We Ate Our Way Through Colorado To Find The 9 Tacos Worth The Hype
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and ski slopes, but the state has quietly become a taco lover’s paradise.
From Denver’s bustling streets to smaller cities across the region, authentic taquerias and inventive taco spots are turning humble tortillas into unforgettable meals.
Family run counters serve recipes passed down for generations, while newer kitchens experiment with unexpected fillings and bold salsas that still respect tradition.
We traveled across Colorado with one mission, to find the tacos that truly live up to the buzz, and the journey delivered more than we imagined.
Late night al pastor, slow braised meats, handmade tortillas, and perfectly balanced heat showed up again and again. Each stop told a story about community, culture, and pride, often served from modest storefronts or crowded food trucks.
These nine spots proved they are worth every single bite, not just for their flavors, but for the passion and care folded into each taco.
Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge, Colorado
Walking into Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge feels like stepping into a celebration that never ends. The energy here pulses through the walls, with colorful murals depicting scenes from Mexico’s capital city and music that makes you want to move even while sitting down.
Located in Denver’s historic Larimer Street, this spot has become a gathering place for anyone craving authentic flavors in an atmosphere that feels both festive and welcoming. The tacos here aren’t just food; they’re an experience wrapped in warm tortillas.
Each bite delivers layers of flavor that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico City itself. The al pastor is a standout, with perfectly seasoned pork that’s been marinated until tender and topped with fresh pineapple that adds just the right amount of sweetness.
But what really sets this place apart is how they balance tradition with their own creative touches. The salsas range from mild to fiery, letting you control your heat level while the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
Whether you’re stopping by after exploring downtown Denver or making this your destination, the combination of outstanding tacos and lively atmosphere makes every visit memorable. Address: 2115 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205.
La Calle Taqueria y Carnitas, Colorado
Some places just feel right the moment you walk through the door, and La Calle is one of those rare gems. This family-run taqueria sits along Alameda Avenue, where the aroma of slow-cooked carnitas drifts onto the sidewalk and pulls people inside like a magnet.
The space itself stays humble and unpretentious, with simple tables and walls decorated with photos that tell stories of family recipes passed down through generations. Carnitas reign supreme here, cooked low and slow until the pork achieves that perfect balance between crispy edges and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
When you order, you’re getting meat that’s been treated with respect and patience, not rushed through some assembly line. The tortillas arrive warm and fresh, made in-house throughout the day so they’re always at their peak.
Squeeze some lime over your taco, add a spoonful of their house-made salsa verde, and you’ll understand why locals consider this place a neighborhood treasure. Everything tastes like it was made by someone who genuinely cares about what leaves the kitchen.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like friends they haven’t met yet, creating an atmosphere that’s as nourishing as the food itself. Address: 1565 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223.
Los Carboncitos, Colorado
Fire changes everything, and at Los Carboncitos, they’ve turned grilling into an art form. Named after the charcoal that gives their meats that distinctive smoky flavor, this taqueria on Pecos Street has built a reputation on doing one thing exceptionally well: cooking over real flames.
The space feels authentic without trying too hard, with concrete floors and metal chairs that remind you this is about the food, not fancy decorations. Their carne asada tacos showcase what happens when quality beef meets high heat and careful attention.
Each piece of meat gets kissed by the flames until it develops those crispy, caramelized edges while staying tender inside. You can taste the char in every bite, that smoky essence that only comes from cooking the old-fashioned way.
The toppings stay simple because the meat doesn’t need much help: fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime let the main ingredient shine. But don’t skip their salsa bar, where multiple options range from tangy to tongue-tingling.
This isn’t a place for people looking for fusion experiments or trendy twists. Los Carboncitos honors traditional methods while serving portions generous enough to satisfy the heartiest appetites.
Address: 3757 Pecos St, Denver, CO 80211.
Chivis Tacos, Colorado
Colfax Avenue stretches for miles through Denver, and somewhere along that famous strip sits a taco spot that’s rewriting what people expect from quick Mexican food. Chivis Tacos brings brightness to the neighborhood, both in its cheerful decor and the vibrant flavors coming out of the kitchen.
The vibe here leans casual and welcoming, perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a relaxed dinner with friends. What makes Chivis special is their willingness to play with tradition while respecting it.
Their breakfast tacos have become legendary among locals, stuffed with scrambled eggs, perfectly seasoned chorizo, and cheese that melts into every crevice. But they don’t stop at morning offerings.
Throughout the day, you’ll find creative combinations that surprise your taste buds without feeling gimmicky. The fish tacos arrive with a light, crispy coating and a creamy sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
Vegetarian options get the same attention as meat-based tacos, proving that everyone deserves something delicious. The staff moves with efficiency but never makes you feel rushed, and the prices stay reasonable enough that you can afford to try multiple varieties.
In a city full of taco options, Chivis has carved out its own identity through consistency and creativity. Address: 2101 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206.
Tacos Selene, Colorado
Santa Fe Drive cuts through Denver’s Art District, where galleries and studios share space with some of the city’s best food. Tacos Selene fits perfectly into this creative neighborhood, serving authentic Mexican street food that feels transported directly from border towns.
The restaurant keeps things straightforward, focusing energy on what matters most: making tacos that taste like they came from a street cart in Tijuana. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and prepare for flavors that punch above what you’d expect from such a modest setting.
The lengua tacos deserve special mention for anyone brave enough to try beef tongue prepared the right way. Tender, flavorful, and surprisingly mild, the meat gets chopped and grilled until slightly crispy on the edges.
Traditional toppings of cilantro and onion are all you need, though their salsa roja adds a nice kick for those who want extra heat. Beyond tongue, they offer all the classics: carnitas, barbacoa, and chicken, each prepared with techniques that honor Mexican culinary traditions.
The tortillas come doubled up, a practical choice that prevents messy spills and adds substance. Tacos Selene proves that you don’t need a fancy dining room to serve exceptional food.
Address: 1001 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204.
T/aco, Colorado
Boulder does things differently, and T/aco embraces that independent spirit while serving tacos that respect Mexican roots. Located on Walnut Street in the heart of downtown, this spot attracts everyone from college students to mountain climbers refueling after a morning hike.
The atmosphere blends Boulder’s outdoorsy vibe with urban sophistication, creating a space that feels both relaxed and refined. Large windows let in natural light that shows off the fresh ingredients going into every order.
The menu here reads like a love letter to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. They source locally when possible, bringing Colorado flavors into traditional Mexican formats.
Their roasted vegetable tacos might feature seasonal produce from nearby farms, grilled until caramelized and topped with a chipotle cream that adds richness without overwhelming the vegetables. Meat eaters aren’t forgotten, with options like braised short rib that falls apart at the slightest touch of a fork.
What sets T/aco apart is the attention to balance in every bite. Nothing feels too heavy or too light; each component plays its role perfectly.
The drinks menu includes creative agua frescas and local craft beers that pair wonderfully with the food. This is Boulder at its best: health-conscious without being preachy, creative without losing sight of tradition.
Address: 1175 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302.
Taqueria Los Comales, Colorado
Fort Collins might be known for its craft breweries, but locals will tell you that Taqueria Los Comales deserves just as much recognition. Tucked into a strip mall on Prospect Road, this unassuming spot serves some of the most authentic Mexican food in Northern Colorado.
The family running the place treats every customer like they’re sitting at their own dinner table, creating warmth that extends far beyond the temperature of the tortillas. Handmade tortillas form the foundation of everything here, pressed fresh throughout service and cooked on traditional comales that give them their name.
Watching them work is like seeing a well-choreographed dance, with family members moving seamlessly between stations. The barbacoa tacos showcase meat that’s been slow-cooked until it practically dissolves on your tongue, seasoned with spices that build flavor without relying on heat alone.
Their salsa verde brings brightness and a moderate kick that complements rather than competes with the meat. Portions here are generous without being excessive, and the prices reflect a genuine desire to feed people well rather than maximize profits.
Students from nearby Colorado State University mix with construction workers and families, creating a diverse crowd united by their appreciation for honest, delicious food. Address: 111 W Prospect Rd Unit A, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
Tacos El Amigo, Colorado
Colorado Springs sits in the shadow of Pikes Peak, and Tacos El Amigo brings mountain-sized flavor to match those towering views. This neighborhood favorite on Hancock Avenue has built a loyal following by doing exactly what its name promises: serving tacos like you’re eating at a friend’s house.
The dining room stays simple and clean, with just enough decorative touches to feel welcoming without distracting from the main event. Their asada tacos demonstrate what happens when someone really understands how to work with beef.
The meat gets marinated in a blend of spices that penetrates deep into every fiber, then grilled to order so it arrives hot and sizzling. Each taco comes loaded with tender, juicy meat that’s been chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Fresh cilantro and onions add crunch and brightness, while lime wedges wait on the side for that final acidic punch. The salsa selection ranges from mild to seriously spicy, clearly labeled so you know what you’re getting into.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the food quality, though that would be enough. The staff remembers regulars and makes newcomers feel immediately comfortable, creating an atmosphere that turns a simple meal into a genuinely pleasant experience.
Address: 3005 N Hancock Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
Tacoparty, Colorado
Grand Junction sits on Colorado’s Western Slope, where desert landscapes meet fruit orchards and wine country. Tacoparty brings an element of playfulness to this region, with a name that perfectly captures the spirit of what happens inside.
Located on 5th Street in downtown Grand Junction, this spot has transformed the local taco scene by proving that respecting tradition and having fun aren’t mutually exclusive concepts. The menu here reads like a greatest hits collection, featuring both classic preparations and creative combinations that showcase local ingredients.
Their pork tacos might include Palisade peaches during summer months, bringing Colorado’s famous fruit into conversation with perfectly seasoned meat. The fish tacos stay light and fresh, with a beer batter that adds crunch without heaviness and a cabbage slaw that provides contrast.
Vegetarians get more than token options, with creative combinations that treat plant-based ingredients as stars rather than substitutes. The atmosphere matches the food: colorful, energetic, and designed to make people smile.
Local craft beers and creative cocktails complement the menu perfectly, making this a destination for full meals rather than just quick bites. In a town that sometimes gets overlooked by travelers rushing between Denver and Utah, Tacoparty gives people a reason to slow down and savor.
Address: 126 S 5th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501.