Denver’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, and woven into its rich fabric is an exceptional array of Mexican restaurants. Forget the predictable – Denver offers a Mexican dining experience that goes far beyond the usual chile-smothered burritos and enchiladas. Prepare to discover innovative dishes, from agave-roasted sweet potatoes with dry salsa to succulent carnitas, showcasing crispy-skinned pork shank. This guide will navigate you through some of the most outstanding Mexican Restaurants Denver has to offer, promising a flavorful adventure for every palate.
Alma Fonda Fina
For a truly unique experience, Alma Fonda Fina stands out as a Michelin-starred gem. Chef Johnny Curiel crafts soulful and creative dishes in a minimalist, terracotta-accented setting. This isn’t your typical Mexican restaurant; it’s a place where culinary artistry meets authentic flavors. Imagine sipping on an avocado margarita, its rim adorned with house-made black “Tajin,” while indulging in stunning plates that redefine Mexican cuisine. For an immersive experience, reserve a seat at the chef’s counter and delve into the ingredients and techniques behind each masterpiece.
Kachina Southwestern Grill
Anchoring the trendy Maven Hotel in Denver’s Dairy Block, Kachina Southwestern Grill brings a vibrant slice of the Southwest to Lower Downtown (LoDo). As a sibling to the Westminster staple, this Denver outpost boasts a chic atmosphere, complete with the Poka Lola Social Club cocktail lounge. The dining room’s adobo accents, marble tables, and orange and turquoise banquettes evoke the colors of the Southwest, setting the stage for a creative menu. Expect tamales, empanadas, and a variety of chicken, beef, and seafood dishes, alongside excellent New Mexican posole and their signature Navajo tacos. Kachina delivers Southwestern flair with a modern Denver twist.
Toro Latin Kitchen + Lounge
Inside Cherry Creek’s elegant Hotel Clio, Toro Latin Kitchen + Lounge, spearheaded by acclaimed restaurateur Richard Sandoval, presents a progressive wave of global flavors. Here, culinary boundaries dissolve as Sandoval’s menu draws inspiration from Brazil, Argentina, Asia, Japan, Venezuela, and, of course, Mexico. The result? A dazzling melting pot of flavors that invigorate the palate. Contemporary banquettes, dark-wood tables, hand-painted bull murals, and a dedicated ceviche bar create a sophisticated ambiance. The expansive open-air patio is perfect for happy hour, where you can savor smoked swordfish dip paired with a mercado margarita.
Tamayo
A Larimer Square landmark, Tamayo, another brainchild of Richard Sandoval, offers creative interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine. Just like its innovative food – think tuna tartare guacamole, smoked brisket tacos, and crab and shrimp enchiladas – the décor is striking, and the handcrafted cocktails are bold and modern. Tamayo’s rooftop lounge is a must-visit, especially during a Colorado sunset or for their popular weekend brunch featuring bottomless margaritas. Experience a modern take on Mexican classics in a stylish setting.
La Loma
La Loma is a Denver institution, predating the city’s current Mexican food craze. Since the 1970s, this restaurant has been serving up Colorado-style green chile, gigantic margaritas, nachos, and fajitas. Now located in downtown Denver, La Loma’s rustic space, with exposed brick and southwestern art, provides a warm backdrop for enjoying classic Mexican comfort food. Don’t miss their mini chile rellenos during weekday happy hour – they’re addictively cheesy and crisp. For a taste of Denver’s Mexican culinary history, La Loma is essential.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
In Five Points, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, led by chef/owner Jose Avila from Mexico City, is Denver’s only pozoleria. Avila offers five variations of pozole, each rich with nixtamalized housemade hominy and accompanied by cabbage, radishes, lettuce, lime, onions, and optional avocado and chicharrons. The Day of the Dead-inspired décor, with skulls and murals, creates a festive atmosphere. Complement your pozole with a cocktail from their terrific bar program, perhaps the signature madre facka. For authentic pozole in a unique setting, La Diabla is a must-try.
Perdida
From the team behind Birdcall and Park Burger comes Perdida, a Baja-inspired Mexican hotspot in Washington Park. This modernist destination impresses with sea-hued tile, cowhide barstools, and vibrant murals, creating a swanky coastal club vibe. Perdida’s menu features Mexican street corn, citrus-spiked ceviche, chile-crusted carnitas tacos, and carne asada with sweet potato enchiladas. However, it’s the accomplished bar program, celebrating mezcal and tequila cocktails, that truly sets Perdida apart. For trendy Mexican dining with exceptional drinks, Perdida is the place to be.
Mr Peralta Mariscos
For the freshest ceviche in Denver, head to Mr Peralta Mariscos in Sunnyside. This convivial spot is known for its obscenely huge platters of ceviche and seafood cocktail goblets. The lively dining room, filled with Mexican music and the sounds of the open kitchen, creates an energetic atmosphere. Mr Peralta’s extensive ceviche menu is complemented by aguachiles, shrimp dishes, seafood tacos, and impressive molcajetes piled high with seafood. For a taste of authentic Mexican mariscos, Mr Peralta is unmatched.
La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas
La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas in Valverde offers a taste of everyday Mexico City taquerias. This no-frills spot is popular with locals for its soft-corn tortillas topped with slow-cooked pork, raw onions, cilantro, lime, and a variety of fresh salsas – be warned, some are intensely spicy! Pair your tacos with cinnamon-spiked horchata or roasted goat meat soup. For an authentic and unpretentious taqueria experience, La Calle delivers.
La Loteria Taqueria
La Loteria Taqueria, a former food truck turned brick-and-mortar in the Baker neighborhood, serves up Mexican crowd-pleasers in a visually stimulating setting. The menu features classics like guacamole, green chile-smothered fries with carne asada, beef cheek tacos, and California burritos. With a late-night menu and walk-up window, La Loteria is perfect for satisfying cravings any time. Enjoy reliable Mexican favorites in a hip and convenient location.
El Taco de Mexico
El Taco de Mexico in the Art District on Santa Fe is a Denver institution, praised by Andrew Zimmern as “Denver’s quintessential taqueria” with the “best menudo and tacos in the city.” This beloved dive with a yellow Formica counter is always bustling. Locals line up for al pastor tacos, chile relleno burritos smothered in green chile, and menudo. Don’t forget to try their legendary fiery salsa. For truly amazing, no-frills Mexican flavors, El Taco de Mexico is a must.
Los Chingones
Troy Guard’s Los Chingones, located in RiNo, is a bold and artistic taqueria. This bi-level space is adorned with eye-catching murals and Mexican folk art, creating a lively atmosphere. The menu features innovative tacos like octopus and Kobe beef, along with a salsa flight and guacamole. The rooftop deck offers city skyline views, perfect for enjoying their tequila-focused cocktails. With multiple locations across Denver, Los Chingones is a popular choice for modern Mexican dining.
Dos Santos
Dos Santos in Uptown brings the flavors of Mexico City to 17th Avenue’s restaurant row. Owned by the brothers behind White Pie, Dos Santos offers a compact menu featuring guacamole flights, aguachile, and standout soft corn tacos. The Del Mar taco, with beer-battered shrimp, is a highlight. The industrial-cool space with exposed brick and reclaimed wood also features a spirited bar with classic cocktails and margaritas. For a taste of Mexico City in Uptown, Dos Santos is a great option.
Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey
Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey in Highland showcases the versatility of the tortilla. Chef-owner Kevin Morrison’s dynamic joint offers griddled tortillas filled with creative combinations like pan-roasted shrimp and scallops or sweet-and-sour pork belly. The menu is full of hits, from crispy beef tongue tacos to vegetarian options, along with queso fundido, guacamole, and churros. As the name suggests, enjoy your meal with a cerveza, margarita, or whiskey. For innovative tacos and a fun atmosphere, Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey is a winner.
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina in Platt Park is a spirited Mexican restaurant famous for its Taco Tuesdays. While tacos are a draw, explore their mole enchiladas, carne asada, and rustic posole. Spice lovers should try the habanero salsa – it’s addictive and hot! Pair your meal with a mezcal margarita and consider a visit to the intimate mezcaleria behind Adelitas for a post-dinner drink. For vibrant Mexican dining and a lively atmosphere, Adelitas is a local favorite.
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina
Uno Mas Taqueria Y Cantina, with locations in Platt Park and Fort Collins, focuses on tacos, tortas, and pupusas with a garden-to-plate philosophy. They source seasonal produce from their own gardens and local Colorado farmers. Try the coffee and ancho chile-rubbed pork belly tacos or the adventurous beef tongue tacos. Complement your meal with craft beers or tequila from their extensive collection. For fresh, locally-sourced Mexican flavors, Uno Mas is a great choice.
Teocalli Cocina
Teocalli Cocina in Olde Town Arvada, led by chef Julio Gaspar (formerly of Lola Coastal Mexican), is a suburban culinary gem. Their superb tacos, filled with short ribs or tamarind-chipotle pork belly, are a must-try. Don’t miss their spectacular margaritas, chunky guacamole with green chorizo, and Oaxacan cheese enchiladas with mole poblano. For refined Mexican dining in a charming suburban setting, Teocalli Cocina is worth the trip.
Garibaldi Mexican Bistro
Garibaldi Mexican Bistro, surprisingly located at a Conoco station in Englewood, is a hidden gem. Despite its unassuming location, Garibaldi offers exceptional Yucatán-inspired dishes like the queka, along with tacos, huaraches, and carnitas. The menu emphasizes quality ingredients and traditional flavors, making it one of Denver’s most rhapsodic Mexican food experiences. Don’t judge a book by its cover – Garibaldi is a must-discover.
Kike’s Red Tacos
Kike’s Red Tacos is credited with starting Denver’s birria trend. Known for slow-stewing beef in chiles and spices for hours, Kike’s uses the flavorful meat juice for dunking their birria tacos. Originally a food truck, Kike’s now has a brick-and-mortar location in Highland, serving their famous birria dishes, including ramen and burritos, along with excellent margaritas. For the best birria in Denver, Kike’s Red Tacos is the go-to spot.
Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro
Xicamiti La Taqueria Bistro in Golden is worth the trip for its authentic Mexican flavors and impressive mezcal selection. This turquoise-hued restaurant features a shrine to mezcal and a menu highlighting owner Walter Meza’s passion for Mexican cooking. Try their street tacos with grilled poblano peppers and corn or the savory corn flan. For a quirky and authentic Mexican dining experience outside of Denver, Xicamiti is a fantastic choice.
Denver’s Mexican restaurant scene is a vibrant and diverse landscape, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to humble, authentic taquerias. Whether you’re craving innovative culinary creations or traditional comfort food, you’re sure to find incredible Mexican restaurants Denver has to offer. Embark on your own culinary journey and discover your new favorite spot!
