Denver’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself, and when it comes to dining experiences, Mexican food in Denver stands out as a true highlight. Beyond the familiar chili-smothered burritos and enchiladas, Denver boasts a rich tapestry of Mexican flavors, from innovative, Michelin-recommended establishments to beloved neighborhood taquerias. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor seeking authentic tastes, prepare your palate for an exciting exploration of the best Mexican Food Denver has in store.
Alma Fonda Fina
For a truly unique Mexican dining experience in Denver, Alma Fonda Fina elevates the cuisine to an art form. This Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Chef Johnny Curiel, offers a creative and soulful menu that goes beyond the typical Mexican fare. Forget standard enchiladas; here, you might find agave-roasted sweet potatoes topped with dry salsa or carnitas presented as a whole, crispy-skinned pork shank. The minimalist, terracotta-accented environment provides a sophisticated backdrop for the stunning plates of food. For an immersive experience, reserve a seat at the chef’s counter and learn firsthand about the ingredients and techniques behind each dish. Don’t miss their signature avocado margarita, rimmed with a unique house-made black “Tajin” for an unforgettable start to your meal at this standout in the Denver mexican food scene.
Kachina Southwestern Grill
Kachina Southwestern Grill, a Denver outpost of the Westminster staple, is a vibrant anchor in the chic Maven Hotel, located in Denver’s Dairy Block – a burgeoning culinary destination in Lower Downtown (LoDo). This restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, complete with a striking, neon-hued wall mural depicting a woman adorned with feathered earrings and sunglasses reflecting a desert sunset. Adjacent to the main dining area, Poka Lola Social Club provides a swanky, retro-romantic cocktail lounge, perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. The dining room itself is a visual delight, blending adobo accents, marble tables, and orange and turquoise banquettes that pay homage to the colors of the Southwest. The menu at Kachina is creatively crafted, offering a well-executed selection of tamales, empanadas, and dishes featuring chicken, beef, and seafood. Be sure to try their excellent New Mexican posole and signature Navajo tacos when exploring Mexican food Denver style.
Toro Latin Kitchen + Lounge
Chef Richard Sandoval, a prolific restaurateur, brings a global perspective to Mexican food Denver can savor at Toro Latin Kitchen + Lounge. Situated within Cherry Creek’s luxurious Hotel Clio, Toro offers a progressive and eclectic menu that transcends traditional culinary boundaries. Drawing inspiration from Brazil, Argentina, Asia, Japan, Venezuela, and, of course, Mexico, Sandoval’s menu is a melting pot of vibrant flavors. The restaurant’s décor is equally captivating, featuring contemporary banquettes, dark-wood tables, hand-painted bull murals (“toro” means “bull” in Spanish), private tequila lockers, and a dedicated ceviche bar. The open-air patio, adorned with soft white lights and stylish lounge furniture, is a popular happy hour spot. For a delightful pairing, try the smoked swordfish dip with a mercado margarita, crafted with jalapeño-infused tequila, passion fruit, and hibiscus-rosemary foam at this gem of Mexican cuisine in Denver.
Tamayo
Tamayo, a long-standing landmark in Larimer Square, is another brainchild of renowned chef Richard Sandoval, specializing in creative interpretations of classic Mexican cuisine. Just like its innovative food – think tuna tartare guacamole, smoked brisket tacos, crab and shrimp enchiladas, and corn husk-wrapped grilled striped bass – the décor is striking, and the handcrafted cocktails are modern and bold. Tamayo’s swanky rooftop lounge offers legendary Colorado sunset views, providing a perfect oasis for enjoying bottomless margaritas during their popular weekend brunch. For those seeking sophisticated Mexican food Denver downtown, Tamayo is a must-visit.
La Loma
La Loma holds a special place in Denver’s Mexican food history. Long before Denver became a Mexican culinary hotspot, La Loma was serving up Colorado-style green chili, gigantic margaritas, nachos, and fajitas. Since its establishment in the 1970s, this restaurant has become a Denver institution, currently located in the heart of downtown. The rustic space features exposed red brick, gold-framed southwestern art, and wrought-iron accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. An open kitchen and separate bar area buzz with energy, especially during weekday happy hour when patrons enjoy cerveza and the addictive mini chile rellenos filled with gooey cheese. For a taste of traditional Mexican food Denver style, La Loma is an essential experience. They also have a second location in Castle Rock.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
For a unique culinary focus, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal in Five Points celebrates pozole, a traditional Mexican soup. Chef/owner Jose Avila, a Mexico City native, brings his culinary heritage to Denver with this festive spot. His pozole, available in five variations, features plump, house-made nixtamalized hominy, accompanied by cabbage, radishes, lettuce, lime wedges, onions, and optional avocado and chicharrons. La Diabla, Denver’s only pozoleria, is softly lit and adorned with Day of the Dead-inspired décor, including skulls and murals on bricked walls. The bar boasts an impressive cocktail program, notably the madre facka, a concoction of poblano agave, tequila, mezcal, and a unique garnish of a lacy skeleton leaf from guava trees. For a taste of authentic and specialized Mexican food Denver offers, La Diabla is a must-try.
Perdida
Perdida, brought to you by the owners of Birdcall, Homegrown Tap & Dough, Park & Co., and Park Burger, is a trendy, Baja-inspired Mexican destination in Washington Park. The restaurant’s stunning interior is a visual treat, featuring sea-hued tiles, cowhide barstools, light fixtures crafted from repurposed motorcycle parts, and vibrant, kaleidoscopic murals. Perdida blends swanky coastal club vibes with urban sophistication. The menu highlights include Mexican street corn, citrus-spiked ceviche, chile-crusted carnitas tacos, carne asada with sweet potato enchiladas, and zarrandeado, a marinated striped bass. Beyond the food, Perdida boasts an accomplished bar program, emphasizing artful mezcal and tequila cocktails, making it a standout in Denver’s diverse Mexican food scene.
Mr Peralta Mariscos
For the freshest and arguably best ceviche in Denver, Mr Peralta Mariscos in Sunnyside is the place to go. This convivial corner restaurant buzzes with patrons enjoying generous platters of ceviche and equally impressive seafood cocktail goblets. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by Mexican music and the sounds from the open kitchen, where cooks expertly prepare your feast. Mr Peralta’s extensive ceviche menu is complemented by chile-infused aguachiles, a variety of shrimp dishes, seafood tacos, soups, and molcajetes overflowing with crab legs, fried fish filets, clams, shrimp, and bacon. For seafood lovers seeking authentic Mexican food Denver style, Mr Peralta Mariscos is a true gem.
La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas
La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas in the Valverde neighborhood offers an authentic taste of Mexican street food. Mimicking taquerias found on street corners throughout Mexico, La Calle is a bustling, no-frills spot popular with local workers, families, and taco aficionados. Here, you can enjoy cinnamon-spiked horchata, rich roasted goat meat soup, and, of course, their specialty: soft-corn tortillas topped with slow-cooked pork carnitas, raw onions, cilantro, lime, and a selection of fresh salsas, ranging in heat levels. For a truly genuine and unpretentious Mexican food Denver experience, La Calle is worth seeking out.
La Loteria Taqueria
La Loteria Taqueria, a former food truck turned permanent storefront in the hip Baker neighborhood, offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. While the menu may be less edgy than its clientele, the food is consistently delicious and satisfying. La Loteria serves up Mexican crowd-pleasers, including warm chips and guacamole, green chili-smothered french fries with carne asada, beef cheek and goat meat tacos, burgers with roasted poblano peppers and nacho cheese sauce, California-style burritos, and cheese enchiladas in green salsa. For late-night cravings, an abbreviated menu and a convenient walk-up window are available. La Loteria provides a reliable and tasty option for Mexican food Denver residents enjoy.
El Taco de Mexico
El Taco de Mexico in the Art District on Santa Fe is an iconic Denver taqueria, even praised by “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern as “Denver’s quintessential taqueria” with the “best menudo and tacos in the city.” Locals wholeheartedly agree, often forming lines for their al pastor tacos, chile relleno burritos smothered in green chili, and menudo. This is a no-frills, dive-style establishment with a yellow Formica counter, but its beloved status and legendary fiery salsa make it a must-visit for anyone serious about Mexican food Denver authentic style.
Los Chingones
Los Chingones, part of Chef Troy Guard’s renowned restaurant group, is a lively, bi-level taqueria located in the artsy RiNo neighborhood. The space is visually striking, adorned with eye-catching murals and Mexican folk art, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. The food at Los Chingones is equally impressive, starting with a salsa flight and guacamole, and moving on to creative tacos like octopus and Kobe beef. An innovative cocktail menu highlighting tequila is best enjoyed on the sprawling rooftop deck with city skyline views. Due to its popularity, Los Chingones has expanded to multiple locations across Denver, including the Denver Tech Center and Central Park, offering consistently excellent Mexican food Denver wide.
Dos Santos
Dos Santos, owned by the brothers behind White Pie pizza, brings the flavors of Mexico City to Uptown’s restaurant row. This compact eatery focuses on traditional and contemporary guacamole preparations, aguachile, and standout soft corn tacos. Highlights include the Del Mar taco, featuring beer-battered shrimp, sliced cabbage, pickled onions, fried leeks, and habanero aioli. The industrial-cool space, with exposed brick and reclaimed wood, also features a spirited bar serving classic cocktails, wine, craft beers, and potent margaritas. Dos Santos provides a refined and flavorful take on Mexican food Denver Uptown.
Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey
Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey in Highland, owned by chef-owner Kevin Morrison, celebrates the versatility of the tortilla. This dynamic Mexican joint uses griddled tortillas as a canvas for creative fillings, such as pan-roasted shrimp and scallops with avocado crema, or sweet-and-sour braised pork belly with candied garlic. Beyond the inventive tacos, the menu features queso fundido, guacamole, chicken chicharrones, and churros with Mexican hot chocolate sauce. An extensive selection of cerveza, margaritas, and, of course, whiskey, completes the experience. For a fun and flavorful exploration of Mexican food Denver Highlands, Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey is a great choice.
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina in Platt Park is a spirited Mexican restaurant known for its incredibly popular Taco Tuesdays, featuring $2 tacos. While tacos are a draw, Adelitas also offers excellent mole enchiladas, carne asada, and rustic posole. The posole, a crimson stew with pork and guajillo chiles, is served with onions, cilantro, radishes, cabbage, lime, and tortillas. Adventurous diners can try the intensely hot habanero salsa. A mezcal margarita is a must-try, and the intimate mezcaleria behind Adelitas is perfect for post-dinner drinks. For a lively and flavorful Mexican food Denver Platt Park experience, Adelitas is a local favorite.
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina, with locations in Platt Park and Fort Collins, emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its tacos, tortas, and pupusas. Adhering to a garden-to-plate philosophy, Uno Mas uses produce from their own gardens and sources meat from Colorado farmers. Standout tacos include the coffee and ancho chile-rubbed pork belly and the beef tongue tacos with jalapenos, tomatoes, and cotija cheese. A wide selection of craft beers and over 70 tequilas are also available. Uno Mas provides a fresh and flavorful approach to Mexican food Denver wide.
Teocalli Cocina
Teocalli Cocina in Olde Town Arvada, led by Chef Julio Gaspar (formerly of Lola Coastal Mexican), is a suburban culinary gem. The restaurant is known for its superb tacos, featuring griddled corn tortillas filled with options like short ribs, Oaxacan cheese, and tamarind-chipotle pork belly. Beyond tacos, Teocalli offers spectacular margaritas, chunky guacamole with green chorizo, and Oaxacan cheese enchiladas with mole poblano. For a refined and delicious Mexican food Denver suburban experience, Teocalli is a destination.
Garibaldi Mexican Bistro
Garibaldi Mexican Bistro in Englewood might be an unexpected find, attached to a Conoco station, but it offers surprisingly authentic and flavorful Mexican food. The menu is extensive, featuring tacos, huaraches, cactus paddle rellenos, gorditas, carnitas, and the unique Yucatán-inspired queka, a fried masa quesadilla with white cheese, epazote, and chicharrons. Garibaldi emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional recipes, delivering some of the most flavorful and rhapsodic Mexican food Denver has to offer in an unassuming location.
Kike’s Red Tacos
Kike’s Red Tacos is credited with starting Denver’s birria taco trend. Originating as a food truck, Kike’s gained popularity for its slow-stewed beef birria tacos, served with the flavorful reddish meat juice for dipping. Due to long lines, Kike’s opened a brick-and-mortar location in Highland in 2023, expanding their menu to include birria ramen and burritos, along with excellent margaritas. For those seeking trendy and delicious Mexican food Denver birria style, Kike’s Red Tacos is a must-try.
Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro
Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro in Golden is worth the trip for its compelling Mexican cuisine and impressive mezcal selection. This turquoise-hued restaurant features a striking mezcal shrine and a menu highlighting owner Walter Meza’s passion for Mexican cooking. Xicamiti’s street tacos, filled with grilled poblano peppers, corn, onions, and white cheese, are a standout, as is the savory corn flan with fresh berries for dessert. For a unique and flavorful Mexican food Denver Golden experience, Xicamiti is a destination.
Denver’s Mexican food scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, offering something for every taste and occasion. From Michelin-starred innovation to humble street tacos, the city’s Mexican restaurants showcase the depth and breadth of this beloved cuisine. Whether you’re craving traditional flavors or contemporary twists, exploring Mexican food in Denver is a culinary adventure that promises to be both satisfying and unforgettable.
