Colorado Springs has transformed into a vibrant hub for authentic, high-quality Mexican cuisine. Gone are the days when finding genuine flavors was a challenge. Fueled by a significant growth in the Hispanic and Latino community – a remarkable 38% increase between 2010 and 2020 – Colorado Springs now boasts a rich tapestry of Mexican culinary experiences. This demographic shift, bringing the local Hispanic community to approximately 85,000 residents, or 18% of the population, has undeniably enriched the city’s food scene. For those who appreciate authentic Latin and Latin-inspired dishes, this is excellent news.
While concrete data may be elusive, the correlation between the expanding Hispanic community and the flourishing authentic Mexican food scene is undeniable. Our team of dedicated food writers has personally witnessed and savored this delightful evolution. In fact, the sheer abundance of exceptional Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs has made the task of narrowing down the very best a delicious, albeit challenging, endeavor.
After extensive (and thoroughly enjoyable) research, we’ve compiled a list of 20 outstanding Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs that consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences. These are our top recommendations, places where we believe you’re guaranteed a fantastic meal. However, we are always eager to hear from you! Please participate in our poll to vote for your personal favorite, and if we’ve overlooked a hidden gem, be sure to let us know. With such delectable research, we are always happy to explore more and refine our list.
For your convenience, we’ve organized our recommendations geographically. ¡Salud!
Downtown Colorado Springs Mexican Restaurant Highlights
Azada Mexican Grill: Fresh Tortillas and Perfect Breakfast Burritos
Azada Mexican Grill offers a captivating culinary experience right from the start. Watching the tortillas being made fresh, the dough rising and bubbling on the grill, is a delightful prelude to a fantastic meal. And what a meal it is! Azada is home to what we confidently declare to be the best breakfast burrito in Colorado Springs. This family-owned gem, crafting authentic recipes since 2013, provides a build-your-own burrito experience that is exceptional any time of day. Keep an eye out for their Monday burrito specials, often available for under $10. If you’re a regular at chains like Chipotle or Qdoba, Azada is a must-try upgrade to truly authentic flavors.
16 E. Bijou St. @azadamexicangrillCS
Dos Santos: Urban Flair and Fusion Margaritas
Dos Santos presents a vibrant and modern take on Mexican cuisine, seamlessly blending fusion elements with an urban aesthetic. The restaurant’s bright, contemporary atmosphere is enhanced by an impressive bar program. Their margaritas are particularly noteworthy, boasting strong, fruit-forward flavors that are among the best in the city. Start your culinary journey with their fresh seafood appetizers, such as the poke nachos or ceviche, perfect for sharing. Be sure to explore their signature Taco of the Month, showcasing innovative seasonal ingredients. For hip-hop enthusiasts, don’t miss Wu-Tang Wednesdays, where old-school beats set the vibe all day long.
70 E. Moreno Ave. dossantostacos.com
Salsa Latina: Keeping El Taco Rey’s Legacy Alive
For those who fondly remember the beloved family recipes of the now-closed El Taco Rey, Salsa Latina is a welcome discovery. This Aguilar family spin-off faithfully carries on the culinary legacy, keeping the flavors alive and spicy. Salsa Latina not only offers excellent menudo and Mexican gumbo, but also their rendition of the famous Avocado Pork Burrito that El Taco Rey made legendary. Order one, smothered in their rich, pork-infused green chile sauce, accompanied by rice and beans, for an unbeatable downtown meal, often for under $10. Salsa Latina is also the go-to place for pre-ordering tamales for your New Year celebrations.
28 E. Rio Grand St. salsalatina.net
Bartender at Zocalo mixes drinks
Zocalo: Beachy Vibes and Authentic Flavors
Zocalo, a relative newcomer to the downtown scene, has quickly become a local favorite. With its playful swinging chairs, an indoor VW taco bus, and Tulum-inspired woven decor, Zocalo exudes a unique beachy, hipster atmosphere. The extensive menu, featuring family recipes and expertly crafted cocktails, delivers authentic Mexican flavors at very reasonable prices. We highly recommend their steak chimichurri, mushroom and panela cheese tacos, poke nachos, and classic chile rellenos. To delve deeper into the Zocalo experience, explore our dedicated article: “Zocalo: New Restaurant Is Already a Mexican Favorite” and discover why it earned a spot on our “30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs” list.
418 S. Tejon St. zocalocolorado.com
Central Colorado Springs: Authentic Street Food and Taco Gems
El Chapin: Authentic Mexican Street Food Truck
Located outside Ranch Foods Direct, El Chapin is a food truck haven for the most authentic Mexican street food in Colorado Springs. Don’t let the humble basket presentation fool you; the food is exceptionally delicious and features high-quality, locally sourced proteins from Callicrate Meat, which is also available for purchase inside the neighboring grocery store. We strongly encourage adventurous eaters to try the lengua tacos for a delightful textural and flavorful experience. Pair your meal with a refreshing agua fresca and enjoy your street food feast under their covered patio.
1228 E. Fillmore St. elchapinfoodtruck.com
Monica’s Taco Shop: Unassuming Exterior, Unforgettable Tacos
Monica’s Taco Shop may appear unassuming from both the outside and inside, but don’t judge a book by its cover. This is a no-frills establishment where the focus is squarely on the food. The tacos truly speak for themselves. Even when you’re short on time, Monica’s can whip up a breakfast burrito in a flash, making it a perfect stop for a quick yet satisfying meal. Voted “best tacos six years ago by Springs Magazine,” Monica’s tacos have maintained their exceptional quality and flavor.
5829 Palmer Park Blvd. monicastacoshop.com
North Side Colorado Springs Mexican Restaurants: Family Recipes and Elevated Cuisine
Jarrito Loco: Familial Vibes and Grandmother’s Recipes
Jarrito Loco, a casual restaurant in Monument, radiates a warm, familial atmosphere. Co-owners Angel and Angie Jimenez bring to life homegrown recipes passed down from their Grandmother Maria. Take advantage of their weekly Tuesday specials and enjoy breakfast all day long. The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options to cater to diverse dietary needs. For a taste of their signature flavors, try the Carne Tampiqueña, featuring their distinctive mole enchilada alongside a half order of carne asada and all the traditional accompaniments.
315 W. Highway 105, Monument jarloco.com
Upscale tacos and a craft cocktail at Milagro
Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana: Regional Cuisine and Tequila Library
Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana elevates the Mexican dining experience with its vibrant art, sophisticated decor, and refined ambiance. The menu showcases the rich diversity of regional Mexican cuisine, offering a culinary journey through Mexico’s distinct flavors. Explore Milagro’s extensive tequila and mezcal library, sipping on specialty cocktails like the popular spicy pineapple margarita. Pair your drinks with pickled apertivos or bacon-wrapped prawns for a delightful start. For your main course, we highly recommend the Cochinita Pibil, an impressive braised pork shank beautifully wrapped in banana leaves and served with habanero jam and flavorful frijoles charros.
7455 N. Academy Blvd. milagroscocinamx.com
PigLatin Cocina: Latin Fusion with Attitude
PigLatin Cocina consistently impresses with its innovative Latin fusion cuisine, drawing inspiration from Mexican, Colombian, and other South American culinary traditions. The flavors are bold and vibrant, and the atmosphere is infused with a playful attitude. This is exactly what you’d expect from Chef Andres Velez, Aaron Ewton, and their Atlas Group team, the creative minds behind COATI Uprise and Colorful Colorado at the Garden. They are known for pushing boundaries, one craft cocktail, street taco, and arepa at a time.
2825 Dublin Blvd. piglatincocina.com
Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill: A Local Favorite for Tex Mex and Southwestern
We playfully (and perhaps unfairly) blame Randy Price, CEO of Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group, for our diet challenges. Even restaurants from his group that didn’t survive, like Slayton’s Barbecue and Mayfield Wine Bar, were exceptional and ahead of their time. While we miss Sonterra Grill, now part of the successful Urban Egg, Salsa Brava, the original concept, remains a standout. This consistently excellent restaurant offers an ambitious and satisfying blend of Mexican, Tex Mex, and Southwestern cuisines. Now located at Powers and Dublin, Salsa Brava is a bustling spot for families and large groups, holding its own as a beloved independent restaurant amidst numerous chains in the area. Our top entree recommendations include the slow-roasted carnitas and the creamy sour cream and chicken enchiladas.
5925 S. Dublin Blvd. salsabravacolorado.com
East Side & Southeast Colorado Springs: Value and Authentic Flavors
Arceo’s: Unbeatable Value for Classic Mexican Food
Arceo’s is the undisputed champion of value for classic Mexican fare in Colorado Springs. Serving generous portions of family recipes at incredibly reasonable prices, Arceo’s is a top choice for those seeking delicious food without breaking the bank. Most dishes, including the fajitas with all the extras, are priced around $15. The food is consistently delicious, the service is fast, and the portions are truly huge. For a shareable feast, try the Super Molcagete, a hearty Mexican stew featuring a flavorful combination of chicken, shrimp, fish, and beef.
1605 S. Nevada Ave. arceosrestaurant.com
Fish tacos, barria tacos and Corona at Maria
Maria’s Taco Shop: Eastside Taqueria with Beach-Worthy Fish Tacos
Maria’s Taco Shop offers a basic taqueria ambiance, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Listen to the constant stream of orders, and you’ll quickly realize that the fish tacos (two for $8) are the star of the show. They are remarkably similar to those found on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta – perfectly fried, moist, and delicate fish morsels topped with tangy pickled cabbage and a flawless tartar sauce. Everything at Maria’s stands out, even in the heart of Eastside’s authentic Mexican food truck scene. Maria’s is also known as one of the best places in town to find micheladas, the refreshing clamato and beer cocktail renowned as a hangover remedy.
2812 E. Pikes Peak Ave. mariastacoshop.com
Sofia’s Antojitos: Creative Street Food and Mexican Snacks
Sofia’s Antojitos brings a fresh and fun energy to the Colorado Springs dining scene. Offering a unique and eclectic array of Mexican street food and snacks, Sofia’s caters to both snackers and those seeking a full meal. While they offer a variety of tortas, the specialty quesabirria tacos are a must-try for pure Mexican comfort food. However, it’s Sofia’s creative snacks that will keep you coming back for more. Indulge in decadent corn on the cob options like Elote Preparado and Esquites, or try the Vaso Chorreado, a crunchy and flavorful dish that blends ramen and nachos. Don’t forget to sample their fresh juices and frozen paletas, creamy Mexican popsicles. Find the original, brightly muraled restaurant on Galley and Academy, and keep an eye out for their second location opening soon at 4037 Tutt Blvd.
1035 N. Academy Blvd. @sofiasantojitos
Quesabirria tacos, one of the specialties at Sofia
Tacos El Amigo: Birria Tacos and Late-Night Cravings
Tacos El Amigo is a well-known favorite among Colorado College students and local food enthusiasts alike. Considered the place to go for many, anytime and for any reason, Tacos El Amigo is home to some of the best birria tacos in Colorado Springs. It’s also the go-to spot for menudo on days when you need a comforting and restorative soup. A personal favorite is the Hamburguesa Estilio Juares, a loaded hamburger topped with a hotdog, ham, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese – a truly indulgent and unforgettable experience.
2416 E. Boulder St. tacoselamigoco.com
Tlaquepaque: Consistently Great Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Like many exceptional Mexican restaurants, Tlaquepaque is located in an unassuming strip mall on the Eastside of town. Here, you’ll discover consistently great, traditional, and authentic Mexican food. Tlaquepaque is particularly renowned for their birria tacos, filled with incredibly tender and flavorful stewed beef that melts in your mouth. The rich broth served alongside the birria tacos is equally delicious and enhances every bite. While the birria tacos are a standout, the chilaquiles and everything else on the menu are equally spot-on.
911 N. Murray Blvd. ordertlaquepaque.com
Westside Colorado Springs Mexican Food: Late-Night Bites and Scenic Views
Alfonso’s Mexican Food: The 2 AM Savior
When hunger strikes in the late hours of the night, Alfonso’s Mexican Food is a beacon in the Colorado Springs “graveyard.” Reliably outstanding and seemingly always open, Alfonso’s is a long-standing local institution for those in the know seeking late-night Mexican food. For a truly celebratory and indulgent meal, order the Don Poncho – a foot-long burrito packed with everything imaginable, including fries. It’s a culinary adventure not for the faint of heart (or those watching their cholesterol).
1022 S. 21st St. alfonsosmexicanfoodcs.com
Crystal Park Cantina: Manitou Views and Fresh Margaritas
Crystal Park Cantina has been a beloved Manitou mainstay since 2011, known for its stunning views and exceptional margaritas. Their commitment to using the freshest ingredients is evident in both their food and drinks. The pomegranate margarita, a perfect balance of sweet and tart, pairs beautifully with their rich and smoky mole. Crystal Park Cantina is the ideal spot to relax and refuel after a challenging hike up the Manitou Incline.
178 Crystal Park Rd. @crystalparkcantina
La Unica: Vibrant Ambiance and Savory Sauces
Step into La Unica on the Westside and be greeted by a vibrant explosion of bright pinks, yellows, blue furnishings, colorful lights, and even parrots. This welcoming, authentic sit-down restaurant has evolved from a small taqueria on Platte Avenue. Their chunky, spicy salsa is among the best in the city, as is their zesty guacamole. However, the true stars of La Unica are the complex and savory sauces, particularly the mole on the roast pork and the ranchero sauce on the Sonora Style Chicken. Enjoy your meal with a margarita on their patio – ¡Ole!
3317 W. Colorado Ave. No website. Unofficial Facebook page.
Rudy’s Little Hideaway: Breakfast with Mountain Views
Rudy’s Little Hideaway, perched overlooking 8th Street with sweeping mountain vistas, is a popular Westside breakfast destination. This family-run operation offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where everyone is genuinely happy to see you, even during busy hours. Arrive early to secure a table and order the Huevos Rancheros with a side of bacon, or try the hearty Chorizo Stack. And while we’re focusing on breakfast, it would be remiss not to mention their amazing margaritas, available any time of day.
945 S. 8th St. rudyslittlehideaway.com
Mobile Mexican Food in Colorado Springs: Tepex Food Truck
Beautiful taco plate from Tepex, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Tepex: Upscale Food Truck Flavors
Tepex is arguably the most sought-after food truck in Colorado Springs. Chef Fernando Trancoso has established himself as a leading authority on Mexican cuisine, drawing upon influences from his foodie background in Santa Fe. Loyal followers regularly track Tepex’s locations at craft breweries to pair local beers with his upscale yet approachable dishes. Don’t miss the beloved Quesabirrias, featuring four tacos and a side of consommé that is as enjoyable to drink as your accompanying brewski. Keep an eye on Tepex’s location, as the truck is currently for sale, making this a potentially fleeting culinary experience.
Locations vary. Look him up soon as his truck is for sale. tepexbyfernando.com
Your Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Colorado Springs: The People’s Choice
Your voice matters! We conducted a poll inviting you to vote for your Best Mexican Restaurant in Colorado Springs. Voters could choose from our curated list or write in their own favorites. While most winners were featured on our list, some surprises emerged. Discover the “People’s Choice Best Mexican Restaurants winners here.”
Explore More of Colorado Springs’ Culinary Scene
On the Taco Trail: Top Tacos in Colorado Springs
People’s Choice Best Mexican Restaurants
Our Top 10 Best Margaritas in the Springs
15 of the Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Colorado Springs
