17 Best Mexican Restaurants in Denver for 2025

These Mexican restaurants in Denver bring the flavor and the fun of Mexican cuisine to the Mile High City. It’s like Christmas in Mexico every day at these fantastic local restaurants. These best Mexican restaurants in Denver take your taste buds on a wild ride through rich, spiced meats, flavorful salsas and specialty south-of-the-border drinks. Explore the traditional, fancy and authentic Mexican eateries found in Denver. 

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• Mexican Restaurants in Denver Downtown
• Traditional Mexican Restaurants in Denver
• Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Denver
• Fancy Mexican Restaurants in Denver
• Mexican Restaurants in Denver FAQs

Mexican Restaurants in Denver Downtown

1. La Loma

With more than 4,400 positive reviews and counting, La Loma continues to stand out among the top Mexican restaurants in Denver. The restaurant’s beautifully decorated interior, friendly and attentive service and consistently delicious food make it a popular dining destination. Guests rave about the crispy chips and flavorful salsa, as well as the generous margaritas available during happy hour. 

Signature entrées like the Carne Guisada, Anniversary Plate and smothered burritos receive high praise for their bold flavors and hearty portions. Due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.

2. D'Corazon Mexican Restaurant

Known for its authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere, D'Corazon is a favorite among Mexican restaurants in Denver for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant is especially well-loved for its Carnitas and fajita burritos, which come loaded with tender steak, grilled peppers and onions and a rich green sauce. 

The spicy, chunky salsa is a standout, with staff ensuring prompt refills. Whether stopping by for a meal or unwinding with a margarita special during happy hour, D'Corazon delivers a satisfying dining experience.

3. Qué Rico Mexican Restaurant

Qué Rico is a must-visit among Mexican restaurants in Denver. Guests frequently highlight the friendly service, flavorful street tacos and refreshing margaritas, with the tamarind variety being a crowd favorite. The pozole is highly recommended and other standout dishes include the Que Rico Plate, featuring generous portions and bold flavors, as well as the fruity bowl and fluffy mini pancakes. With an inviting ambiance and consistently high-quality food, Qué Rico is a top choice for authentic Mexican cuisine.

4. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

A staple among Mexican restaurants in Denver, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is known for its Tex-Mex flavors, famous Rio margaritas and cute Mexican pottery decor. Located in a prime downtown spot near Union Station and Coors Field, it offers dine-in, patio seating and convenient takeout options. Customers appreciate the restaurant’s attention to detail, from labeled sauces in delivery orders to keeping burritos fresh by serving green chile on the side. 

Popular menu items include chicken fajitas, carnitas burritos, creamy cheese dip and crispy churros. With light, crispy chips and fresh salsa, along with consistently excellent service, Rio Grande remains a go-to destination for Mexican food lovers.

5. Kachina Cantina

Bringing a modern and adventurous take on Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, Kachina Cantina stands out among Mexican restaurants in Denver. Inspired by the Four Corners region and Baja Mexico, the menu features unique bites such as pozole, a variety of salsas and eight different types of tacos served on corn tortillas, flour tortillas or fry bread.

Guests rave about the Tequila Carnitas Skillet, packed with tender carnitas and the Quesabirria. This new take on birria combines fried cheese flavors and well-cooked, spiced beef. The restaurant's vibrant decor, attentive service and inviting atmosphere make it a standout choice for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Traditional Mexican Restaurants in Denver

6. Tamayo

Tamayo is a reflection of Chef Richard Sandoval’s deep passion for authentic Mexican cuisine, inspired by his abuela and shaped by his upbringing in Mexico City. Since 2001, Tamayo has been both a landmark in Larimer Square and a personal cornerstone for Chef Sandoval. With its rich history and lasting legacy, Tamayo stands uniquely on its own while also serving as a creative hub for new culinary techniques and innovations that have influenced Chef Sandoval’s restaurants worldwide. Over 25 years, the restaurant has taken pride in helping to shape Denver's robust Mexican food scene.

7. Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina

Adelitas is a traditional Mexican restaurant dedicated to showcasing the vibrant flavors of Michoacán, a western Mexico state. Its exceptional Agave spirits program brings the heart and soul of Mexico to South Broadway, plus, it’s home to many delicious vegetarian Mexican food recipes. The restaurant’s name, Adelitas, honors the mothers who have inspired its vision, whose traditions and flavors are at the heart of every dish and cocktail.

As a Latin and woman-owned family restaurant, Adelitas is committed to providing a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment for its guests. The menu features traditional family recipes from Michoacán, available for lunch and dinner six days a week, along with a late-night menu designed to satisfy after-dark cravings. While Adelitas maintains a family-friendly atmosphere, the ambiance shifts after 9 pm, with dimmed lights creating a warm and relaxing dining experience. 

8. La Doña Mezcaleria

La Doña Mezcaleria brings the spirit of Mexico all the way to Denver. Here you get an immersive dining experience with authentic cuisine and an extensive mezcal selection. As one of the top Mexican restaurants in Denver, La Doña combines bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere that transports guests straight to the heart of Mexico.

The menu showcases traditional Mexican dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. From savory carnitas tacos to enchiladas smothered in house-made chili sauce, every dish is prepared with precision and authenticity. Guests can also explore an impressive mezcal selection, ranging from smooth and smoky to rich and complex, with expert staff on hand to guide their choices.

9. La Pasadita Inn

La Pasadita Inn serves up authentic Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and plenty of heat. As one of the standout Mexican restaurants in Denver, it’s a must-visit for those who enjoy spice-packed dishes. Guests who prefer milder flavors should inform the staff, as even the complimentary salsa brings a fiery kick. 

The restaurant’s enchiladas, chiles rellenos and tamales consistently exceed expectations, standing out among Denver Metro’s dining options. For anyone in the area, La Pasadita Inn is a top contender for the best Mexican food in Denver, and it easily claims the title of the best Mexican restaurant in Uptown/North Capitol Hill.

Authentic Mexican Restaurants in Denver

10. La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal

La Diabla is Denver’s first and only pozolería, dedicated to the comforting, homestyle dish of pozole, traditional Mexican soup or stew, in all its variations. Chef José Avila brings an authentic taste of Mexico City, serving blanco, rojo and verde pozole made with slow-simmered hominy and rich broths. It’s some of the best authentic Mexican food in Denver and, beyond its signature dish, the mezcal selection is one of the best in town.

11. Casa Tequilas

For a warm and welcoming spot with generous portions, Casa Tequilas is a local favorite. Specializing in authentic Jalisco-style cuisine, this restaurant offers flavorful dishes like birria tacos, molcajete platters and sizzling fajitas. Their tequila and mezcal list is extensive, perfect for those looking to explore agave spirits while indulging in comforting, homemade Mexican dishes.

12. Machete Tequila + Tacos

Machete Tequila + Tacos brings a bold, creative approach to Mexican cuisine. Known for its variety of tacos, from al pastor to octopus, the restaurant offers innovative combinations that push the boundaries of traditional flavors. Its lively, high-energy vibe and impressive tequila selection make it a go-to spot for taco lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

13. Ni Tuyo

A cozy, contemporary cantina, Ni Tuyo is known for its elevated street tacos and craft cocktails. With a menu inspired by traditional Mexican street food, dishes are packed with flavor and made with high-quality ingredients, from house-made tortillas to slow-braised meats. Its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and strong margaritas make it a hidden gem among Mexican restaurants in Denver.

14. Taqueria La Familia

This spot is a true neighborhood favorite. Taqueria La Familia is one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants in Denver, with homestyle dishes at affordable prices. Known for its handmade tortillas and slow-cooked meats, this family-run taqueria keeps things simple but flavorful, serving up delicious tacos, burritos and house specialties like chiles rellenos.

Fancy Mexican Restaurants in Denver

15. CAMELIA Modern Mexican Cuisine

CAMELIA Modern Mexican Cuisine offers an elevated take on regional Mexican dishes, combining traditional recipes with contemporary presentation. The restaurant’s sleek, stylish interior and high-end cocktails make it a top choice for date nights and special occasions. Signature dishes include mole negro, fresh ceviche and tableside guacamole, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

16. Mezcaleria Alma

A mezcal lover’s paradise, Mezcaleria Alma is an elegant yet vibrant destination that showcases the diversity of agave spirits alongside bold, authentic flavors. The menu focuses on Oaxacan-inspired cuisine, featuring dishes like tlayudas, barbacoa and mole. Guests can explore a curated list of mezcal and tequila. Sitting at the bar/chef counter is highly recommended, not just for the view but for the top-tier service.

17. Alma Fonda Fina

Alma Fonda Fina brings the sophistication of Mexico City’s dining scene to Denver. With a focus on fine dining, this upscale restaurant takes Mexican cuisine to new heights. You’ll find beautifully plated dishes like duck carnitas, lobster tamales and handmade heirloom masa tortillas. Its carefully curated wine and cocktail list ensures every dish is perfectly paired, making it a premier destination for those seeking a high-end Mexican dining experience.

Mexican Restaurants in Denver FAQs

What Is So Special About Casa Bonita, Denver?

We didn’t highlight Casa Bonita in our list of best Mexican restaurants in Denver because it stands apart and deserves a special shoutout. Casa Bonita (Spanish for "pretty house") is a Mexican restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, right outside the Denver city center. Originally part of a chain of Mexican-themed entertainment restaurants that began in Oklahoma City, it opened its doors in 1974. Since then, Casa Bonita has gained a devoted following among Coloradans and is widely regarded as a cultural landmark in both Lakewood and the greater Denver metropolitan area.

The key is the restaurant’s distinctive decor, a pink exterior that hides a maze-like interior filled with unique spaces. The main, multilevel dining area features plastic palm trees and twinkling string lights, while various themed rooms showcase architectural influences from different regions of Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta. 

The highlight of the restaurant is a 30-foot (9.1-meter) indoor waterfall, where cliff divers perform in a setting inspired by Acapulco’s famous cliffs. Topping the building is a golden dome, adorned with a statue of Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. In recognition of its historical significance, Casa Bonita was officially designated a city landmark in March 2015.

A post-COVID purchase and renovation by new owners means that Casa Bonita is here to stay. Visitors can enjoy their fill of tacos, nachos and even some vegetarian Mexican food options.

What Percentage of Restaurants in the U.S. Are Mexican?

It’s a fact. Many Americans adore Mexican food. There’s even a significant market for vegan Mexican food in the U.S. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, 11% of all restaurants in the United States serve Mexican food. So, that’s a little over 1 in 10. 

While Mexican restaurants can be found across the country, they are particularly concentrated in California and Texas, which together account for around 40% of all Mexican restaurants in the U.S. California alone is home to 22%, while Texas hosts 17%. Other states with high numbers of Mexican restaurants include Florida, New York and Illinois, each making up 4% of the national total.

Mexican restaurants in the U.S. range from fast food to fine dining:

• 22% are classified as fast food
• 12% specialize in tacos
• 8% are food trucks or carts
• 6% serve Tex-Mex cuisine

What Is Sonoran Style Mexican Food?

This border-style food is unique to Arizona and can rarely be found outside of this state. Arizona shares its southern border with Sonora, Mexico, a region known for its wheat cultivation, cattle ranching and distinctive cooking traditions. Unlike much of Mexico, where corn tortillas dominate, Sonora is famous for its flour tortillas, which are stretched paper-thin, cooked on a griddle until lightly blistered and prized for their chewy texture. 

What is the U.S. oldest Mexican restaurant?

It’s actually in Arizona! El Charro Café was established in 1922 in Tucson, Arizona, and you can find some excellent Sonoran eats here. Sonoran cuisine also highlights beef, especially machaca (dried, shredded beef) and carne asada (grilled steak). These flavorful meats are central to burritos (burros), tacos, salads and tamales. While many places serve machaca as a breakfast dish scrambled with eggs, Sonoran-style restaurants incorporate it throughout their menus, embracing hearty, simple dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients.

In Denver, you can get a taste of Sonoran at La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal. This authentic restaurant isn’t entirely dedicated to Sonoran-style but you’ll find tasty options to try out.

Denver’s Mexican food scene is as diverse and flavorful as the city itself, whether you’re craving classic carne asada, flavorful enchiladas, handmade tamales or a legendary bowl of green chile, the Mile High City has something to satisfy you. These best Mexican restaurants in Denver showcase the rich culinary traditions and innovative spirit of Mexican cuisine. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find bold flavors and warm hospitality.

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