The Ground Beef Taco At This Colorado Drive-In Is So Good, You’ll Dream About It Later

Last summer, I pulled off I-25 in Walsenburg, Colorado, with zero expectations and left plotting my return trip before I’d even finished my taco.

George’s Drive Inn isn’t fancy, but it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you’d ever eat anywhere else.

The ground beef tacos here have a cult following for good reason: they’re simple, satisfying, and downright unforgettable.

Here’s why this little roadside gem deserves a permanent spot on your Colorado food map.

Founded by George Amidei in 1977, Then Passed Through Just Two More Hands

George Amidei opened the doors on June 2, 1977, and kicked off what would become a Walsenburg institution. His son Tony took over in 1990, keeping the family tradition alive for nearly three decades.

When Tony decided to retire, he didn’t hand the keys to just anyone. Longtime cook Joe Sylling bought the place on New Year’s Eve 2019, ensuring the recipes and spirit stayed intact.

That’s three owners in nearly five decades, proof that George’s isn’t just serving food but legacy.

Breakfast and Lunch Only, So Don’t Show Up at Dinnertime

George’s keeps it simple: breakfast and lunch, then they’re done. No dinner service, no late-night munchies, and definitely no apologies for it.

Regulars know the lunch rush hits hard, with lines snaking out the door around noon. But that’s part of the charm.

You wait your turn, chat with the person behind you, and by the time you order, you feel like part of the family. The daytime-only vibe keeps things fresh and the staff sane.

Walsenburg’s Longest-Running Restaurant at 46 Years and Counting

Forty-six years is an eternity in the restaurant world, where most places fold before their fifth birthday. George’s has outlasted every competitor in town, becoming the go-to spot for generations of families.

Grandparents who ate here as teenagers now bring their grandkids for the same tacos. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen by accident.

It’s built on consistency, quality, and a menu that never tries to be something it’s not. Walsenburg wouldn’t be the same without it.

Fresh-Cut Fries, Fresh Meat, Fresh Sausage Since Day One

Walk into most fast-food joints and you’ll find frozen everything, but George’s has been doing it the hard way since 1977. Fresh-cut fries mean someone’s actually peeling and slicing potatoes every single day.

The meat and sausage? Same deal. Nothing comes out of a freezer bag with a corporate logo stamped on it.

That commitment to fresh ingredients is why the food tastes like your grandma made it, assuming your grandma was a total boss in the kitchen.

Right Off I-25 at Exit 564, Perfect for Road-Trippers and Locals Alike

Traveling between Denver and New Mexico? George’s sits right off I-25 at the US-85/87 junction, making it stupidly easy to stop without adding miles to your trip.

Truckers, families on vacation, and cross-country adventurers all pull in for a quick bite that turns into a highlight of the journey.

Locals treat it like their kitchen away from home. The location is convenient, but the food is why people actually remember the stop years later.

Green Chili That Could Make a Grown Man Weep (In the Best Way)

Forget everything else on the menu for a second because the green chili is the real MVP here. Locals pile it on burgers, smother their fries in it, or just order it by the bowl with a spoon and a prayer.

It’s got that perfect balance of heat and flavor that makes Colorado green chili legendary.

Some folks swear it cures hangovers. Others claim it’s the reason they moved to Walsenburg. Either way, you’re not leaving without trying it.

Recently Named Colorado’s Best Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Nationally

National food critics finally caught on to what Walsenburg residents have known for decades: George’s is special.

The place earned recognition as Colorado’s top hole-in-the-wall spot, beating out flashier competition across the state.

It’s the kind of honor that could go to someone’s head, but George’s just keeps doing what it’s always done.

Same recipes, same friendly service, same unpretentious vibe. The award just means more people are lining up to taste what the locals have been hoarding.