5 Places To Eat Ridiculously Good Mexican Food In Denver
Denver is a great place to experience a variety of delectable cuisines, including one of the city's favorites: Mexican food. From authentic to modern to Tex-Mex, you can find several different types in almost any corner of the city. Considering the United States Census Bureau estimates that around 28% of Denverites are Hispanic or Latino, many of whom are of Mexican descent, it's no surprise to find a dearth of excellent places to enjoy your favorites. And cuisine this delicious goes beyond simple demographics — just about everyone loves Mexican food.
Whether you're in the mood for tacos, chili rellenos, burritos, tamales, sopapillas, street corn, fresh salsa and guacamole, or simply crave a bowl of green chili with homemade tortillas, Denver's food scene does not disappoint. There are too many quality spots to simply list them all, but we're certain that these places are ridiculously good enough to stand out. Here's where you can find the best Mexican food in the Mile High City.
La Fogata
Family-owned and operated for more than 30 years, La Fogata is an outstanding place to enjoy authentic Mexican food in a casual environment. Its two locations are on the southeast side of Denver, and both serve the same delicious cuisine. The only real difference between the two spots is that the Quincy location has an expansive patio filled with lush greenery.
Whichever location you visit, expect to find homemade favorites like drool-worthy chili rellenos, carne asada, mole de pollo, tacos de camaron, and more. If you have trouble picking just one item, the restaurant offers several combination plates. Unlike many other authentic Mexican spots, La Fogata does not put any lard or pork in its beans and sauces, so it is a fantastic option for vegetarians. It's also super family-friendly and has an impressive kid's menu. For drinks, there is a full bar, but the tremendous list of margaritas made with signature sweet and sour mix steals the show. They come in various sizes, including pitchers for the table.
Multiple locations
La Loma
Originally located on the North side, the iconic La Loma has moved on from its Victorian mansion to a new home downtown. With more than 40 years experience serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, its long-standing presence and reputation precede itself. While not quite the same, the new restaurant is beautifully decorated and filled with original charm, just like the previous flagship location, which resided in an old Victorian mansion.
In addition to all the classics like classic tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and combination plates, La Loma also prepare superb grilled specialties, chimichangas, and more. What it's most known for, though, is its famous green chili and fresh tortillas made in-house. You can try three of the house's favorite dishes with the Anniversary Plate. It includes a stuffed sopapilla, a chicken flauta, and a chili relleno topped with green chili, sour cream, and guacamole. If you wish to imbibe, there are delicious margaritas, and La Loma barrel-ages tequila in the bar. It also serves brunch on the weekend and has a fantastic happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar or on the patio Monday through Friday.
Multiple locations
Los Chingones
Los Chingones is the ideal spot for modern Mexican cuisine in the Rino neighborhood. It has a lively graffiti-splattered decor and a stunning second-story patio that is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon eating and enjoying excellent craft cocktails, like large fishbowl margaritas. It also has a DTC and Central Park location, so they're never too far away.
While Los Chingones' head chef, Troy Guard, is not Mexican, his curated cuisine is still ridiculously good. The menu is packed with inspired dishes made from the freshest ingredients, and each one is bursting with flavor. Sure, the menu contains classics like fish tacos and carne asada, but it also includes inspired options like Duck Confit Tacos, Mexican Pizza, and Gringo Tacos, which are made with rattlesnake chorizo and a crispy shell. It also has a stellar happy hour menu with $5 munchies and cocktails. Whenever you come, make sure to try the array of salsas served with warm tortilla chips.
Multiple locations
Pinche Tacos (aka Tacos Tequila Whiskey)
Chef and owner Kevin Morrison started Pinche Tacos as a food truck. However, it didn't take long for his elevated street tacos to develop a cult following. As a result, he now has two brick-and-mortar locations in Denver. While most people in Denver know the place as Pinche Tacos, the signs out front read Tacos Tequila Whiskey because pinche is a curse word in Spanish (shhh, don't tell!). Regardless of what you call the restaurant, its mouth-watering street tacos and tasty hand-crafted specialty cocktails are nothing short of amazing.
The menu at Pinche Tacos starts with a collection of shared plates, including various queso fundidos, salsas, guacamole, and more. However, the street tacos are what made it famous, and once you see their unique options and beautiful plating, you'll understand why. Some of their most inspired creations include a Fish N Beer taco with beer-battered fish and pineapple guacamole, a Walnut Chorizo taco that can be made vegan upon request, and a Pollo Agave taco with fried chicken dipped in sweet agave. They also have Carnitas, Asada, Barbacoa, and other more familiar tacos, all with an upgraded twist.
Multiple locations
Santiago's
A Denver staple for quick, affordable take-out Mexican fare, Santiago's has nine locations in the Front Range area. Ask anyone living in Denver, and they're sure to have heard about this highly-awarded fast food spot. You can even find some of its authentic green chile sauces in local grocery stores like King Soopers and Safeway.
Santiago's serves the best breakfast burritos in town and makes grabbing something to go super easy. Aside from its famous breakfast burritos and green chile sauce, it makes amazing huevos rancheros, tamales, tacos, enchiladas, chile fries, carnitas, chile rellenos, and more. It even has family-size dishes, burgers, and cater to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Considering it's received multiple accolades and awards from local publications, chances are you're going to love it too. Come by almost any time of day to experience a true Denver institution.
Multiple locations