Your Direct Route to the Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver
Number One is Up for Grabs, But Here are Some of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver
By Lu, OTL City Guides & Seat Fillers
When someone says this is the best Mexican restaurant in Denver, you have to step back for a minute. After all, who’s really to say what’s number one, right?
Well, I’m not that bold. There are so many Mexican restaurants in Denver with various menus, ambiance, and cocktail menus. So, I couldn’t pick just one. But, what I can do (and did) is put together some of the top picks for Mexican hotspots in the Mile High City.
I’ve got a combination of upscale with down and dirty (well, not dirty), and a Denver institution with shows, an arcade, and an all-you-can-eat menu that’s super affordable.
So, I’ve given you a head start, but challenge you to pick the all-around best Mexican restaurant in Denver.
Tamayo
I want to start with Tamayo, one of the more upscale options for top-notch Mexican restaurants in Denver.
Bottomless Brunch and Happy Hour
Tamayo’s got it all from patio seating to meal packages you can take home (and pass yourself off as a culinary genius). On Saturday and Sunday, you can take advantage of Bottomless Brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Or, focus on getting your margarita fix with a weekday Happy Hour from 3 pm to 5 pm.
I have to focus a bit more on that Bottomless Brunch, as I love breakfast food and could do brunch every day. It’s $28 per person or $42 with cocktails included. For two hours, you can accept one small plate after another. Throw in some guacamole, and it’s a good day!
Dinner Specialties
If you’re headed to dinner instead, I have to give a thumbs up to the La Tampiquena. The traditional and tender, grilled skirt steak comes with a mole-cheese enchilada and guacamole. Or, just look at the image above of Tamayo’s steak fajitas, and you’ll be rushing to Larimer Square.
Not a meat-eater? How about adobo marinated salmon or veggie enchiladas with a cherry tomato salad. Yum!
When you’re in a really good Mexican restaurant, it’s tough to save room for dessert. But I’m giving you a heads up here. Do your best, as Tamayo serves Tres Leches, Empanadas de Platano with coconut ice cream, and Pumpkin Bread Cake that’s a fall favorite.
Tamayo
1400 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
720-946-1433
El Gordo Taqueria
You’ll see the name El Gordo Taqueria pop up in other cities. But it’s a homegrown favorite Mexican restaurant in Denver located on 72nd Ave.
I have to include El Gordo on my list, as it’s uber-affordable with a dedicated clientele. You know when loyal diners return over and over, that something special is going on (and you don’t want to be left out in the cold).
Taco? Burrito? Gordita?
Forget about fussy food or ambiance that you pay for, as El Gordo focuses on doing tacos, burritos, and gorditas right. A four-piece Barbacoa Taco meal with run you $9.00. A Chorizo, Chicharron, or Buche Burrito comes in at $6.00. And, the Gorditas are in the $6.00 to $7.00 range, so you can see what I mean about the value.
Keep in mind that El Gordo Taqueria is closed on Monday and Tuesday. However, you’re good to go for the rest of the week. Just pull up their website and order online, so you don’t have to wait for your pickup order.
El Gordo Taqueria
1714 W 72nd Ave, Denver, CO 80221
303-429-9206
El Chingon Mexican Bistro
I don’t know about you, but when I see Bistro added to the name of a restaurant, I immediately assume that it’s going to be a bit more upscale than your local Mom and Pop shop. Sometimes, it’s disappointing. But in the case of El Chingon Mexican Bistro, it’s right on the money.
Mexico City Flavor Profiles
El Chingon focuses on the flavors of Mexico City with dinner entrees like Chile Rellenos. The roasted chiles at this Mexican restaurant in Denver are divided between Oaxaca cheese and ground beef filled for $16. Or, you can go for seafood with Grilled Atlantic salmon served with roasted rosemary marble potatoes ($23).
If you’re not in the mood for a full dinner, there are small plates, salads, and an a la carte taco menu. At just $4 each, you can mix and match your way to a taco extravaganza with options like Chicharrones, Camarones, Al Pastor, and Pollo Asado.
Reservations are recommended, or just pop in for Happy Hour, where you might want to try the La Gloria. Set aside your margarita for the night and enjoy cucumber-infused tequila mixed with triple sec, strawberry puree, and fresh lime juice. At just $6, need I say more?
El Chingon Mexican Bistro
4326 Tennyson Street, Denver, CO 80212
303-248-3641
Casa Bonita
If you’re from the Mile High City, you might have expected Casa Bonita on my list of best Mexican restaurants in Denver. After all, it’s been around for nearly 50 years.
All-You-Can-Eat
But if you’re not in the know, you’ll appreciate this introduction as Casa Bonita is a twofer with food and fun. Let me start with the specialty of the house, though. It’s an all-you-can-eat dinner for just over $18.
Is it worth it? Well, how do you feel about tacos, enchiladas, rice, beans, guacamole, chips, queso, salsa, and, wait for it… sopapillas and honey?!
Casa Bonita also caters to the kids with $6 plates on the Little Amigos menu.
Dessert and Entertainment
Consider some Fried Ice Cream, a Chocolate Bandito, or a Casarita, and what else do you need, right? Well, there’s more.
I said it was more than a restaurant. That’s because Casa Bonita has a gift shop and arcade. Cliff divers are doing their thing off a 30-foot waterfall, and stage shows are also on tap. So, if you’re looking for a Mexican restaurant in Denver that’ll keep you busy for the night, this particular one is open seven days a week and located right off the I-70 in Lakewood on West Colfax.
Casa Bonita
6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214
303-232-5115
More of Denver’s Best Mexican Restaurants
| More of Denver's Best Mexican Restaurants | Notes | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tacos Tequila Whiskey | Featured on Food Network | Three Locations |
| Garibaldi Mexican Bistro | Located in Aurora | Carry out or Delivery Only |
| Little Anita's | Colorado Blvd. | Dine-In or Take Away |
| Illegal Pete's | Burritos, Buddies, and Beer! | Order a Family Meal |
| Mezcal | 32 oz Margaritas | Bluebird District |
| Adelita's Cocina | Happy Hour 3 pm to 6 pm | Daily Specials |
| Los Chingones | Seven Locations | Add Name to Wait List |
| Chakas Mexican Restaurant | $2.50 Margaritas during Happy Hour | Evans Ave. Location |
| Las Tortas | For Mexican Sandwich Lovers | Three locations |
| Patzcuaro's | Michoacan Menu | Award-winning spot |
Mexican Restaurants and Things to Do in Denver
What do you think? The category is Mexican restaurants in Denver, but “each of these things is not like the other.” If you love your chips and salsa, a good margarita, and fresh flavors, you can have a fantastic time dining your way through and around the city.
Oh, and unless you’re hanging out at Casa Bonita every night, you might also be looking for some things to do. So, remember that we’ve got a Denver events calendar and our unique Denver seat fillers club.
I don’t know about free tacos. But, free pairs of tickets? Yes, they’re a real thing!
