Mexican food is probably not your number one reason for going to Denver, but nothing is better after a day of hiking, mountain biking, lake swimming, or exploring the city. Whether you're a local or visiting, these ten places for Mexican food are the best in Denver. You'll love the taste of your favorite Mexican dishes at these places, and it'll make you glad that you left your Denver vacation rental.
These Are The 10 Places For The Best Mexican Food In Denver
1. Machete Tequila + Tacos
Since 2011, Machete Tequila and Tacos has been treating its customers to strong, hand-crafted margaritas, street-inspired tacos, and loaded quesadillas. Try the Arrachera tacos, which come with Hanger steak, avocado salsa, onions, and cilantro. Or, be adventurous and get the Costilla Ahumada—tacos filled with smoked pork rib meat in a chile puya rub, green apples, and green onions. You can wash it all down with a drink from their extensive tequila selection.
2. Sam’s No.3 Downtown
Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Sam’s No.3 Downtown serves up some of the biggest smothered burritos around. Their Colorado Buffalo burrito is huge and it’s stuffed with ground buffalo, home fries, eggs, jalapeno, bacon, cheese, and green chile sauce. In addition, the place also boasts an extensive menu or Mexican food, American diner food, and much more. Come here for breakfast and leave feeling completely stuffed!
3. Patzcuaro’s
The homemade chips at Patzcuaro’s are just the beginning of the delicious food you’ll find here. Customers go crazy for their smothered chicken burritos, carne asada tacos, and green chile enchiladas. The restaurant plays traditional Mexican music in the background and has plenty of seating no matter how large your group is. It’s been around since the 1970s and doesn’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. Grab an authentic, tasty meal at Patzcuaro’s.
4. Las Tortas
The best place to get tortas in Denver belongs to Las Tortas, and once you eat one you’ll see why. Along with the traditional types of tortas—steak, carnitas, ham, and al pastor—Las Tortas also makes breakfast tortas with your choice of meat and eggs. Their specials are pretty tasty, as well, and their kids menu is complete with hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and quesadillas so your kids can get exactly what they want, too. Be sure to try a torta from Las Tortas while you’re in Denver.
5. El Taco De Mexico
Searching for authentic, cheap street tacos? Look no further than El Taco De Mexico. This place serves up three tacos, with your choice of meat, along with beans and rice for just $10. Not only that, they’re packed with flavor and marinated perfectly. This joint has a bar top you can sit at while your food is made, and gives off an unpretentious vibe that will make you feel right at home.
6. Chile Verde
Chile Verde is often overlooked, but that makes it more of a hidden gem for you to find. Their happy hour is complete with $4 margaritas, they offer tequila flight samples, and their food is consistently delicious. Customers love their ceviche, a heaping portion of seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with Serrano peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. They also make a mean green chile, as any good Denver Mexican restaurant should.
7. La Loma Restaurant
La Loma is more of your upscale Mexican restaurant, so you’ll want to call ahead and put a reservation down before you show up. It’ll be worth it, as this place serves up some outstanding, authentic Mexican dishes. Their Anniversary Plate is a fan favorite, and it comes with a stuffed sopapilla, chile relleno, and chicken flauta which are topped with guacamole, sour cream, and their famous green chile. Try it with one of their delicious margaritas (which come in four different sizes!) and you’ll be blown away.
8. Adelitas Cocina y Cantina
Located in the heart of Denver, Adelitas offers the ultimate Mexican dining experience. Their tequila bar primes your taste buds for the tasty cuisine that they offer, and the bartenders are very attentive. Locals go crazy over their carne asada and homemade guacamole. This place gets pretty packed during dinner time, so be sure to call ahead and put your name down to avoid waiting. If you’d rather just chance it, you can always hit the brewery next door for a beer while you wait for your table. Come here for Taco Tuesday and celebrate with $1 tacos of your choice.
9. Taqueria La Familia
If you’re looking for excellent Colorado-style Mexican food, this is your place. Green chile distinguishes Colorado’s Mexican food from other styles, and Taqueria La Familia’s take on green chile is a real crowd pleaser. It’s more of a red color, but don’t let that fool you, it’s downright delicious. Customers love the tacos here, which can come loaded with guacamole, salsa, and all the fixings. The chile relleno and pinto beans are done just right at this unassuming little restaurant, and the chips and salsa are complimentary.
10. El Jardin
For over 30 years, El Jardin has been serving up some of the most authentic Mexican food in Denver. It’s been voted the “Best Mexican Restaurant” for six years by the Denver Channel 7 A List, so you know this place has some tasty food. They have so much pride in the quality of their Southwestern/Mexican cuisine that if you don’t love your food, it’s free! Try their sizzling fajita taco salad, burrito supreme, or enchilada rancheras. Whatever you order, you won’t be disappointed. Their atmosphere in inviting and family-friendly, and you’ll feel welcomed from the moment you step in the door. Check out El Jardin and eat like the locals.