I love Mexican food. Having lived in both Texas and California, I’ve gotten to sample some of this country’s finest.
(As an aside my three favorites of all time are La Fiesta in Mountain View, CA, Sanchos in Redwood City, CA and Mia’s in Dallas, TX).
Having now lived in Colorado for three years, I’m still searching for that one special place that I salivate thinking about. I tried all the offerings that I can find in and around Boulder and some in Denver and have found good to very good, but not excellent.
I found a restaurant recently just under excellent classification and the best so far in the state. Unfortunately, it’s about a 3.5 hour drive from my house.
Drum roll please…..
Los Girasoles Family Mexican Restaurant in Poncha Springs Colorado.
It’s near Salida and 15 minutes from Buena Vista and it’s all good. Great salsa, well flavored meats and creative use of spices and cheeses. Best of all it’s attached to a truck stop. (Don’t try to wash your hands in the bathroom – bad idea).
But the food did rock and I’m going to have to find a way to get back there during my annual hiking trip in the mountains.
If you know of somewhere that I’m missing, clue me in.
Taco del rays on valmont and 30th is best tacos in town, have you been there?
Comment by Stepan — June 24, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Nope. I’m going to try though. Thanks!
Comment by Jason Mendelson — June 25, 2009 @ 10:22 am
Las Palmeras on Main St here in Longmont has carnitas Fridays-Saturdays that are killer. I'm also a fan of their molcajete, which I think is spanish for "sizzling lava stone bowl full of grilled meats". Lots of traditional mexican fare in addition to the traditional mex-american and it's pretty much our "go-to" for comfort mexican food.
Comment by Lance Weber — June 25, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Tia Juana on Duane Ave behind AMD is the best Mexican food in the South Bay IMHO. All fresh cooked, great specials, charming wait-staff try it.
Comment by Paul Greenland — June 25, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
I must try!
Comment by Jason Mendelson — June 25, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
Summary:
low-brow lunch: Los Carboncitos on Pecos in Denver (Tacos al Pastor)
family dinner: Hacienda Real in Frisco
fancy-pantsy: La Sandia in Northfield
Background:
My wife is Mexican and has extremely (unreasonably!) high standards for Mexican food. These three are great.
Carboncitos has the real 'al pastor' – the kind that gets cut off the rotating skewer with a small pineapple on top.
Hacienda Real has enormous plates, great flavors and all the variety. Too bad they're all the way up in Frisco, and right next to WalMart to boot!
Sandia is a bit snooty – but if you're in the mood for spiffed-up plates, alli esta.
Kevin
Comment by Kevin Gilbert — June 25, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
Forgot to echo the endorsement of La Fiesta in Mtn View – I miss having that place just a hop/skip away.
Comment by Kevin Gilbert — June 25, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
Kevin, I’m “in”
Thanks much!
Comment by Jason Mendelson — June 25, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
Dude. http://wondervucafe.com/ We'll take you. Name the night.
Comment by David G. Cohen — June 26, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
I’ll accept, although I’ve already been there. Very good, but still missing something.
Comment by Jason Mendelson — June 26, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
Go to Santiago's on the hill in Boulder, in betweeen K's China and Cosmo's pizza for take out and delicious green chile and breakfast burrito's until 11am. Don't order extra hot unless you can really handle some serious spice. Santiago's has grown quite a bit and can now be found in other front range locations.
Drive to Brighton, CO (not too far, near Lafayette) and go to La Placita for excellent mexican and a great family atmosphere. La Placita has been the go to spot for excellent Mexican food since I was a little kid.
Man, I miss Colorado…especially Boulder!
Comment by Carried Interest — June 30, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
Thanks much!!
Comment by Jason Mendelson — June 30, 2009 @ 6:58 pm
Illegal Pete's in Denver was the best burrito around when I lived out there, but who knows how the landscape has changed.
Comment by Oakley — July 11, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Taco de Mexico on 6th and Sante Fe in Denver. Best no-frills mexican around. Still havent found a better CRB anywhere.
Comment by micah — July 13, 2009 @ 2:35 am
I found the best Mexican Restaurant ever. This place has been there since 1977 and didn't ever know. The owner is 76 years old and is still the only one to make his orignal green chile. WOW. They have home made sopapillas. They make your food however you want without questions. I know cause Im picky. This food is amazing and taste like it smells. NOW im hungry.
Bonillas mexican Restaurant on 67th Federal in Denver.
Comment by Rosy4u — November 28, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Awesome. Thanks!
Comment by Jason Mendelson — November 28, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
I heardly get maxican in my City. I will have to travel across the city to it's other side to have Mexican food. I do have it atleast once a month. Real Yummy..!
Comment by Submission article — January 2, 2010 @ 2:17 pm
I have ever try Taco Bell. I don't like it.
Comment by very discount — February 12, 2010 @ 7:42 am