Just when you’ve finally recovered from the last round of enchiladas, tacos, and margaritas, a craving for authentic Mexican hits again. If you’re tired of the same old spots and want something truly memorable, Arvada has you covered. These are our top picks for the best Mexican restaurants in town—each offering a unique taste of tradition and flavor that’ll make you forget the rest.
Carniceriataqueria La Pasadita
$$ | (303) 433-1106 | WEBSITE
Carniceriataqueria La Pasadita feels a little like you’ve just walked into the taqueria from a neighborhood where families gather for authentic meals, everybody’s a regular, and a quick bite always feels like a satisfying feast. With a full menu of Mexican street food, it’s a welcoming place to grab breakfast or lunch, where you’ll likely be greeted by friendly service.
Cochino Taco
$$ | (303) 284-5194 | WEBSITE
Home to strong drinks and some of the most satisfying tacos worth going out of your way for, Cochino Taco in Arvada is open every day of the year. That means you can celebrate any occasion with a well-balanced margarita and a generously filled taco for less than $15. Use the money you saved to treat your friends to another round on the spacious, dog-friendly patio.
El Pollo Loco
$ | (720) 850-8353 | WEBSITE
It always feels like a quick, satisfying stop at El Pollo Loco, the bright Mexican spot in Arvada. The food here leans grilled chicken, but mostly made with fresh, marinated ingredients that attract a casual, hungry crowd on most days. It’s open with fast service and easy kiosks, so you, too, can be a happy diner eating the 8-piece family meal with Mexican-style corn for dinner on a busy night.
Mi Tierra Caliente
$ | (720) 968-4634 | WEBSITE
Mi Tierra Caliente is home to our favorite Mexican food in Arvada—it’s always fresh and hot, and the flavors are almost endless. The local spot also offers convenient text ordering, so you can enjoy authentic tacos with modern ease.
Renegade Burrito
$ | (303) 993-4171 | WEBSITE
Renegade Burrito serves up classic Mexican fare, and it manages to do it all surprisingly well. They’ll also be serving breakfast burritos all day, so you’ll be set if you find yourself craving carnitas, a Lola burrito, or anything in between.
EL TEQUILEÑO Family Mexican Restaurant
$ | (303) 423-1307 | WEBSITE
The popular family Mexican restaurant is open year-round, consistently serving up some of the best Mexican food in Colorado. Every visit, EL TEQUILEÑO puts its house margaritas on the menu, keeping the price around $8 a glass. It’s one of the most affordable places in town to enjoy generous portions in a welcoming atmosphere. And it’s a pretty great way to celebrate with large groups.
Tacos y Mariscos El Guti
$ | (303) 524-9753 | WEBSITE
A little more laid-back than its flashy Denver counterparts, Tacos y Mariscos El Guti is where you should head for authentic Mexican flavors when you don’t want to deal with tourist crowds. It’s also the only spot we know of where you can get a massive, plate-sized breakfast burrito that makes a pretty satisfying last-minute meal for your hungry companion.
Raliberto’s
$ | (303) 423-0047 | WEBSITE
The authentic Mexican restaurant Raliberto’s, located in Arvada, Colorado, will have its full menu available throughout the holiday season. But in addition to favorites like carnitas plates, breakfast burritos, and asada fries, there will also be generous portions of homemade tortillas and flavorful sauces. The food is prepared quickly, and the prices are considered reasonable, making it a popular spot for those seeking good value.
The overall dining experience is described as either amazing or a huge let-down, with some praising the authentic and delicious food while others have had disappointing experiences. Despite mixed feedback, the restaurant seems to have a loyal following, especially among those who enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine and consider themselves professional food lovers.
The staff is praised for their kindness and great customer service, and the food consistently receives high praise for its flavor and quality.
Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant
$ | (303) 420-1111 | WEBSITE
Located in a strip mall in Arvada, Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant offers a true regional taste of Colorado with its famous green chili burritos. On a busy weekend morning, you can expect to find the same addictive breakfast burritos, plus a handful of other popular menu items like chili rellenos and chicken stuffed sopapillas smothered with green chili.
Don Carlos Taco Shop #3
$ | (720) 403-6736 | WEBSITE
Don Carlos Taco Shop #3 is a vibrant spot that feels like it was lifted straight from a bustling market in Jalisco, but with longtime Denver regulars lining up at the counter to remind you where you are. They’re open all day on Tuesdays, serving up the usual menu of authentic Mexican fare, including excellent Al pastor tacos, carne asada fries, and tortas.
Coronados Mexican Food
$ | (303) 650-2584 | WEBSITE
Located in Arvada, Coronados Mexican Food is a 24-hour restaurant with a menu of authentic Mexican favorites. It’s also one of the few spots in the area serving California burritos, in case you’d rather pretend you were somewhere much warmer to get into the vacation spirit.