Menu & Pricing
🌮 Tacos ($15-16)
• Al Pastor (pork, pineapple, cilantro) - $15.50
• Bison (crispy corn, pico, cheese) - $15.50
• Barbacoa (shredded beef, avocado salsa) - $15
• Fish (battered cod, cabbage, cilantro sauce) - $16
• Steak (pickled onion, jack cheese) - $16
• Falafel (vegan, avocado salsa) - $15
⭐ Cantina Specialties ($17.50-26)
• Enchiladas (pork green chile + white meat) - $18
• Chile Rellenos (beef, queso, green chile) - $20
• Chile en Nogada (stuffed poblanos, walnut sauce) - $22
• Chimichurri Steak (poblano, black beans) - $26
• Chicken Flautas (crispy, rice, pico) - $19.50
• Vegetable Enchiladas (squash, black beans) - $17.50
What Makes Ed's Cantina Special
Ed's Cantina occupies prime real estate on Elkhorn Avenue right along the riverwalk. The outdoor patio puts you next to the river with mountain views and a festive atmosphere - the best outdoor dining location on the main strip.
The kitchen focuses on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients including Colorado bison and beef. With 3,443+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars, Ed's draws both tourists and locals looking for Mexican food with genuine Colorado character.
Service runs fast even when busy. Food arrives quickly despite the crowds, and the staff handles large parties well. The vibrant atmosphere gets lively but stays comfortable for conversation.
What to Order (Signature Dishes)
Bison Enchiladas - The signature dish with 155+ specific mentions. Flavorful, well-seasoned, with the right balance of spice. The lean bison meat pairs perfectly with the sauce. Ask about heat level if you're sensitive.
Avocado Margarita - The drink that put Ed's on the map. Creamy, unique, and refreshing. The mango and spicy margaritas also deliver, but the avocado version is the one to try first.
Fish Tacos ($16) - Battered cod with cabbage and cilantro sauce on soft flour tortillas. Crispy fish, fresh toppings, well-balanced. A solid choice for seafood lovers.
Barbacoa Tacos ($15) - Shredded beef with cheese, pico, and avocado salsa on soft corn. The meat is tender and well-seasoned. Great value for the quality.
Veggie Enchiladas ($17.50) - Squash, black beans, and a white cashew-based sauce. Clearly labeled vegetarian/vegan options throughout the menu make this a standout for plant-based diners.
💡 Pro Tip: Order one taco of each kind to sample the variety. The bison, barbacoa, and fish are the standouts. Add rice and beans for $4 to make it a full meal.
Who It's For (And Who It's Not For)
Best for: Post-RMNP hikers craving Mexican with a view, groups wanting riverside patio seating, vegetarians and vegans with clearly labeled options, and anyone wanting Colorado-sourced bison in their enchiladas.
Skip if: You expect free chips and salsa ($6.50 here) or need a quiet, intimate dining experience - it gets lively.
Looking for other options? Check La Cocina De Mama for off-strip Mexican with free parking, or Wapiti Colorado Pub for prime rib with river views.
Practical Information
- 📍Location: 390 E Elkhorn Ave, right on the riverwalk downtown
- ⏰Hours: Fri-Sat 11:30am-9pm, Sun-Thu 11:30am-8:30pm
- 🚗Parking: Paid lot at library across street; free street parking after 5pm
- 📅Reservations: Waitlist only - add name and walk around downtown while waiting
- ⏳Wait times: Can get busy - 90-minute table limit during high demand
- 🌿Dietary: Clearly labeled VG/V/GF options throughout menu
- 🍹Bar: Full bar with signature margaritas and happy hour
💡 Money Hack: Tacos at $15-16 are the best value - get three different kinds to sample. Skip the $13 guacamole appetizer and add it to your tacos instead. Grab a spot at the bar for faster seating and good conversation.