Best Mexican food in Boulder and Denver
October 17, 2015 4 Comments
Huevos rancheros at Casa Alegre in Louisville
Metro Denver seems to have a bit of a rough rep when it comes to great Mexican food, but there *are* some very good options around town…
Metro Boulder/Denver
Lafayette
Lunada Eatery & Cantina – Try the spicy chicken tacos and local craft beer on tap from Front Range Brewing.
Taqueria La Esperanza – Quick, authentic, and inexpensive – no frills.
Taco Wagon – Lafayette’s staple for breakfast burritos.
Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina – Quote from a local: “If I was allowed just one more meal, it would be Efrain’s Chili Verde.” (additional locations in Boulder and Longmont; Note: Per one of our readers – “Efrain’s locations in Boulder and Longmont are owned and operated by Efrain himself. The Lafayette location is owned/operated by another family member.”)
Santiago’s (25+ Colorado locations)
Louisville
Casa Alegre Mexican Restaurant – Huevos Rancheros are fantastic.
La Revolución Taqueria y Cantina (La Rev) – Locals love the mole sauce and house margarita.
Old Santa Fe Mexican Grille – New address @ 592 McCaslin Blvd.
Loco Hermanos – Regulars dig the huge burritos and green chile (aka chili).
Pica’s Mexican Taqueria (expected Spring, 2016 – see Boulder notes below)
Longmont
Antonio’s of Longmont – Excellent gluten-free and vegan options.
Las Palmeras Mexican Cuisine – Order the tasty refritos!
Comida Cantina – Exceptional street food, formerly available from a pink truck – now served from a brick/mortar cantina in Prospect.
Three salsas at Comida in Longmont (see also The Source, Denver)
Erie
Azteca Family Mexican Restaurant – Sister restaurant to Casa Alegre in Louisville.
Broomfield
Ana’s Mexican Grill – Try the infused Tequila.
El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant – Looking for huge portions? You’ll find them at Tapatio.
La Casa Del Burrito – Traditional Mexican fare with a great burrito selection.
Tres (3) Margaritas (multiple Colorado locations)
Westminster
Tacos Y Salsas – Try the Machaca burrito.
Hacienda Colorado (four Denver locations)
Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant (three Denver locations)
Boulder
Agave Mexican Bistro & Tequila House – Upscale Mexican with a huge, awesome lounge upstairs.
Pica’s Mexican Taqueria – Try the pozole, tacos, burritos, or tortas paired with a lemon-lime-orange-juice margarita. New Louisville location to open in 2016.
La Choza Mexican Restaurant – One of Boulder’s most authentic Mexican spots (NoBo).
Sancho’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant – Formerly 100% Mexicano – thank goodness they’re back!
Tahona Tequila Bistro – The slow-cooked duck tacos are incredible.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant (multiple Colorado locations)
Denver
D’Corazon Mexican Comfort Food – Visit the “D” for potent margaritas and the traditional style mole poblano.
El Chapultepec – Stop in for jazz and green chile (aka chili).
Patzcuaro’s Mexican Restaurant
Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey (aka Pinche Tacos, Pinche Taqueria, Pinch) – Worth the trip just for the queso with salty/limey chips. Definitely try the Queso a la Plancha tacos.
Tamayo Modern Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria
About unchainedeatery
Best Boulder restaurants + breweries 
Comida in Longmont is the best in the area – imho! We take a 20 minute drive there regularly.
We’d drive an hour for it – excellent food! 🙂
Efrain’s locations in Boulder and Longmont are owned and operated by Efrain himself. The Lafayette location is owned/operated by another family member.
Thanks, John. I’ll be sure to note this in the post. I wasn’t aware of that fact, and this explains the difference in flavors at the respective locations. Thanks again!