Denver Tacos

The taqueria that built Denver's street taco reputation. What started as a truck is now multiple locations, but the quality hasn't slipped. Tiny corn tortillas, perfectly seasoned meats, proper cilantro and onion. The al pastor is excellent, the suadero is the move, and at $2-3 a taco, you can try everything. The Federal Blvd location has the most character.

Order: Suadero, al pastor, lengua. Three each.

A slightly more modern space serving traditional Mexico City-style street food. The tacos are excellent—hand-pressed tortillas, quality meats—but they also do proper quesadillas, huaraches, and sopes. The birria is outstanding when they have it. More comfortable than the true holes-in-the-wall, but no less authentic in execution.

Try: The handmade blue corn tortillas.

A chef-driven take on Mexican street food that manages to be creative without losing authenticity. The duck carnitas taco is signature—rich, crispy, excellent. They do things with mole and salsas that show real culinary skill. The bar program is strong too—this is a full restaurant experience disguised as a taco joint. RiNo location has the best vibe.

Signature: Duck carnitas, Al pastor, and their housemade salsas.

The green chili burrito here is legendary—smothered, massive, and available into the night. A counter-service institution feeding Denver's Mexican food cravings for 40+ years.

Order: Green chili smothered burrito.

Multiple food trucks around town serving late. The carne asada is solid, and the horchata is proper. Find them on social media for current locations.

Order: Carne asada tacos, horchata.

Grilled meats over real charcoal, available until 2am or later. The smell alone will draw you in. Cash only—hit an ATM first.

Order: Anything off the grill.

A full-service Mexican restaurant with excellent tacos and an even better bar. The margaritas are proper (no sour mix in sight), the guacamole is made tableside, and the tacos are creative without being gimmicky. It's a party atmosphere—loud, colorful, fun. Good for groups who want tacos and tequila in equal measure.

For: Groups, birthdays, tequila tastings.

The Austin import that's become a Denver staple. Not authentic Mexican—these are Tex-Mex creative tacos with big flavors. The Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chilis) and Dirty Sanchez (scrambled eggs, bacon, poblano peppers) are crowd favorites. It's a chain, but a good one. Consistent, flavorful, and the queso is addictive.

Secret menu: Ask for items "trashy" to add queso and jalapeños.