21 Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver, CO in 2025
The most popular Mexican restaurants in Denver feature authentic flavors and an energetic setting of lively music, friendly service and colorful décor. The menu items at these eateries are steeped in a rich history as, according to Together Women Rise, Spanish and Indian customs have played a part in influencing Mexican cuisine.
From the traditional array of tacos, tamales and tortillas to seafood-centric menus and creative Tex-Mex dishes, Denver delivers when it comes to authentic Mexican meals. Are you craving burritos, empanadas and bottomless margaritas? Have you ever wanted to explore culinary regions like the Yucatan, Oaxaca and Veracruz? Luckily, you don't need to book a plane ticket to experience Mexican delights from these and other areas.
Keep reading to discover a collection of new, long-standing and famous Mexican restaurants in Denver.
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21 Great Mexican Restaurants in Denver
1. Tamayo
Are you looking for date ideas in Denver? Consider Chef Richard Sandoval’s Tamayo. Located on Larimer Square, this Mexican restaurant in Denver features authentic cuisine from Mexico with a contemporary twist. Choose from seafood, ceviche, carne asada and cheesy chicken dishes. Don't forget to scour the tequila menu — it could rival any fine-dining wine list.
The Vibe
Flanked with rustic tequila barrels, eclectic artwork and a lively bar scene, this Mexican restaurant in Denver is a fantastic choice for happy hour, a casual lunch or dinner with friends. There’s an outdoor patio and a rooftop lounge that offers excellent sunset views.
What to Order
Tacos are always a great choice, and the chicken tinga will certainly hit the spot. Besides the main ingredient, you'll bite into a delicious combination of crema fresca, black beans and pico de gallo.
Tamayo | 1400 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$
2. La Loma
Open since 1973, the founders of La Loma considered several locations before settling in downtown Denver. The popular Mexican restaurant in Denver serves a wide array of Tex-Mex and Southwest cuisine, including nachos, salads and burritos.
The Vibe
Rustic with exposed brick, wrought iron, colorful southwestern art and an open kitchen, this Mexican restaurant in Denver has a friendly vibe and a bustling happy hour scene.
What to Order
The La Loma Hamburger is a Mexican take on an American classic you'll absolutely love. It features ground meat, melted cheese and refried beans sandwiched between two flour tortillas and topped with a spicy chile sauce.
La Loma | 1801 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 | $$
3. Alma Fonda Fina
Sporting a shiny Michelin Star, Alma Fonda Fina is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Denver. Reserve a seat at the chef’s counter to learn about the distinctive recipes, Mexican culture and expert culinary techniques.
The Vibe
An open and airy setting, natural textures and a modern vibe make this an excellent Mexican restaurant in Denver to enjoy a meal with friends, family or colleagues.
What to Order
Birria de borrego is a lamb shank specialty that meat lovers won't get enough of. If you're in the mood for something with fish, the aguachile de chile fresno has a delectable combination of hamachi, tepache oil, pineapple purée and salsa seca.
Alma Fonda Fina | 2556 15th St., Denver, CO 80211 | $$$
4. Mi Tierra Caliente
Visit Mi Tierra Caliente for a hearty lunch, dinner and breakfast menu, as well as a wide selection of craft cocktails featuring tequila and mezcal. Emphasizing the Michoacán cuisine of Western Mexico, the family-run Mexican restaurant in Denver sports hues of orange, pink and green, the traditional colors of the Mexican state.
The Vibe
Colorful murals and cozy booths lend a friendly and welcoming ambiance. There is ample space at this Mexican restaurant in Denver for private parties and large groups.
What to Order
Huevos rancheros is a classic you can't go wrong with, but for something a little less common, try aporreadillo. It's a savory mix of beef jerky and scrambled eggs in tomato sauce, served with refried beans and rice.
Mi Tierra Caliente | 5350 W. 64th Ave., Arvada, CO 80003 | $
5. Adelitas Cocina y Cantina
One of the most famous Mexican restaurants in Denver, Adelitas Cocina y Cantina celebrates authentic Michoacán culture and cuisine. In Mexican history, “La Adalita” was a name given to women warriors who helped the wounded, prepared meals and fought alongside soldiers and comrades. Today, it serves as a reminder of Mexico's unbreakable spirit.
The Vibe
With western artwork, dark wood furniture and exposed brick walls, this Mexican restaurant in Denver has a bustling and friendly vibe. The excellent service is just as impressive as the authentic recipes.
What to Order
Give the flautitas a try for a taste of one of the most popular bite-sized savory treats. It features chicken in corn tortillas, topped with pico de gallo, lettuce, queso fresco and sour cream. Don’t forget to pair it with a smoky mezcal margarita.
Adelitas Cocina y Cantina | 1294 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 | $$
6. Rosita’s
Established in 1963, family-owned Rosita’s specializes in New Mexican cuisine and time-honored recipes. In addition to family and solo dining, this Mexican restaurant in Denver is a fantastic venue for private parties, special events and large groups.
The Vibe
Festive, cozy and colorful, this Mexican restaurant in Denver offers a casual vibe for breakfast, lunch or dinner with family or friends. The photos on the walls filled with friendly faces will make you feel right at home.
What to Order
This is another great Mexican restaurant in Denver for a twist on a favorite American classic. The Mexican burger features a tender beef patty, refried beans and fried onions, together with cheese, lettuce and a green chile sauce with a kick.
Rosita’s | 8050 Federal Blvd., Westminster, CO 80031 | $
7. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Head to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant to choose from an array of Tex-Mex cuisine, as well as vegan, keto and gluten-free options. Established in 1986, this Mexican restaurant in Denver brought the authentic flavors of fajitas, black beans and Yucatan cuisine to the Mile High City.
The Vibe
Hip and modern, this Mexican restaurant in Denver delivers a colorful and upbeat vibe. The shaded outdoor seating makes for lovely visits on warmer days.
What to Order
Diners rave about the impressive selection of burritos, but a featured item that stands out in particular is the Mexico City hot chicken tacos. You won't get enough of the trio of honey slaw, spicy fried chicken and orange habanero glaze.
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant | 1745 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$
8. El Jefe
Are you searching for great Mexican restaurants in Denver for a night out with friends and family? Then El Jefe is your go-to spot as it features a seasonal farm-to-table menu inspired by the Veracruz, Oaxaca and Yucatán regions of Mexico. You’ll also find a vast tequila and mezcal menu.
The Vibe
Bright and inviting with a touch of an industrial outlook, this Mexican restaurant in Denver welcomes diners with lively music and friendly service. The warm lighting that highlights the exposed brick walls at night really makes it feel like a homey eatery.
What to Order
Start off with the crab nachos before tucking into the quesabirria dish. The corn tortillas filled with slow-cooked beef, melted cheese and avocado salsa will have you wishing there were more than three on the plate.
El Jefe | 2540 W. 44th Ave., Denver, CO 80211 | $$
9. Kachina Cantina
Inspired by Baja and Southwest American cuisine, Kachina Cantina is a popular gathering spot for brunch, lunch and happy hour. The menu features pozoles, salsa, enchiladas and numerous tacos.
The Vibe
This trendy Mexican restaurant in Denver has modern décor and a lively vibe to enjoy authentic recipes and bottomless margaritas.
What to Order
The taco plate is a great choice if you want an assortment of flavors. Pick your favorites and add rice and refried beans for an extra cost.
Kachina Cantina | 1890 Wazee St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$
10. D’Corazon
Located in the bustling LoDo neighborhood, D’Corazon offers a wide selection of affordable and homemade Tex-Mex and Mexican comfort food. If you're wondering where this Mexican restaurant in Denver got its intriguing name from, the word "corazon" means “heart” in Spanish.
The Vibe
A welcoming bar scene with wooden stools and an intimate space greets diners at this colorful cantina-like setting.
What to Order
This Mexican restaurant in Denver is renowned for its beef and bean dip, as well as its authentic tamales with a flavorful pork filling.
D’Corazon | 1530 Blake St., Unit C, Denver, CO 80202 | $
11. Mr. Peralta Mariscos
If you're looking to enjoy a casual meal at a great restaurant in Denver, Mr. Peralta Mariscos is the place to go. This popular family-owned eatery offers an impressive menu filled with seafood and traditional Mexican recipes.
The Vibe
This Mexican restaurant in Denver is small and casual with lively Mexican music, a friendly atmosphere and an open kitchen.
What to Order
The vast menu will have you feeling spoiled for choice, but any of the shrimp dishes at this Mexican restaurant in Denver are said to be favorites.
Mr. Peralta Mariscos | 3900 Osage St., Denver, CO 80211 | $$
12. Tacos Tequila Whiskey
If you’re considering Denver birthday ideas (or other occasions) and looking for a suitable venue, this lively spot is the place to be. It's not hard to guess where the focus lies at Tacos Tequila Whiskey. Although these three offerings are the main stars of the show at this Mexican restaurant in Denver, the menu includes other favorites such as pozole, chicharrones and sliders.
The Vibe
The welcoming and friendly spirit at this Mexican restaurant in Denver can be felt instantly. Grafitti on the exposed brick walls and lively chatter at the large bar add to the festive spirit.
What to Order
Simplicity meets culinary brilliance with the steak ranchero. The combination of grilled steak, salsa ranchero and scrambled eggs is the ideal weekend brunch. If you're looking for a tasty vegetarian meal to enjoy at this Mexican restaurant in Denver, the veggie tinga street tacos will do the trick.
Tacos Tequila Whiskey | Multiple Locations | $$
13. Garibaldi Mexican Bistro
Named after the plaza in Mexico City, Garibaldi Mexican Bistro is located in a gas station in Englewood. Its philosophy focuses on quality service and straightforward, homemade recipes for lunch, dinner and all-day breakfast.
The Vibe
Decked out in bold walls covered in handwriting and murals, this Mexican restaurant in Denver is more of a convenience spot than a sit-down eatery. It's great for take-out, on-the-go dining and even catering.
What to Order
If you've never heard of a pambazo before, this Mexican restaurant in Denver has one that will exceed all expectations. It comprises a lightly fried, fresh bolillo stuffed with chorizo, lettuce and potatoes, as well as cheese and sour cream.
Garibaldi Mexican Bistro | 3298 S. Broadway, Unit B, Englewood, CO 80113 | $$
14. Los Chingones
What could be better than a Mexican restaurant in Denver with a brunch menu, a rooftop bar and great views? With locations in Belleview Station and the Downtown area, Los Chingones is your answer to a delicious meal enjoyed in a vibrant spot.
The Vibe
Head to this Mexican restaurant in Denver for a hip vibe with bold Mexican murals and eclectic art. The rooftop deck, covered in string lights, has incredible views of the city.
What to Order
No visit to a Mexican restaurant in Denver is complete without trying chocolate-covered churros for dessert. Before savoring this sumptuous dessert, try the Mexican ramen for a fusion meal that combines two of the world's most popular cuisines.
Los Chingones | Multiple Locations | $$
15. La Loteria Taqueria
Are you looking for unbeatable breakfast in Denver? Then you'll want to pay a visit to La Loteria Taqueria. This is the Mexican restaurant in Denver to go to when you’re craving a hefty breakfast burrito. Interestingly enough, the name of this former food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar storefront comes from a Mexican card game.
The Vibe
This Mexican restaurant in Denver, situated in a hip neighborhood, has an open kitchen, bold artwork and colorfully painted brick walls. There’s a walk-up window for after-hours ordering.
What to Order
Fish tacos don't get better than the crispy Baja meal at this Mexican restaurant in Denver. With habanero-cabbage slaw, Pacifico battered white fish and pineapple salsa, it's a must-try.
La Loteria Taqueria | 42 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 | $
16. Perdida
Found in Washington Park and Westminster, the chic Perdida offers an artistically curated bar menu to complement a wide selection of tacos, fajitas and enchiladas. This Mexican restaurant in Denver is a wonderful spot for a date night, family dinner or happy hour drinks with friends.
The Vibe
Colorful murals adorn this Mexican restaurant in Denver, along with recycled décor and beautiful tile accents, giving it a hip and modern Baja beach vibe.
What to Order
The chicken tinga or Baja enchiladas are both great choices. The latter is for those looking to enjoy a spicy kick as it comes with jalapeño cream sauce.
Perdida | Multiple Locations | $$
17. Toro
Another culinary creation of chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval, Toro is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Denver. Its prime location in the sleek Hotel Clio in the Cherry Creek neighborhood makes it a must-visit eatery. With a focus on Central and South American cuisine, recipes come from Mexico, Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela.
The Vibe
Sophisticated and inviting with a contemporary vibe, this fancy restaurant in Denver has hand-painted murals of bulls on the walls — as you may have guessed, “toro” means “bull” in Spanish. The outdoor patio with a fire pit and sparkling string lights is the best place to get comfortable on warmer nights.
What to Order
A refreshing wedge salad is a great way to start off your dinner. Follow that up with a 10-ounce prime skirt steak for an overall satisfying meal you won't forget quickly.
Toro | 150 Clayton Lane, Ste. B, Denver, CO 80206 | $$$
18. La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Hailing from Mexico City, chef/owner Jose Avila brings a unique blend of flavor, color and texture to La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal. This pozolería, a Mexican restaurant specializing in pozole, features five types of broth customers can choose from for their authentic stew or soup.
The Vibe
This Mexican restaurant in Denver has a lively Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) vibe with sugar skulls and colorful murals.
What to Order
The various pozole options may be the specialty at this Mexican restaurant in Denver, but the carnitas — with avocado salsa, pico de Gallo and chicharrón — are equally as delicious.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal | 2233 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205 | $$
19. Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina
With a farm-to-table concept, Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina specializes in authentic Mexican street food. It has its own gardens for specific ingredients and sources others from local farms. The splendid menu at this Mexican restaurant in Denver also has more than 70 tequilas and regional craft beers for you to choose from
The Vibe
Different colored walls and unique murals make this Mexican restaurant in Denver a terrific spot for a hearty meal with friends. Dine indoors or outside on the patio.
What to Order
One of the most popular menu items at this Mexican restaurant in Denver is the al pastor tacos. The flavors of poblano radish slaw, marinated pork and diced pineapple are undeniably flavorful.
Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina | 1585 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80210 | $$
20. Chili Verde
The family-owned Chili Verde, established in 2009, offers a menu featuring authentic Mexican spices and Puebla flavors. This Mexican restaurant in Denver is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
The Vibe
The vibe is bright and colorful at this Mexican restaurant in Denver. Enjoy happy hours on the outdoor patio or inside, surrounded by impressive works of art lining the walls.
What to Order
Consider the chile en nogada, a roasted pepper stuffed with beef, fruit and nuts and topped with pomegranate seeds and a walnut cream sauce.
Chili Verde | 2311 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80211 | $$
21. Zocalito Latin Bistro
As one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Denver, Zocalito Latin Bistro features a menu filled with the smoky, spicy flavors of moles, salsas and more. Chef Michael Beary works with farms in Oaxaca to import chilis and other authentic ingredients to add distinctive and traditional flavors to the menu. The rare chilhuacle chile, an essential ingredient in Oaxacan moles, was one of his discoveries.
The Vibe
Colorful ornaments in a refined setting with different shades of green and brown make this Mexican restaurant in Denver a popular spot for lunch or dinner.
What to Order
Choose from Denver food favorites like spicy dry-rubbed wings or the chicken soup, which has a hearty mixture of corn, cheese, vegetables and tortilla strips.
Zocalito Latin Bistro | 999 18th St., Ste. 107, Denver, CO 80202 | $$
Other Foodie Experiences in Denver
Are you looking for ways to learn all the best tips and tricks for preparing delicious gourmet meals inspired by the beloved Mexican restaurants in Denver? Simply book one of the many cooking classes in Denver to enjoy a culinary experience like no other. Experienced chefs infuse fun and creativity into engaging and informative sessions that are as educational as they are fun.
Or, you could let someone else do the cooking but still enjoy delectable meals during food tours in Denver. Led by local guides, these exciting experiences are a way to explore the cafés, cantinas, bars, landmarks and best restaurants in Denver, which make the city a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic cantina with a family-friendly vibe or a modern taqueria for drinks with friends, Mexican restaurants in Denver offer friendly service, a lively atmosphere and authentic cuisine for any occasion. Consider any of these eateries the next time you’re craving a heaping platter of crunchy nachos, cinnamon-dusted churros or a salt-rimmed margarita.
For even more ways to explore Denver and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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