Colorado Springs has evolved into a vibrant hub for authentic Mexican cuisine. Gone are the days when finding genuine, high-quality Mexican food was a challenge in this Colorado city. Fueled by a significant increase in the Hispanic and Latino population – a remarkable 38% growth between 2010 and 2020 – Colorado Springs now boasts a rich tapestry of flavors that cater to every palate seeking genuine Latin and Latin-inspired dishes. This demographic shift, bringing the Hispanic community to approximately 85,000 residents, or 18% of the city’s population, has undeniably contributed to the flourishing Mexican food scene.
While concrete data may be elusive, the correlation between this demographic growth and the rise of exceptional, authentic Mexican food is palpable. Our team of dedicated food writers has embarked on a delicious mission to explore and curate a list of the 20 best Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs. This guide represents our top recommendations, places where you’re guaranteed a fantastic Mexican culinary experience. However, we also value your insights! Cast your vote in our poll to recognize your favorite, and if we’ve overlooked a hidden gem, please let us know. The pursuit of exceptional Mexican food is a journey we relish, and we are always eager to expand our exploration and refine our recommendations.
Join us as we navigate the diverse and delectable landscape of Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs, organized geographically to help you find the perfect spot, wherever you are in the city. ¡Salud!
Exploring Downtown Colorado Springs Mexican Restaurants
Azada Mexican Grill: Fresh Tortillas and Perfect Breakfast Burritos
Azada Mexican Grill offers a captivating experience right from the start. Witnessing the transformation of dough into freshly made tortillas is a delightful prelude to what many consider the best breakfast burrito in Colorado Springs. This family-owned establishment, serving authentic recipes since 2013, provides a build-your-own burrito option that shines throughout the day. Look out for their Monday burrito specials, often available for under $10. For those accustomed to chains, Azada is a must-try for a genuine and flavorful alternative to Chipotle or Qdoba.
—Jeremy Jones
16 E. Bijou St. @azadamexicangrillCS
Dos Santos: Urban Flair and Fusion Flavors
Dos Santos presents a modern and vibrant take on Mexican cuisine. With its urban aesthetic, bright atmosphere, and a notable bar program, Dos Santos is known for its potent and fruit-forward margaritas. Start your culinary adventure with their fresh seafood appetizers like poke nachos and ceviche, perfect for sharing. Don’t miss their signature Taco of the Month, showcasing seasonal and innovative flavors. For a unique dining experience, visit on Wu-Tang Wednesdays and enjoy your meal accompanied by classic hip-hop beats all day long.
—Dionne Passacantando
70 E. Moreno Ave. dossantostacos.com
Salsa Latina: Keeping Family Recipes Alive
For those who fondly remember the cherished recipes of El Taco Rey, Salsa Latina is a welcome discovery. This family-run restaurant, a spinoff of the Aguilar family, continues the legacy of flavorful and spicy Mexican home-style cooking. Salsa Latina is renowned for its exceptional menudo and Mexican gumbo. A highlight is their rendition of the Avocado Pork Burrito, a dish that El Taco Rey made famous. Indulge in this burrito, smothered in their rich green chile pork sauce, accompanied by rice and beans, for a satisfying and affordable downtown meal under $10. Keep Salsa Latina in mind for your New Year tamale orders, a local favorite.
—Warren Epstein
28 E. Rio Grand St. salsalatina.net
Bartender at Zocalo mixes drinks
Zocalo: Beachy Vibes and Authentic Flavors
Zocalo, a relatively new addition to the downtown Colorado Springs dining scene, has quickly become a local favorite. Its inviting ambiance, featuring swinging chairs, an indoor VW taco bus, and Tulum-inspired décor, creates a relaxed, beachy, and hip atmosphere. Zocalo’s extensive menu, filled with family recipes and expertly crafted cocktails, offers authentic Mexican flavors at reasonable prices. Standout dishes include their steak chimichurri, mushroom and panela cheese tacos, poke nachos, and chile rellenos. To delve deeper into the Zocalo experience, explore our full review: Zocalo: New Restaurant Is Already a Mexican Favorite. It’s no surprise that Zocalo has also earned a spot on our list of 30 Best Restaurants in Colorado Springs.
—J.J.
418 S. Tejon St. zocalocolorado.com
Central Colorado Springs Mexican Food Highlights
El Chapin: Authentic Street Food Experience
Located outside Ranch Foods Direct, El Chapin food truck offers an unparalleled authentic Mexican street food experience in central Colorado Springs. This unassuming yet delicious food truck prioritizes high-quality, locally sourced proteins from Callicrate Meat, also available inside the adjacent grocery store. For a true taste of Mexican street food, we highly recommend stepping outside your comfort zone and trying the lengua tacos, praised for their flavor and texture. Pair your tacos with a refreshing agua fresca and enjoy your meal on their covered patio.
—D.P.
1228 E. Fillmore St. elchapinfoodtruck.com
Monica’s Taco Shop: Unpretentious Tacos That Speak for Themselves
Monica’s Taco Shop might appear unassuming from the outside, and the interior is equally simple. However, this no-frills establishment is a local go-to for exceptional tacos. The focus here is squarely on the food, where the tacos truly speak for themselves. Even when you’re short on time, Monica’s manages to deliver a quick and satisfying breakfast burrito. Recognized as the best tacos six years ago by Springs Magazine, Monica’s continues to maintain the same high standards for their tacos.
—Steven Hayward
5829 Palmer Park Blvd. monicastacoshop.com
North Side Mexican Restaurants: Family Recipes and Elevated Cuisine
Jarrito Loco: Homegrown Family Flavors
Jarrito Loco, a casual restaurant in Monument, embodies a warm, familial atmosphere. Co-owners Angel and Angie Jimenez bring to life recipes passed down from their Grandmother Maria, offering a taste of authentic home-style Mexican cooking. Take advantage of their weekly Tuesday specials and their all-day breakfast menu. Jarrito Loco also provides a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. For a comprehensive taste of their menu, try the Carne Tampiqueña, featuring their signature mole enchilada alongside carne asada and traditional accompaniments.
—D.P.
315 W. Highway 105, Monument jarloco.com
Upscale tacos and a craft cocktail at Milagro
Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana: Regional Cuisine and Tequila Expertise
Milagro’s Cocina Mexicana elevates the Mexican dining experience with its vibrant art, sophisticated décor, and refined ambiance. The menu showcases the diverse regional cuisines of Mexico, offering a deep dive into the country’s culinary heritage. Explore Milagro’s extensive collection of tequilas and mezcals, and savor one of their specialty cocktails – the spicy pineapple margarita is a popular choice. Pair your drinks with pickled apertivos or bacon-wrapped prawns. For a memorable entrée, we highly recommend the Cochinita Pibil, a beautifully presented braised pork shank wrapped in banana leaves, served with habanero jam and frijoles charros.
—D.P.
7455 N. Academy Blvd. milagroscocinamx.com
PigLatin Cocina: Bold Latin Fusion and Creative Cocktails
PigLatin Cocina consistently impresses with its Latin fusion cuisine, drawing inspiration from Mexican, Colombian, and other South American culinary traditions. The restaurant’s flavors and atmosphere are always lively and colorful, reflecting a playful and bold approach to food. Chef Andres Velez and the Atlas Group team, also behind COATI Uprise and Colorful Colorado at the Garden, are known for their innovative and disruptive approach to dining, one craft cocktail, street taco, and arepa at a time.
—J.J.
2825 Dublin Blvd. piglatincocina.com
Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill: A Local Favorite for Tex-Mex and Southwestern
Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill, part of the Rocky Mountain Restaurant Group, stands out as a long-standing local favorite. This restaurant offers a successful blend of Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern cuisines, consistently delivering ambitious and flavorful dishes. Located at Powers and Dublin, Salsa Brava is a bustling spot for families and groups, holding its own among the numerous chain restaurants in the area. Our recommended entrees include the slow-roasted carnitas and the sour cream and chicken enchiladas.
—W.E.
5925 S. Dublin Blvd. salsabravacolorado.com
East Side / Southeast: Value and Authentic Flavors
Arceo’s: Unbeatable Value and Generous Portions
Arceo’s is renowned for serving family-style Mexican fare at incredibly affordable prices with generous portions. It’s arguably the best value for classic, delicious Mexican food in Colorado Springs. Most menu items, including the fajitas with all the extras, are priced around $15. The food is consistently flavorful, the service is fast, and the portions are substantial. A standout dish is the Super Molcagete, a hearty Mexican stew featuring a flavorful combination of chicken, shrimp, fish, and beef.
—Frank Frey
1605 S. Nevada Ave. arceosrestaurant.com
Fish tacos, barria tacos and Corona at Maria
Maria’s Taco Shop: Eastside Taqueria with Standout Fish Tacos
Maria’s Taco Shop offers a classic, unpretentious taqueria ambiance. Listen to the constant stream of orders, particularly for the highly praised fish tacos (two for $8). These tacos are reminiscent of those found on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta – featuring fried, moist, and delicate pieces of fish topped with pickled cabbage and a perfect tartar sauce. Maria’s stands out even in the heart of the Eastside Mexican Food Truck Central. It’s also known as one of the best places to find micheladas, a refreshing clamato and beer drink often enjoyed as a hangover remedy.
—W.E.
2812 E. Pikes Peak Ave. mariastacoshop.com
Sofia’s Antojitos: Creative Street Food and Snacks
Sofia’s Antojitos brings a fresh and fun energy to the Colorado Springs dining scene with its unique and eclectic selection of Mexican street food and snacks. While offering full meals, including a variety of tortas, Sofia’s is especially known for its specialty quesabirria tacos, a true Mexican comfort food. Beyond tacos, explore their creative snacks like Elote Preparado and Esquites (various corn on the cob preparations) and Vaso Chorreado, a unique dish blending crunchy ramen and nachos. Don’t miss their fresh juices and creamy Mexican popsicles (paletas). Visit their brightly muraled original location on Galley and Academy, and keep an eye out for their second location opening at 4037 Tutt Blvd.
—J.J.
1035 N. Academy Blvd. @sofiasantojitos
Quesabirria tacos, one of the specialties at Sofia
Tacos El Amigo: Birria and Late-Night Cravings
Tacos El Amigo is a beloved spot among Colorado College students and locals alike, known as the place to go for authentic Mexican food at any hour. It’s home to some of the best birria tacos in Colorado Springs and the ideal destination for menudo when you need a comforting and hearty soup. A unique recommendation is the Hamburguesa Estilio Juares, a loaded hamburger topped with a hotdog, ham, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese – a substantial and flavorful meal not to be underestimated.
—S.H.
2416 E. Boulder St. tacoselamigoco.com
Tlaquepaque: Consistently Great Authentic Mexican
Tlaquepaque, like many exceptional Mexican restaurants, is located in an unassuming strip mall on the Eastside. Here, you’ll find consistently outstanding traditional and authentic Mexican food. Tlaquepaque is particularly famous for its birria tacos, filled with tender and flavorful stewed beef that melts in your mouth. The rich broth served alongside enhances the experience, creating a perfect pairing with the birria tacos. While the birria tacos are a highlight, the chilaquiles and everything else on the menu are equally well-prepared and delicious.
—F.F.
911 N. Murray Blvd. ordertlaquepaque.com
Westside Mexican Food: Late-Night Bites and Scenic Views
Alfonso’s Mexican Food: Your 2 AM Destination
When late-night hunger strikes in Colorado Springs, Alfonso’s Mexican Food is a reliable beacon. Consistently outstanding and seemingly always open, Alfonso’s is a longstanding institution favored by locals for late-night cravings. For a truly celebratory and indulgent meal, order the Don Poncho – a foot-long burrito packed with everything imaginable, including fries. This burrito is not for the faint of heart, or those watching their cholesterol!
—S.H.
1022 S. 21st St. alfonsosmexicanfoodcs.com
Crystal Park Cantina: Margaritas and Mountain Views in Manitou Springs
Crystal Park Cantina, a popular spot in Manitou Springs since 2011, is known for its excellent margaritas and stunning views. Their commitment to fresh ingredients is evident in both their food and drinks. The pomegranate margarita offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors and pairs beautifully with their smoky and rich mole. This is an ideal restaurant to visit after a hike up the Manitou Incline.
—F.F.
178 Crystal Park Rd. @crystalparkcantina
La Unica: Vibrant Atmosphere and Savory Sauces
La Unica on the Westside of Colorado Springs greets you with a vibrant and colorful interior, featuring bright pinks, yellows, blue furnishings, and playful parrot decorations. This welcoming, authentic sit-down restaurant began as a small taqueria on Platte Avenue. La Unica boasts chunky, spicy salsa and zesty guacamole, considered among the best in the city. However, the true standouts are their 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!
—W.E.
3317 W. Colorado Ave. No website. Unofficial Facebook page.
Rudy’s Little Hideaway: Breakfast Spot with Mountain Views
Rudy’s Little Hideaway, overlooking 8th Street with expansive mountain views, is a popular Westside breakfast destination. This family-run establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere, even during busy hours. Arrive early to enjoy their Huevos Rancheros with a side of bacon or the Chorizo Stack. While primarily known for breakfast, it’s worth noting that their margaritas are also amazing and available at any time of day.
—S.H.
945 S. 8th St. rudyslittlehideaway.com
Mobile Mexican Food: Food Truck Excellence
Beautiful taco plate from Tepex, one of the best Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Tepex: Upscale Food Truck with Santa Fe Influence
Tepex is arguably one of the most celebrated food trucks in Colorado Springs. Chef Fernando Trancoso, with culinary influences from Santa Fe, has established Tepex as a leading authority on Mexican food within the mobile dining scene. Loyal customers often track Tepex’s locations at craft breweries, enjoying pairings of local beers with his upscale yet accessible dishes. A must-try is the beloved Quesabirrias, featuring four tacos served with a flavorful consommé that is as enjoyable to drink as your chosen craft beer. Note that Tepex’s truck is currently for sale, so follow their social media for location updates.
—D.P.
Locations vary. Look him up soon as his truck is for sale. tepexbyfernando.com
Your Top Mexican Restaurants in Colorado Springs
We asked our readers to vote for their favorite Mexican restaurants in Colorado Springs, and the results are in! The People’s Choice Best Mexican Restaurants winners reflect a mix of our curated list and some reader-favorite write-in nominations. Discover which restaurants made the top of the list!
Explore More Mexican Cuisine in Colorado Springs
- 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
