There’s a high probability that, at some point during your Lakewood dining adventures, you’re going to think to yourself, “I should probably try authentic Mexican food.”
Costere Mexican Restaurant Bar
$ | (720) 277-3905 | WEBSITE
One of the most legendary Mexican spots in all of Lakewood, Costere has you covered with everything from their famous fried poblanos and veggie fajitas to nopales and green chili. They’re a popular operation now (with a separate bar area featuring multiple TVs), but the quality at this cheerful spot hasn’t suffered a bit. Delivery available via apps, or dine-in with their family-friendly service.
Rodriguez Mexican Restaurant
$ | (720) 503-5081 | WEBSITE
Though they have limited hours, you can still get your fill of Rodriguez Mexican Restaurant’s tremendous street tacos and breakfast burritos. They’re available for breakfast and lunch with friendly service, and are (usually) served with their praised rice and salsa. They’re also often cooking up homemade green chili and other authentic dishes, a family-owned spot in Lakewood – check their schedule for more details on these.
Birriería Doña María Lakewood
$ | (303) 277-0649 | WEBSITE
Birriería Doña María Lakewood sits in a lively part of Lakewood that we can almost guarantee you’ve driven by before. And in addition to flavorful enchiladas and tostadas for everyone, this Mexican spot has some truly excellent quesabirria, goat Birria taco plates, and one of the area’s best salsas with warm chips. Open for family dinners Monday-Sunday, with a bright, colorful atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
Jaimes Mexican Restaurant
$ | (303) 484-1794 | WEBSITE
Jaimes Mexican Restaurant is delivering all the essentials for a great night out – and by that, we mean margaritas, tacos, and family-friendly atmosphere. They make their enchiladas fresh daily, and they’re just as good on their own as they are paired with their amazing burritos or street tacos. They’ve also got their full menu available for dine-in and takeout, so grab some chips and salsa while you’re there. Private banquet room available.
Las Dalias
$ | (303) 988-0889 | WEBSITE
If you don’t love Las Dalias’ steak burrito, then frankly, we seriously question your taste in Mexican food. In addition to a full menu, this excellent Lakewood restaurant has a huge variety of flavorful options, including the popular hot steak burrito and steak fajita burrito Supreme. You’ll want to try one of everything, but focus on the Ribeye fajitas and green chile if you haven’t had them before. Get a refreshing Coke and chips and salsa while you’re there.
Dine-in for the vibrant, cozy atmosphere, or take-out for a casual dinner.
El Jimador
$ | (303) 985-7597 | WEBSITE
El Jimador serves up their Mexican fare in all kinds of spots around Lakewood. But head to their cozy family-run location for the most authentic, and thus, best, versions of these dishes. They’ve got tacos starting around $4, fajita taco salads from $14, and a whole bunch of stuff we wouldn’t even think about trying to make at home (mostly because we couldn’t), like Pollo Guadalajara, Chorizo queso, and tortilla soup. Stop by daily for that friendly service and small family feel.
Jose O’Shea’s
$ | (303) 988-7333 | WEBSITE
Jose O’Shea’s bustling-but-welcoming Mexican spot has got you covered if you’re in Lakewood, with huge portions starting around $15. We recommend their cream cheese enchiladas if they’re available – these are rich, creamy white-sauced plates that we like to share family-style. They’ve also got a whole bunch of dishes, like quesoritos, chimichangas, fresh lime margaritas – oh, and vegetarian Horatcha, too.
Currently, food may take a little time to arrive (but is worth the wait), so the best bet is to head upstairs to the patio for a lovely meal.
Taqueria Chapala
$ | (720) 589-7188 | WEBSITE
Taqueria Chapala, the Lakewood Mexican spot (well, not right now) is open daily for takeout. They’ve got tremendous tacos and tortas – our favorite is the Asada Torta – along with quesadillas, flavorful sauces, and generous portions. Order ahead on their website.
Chili-Shack Lakewood
$ | (303) 284-2094 | WEBSITE
If you live in Lakewood, you’ve probably heard of Chili-Shack Lakewood, the Mexican spot that draws crowds with its made-to-order approach. It’s time you try it. This excellent restaurant serves tremendous Carne Asada Street Tacos, Quesabirria Tacos, Large Chili Cheese Fries, and is also offering breakfast burritos and steak tacos. Currently doing $8-12 main plates, with shot specials at the full bar. Expect a wait because food is prepared fresh, but the generous portions make it worthwhile.
Order ahead for busy evenings via their website or just drop by—the friendly staff keeps service quick despite the crowds.
Burrito Kings
$ | (303) 997-5185 | WEBSITE
Burrito Kings makes regular appearances on lists of the best Mexican spots in Lakewood – but for the first time, this reliable restaurant is also offering a smaller size option (their menu is sort of straightforward, so check it out in person). In addition to a bunch of flavorful burrito options, they’ve also got some great breakfast burritos (especially their chicken and bean burrito, smothered in tasty green chili sauce).
Grab a meal through their quick service counter, or check their clean environment for their accommodating and kind staff.
Aroma Café
$ | (720) 596-4290 | WEBSITE
This Lakewood gem has long been a great source for authentic Mexican breakfast, and that hasn’t changed in the bustling strip mall scene. Their huevos rancheros are excellent, served with fresh hot corn tortillas, and their chilaquiles verdes de pollo are so good they should be on the Lakewood city flag. The breakfast burrito and veggie omelette round out a delightful morning experience, all complemented by their signature Lavender Energy drink and delicious iced coffee.
The ambiance strikes the perfect balance with fun music in a very clean, very cute space where service is immaculate and on spot. Highly recommended for anyone seeking satisfaction and a feeling of home.
Pablito’s Burritos
$ | (303) 907-3694 | WEBSITE
The Lakewood location of Pablito’s Burritos is even better than the Denver original. The burritos are the best things here – our favorite (if you get there early enough) is the “Baddest” breakfast burrito, packed with flavor and value, without being too potato-heavy.
The service is also worth your time (especially the quick and friendly staff), and right now, they’re offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with every visit – and providing consistently pleasant experiences, too – so maybe you can finally find that satisfying burrito you’ve been craving. Open daily for takeout and quick service.
El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant
$ | (303) 988-2580 | WEBSITE
If “family-friendly Mexican” makes you think of bland, generic tacos, you’ve never eaten at El Tequileno. This authentic, reasonably priced restaurant in Lakewood serves chicken flautas and carne asada tacos that will make you forget how much you love chain restaurants. Open daily with efficient, friendly staff who seat everyone promptly, plus generous portions with bottomless chips, salsa, and pico dip. Good parking and wheelchair accessible.