This Colorado Mexican Restaurant Brings Comforting Fall Flavors To Every Dish
In Denver, El Taco de Mexico has become a cozy retreat for anyone craving warmth and flavor as the air turns crisp.
Each dish bursts with the comforting tastes of fall, from rich sauces to perfectly seasoned fillings that wrap diners in pure satisfaction.
Locals stop by for more than just a meal; they come for that familiar, home-cooked feeling that turns every visit into a celebration of flavor, comfort, and community.
A Humble Trailer Turned Denver Icon
Maria Luisa Zanabria arrived from Mexico City with recipes and a dream, setting up a food trailer in 1985. Business boomed so fast that within a year, she opened a brick-and-mortar spot at 714 Santa Fe Drive.
That 1986 gamble paid off spectacularly. Nearly four decades later, the restaurant still operates from that same address, serving the same soul-warming dishes that made people line up in the first place. Talk about staying power.
James Beard Said Yes to This Place
Winning a James Beard award is like getting knighted in the food world. In 2020, El Taco de Mexico snagged the America’s Classics award, becoming Colorado’s very first restaurant to earn that honor.
The James Beard Foundation doesn’t hand out participation trophies. They recognize places serving exceptional food that reflects their community’s character.
For a no-frills counter-service joint to beat out fancy establishments? That’s the ultimate mic drop.
Keeping It in the Family Since Day One
Sasha Zanabria grew up watching her mom, Maria Luisa, pour heart and soul into every dish. Now she runs the show, making sure grandma’s recipes stay exactly as they should be.
Family businesses often lose their magic when new generations take over, but not here. Sasha honors the original vision while keeping operations smooth.
You can taste the difference when someone actually cares about preserving their family’s legacy, not just profits.
That Legendary Pork Burrito Everyone Obsesses Over
Slow-cooked pork wrapped tight and absolutely drowned in house-made green chile creates what regulars call liquid gold. This burrito has inspired poetry, marriage proposals, and probably a few tears of joy.
The green chile isn’t just topping, it’s the whole vibe. Rich, slightly spicy, and deeply savory, it seeps into every bite.
People drive across state lines for this thing. Seriously, check the license plates outside sometime.
Counter Service Only, Zero Distractions
No waiters hovering, no wine list, no fancy cocktails. Order at the counter, grab your number, and wait for someone to call you up when your food’s ready.
El Taco de Mexico doesn’t have a liquor license, and honestly, who needs margaritas when the food slaps this hard?
The focus stays laser-sharp on what matters: perfectly seasoned meat, fresh tortillas, and salsas that make your taste buds dance.
That Unmissable Bumblebee Yellow Building
You can’t miss El Taco de Mexico even if you tried. The exterior glows bright yellow like a beacon of deliciousness in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe.
That bold color choice perfectly captures the restaurant’s personality: unapologetic, cheerful, and impossible to ignore.
While surrounding galleries showcase fancy art, this spot serves up edible masterpieces. The building itself has become an Instagram landmark, but the real art happens inside on every plate.
An Old-School Menu That Refuses to Change
Tacos, enchiladas, gorditas, tortas, and menudo. That’s basically it, and that’s the beauty.
While other restaurants chase trends and add fusion nonsense, El Taco de Mexico keeps serving what they’ve always served.
The menu hasn’t expanded much in decades because when you nail the classics, why mess with perfection?
Sometimes the best innovation is knowing when to leave well enough alone and just cook really, really good food.