15 Fantastic Mexican Restaurants in Denver
You heard it from us, the Mexican food scene in Denver is underrated. These restaurants offer some of the best Mexican and Tex-Mex food in the Mile High City, along with a fun, upbeat atmosphere and cocktails that are just as delicious as the food.
1. Las Delicias North
7610 Conifer Rd, Denver, CO 80221
(303) 430-0422
If you’re searching for some of the best Mexican food Denver offers, look no further than Las Delicias North. This laidback eatery has a relaxed atmosphere and serves Mexican-style steak and eggs with shredded potatoes, carnitas, fried tortilla bowls filled with meat, guacamole, and cheese, and an impressive bar that offers craft margaritas and ice-cold Coronas.
2. La Loma
1801 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 433-8300
According to Zagat, La Loma is definitely in the running for the best green chile in Denver. The restaurant also serves beef brisket enchiladas and delicious fish tacos. You can also try the Carne guisada or the decadent cantina burritos when you want a meal that is sure to fill you up. If you want a sweet treat after dinner, don’t forget to order the fried ice cream. This iconic spot has been serving up Tex-Mex and Mexican goodness for over 30 years.
3. Tamayo
1400 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 946-1433
Tamayo is one of the best restaurants in Denver for flavorful enchiladas, right in the heart of Larimer Square. The downtown Denver eatery also offers eggs multelenos, lamb belly tacos, and house-made Carnitas. Before you enjoy the main course, snack on chips and homemade guacamole and salsa, which will build up your appetite even more! Chef Richard Sandoval is the mastermind behind this operation, and be sure to check them out for happy hour as well, Mondays through Fridays from 3pm to 5pm.
View this post on Instagram
4. Tacos Tequilas Whiskey
1514 York St, Denver, CO 80206
(720) 475-1337
As the name suggests, this award-winning eatery offers some of Denver’s best tacos, tequilas, and whiskey. Enjoy your cocktails alongside their delicious seafood, refried beans, and grilled protein, or enjoy tostadas topped with a variety of herb-based spicy sauces. The bar menu is pretty impressive in general; you can choose from several margarita flavors made with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, Tacos Tequilas Whiskey a must eat. With three locations around Denver, try their “comida de la calle” soon.
5. Illegal Pete’s
11530 16th St Mall #101, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 623-2169
If you’re craving Mexican food in a super fun and lively atmosphere, check out Illegal Pete’s when you’re in Denver. The fish tacos topped with fresh tomato salsa are a favorite, as are the barbacoa tacos. You can also check out meat-free options like the Primavera veggie burrito bowl or the veggie quesadilla. Or, you can opt for a heaping serving of nachos for you and your friends to share. Or not share! We don’t judge.
6. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
1745 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 623-5432
If a colorful salad packed with veggies or a green chile chicken soup sound right up your alley, stop by the Rio Grande for a filling, healthy meal. The eatery also has some of the best quesadillas in the city, and the mahi tacos and veggie fajitas are popular, too. You can also enjoy your meal with a refreshing margarita or glass of wine, and outdoor seating is available.
7. Machete Tequila + Tacos
2817 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206
(303) 333-1567
As you can tell by the name, the tequila is just as important as the delicious tacos at Machete. One of our meal favorites is the quesadilla with potatoes and chorizo, Costilla or the Campechano taco. The restaurant also has some of the best tequila brands to choose from, so you can enjoy anything from a signature margarita to a tequila shot or a customized cocktail. It’s all yum!
8. Otra Vez Cantina
610 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 226-1567
Otra Vez offers authentic Mexican food that will satisfy your craving for all things savory and spicy. The eatery offers several delicious entrees like barbacoa and carnitas tacos, as well a chicken burritos and carne asada. Don’t forget to try Otra Vez tacos topped with crispy fried onions and wash down your delicious meal with the house-made classic margarita. Otra Vez is so good that it even made our list of Top Restaurants in Denver!
9. Las Tortas
682 S Colorado Blvd, Glendale, CO 80246
(720) 379-7260
If you want cheap and delicious Mexican food for lunch or dinner but you’re also in the mood for a sandwich, Las Tortas has you covered. This Denver eatery is family-owned and environmentally-friendly, and you can find several delicious sandwich options like the Suiza with chicken, ham, and cheese. Or, you can try the Nortena, a beef sandwich with Mexican cheese and milanesa. You can also stop by Las Tortas for a breakfast sandwich filled with fluffy eggs and spicy chorizo.
10. Chakas Mexican Restaurant
6265 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80222
(303) 993-8105
You can start the day at Chakas with a delicious breakfast like huevos rancheros or a healthy helping of eggs with ham or chorizo. You can also choose from a variety of omelets filled with fresh vegetables and cheeses, or opt for hearty breakfasts like steak and eggs or Porkchop and eggs. Chakas also has several tasty soups and appetizers to choose from if you visit the restaurant during lunch or dinner, and you can get a discount on your meal if you’re a local university student, veteran, or senior citizen.
11. Tarasco’s New Latino Cuisine
470 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
(303) 922-2387
This affordable Denver restaurant has a variety of vegan and vegetarian Mexican dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for nachos topped with avocado, jalapeno, and your choice of meat, or you prefer the Sopa Tarasca which was voted the Best Westworth Dish in 2014, you won’t be disappointed. Tarasco’s even offers a baby spinach salad topped with green apples and the restaurant’s secret house-made dressing.
12. El Camino Community Tavern
3628 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(720) 889-7946
Whether you’re looking for quality Mexican food, delicious cocktails, or both, you won’t want to leave Denver without stopping by El Camino Community Tavern. The restaurant’s owners are committed to making sure your dining experience is a pleasant one, and you can choose from affordable appetizers and entrees like the house-made guacamole with tortilla chips or the green chile nachos topped with shredded pork (you can also order the vegetarian version if you’re vegetarian!). Diner favorites also include the fajitas and chile rellenos.
13. Taqueria La Familia
2642 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
(303) 433-2332
If you’re searching for a family-style meal that everyone in your party will enjoy, visit Taqueria La Familia for a fresh and delicious meal. Entrees include Asada tacos or tacos al pastor, or you can enjoy fajitas with chicken, beef, or shrimp served with rice and beans. The taqueria is also known for its delicious Menudo, and you can even visit the eatery in the mornings for a hearty breakfast like steak and eggs served with a side of potatoes and beans.
14. Tacos El Metate
1742 S Chambers Rd
Aurora, CO 80017
If you’re looking for real authentic Mexican cuisine, don’t overlook Aurora in the Denver metro area. Al pastor, barbacoa, carne asada, quesatacos–they’ve got all the good stuff. And for a fun Mexican-American spin, try their carne asada fries! It’s the best of both worlds.
View this post on Instagram
15. Santiago’s
825 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
303-934-9392
These breakfast burritos are famous for the option of having them “smothered”. For Waffle House aficionados, this is not putting diced onions on an order of hash browns; it’s drowning your burrito in their proprietary green chile. Whether you smother yours or not, you can get it with ham, bacon, chorizo, or breakfast sausage, along with eggs and potatoes, and you can either get yours mild, hot, or 1/2 and 1/2 (half mild, half hot). The green chile itself has plenty of spice, so plan accordingly. If you’re not in a breakfast burrito mood, you can get a wide array of other favorites, like a Mexican Hamburger (a flour tortilla with a burger and beans, topped with green chile and cheese, lettuce, and tomato) or Fajitas.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Denver, check out our city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on April 23, 2021 and last updated on February 28, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
Featured Blog Posts
12 of the Coolest Bars for a Night Out in Denver, CO
Are you in the mood for a bar crawl in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains? Denver has a great bar scene that covers everything from whiskey houses to speakeasies. Here’s a roundup of 12 of our favorite bars in Denver, CO.
The Absolute Best Union Station Restaurants in Denver
There is so much award-winning restaurant talent that surrounds Union Station, a totally revitalized transportation hub. The station underwent a facelift sometime back and is now on everyone’s radar, not just for transportation needs, but as a popular landmark worth exploring. People are especially visiting this location to wine and dine. There are multiple upscale shops, bars, and restaurants around that make the station a great destination. These are the best Union Station restaurants in Denver that should be on your radar.
Best Christmas Bars/Pop-ups in Denver, CO
Throw on your favorite ski jacket, pull up your alpine boots, and head out for a sparkling night of hot buttered rum and fun memories in the making. Here’s a rundown of the best Christmas bars and pop-up events in Denver, Colorado!
7 Can’t Miss Tourist Attractions Within 5 Hours of Denver, CO
There’s so much more to Colorado than Denver. Jump in your car and go for a short drive to get some different scenery for the weekend. There are countless, outstanding weekend getaways and day trips that are within five hours of the Mile High City. It’s a great way to embrace the stunning nature that surrounds you in Colorado. For a quick trip that won’t take you too far from Denver, check out this list of some beautiful places to knock off your bucket list.