendly but came across as highly uninterested in his role. He was distant and rushed and we barely saw him throughout the meal. When we did see him he was rushing off to another table or elsewhere. His hurried pace led him to not even ask if we wanted a dessert. He lost that sale and we went to get ice cream down the block at Sundae at 16th & Glenarm. His whole attitude is that we were a bother to him and that he had better places to be which we were in the way of. Leaving we passed a manager at the door who likewise was too busy to even say goodbye or to thank us for coming. On the positive side the food was very good and served in large quantities. Be aware also that the noise level is very loud and it is difficult to have a conversation. There are much better Mexican restaurants in Denver with equal food and better service. As for Savina's I'm glad we tried it but we won't be back. Despite their sign out front much more has changed than just their name. Disappointing.
Christian Cammarota★★★★★
Savina’s has such a beautiful interior—it feels warm, inviting, and makes for a great place to catch up with friends. I met up with an old coworker here, and the atmosphere was perfect for sitting and talking without feeling rushed. I ordered the chile rellenos, and they were absolutely delicious. The staff was also incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I’ll definitely be back!
Moo Moo Munchies★★★★☆
We went here for dinner after flying in and were pretty pleased overall. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere is nice. The service was a little slow but it wasn't that big of a deal because they were busy. They give you free chips and salsa to start with. The chips are good and taste fresh. The salsa is also good but it does have a kick to it. For an appetizer we ordered the guacamole which was good but we felt it should have been a bigger portion considering it was $16. We ended up ordering two because we ate all of the first one pretty quickly. For dinner we got the brisket burrito (made it supreme), the steak fajitas, the fish tacos, and the Texas platter. We also got the sopapillas and the fried ice cream for dessert. The burrito was good, we had it with enchilada sauce which was a bit spicy. The rice was really good though and we are not big fans of beans in general so they were fine. The steak fajitas were very good. The steak was cooked very well, came with a lot of rice and beans and mix ins as well as green chile. There could have been a couple more tortillas but overall it was very good. The texas platter and fish tacos were also very good. The fried ice cream was the better of the two desserts. It was crispy, came in a really good wonton shell with cinnamon and sugar. We really liked it. The sopapillas were also decent. Overall a good experience.
Kelly Ulreich★★★★★
Fantastic experience! The bartender Wes was friendly, attentive, and made excellent drinks. He had a great personality, made everyone feel welcome, and kept things running smoothly even when it got busy. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and it made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be back and hope to be served by Wes again. Highly recommend!

Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita

Address6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone—
Jon★★★★★
Great experience and we'll worth the value if you explore all what is offered. I recommend the premium seating option because we got to skip the standard line for check in and got a great view of the cliff divers. I went with the Betty burrito and it was actually really good and exceeded my expectations. We received our food within 5 minutes of ordering but it was still hot and fresh. Whoever manages operations here really has an efficient and quality process nailed down compared to the volume of people moving through here. DO NOT try and take photos or video of the puppet or magic show, i missed the obvious sign and was quickly informed by staff to put my phone away during the performance. I enjoyed it though, it reminds you to enjoy the entertainment vs documenting it. We finished our dining experience within an hour but easily spent another 2 hours checking out the facility and watch the shows. You really get alot for your money! It is certainly more than just a meal and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything they have to offer. It is worth it! Loved the Southpark Easter eggs sprinkled around the journey.
Diane Lee★★★★☆
I’ve had the good fortune of eating at Casa Bonita since it opened in 1973. It’s such a unique place- like being transported into a tropical Mexican village! We nearly lost this treasure to the pandemic and I’m so grateful to the South Park creators who grew up in nearby Evergreen for spending millions to restore it. Overall they did a great job. Pros: It’s even more beautiful inside and they left its glorious original design. The food is a little better. The divers have warm water now which was so kind 👍🥶😄 Cons: if you don’t plan waaaay ahead it’s very difficult to get a reservation. Yes - it’s by online reservation only - and you must book at least 2 weeks out. After that you’re on a wait list (as I was) and it’s like winning the lottery to get a table. 😁 It’s also very expensive, plan to spend $40 per person + a $12 fee that they say is not a tip. A little confusing. But it was a lot of fun - and the High divers, puppet shows, mariachi ‘s and face painting booths create the atmosphere of indoor amusement park. If you plan ahead and have some extra cash it’s really a one of a kind place !! Making Great memories for over 50 years!
Scouser1965★★★★★
Very unique experience and definitely worth the visit . The combination of the food portions and the after dining experience makes it good value for your money . They want to maximize their budget so food comes out extremely fast and you are nicely told you have an hour at your table but to be fair that was more than enough time. The dive show runs every twenty minutes and although is quickly over it’s still worth seeing. Definitely worth exploring all the different areas and snapping a few pics .
Ben Barringer★★★★★
Eric Cartman was low balling. This place was Wild.. I went with the Betty Burrito. The menu is simple and straight to the point. A 2 sided paper menu with limited items. Everything was delicious. La Fiesta. Had cliff diving and magic shows. A puppet show. A haunted cave. And an arcade. Definitely wasn't disappointed and I highly recommend.. but hey don't take my opinion on this place... get out there and make your own decisions...
Kaitlyn Evans★★★★★
I read all the reviews, saw they only have like 3.9 stars, I've never been but heard all about it, the good and the bad. My bf said its way better since the remodel, In my opinion its worth it for the fun atmosphere and experience. Yes the food is meh, $45 bucks for the meal (chips and salsa, entree, fountain drink, and endless sopapillas-which are the best part) we also got an alcoholic drink, after the gratituity it was about $280 for us 4 adults about what id expect honestly for the atmosphere. Yes youre given an hour to eat but it felt like longer which was nice, never felt rushed, plenty of time to eat, saw at least 4 rounds of the divers. Youre paying for the experience, the divers, the characters that walk around, if you want you can also get a free balloon, see the free silly magician show, the puppet show (adults feel free to skip, kids would enjoy), the cheesy but fun areas to walk around, the cave, the mine the wishing well, 4 bars, at least 2 merch stands, live mariachi, a guitarist, its immersion and just nice for a couple hours with friends. Pay separately for the arcade (which we didn't do) and the "jail photo booth" which we did do, $16.10 per photo.

Xiquita Restaurant and Bar - Denver, CO

Xiquita Restaurant and Bar - Denver, CO

Address500 E 19th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone(720) 287-2701
Gus Chavez Jr★★★★★
This restaurant was an experience. Being Mexican this has to be one of the best uniquely Mexican I've had in Denver. My absolute favorite was the Tacos de Pato (Duck Taco) it was duck carnitas and like any other. The drinks top notch. The sopes, huaraches, and the tamal tasted legendary. Top notch server Tino was amazing in his explanation of the menu. This place is a must if you are looking for a great experience in Mexican Culinary.
Gretchen TeBockhorst★★★★★
I made a reservation at Xiquita after reading a thoughtful Instagram post from the owner that made me want to support immediately...and I’m so glad I did. I’d also heard from people in the industry that it was incredible, and they were not wrong. The service was attentive, thoughtful, and just seamless. And the food… so good. The tuna ceviche with leche de coco, habanero, onion, and herbs was insanely fresh, bright, a little spicy, perfectly balanced, and even better piled onto the tostadas. And the sopes? A standout. The masa with beef cheek suadero, pico verde, and salsa pasilla was rich, flavorful, and one of those dishes you keep talking about after you leave. And the carrots!! I never thought I could love a carrot that much. So. Darn. Tasty. You can tell this place was built with intention. Already planning my next visit.
Caroline Kupko★★★★★
Had an absolutely lovely dinner here! Food was fantastic - every single dish was packed with flavor. Service was excellent! I loved Alma Fonda Fina, but I really thought the food here was better. The mussels were so amazing that I definitely would have drank that broth had I not been in public. Will be back again! ** also great for food allergies. My partner can't have gluten or cow dairy, and neither were an issue here!
James Gallagher★★★★★
Truly outstanding food in a gorgeous space. The service is top tier. You can even watch the tortillas being made! It’s hard to recommend just one dish, but the beef cheek sopes were one that I cannot stop thinking about. So rich and flavorful! Do yourself a favor and go grab dinner here (they also have a killer happy hour).
Paul Falk★★★★★
Phenomenal service and food. Cuisine is upscale and delicious. Happy hour menu contains great tacos and there's something for everyone. Great selection of tequila and mezcal. Check this place out when you can!

D'Corazon Mexican Restaurant

D'Corazon Mexican Restaurant

Address1530 Blake St Unit c, Denver, CO 80202
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone(720) 904-8226
Keri Strusz★★★★★
We were visiting Downtown Denver from the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area & came across D’Corazon. We had a great visit and cannot wait to come back! Eddie the owner was so personable and took care of customers. The staff was attentive and the food and drinks were amazing! We had the carnitas and the #5 combo — the chile relleno was sooo good! We cannot wait to recommend to people traveling to the Denver area.
Dan Campbell★★★★☆
Visited D'Corazon yesterday for happy hour. Chips (while a bit overcooked) , quac and salsa, all had unique fresh flavors. Enjoyed both versions of the "Eddie" margs as well as a delicious crispy chili relleno with flavorful rice on the side. Place was packed when we left. Lots of Nugget pre-gamers. We will definitely go back!
Conner★★★★★
Came here for dinner. Got the enchiladas and an order of guac. Both were fantastic and very well priced. Wait staff was fast and attentive despite the restaurant being packed. Will definitely be returning.
Sijo Kodiyan★★★★★
We had an outstanding dining experience here! We ordered the Chicken Mole, Steak Fajitas, and Carnitas Adobada — each dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully prepared. To drink, we tried the Spicy Margarita, which delivered a bold kick while still balancing perfectly with the citrus and tequila — a refreshing yet adventurous choice. The meal started with hot, homemade chips and a fantastic salsa, quickly followed by cocktails and the most unique chicharrones we’ve ever had — meaty, rustic, and irresistibly seasoned.
Michaelangelo★★★★★
Outstanding! The food, drinks, service and the vibe were all excellent! It’s not fancy, stuffy, reserved or ostentatious; actually it was packed with regular folks casually dressed, smiling, laughing and having a great time! They brought us hot homemade chips with an excellent homemade salsa to start and were quick with cocktails. Then the chicharrones, which were different than I’d had before, really meaty, rustic; tossed with masa and seasonings (I think that’s what they did) and fried, YUM! I had the best mole I’ve ever tasted and my wife loved her carne adobada. The beans and rice were also excellent, a good item to compare from restaurant to restaurant for the cook’s skill and attention to detail. Only one problem, it’s downtown in the middle of never ending construction, but that’s not the restaurant’s fault. This will be our go to place when downtown.

Mezcaleria Alma

Mezcaleria Alma

Address2550 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Phone(303) 484-1471
Bronwyn★★★★★
To say this place is amazing is putting it lightly. We'd worked through a stack of Denver's highest-rated restaurants and kept walking out underwhelmed. Good vibes, big plates, forgettable cooking. Mezcaleria Alma is the correction. Outstanding from the first bite to the last, and easily the most unforgettable meal we've had in Colorado. Start with the pescadilla de "marlin." It's a blue corn turnover stuffed with applewood-smoked tuna and queso asadero, it costs sixteen dollars, and it was better than anything else on the table. The burrata con huitlacoche is the sleeper: huitlacoche succotash, heirloom tomatoes, salsa verde, candied pepitas, earthy and sweet and sharp all at once. Exceptional. And the crudo de kanpachi is a stunner, thin slices of raw amberjack in a pool of sweet corn aguachile with charred avocado, roasted corn and dill. It arrives looking like a bowl of soup and eats like the best thing on the menu. Absolutely sublime. Those three were my favorites, and they were also the three cheapest things we ordered. That tells you something about this kitchen. The care is everywhere on the menu, not just in the expensive corners. The tostada de toro earns every bit of its reputation. Pork belly and short rib were both superb, though one practical note: the short rib is rich and substantial, so order it early rather than last. I was too full to do it justice by the time it arrived. Small plates, remarkable precision, a point of view behind every single dish. Service was warm and genuinely attentive. Pace yourself, sit at the counter if you can, and don't miss this place. If you’ve been disappointed by Denver’s most-reviewed restaurants, this is the one that puts all the others to shame. No exaggeration. If you don’t go to this restaurant, you’re missing out.
Aurie★★★☆☆
If I could give 3 1/2 stars I would. First impressions were that it was a cute spot, the staff were nice but not overly friendly. The drinks were fantastic, the Colada was superb! Most of the food however was just ok. I'll start with the highlight of my dinner which was the Crudo de Kanpachi the roasted corn was such a lovely accompaniment to the dish it was a well balanced, fresh and flavorful dish. Now to my woes, I had been looking forward to the most talked about dish the Tostada de Toro but I felt like the spicy oil on top overpowered the dish and I really wanted the fatty tuna to shine more. The Flautas de Pollo were flat and underwhelming, the best part of the dish were the pickled onions, but it wasn't enough to save the dish. The Costillal de Res was under seasoned and underwhelming, the fresh tortillas were lovely though. I really had high expectations that weren't fully met but over all I don't regret trying Mezcaleria Alma it was still a nice experience for the mezcal and drinks!
Seth Fritts★★★★★
Mezcaleria Alma is absolutely AMAZING!! Tonight my beautiful wife and I came here for date night and Chef Jorge totally showed us the love!! Every plate we tried was beautiful and tasted absolutely delicious! I can totally understand why this place made the NYT top restaurants in the US list. The service is phenomenal, the food is phenomenal and the final bill was totally reasonable. Go here if you want a beautiful dining experience with someone special! ❤️
Angela Stone★★★★★
We had a chefs table experience and it was amazing. Everything we ate was delicious. The cocktails and mezcal and wine were equally delicious. Would definitely go back here again.
Elizabeth Van Loan★★★★★
Coming to Mezcaleria Alma was an incredible experience. It is an old building that was renovated. The walls were well decorated. There was music, but we could still talk. The wait staff were knowledgeable and attentive. The food was amazing. We ordered 5 dishes and a dessert, all of which were delicious. The ingredients were fresh and the food pairing was perfect. The mole was so unique and the best mole I ever had. I recommend the arroz a la tumbana, and the flautas, the carne apache, but you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.

Alteño

Alteño

Address249 Clayton St, Denver, CO 80206
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 3:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Phone(303) 532-4999
Mark W★★★★★
A really creative restaurant. Very well done Mexican food, very attentive service. A worthwhile experience. The ribeye taco was exceptional, definitely try that. The chicken and fries is not really Mexican, but definitely worth including. The tuna tartar paired with oyster is very well done. An eclectic menu and restaurant, definitely worth a try.
Maria Escalante-Kleinsmith★★★★★
Alteño — Magnificent Flavors, Beautiful Intention, and Top‑Notch Service Alteño delivered an unforgettable dining experience. The food was magnificent — so good we couldn’t help but try several dishes, and every single one had its own personality and story. The aguachile was one of my favorites, bright and bold with that perfect kick. The gringa was incredibly good, and the queso fundido was rich and comforting — those mushrooms were so yummy. It comes with escabeche and a pasilla salsita to die for… truly, I could eat that salsa with a spoon. The enmolada and the Brie dish were in perfect harmony, a beautiful balance of flavors that felt intentional and thoughtful. And the drinks? The avocado margarita was so good — creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious. Of course, there’s always room for dessert. Tres leches for the win. Service was amazing, truly top‑notch. You can feel the love and history behind every dish, and our waitress made the experience even better by sharing the stories and inspiration behind the restaurant and its recipes. That intention shines through in every bite. A place full of heart, heritage, and unforgettable flavors.
Montserrat Ortega★★★★★
Alteño has become one of our favorite spots in Cherry Creek, and for good reason, every single visit feels special. The hospitality is consistently top-tier, but the sommelier (Justin) truly set this place apart. They’re warm, approachable, and genuinely knowledgeable , the kind of people who make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first time. The appetizers are the star of the menu for us. Every single one we’ve tried has been outstanding, beautifully crafted and full of flavor. If you haven’t been, go. If you have, you already know.
Aundya Azarbarzin★★★★★
After months and months of trying to get a reservation, I finally made it to @altenodenver 🇲🇽 Compared to its sister restaurants, Alteño is inspired by the Jalisco Highlands but with some of the favorite dishes you’ll find at the Alma restaurants. Our favorite was definitely the Carne Asada and the Pan de Elote. Definitely recommend their Avocado Margarita too! What i ordered: 🍹 Avocado Margarita and Hibiscus Margarita 🐟 Aguachile De Hamachi (Cucumber Habanero Broth / Salsa Seca / Avocado Puree) 🐠 Kanpachi Tostada (Baja Kanpachi / Santa Barbara Uni / Avocado / Salsa De Chiles Seco) 🌽 Pan De Elote (Jalapeno Cornbread / Huitlacoche Butter / Smoked Honey / Black Truffle) 🦀🍄‍🟫 Stuffed Mushroom (Portobello Mushroom / Blue Crab / Hoja Santa Remoulade / Lemon) 🐷 Gringa Al Pastor (Heritage Pork / Charred Pineapple / Salsa Guacachile / Queso Oaxaca) 🥩 Carne Asada (Prime Ribeye / Mexican Rice / Huitlacoche Butter / Frijoles Puercos)
Nate Block★★★★★
We showed up early and grab seats at the bar. I had a avocado Margarita and it was amazing. Once we got seated we found out it was a shareable menu so we picked some of our favorites off the menu. Our waiter even though I can't remember his name he pointed Us in the right direction and his timing was impeccable!

La Loma

La Loma

Address1601 19th St Ste 180, Denver, CO 80202
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 9:00 PM
Phone(303) 656-2080
Lisa Rodriguez★★★★★
Went to La Loma to celebrate my son’s birthday and it was an incredible experience. The food is full of flavors. The chips and tortillas are so fresh. Will definitely be back here again. We ordered the chile rellenos appetizer which was so tasty and it came with a side of green chile for dipping, carne guisada, enchiladas, chicken tortilla soup and as a dessert the fried ice cream. My kids ate ALL their food and I didn’t hear one complaint from them!
Michael Tafoya★★★★★
This is a very cool downtown Denver upscale vibe. It is immediately across the street from the Coors Field where the Rockies are going to kill the dodgers tonight. You can't miss out you've got to have the stuffed sopapillas with whatever meat you like best.
Eric Vaughn★★★★★
The bartender staff were incredibly welcoming when I stopped in on 12/7 for a late dinner. The woman working gave me great suggestions on food and drinks while the gentleman was attentive and ensured I had everything I needed. The Paloma was superb and the brisket burrito was delicious and the green sauce was amazing. Great experience at the recommendation from the hotel and hope to come back on future trips to Denver.
AnnG★★★★★
Great service, nice atmosphere. Despite being a very large restaurant it is pleasant quiet enough to be able to have a conversation. Try one of the seasonal drinks!
Brandon★★★★★
I stopped by the McGregor Square location right before the dinner rush and the atmosphere, staff, and food were all elite. It was my first time and definitely worth the hype. I had the Anniversary Plate - sopapilla, flauta, and chile relleno smothered in green chili. Classic dish, but one of the best I’ve ever had. Every interaction with someone on their team was friendly and knowledgeable. Go here, you won’t be disappointed.

Mila's Cantina

Mila's Cantina

Address730 E 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone(720) 749-5348
Dominic Sagers★★★★★
Delicious food, drinks, and atmosphere. So far one of my favorite taco joints in Denver. My favorite dish so far is their Biria Tacos. Their margheritas are also very nice. Be sure to try their happy hour, it's a pretty great deal. Their service is also top notch.
Hannah Gagnepain★★★★★
Had such a lovely experience coming here with my friend. We made it just in time for happy hour, and was welcomed with such a warm environment. Mila and Simon were such a great chat, they really made sure everyone in the place were well taken care of. We had micheladas which were devoured in their entirety. I got birria tacos, and some of the best ones I've had. Since moving to Denver I definitely have found a staple, and to hear they have karaoke on Thursdays completely sold the deal.
Natalie Kayton★★★★★
Great experience here!! Have been meaning to try - went with a group of 10 and they were able to sit us no problem. Margs were the BIG old school style and tasted delicious - highly recommend the HIBISCUS MARGARITA !! So yum. Perfect place to go before a night out at Don’s 💃 Went again with group of 8 and was excellent again. Great friendly service who split the bill in couples / singles no problem. Food all was super good and fresh. Yummy Mexican food in Denver with great margaritas
chung nguyen★★★★★
Go to denver periodically for work. When I come I do come in I have to make sure I check in here. Good food, great energy, service is the best. I come to pre drink and venture off to bars down the street then come back to eat. Would highly recommend to any one for your full Mexican indoor and outdoor (depending on how the weather is) experience.
Eric Yeeger★★★☆☆
A solid little spot for some tacos - tasted great but paid way too much for a 2 meals + 2 drinks ($80 with tip!). I like the spot but I have had better for half the price. Good in a pinch though!

Alma Fonda Fina

Alma Fonda Fina

Address2556 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
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WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 2:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM
Phone(303) 455-9463
Klara Sun★★★★★
Snagged a happy hour spot last minute (presumably due to a cancellation). Everything was superb- the cocktails, food, and service were all excellent. Standout dishes included the roasted sweet potato and scallops. The tapas style is great for sharing and surprisingly affordable, considering the high level of service and quality. Definitely a culinary gem in Denver!
Bruce Chang★★★★★
Walking into Alma Fonda Fina solo on a Monday night around 8:00 PM turned out to be an ideal move. Without a reservation, I was seated immediately on their patio, setting the stage for what ended up being an outstanding meal. The service throughout the evening was top-tier—attentive, sharp, and perfectly paced without feeling rushed. While the wine selection is somewhat modest, it covers the basics well enough to find a solid pairing for the food. The menu leans heavily into thoughtful, bold flavors, and every dish I tried hit the mark. Here is a breakdown of the meal: Tostada De Hamachi (Standout Dish): This was easily the highlight of the night. The combination of fresh Japanese hamachi, rich sikil pak, a kick of habanero mayonnaise, and bright naval oranges was absolute perfection. The balance of acidity, creaminess, and fresh fish was flawless. Callo De Hacha Al Horno: Baked Fall River scallops served with a bright serrano ponzu, rich tomato butter, and chives. The delicate sweetness of the scallops held up remarkably well against the savory richness of the tomato butter and the sharp punch of the ponzu. Ceviche De Atun: High-quality bluefin tuna paired with charred avocado, spicy salsa macha, coconut broth, and chive oil. The coconut broth added a velvety, aromatic contrast to the deep, smoky heat of the salsa macha. Pancita Pibil: Rich, succulent heritage pork belly prepared Yucatan style, served over a smooth black bean puree and topped with sharp red pickled onions. A deeply satisfying, hearty end to the lineup that brought a great balance of fat, acid, and earthiness. Alma Fonda Fina is firing on all cylinders. Between the seamless hospitality, the comfortable patio ambiance, and high-impact dishes like the hamachi tostada, it easily earns a glowing recommendation.
Scout hope★★★★★
Oh my wowza!!! Alma Fonda fina did not disappoint. WARNING: If you don't like spicy food, this is probably not the spot. I however, love spicy food. My partners’ birthday was in a week and we got a spontaneous reservation next day to go! We said, heck why not and went. We did have to wait 20mins for our table after our reservation time, but service recovery was an instant fix as when we were sat, the host said “First round of drinks or apps on me, apologies for the wait.” Instantly, no hesitation or deliberation. Just a focus on preserving the guest experience. As a restaurant manager myself, astounding! The food did not disappoint either, in fact it was phenomenal. The sweet potato was one of the best bites! The scallop, so good! They know their way around fish!!! The bean burrito was the only dish we ordered that I would pass on going forward. If you were considering it, go! Our server was really knowledgable, worked around difficult allergens, tossed in recommendations, and even encouraged us to check out Mezcaleria Alma. We’ll be back!
Kylie Castleberry★★★★★
Alma Fonda Fina is one of those places where everything just works. Mike was amazing—kind, knowledgeable, and made the whole night feel intentional from start to finish. Carne apache, camote asado, frijoles puercos—all incredible. The ceviche de atún was fresh and perfectly balanced. Then the birria de borrego… best thing I’ve ever had. No question. And somehow the bartenders are cooking at the bar—making food, running drinks, taking tables—and doing it effortlessly. Not chaotic, just completely dialed. Finished with emoladas de pollo and left genuinely impressed.
Isabel Vera★★★★★
Where do I begin. Originally scheduled a reservation for Saturday and accidentally showed up Friday night. Still they accommodated us. Lane was a rockstar from the moment we sat down. Lane kept us informed about the menu and had a light professional banter about him. The food was amazing but we already know that. This shoutout is truly for the staff! Amazing experience, amazing atmosphere, great attitudes and most importantly good vibes! Great experience and will definitely be back soon.

Otra Vez Cantina

Otra Vez Cantina

Address610 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
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WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone(720) 597-7800
Bianca Vasquez★★★★★
We had a wonderful dinner at Otra Vez Cantina! The food was delicious and had a few vegetarian options. The drinks were great and tasty! The service was okay and felt the waiter needed more training on the menu. They forgot a mole enchilada on my husband’s Tampiqueña dish. He brought out the mole enchilada dish and charged us $20. We had to track down the manager to get this fixed. Overall, it had great food and drinks and is open late!
Jill Sueoka★★★★☆
Fun place! Very colorful, festive, lots going on. Great murals and lighting, big TVs, so many types of tequila! Service was friendly and efficient if a bit slow on a Sunday night (not too busy). I had a traditional margarita that was very good, chips and salsa (fresh!), and 3 different tacos ... Carnitas, shrimp, and mahi mahi. All flavorful and delicious and the prices were reasonable. A great place to go if you are in the area and want some tasty Mexican food 😊
Stephanie Ellis★★★★☆
First time here and it was really good! We went here for lunch while downtown for a training class. Really cool place, decor was awesome! The service was good the first day, but it was really slow when we visited the second day. But the bartenders were really nice and the rest of the staff was very friendly! Tacos were amazing! They have a good selection of drinks including beer and non-alcoholic options too. They also do To Go orders if you're on the run. Overall, I'm happy we ate here for lunch! It was good enough to come back for lunch the second day, so I recommend checking it out if you're in the area! They have a great location because you can sit outside and not get baked by the sun!
Arthur Davison★★★★★
The food was absolutely delicious! I ordered the guac with chicharrones. They had the inside was perfectly fall apart soft with an ultra light crispy skin layer. The queso had an amazing string pull to it and was the perfect real cheese texture. I got the churro’s for dessert. They had an amazing light crunch on the outside and soft warm inside with home made caramel that melts in your mouth and delicious home made whipped cream! My server Juan was extremely knowledgeable, and one of the nicest people I have met. He explained exactly how things were cooked and was very detailed on how the experience would be with each plate!
Carolina Zuniga★★★★★
We visited here during their soft opening on 3/14/26. We had a wonderful time dining here. I ordered the fajitas, and my partner ordered the Al pastor burrito. I especially liked how the cheese was freshly shredded and the fried onions were very good. I was worried the shrimp would be spicy but it wasn’t and was flavorful and cooked perfectly. The portion sizes were good, the food was yummy, and all the servers, hosts, and staff were very friendly and attentive. My only gripe was that was our table, which was close to the back of the first floor, was dark since we didn’t have a little light overhead. We loved it here! We will be back and recommend it

Qué Rico Mexican Restaurant

Qué Rico Mexican Restaurant

Address500 16th St Mall #184c, Denver, CO 80202
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Phone(720) 536-5852
Joshua Hudgeons★★★★★
This place looked interesting as I was walking around to find a lunch spot, so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did! The chips and salsa were fresh and tasty, although the salsa had zero heat. The birria ramen was huge and had a ton of meat! The flavor and temperature was perfect. My server was super friendly and let me practice my Spanish. 10/10!
Andrew Bertoli★★★★★
Was just walking around Denver during a road trip and cam across this incredible place. The atmosphere was great with good air-conditioning, calm atmosphere, and staff that invites you in with a smile during any hour. The food was amazing and the quesabirria, which is what I ordered is out of this world (I started eating it before taking a photo). Definitely reccomend as a place for one or a whole family.
Uchizi Phakati★★★★★
Hands down the best tacos in town. From the very first bite, we knew we had found something special. The tortillas were perfectly warm and soft, the fillings were incredibly flavorful, and every ingredient tasted fresh and authentic. Each taco was packed with bold, well-balanced flavors that kept us going back for more. The drinks were just as impressive, nice and refreshing, and the perfect complement to the meal. Whether you’re craving classic favorites or something a little more adventurous, this place absolutely delivers. If you love amazing tacos and great drinks, do yourself a favor and check this spot out. We’ll definitely be back! 🌮🍹
kimberly dominguez★★☆☆☆
My second time coming here & it was disappointing. The flautas I got were extremely oily, u cant see from the picture but a big puddle of oil was left over after eating them. I had to let them drip the oil out & pat the oil off with a napkin. It seems the flautas went straight from frying to the plate without letting them drip oil off first. This is not how flautas should be served. The beans, salsa, and rice were delicious though. My brother enjoyed his burger and fries. The agua fresca was a bit too sweet I had asked for seating outside because the day was great for eating outdoors, but my waitress seemed to keep forgetting to check on us. There were no other customers sitting outside, and inside i saw about 3 people in 2 different tables. We got seated, waited about 10 minutes before ordering drinks. When the drinks came, we werent ready to order but then had to wait another 10mins before she came back to finally grab our order. I dont understand what took so long with a nearly empty restaurant. Finally, the churros on the menu were promoted with sauces and ice cream at no extra cost, the picture showed the churros with all items. I asked for an order to go just to find out they didnt give me the ice cream. $14 for churros and they did not give me what was promoted on their own menu. I hope this is a rare occurrence I was very disappointed this time around.
Mr. 702★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I tried the menudo and it was 🔥🔥🔥. The before pic shows a rich, red broth with big chunks of meat served with fresh lime, and onions... looks amazing!! The after pic shows the bowl empty, meaning I scarfed it all down!! AWESOME FLAVOR!! Great toppings, and super satisfying!! Definitely coming back for more of this tasty menudo. Now I know why their name is Que Rico!!

Wapos Cantina

Wapos Cantina

Address215 E 7th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Phone(303) 856-7145
Emily G★★★★★
Craving Mexican? Look no further. This local gem does not disappoint. Fantastic flavor, delightful service and a convenient, walkable location. Highly recommend the naked chili relleno, chicken enchiladas, and hard shell tacos. Margaritas are also delicious. Great value for the quality and quantity of food.
Moke Water Raven★★★★★
Great place to get real food, delicious margaritas and filtered water was a huge plus. Nachos and Enchiladas chile Verde had perfect level of spiciness! Salsa is tasty too.
Shawntee Cantu★★★★★
I got the enchiladas Jalisco con carnitas. As someone from New Mexico and who really only eats Mexican and New Mexican food, it was genuinely some of the best I’ve ever had. Nice and spicy, just how I like it! Great server as well and nice, mellow atmosphere.
Shelbi Lewis★★★★★
You can’t beat the service. Big group given patience and a lot of laughs. Owners were so sweet in giving us options and laughing with us as we had a great time ordering the pitcher margarita. Always found a way to answer questions for gluten-free friend and super welcoming. Food was so good that we ordered more to go. Thanks for the good vibes and great time at a new place!
Kate Windheuser★★★☆☆
Went for lunch today to check this place out. I was pleased to get free chips and salsa immediately upon sitting down, and the salsa was pretty good with a nice kick to it. Service was quick and polite. Unfortunately, those were the only pluses. I ordered a beef chimichanga with red chili, and paid the extra for sour cream and guac (I will say, $4.50 extra to add those is highway robbery). It came with rice and refried beans. I wanted to like it, and the flavors could have been great, but everything was wildly oversalted and pretty close to inedibly so. I feel like all the people raving about this place should just get themselves a salt lick. As for drinks, $8 for a bottled negra Modelo is a little out of hand. Honestly, it could be pretty good if they cranked the salt content down by about 8 notches - there's flavors but they just got totally overwhelmed. Also, it's not a terribly comfortable place. I would not want to hang out here for more than one drink and my meal. It was like that when it was Wild Taco too, so I don't think that's really their fault. Overall, Wapos is mid at best. Too bad, because the area needs some decent Mexican food. This just unfortunately is not it at the moment.

Mamacitas

Mamacitas

Address924 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
MapsClick here
WebsiteClick here
Opening HoursMonday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone(303) 955-1091
David Choi★★★★★
This place is awesome! I happened to hear about this place from a foodie group and when checking it out on Yelp, it was clear that many people agreed that the California burrito here is one of the best in Colorado. As a burrito mega fan, I had to check it out and geez am I ecstatic I did! The food took a while to come out and I couldn’t be happier about it. They are clearly proud of making everything from scratch. I walked back to the bathroom and passed the kitchen which was wide open for everyone to see (a huge plus for me when I go to a restaurant), and it was clear that everything was being made to order. The burrito tasted so fresh and everything in there just worked well together. The tortilla was nicely crisped, the meat was delicious, there was just the right amount of guac, cheese, and everything else. It was awesome! The salsa bar also had great some great salsa. I was a fan of the red salsa. The price is reasonable at $15.99 as well. It is well worth it! I can’t wait to get my California burrito fix again at Mamacita’s. Maybe next time I’ll try the Hot Cheetos Burrito!
Jovan M.★★★★★
I love the food here. It is always top notch and the burritos are incredible. The service is always ecellent and the food is made to order. I really recommend the California Burrito if you are looking for an incredible meal. Get it with the Asada. The only complain I have is the music is always too loud. It could be a cultural thing but I do like a little quieter environment when I eat because I like to listen to my airpods. But otherwise this place is one of Denver's hidden gems.
Nicole Naddy★★★★★
Stopped in with my fiancé for lunch and had the best experience, can’t wait to go back. Service was excellent - it’s an order up front then sit situation but they checked in on us frequently while dining. Food was amazing! One of the best, if not the best, burrito I’ve had in Denver. Chips were fresh and there were lots of complimentary fresh salsas to choose from. Drinks were affordable, had a delicious michelada for 8. Ambiance was nice for a take out / taqueria style joint. They’ve really modernized the space and added lots of decor so it’s a nice spot to dine in. Looking forward to going back and trying their other menu options. It’s clearly a family owned shop run with pride and love. Happy to have stumbled upon it.
Angel Rodriguez (Manny)★★★★★
This place was really good! The food tasted fresh and authentic. We ordered 3 tortas — 1 Enchorizada and 2 Del Rancho — plus 4 tacos al pastor, and everything was delicious. 🌮🔥 I really recommend this spot if you’re looking for good Mexican food. The restaurant is small, but very clean, comfortable, and not too loud, which made the experience even better. Definitely coming back!
Avni Patel★★★★★
Mamacita's chipotle chicken burrito is my favorite in Denver. They grill the burritos, sneak a roasted jalapeño with cheese into every order, and have an excellent salsa bar. Service was fast and friendly. Wish we got more food. Next time. Edited on 7/21: I went back again and it was even better than I remembered and I remembered it as being really, really good. I would eat this every week.

Tips for Choosing the Best Mexican Food in Denver

With so many incredible options available, deciding where to eat can be overwhelming. A little bit of research and an adventurous spirit can go a long way in ensuring you have a memorable meal. Whether you are a purist looking for authenticity or a foodie seeking modern twists, these practical tips will help you navigate the Denver Mexican food scene like a local.

1. Always Ask About the Green Chile
In Colorado, green chile is a religion. Before you commit to a restaurant, ask if they make their green chile in-house and whether it is spicy or mild. A great green chile should be rich, porky, and full of depth, not just a watery salsa. If a restaurant takes pride in their green chile, it is usually a strong indicator that the rest of their menu receives the same level of care.

2. Look for Handmade Tortillas
The foundation of any great taco or enchilada is the tortilla. Restaurants that take the time to press fresh corn tortillas or make flour tortillas from scratch are almost always worth visiting. You can often spot a tortilla press near the front counter or see the cooks working the dough through the kitchen window. Fresh tortillas elevate even the simplest taco into something extraordinary.

3. Explore Regional Specialties
Do not just order the standard taco plate at every restaurant you visit. Denver is home to chefs specializing in specific regions of Mexico, from the seafood of Sinaloa to the rich moles of Puebla. Check the menu for unique items like cochinita pibil, birria de res, or huaraches. Trying these regional dishes will give you a much deeper appreciation for the diversity of Mexican cuisine.

4. Consider the Time of Day
Some of the best Mexican food in Denver is served before noon. Breakfast burritos are a local obsession, and many restaurants serve them all day. Additionally, some of the most authentic tacos are found late at night, served from food trucks or small taquerias catering to the after-hours crowd. If a place is packed at 11:00 PM, you know it is doing something right.

5. Do Not Skip the Agua Frescas and Desserts
A meal is not complete without the right beverage and a sweet finish. Skip the soda and try a traditional agua fresca like horchata, jamaica, or tamarindo. These drinks are made in-house at the best spots and perfectly complement spicy food. For dessert, look for churros, tres leches cake, or flan. Restaurants that invest in their dessert menu and non-alcoholic drinks show a commitment to the full dining experience.

Denver’s Mexican food scene is a vibrant reflection of the city itself—rooted in tradition yet open to innovation. The restaurants on this list have earned their reputations through years of hard work, quality ingredients, and a deep respect for the culture behind the cuisine. Whether you are exploring a new neighborhood or revisiting an old favorite, every meal is an opportunity to experience something special.

The next time you are craving bold flavors, warm tortillas, and a perfectly balanced margarita, you know exactly where to go. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and taste for yourself why Denver has become a true hub for exceptional Mexican dining. From the first bite of chips and salsa to the last sip of horchata, you are in for an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary.