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Best of Colorado

Carnitas and queso

Finding a place that serves carnitas and queso without the heavy, greasy finish that usually defines both.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cencalli Taqueria image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with bright, loud atmosphere and authentic local vibe. Small interior contrasts with spacious, heated outdoor patio featuring comfortable seating. Full bar offers top-notch margaritas and fresh lime juice during peak hours.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich, tender pork. Burritos come smothered in pork green chile, and enchiladas offer a choice of cheese or carnitas with red sauce.

Queso offers a good flavor and comes as part of a dip trio with guacamole and beans. It has a smooth texture but lacks a bit of spicy kick.

People are saying

"The food here is scratch-made and always delicious."

"The queso here is hot, fresh, and delicious."

"You have to try the carnitas taco; it's one of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 5 pm with great deals.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a buy 2 get 1 free promotion on tacos.

3

The happy hour special includes three draft beers and nachos for around $20.

02
Por Favor Tacos & Tragos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant neon decor and comfortable padded seating creates a fun, inviting atmosphere that balances lively energy without being overwhelming. The space feels small and trendy, attracting a family-friendly crowd enjoying standout tacos and expertly crafted margaritas.

Carnitas here come juicy, crispy, and deeply seasoned, showing clear care and fresh ingredients. They appear on tacos that mix well with shrimp or fish, all at reasonable prices.

Queso comes with chorizo mixed in, making it rich and flavorful. The bowl often gets scraped clean because of its creamy texture and savory spice.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are tender and delicious."

"The queso here is rich and delicious."

"The carnitas were juicy, crispy, and deeply seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

03
Moctezuma Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with covered outdoor seating creates a chill, peaceful vibe enhanced by good music and pleasant lighting. The setup offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere with plenty of shade and a welcoming space to eat and wait. The overall experience feels like a small, well-decorated oasis for enjoying fresh air and flavorful food.

Moist and flavorful carnitas stand out in tacos and quesadillas. The carnitas consistently deliver rich taste that pairs well with other dishes like birria.

Chips and queso stand out with freshness and rich flavor. The queso pairs well with tacos and guacamole, making it a delicious complement to the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really excellent."

"You have to try their birria tacos; they're the best in town."

"I thought the birria and carnitas were bomb.com."

Good to know

1

They offer several gluten-free and dairy-free options.

2

The portions are generous.

3

The prices are very reasonable given the quality and service.

04
DGO Cocina Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with rustic, classy decor and comfortable seating offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The space includes a stylish bar area and provides views of a nearby stadium. It attracts diners seeking authentic Mexican cuisine paired with notable margaritas.

Tender, flavorful meat defines the carnitas here. The dish stands out for its rich taste and perfect seasoning.

Queso fundido comes with roasted jalapenos that pack a very hot punch. Chips served with the queso stand out as top quality.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the gorditas."

"You have to try the queso; we all loved it."

"I had the best carnitas I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.

2

Enjoy $2 tacos during happy hour.

3

The happy hour menu features great deals on food and drinks.

05
Los Socios Birrieria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a clean, remodeled space and bare bones style. Atmosphere feels friendly and welcoming with a lively, energetic vibe. Live music and sports on TV add to the casual, neighborhood feel.

Freshness stands out with fresh carnitas served alongside steak and chicharron. Tacos feature zucchini and carnitas, offering a solid option among other meats.

Queso comes with homemade chips and pairs well with tacos and the grilled birria sandwich. It appears alongside dishes like quesabirria, chilaquiles, rice, and beans, adding a rich, creamy element.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and amazing."

"I thought the carnitas were great, better than other options."

"The queso and meat in the tacos were delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has street parking only, so plan accordingly.

2

Prices are reasonable, with veggie tacos costing about $10.50 for two.

3

The establishment is very clean and well-maintained.

06
Ocho's Mexican Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with a spacious interior and outdoor seating. A salsa bar with multiple options and fixings stands out as a key feature. The vibe is calm and inviting, with good music and a clean, homey feel.

Carnitas come out perfectly seasoned and tender, packed with flavor. They appear in tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all cooked to perfection.

Rich, flavorful queso stands out with excellent taste and pairs well with tacos and chips. It complements dishes like birria tacos and burritos, adding a tasty, satisfying touch.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

"I found the queso to be amazing and so good."

"The carnitas here are perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

The Monday burrito special is priced at $12.99.

3

Expect small portion sizes for tacos, with three costing over $12.

07
Mila's Cantina image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers upscale Mexican decor with indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere feels comfortable and lively, encouraging long stays with food, drinks, and conversation. Margarita cocktails stand out as big and flavorful, complementing a menu praised for quality and variety.

Carnitas come crispy and delicious, often served with homemade charro beans that complement the dish well. The plate can be smothered in green chili for extra flavor.

Queso fundido stands out with its stringy texture and balanced saltiness. It carries a good level of spice and pairs well with rajas.

People are saying

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the shrimp tacos."

"The carnitas tacos were perfect."

"The queso here is delicious and has a good level of spice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with a special menu.

2

Prices during happy hour are significantly lower than regular menu prices.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

08
Los Dos Potrillos Denver image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, beautifully remodeled space with a semi-private gathering area and an open, well-lit layout. Atmosphere feels clean and light with great energy suited for both quick lunches and long dinners. Homemade tortillas are made on-site, complementing authentic Mexican flavors and well-crafted margaritas.

Perfectly crisp outside and tender inside, the carnitas offer flavorful meat with a crispy edge. Available only on weekends, these tacos stand out for their delicious taste.

White queso stands out as a rare offering here. The queso is consistently delicious and pairs well with the drinks and food.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The carnitas are perfectly crisp outside and tender inside."

"I found the queso to be delicious and the best in town."

Good to know

1

Happy hour food and margaritas are available, but no discounts are offered.

2

Birthday celebrations may include a surprise dessert and song from staff.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere; a waiting list may be in effect during peak times.

09
Bodega Taco & Margarita Bar image 1

Long, narrow space with a dark, cave-like interior and a dog-friendly outdoor patio creates a clean, fun atmosphere highlighted by neon signs. Strong, top-notch margaritas and hearty, highly praised tacos draw a casual crowd seeking quality food and drinks at good prices.

Carnitas stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with fresh guacamole and appear in tacos alongside street corn and other fillings.

Queso features a queso fresco that adds a unique flavor. It tastes different from typical versions and grows on you with every bite.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and really good."

"I found the carnitas to be amazing."

"I found the best queso here in Denver."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3.99 tacos all day.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

3

Parking is available in a garage underneath the restaurant.

10
Zapata Mexican Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy, quiet atmosphere and white cafeteria-style interior offers self-service salsa bar and large booths. The vibe is laid back and inviting, suited for quick meals without server interruptions. Frequented for authentic street-style tacos and consistently good food.

Carnitas tacos stand out as a top choice here, often paired with Al Pastor in the Taco Box. The carnitas bowl also offers a solid option with rich, savory flavors.

Queso has a nice spice and is on the thinner side. The white queso stands out, and it pairs well with burritos and chips.

People are saying

"These tacos are so full of meat, I needed extra tortillas."

"The queso has a nice spice and is packed with flavor."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be the best."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $21 for a burrito, chips, and guacamole.

2

A fixed surcharge is added to every order, even for cash payments.

3

Zapata Mexican Taco Shop offers authentic street style tacos and filling burritos.

11
Encanto Cocina & Cantina image 1

Rooftop terrace and patio offer comfortable outdoor seating with live music and DJ sets creating a lively vibe. Indoor space combines modern charm with an intimate bar serving well-crafted cocktails. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suited for groups and casual dining.

Carnitas come with a dipping sauce that highlights their flavor. They appear in street tacos and quesadillas, both standing out on the menu.

Queso comes smothered on burritos and served fresh with chips. The queso fundido features fire roasted jalapeรฑo and pairs well with added arrachera for extra flavor.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"The queso fundido with arrachera is a must-try appetizer."

"The carnitas were even better than I expected."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos every week.

2

Thirsty Thursday offers a free margarita with an entree.

3

Birthday celebrations include a special song and sombreros.

12
En Fuego Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a fun, welcoming atmosphere and a cool bar featuring big screens for sports. The vibe feels neighborhood-friendly and chill, encouraging socializing at the bar. TVs play requested content, adding to the approachable and lively energy.

Pork carnitas come seasoned properly with a rich flavor. They appear in street tacos and stand out as delicious alongside other dishes.

Queso stands out as fantastic and pairs well with chips and guacamole. It also appears in queso birria tacos that satisfy hunger effectively.

People are saying

"I started dancing after the first bite of these tacos."

"You have to try the massive, delicious tacos here for Date Spots."

"I found the carnitas taco and the guacamole to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm, with all-day specials on Taco Tuesdays.

2

Enjoy $3 beers and $5 tacos during happy hour.

3

Lunch special includes 2 designer tacos and a soft drink for $12.

13
Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar - LoDo image 1

Taco spot with an outdoor patio and garage door windows creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere that feels both cozy and lively. The place draws a fun, chill vibe with a crowd enjoying top-notch margaritas and some of the best tacos around. It welcomes dogs and offers a casual setting perfect for gathering before events nearby.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. They pair well with other dishes like the chili relleno and chicken burrito smothered in green chili.

Chorizo queso stands out with its rich, savory flavor. Chips come fresh and pair well with the creamy queso.

People are saying

"I loved the birria and al pastor tacos here."

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

"I enjoyed the chips and queso."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is every day from 3 to 6 pm.

2

They offer discount tacos on Taco Tuesday.

3

Happy hour beers are $8.

14
Renegade Burrito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean interior with a vibe reminiscent of grandmother's kitchen creates a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor seating with patio shades offers a comfortable space for dining. Known for award-winning breakfast burritos and strong, cold margaritas, it maintains a relaxed yet lively energy throughout the day.

Carnitas come out perfectly cooked and pair well with many toppings. Options include burritos on a jalapeรฑo cheddar tortilla, nachos, and tacos with steak, all featuring rich flavor.

Queso comes with perfect spice and pairs well with chips. Burritos often include queso and hot salsa for added flavor.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be the best I ever had."

"I loved their queso and salsas."

"The carnitas here are just perfect and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is every day from 2 to 5 PM with great deals on tacos.

2

Online ordering is available for quick pickup.

3

Prices for burritos are reasonable, with add-ons available for an extra charge.

15
Park Avenue Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere featuring big screens and a full bar alongside outdoor patio seating. The vibe blends a neighborhood bar feel with fun music and sports viewing. Evenings get busy, drawing people for tacos and margaritas in a casual, comfortable setting.

Loaded nachos with carnitas come out very delicious. The carnitas tacos pair well with rajas for a solid choice.

Queso stands out with its rich nacho cheese flavor and pairs well with chips, salsa, and guacamole. It also complements dishes like Molletes, adding a melted cheese touch topped with pico de gallo.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the queso was the best Iโ€™ve ever had."

"The carnitas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

On Sundays, enjoy all-day happy hour with food specials.

3

Taco specials are available for $3 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

16
Illegal Pete's - Park Hill image 1
Burrito restaurant

Large patio with misting features offers a quieter alternative to the lively indoor space filled with live music and a chill bar setup. Atmosphere shifts from fun and busy during events to inviting and clean overall. Frequented by locals including families and students, it stands out for its kid and dog friendly environment.

Juicy and tender meat stands out with fresh ingredients and flavorful seasoning. Options include a carnitas bowl and burritos loaded with rice, pinto beans, queso, guacamole, and corn salsa.

Queso stands out with its creamy texture and pairs well with crispy chips. Smothering the breakfast burrito with green chili and queso adds a rich, flavorful kick.

People are saying

"The burritos here are stuffed with flavor in every bite."

"The outdoor seating is great, especially with misters on a hot day."

"The carnitas were juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, making it a great family dinner option.

2

Happy hour runs until 8 pm with decent drink and appetizer specials.

3

Tuesdays feature buy-one-get-one-free deals for health care workers.

17
Que Bueno! Mexican Grille image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small airport restaurant offers a fun atmosphere with great music and multiple sports TVs. It feels lively and busy but also welcoming, with a vacation mood and friendly energy. The space is compact, creating a cozy yet bustling environment.

Juicy and flavorful carnitas stand out with their soft texture and rich taste. They appear in tacos and nachos, often paired with corn soft tortillas and all the toppings.

Queso stands out with its rich flavor and a little kick that adds spice. It pairs well with chips and tacos, making it a solid choice for a tasty snack or meal.

People are saying

"Jenny and Lizbeth at the bar will take care of you."

"These nachos are the most delicious I've ever had."

"The carnitas are so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a full menu during breakfast hours.

2

Expect reasonable prices for airport dining, with meals averaging around $19.

3

Vegetables may incur an extra charge on your order.

18
Wapos Cantina Thornton image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers spacious interior with two distinct seating areas and an open outdoor patio. Atmosphere varies from dimmed lights and fun music in the front bar-like room to a quieter, plain back area. Loud, authentic music and comfortable seating create a lively yet relaxed vibe.

Carnitas show up in tacos and burritos with very good flavor and a tasty profile. Plates featuring carnitas stand out alongside other dishes like steak fajitas.

Queso fundido stands out with its rich, melted cheese and flavorful blend. It consistently delivers a delicious, satisfying taste that makes it a go-to choice.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the salsa and green chile, is delicious."

"I found the queso fundido to be amazing."

"The carnitas tacos were very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays and from 2 PM to 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

2

Prices are reasonable, with items like chicken and bean burrito supreme costing $13.50.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

19
Tacos and Tequila image 1

Black walls highlight an excellent mural and vibrant decor that create a festive, authentic Mexican atmosphere. Outdoor seating offers a cozy patio with plenty of shade, while inside, classic blues music and screens showing sports add to the lively vibe. A well-curated tequila selection and standout margaritas complement the energetic bar scene.

Tender and flavorful carnitas stand out in tacos and burritos. Preparation is consistently well made with excellent taste.

Chips come with creamy queso that stands out for its flavor. The queso pairs well with dishes like tacos and birria bowls, adding a rich, cheesy touch.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here always leaves you with a full belly and a smiling face."

"The carnitas here are flavorful and tender."

"I found the chips and queso to be super delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays.

2

On Mondays, they offer $5 house margaritas.

3

There is a buy two, get one free taco deal on Tuesdays.

20
ADOBO Restaurant & Bar image 1

Open space with live music and a pool table creates a laid-back vibe. Sports on TV and a bar area attract groups and families. The aroma of freshly smoked whole pig adds a unique touch to the atmosphere.

Smoked carnitas stand out with delectable smoked meat and come in a bowl or tacos. The tacos feature an outstanding fig sauce that complements the rich flavor.

Smothered tacos on frybread come dipped in queso chili. Blanco queso and chips serve as simple, tasty starters. Chicharrรณn con queso is available for $9.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The smothered tacos on frybread dipped in queso chili were amazing."

"The carnitas were juicy, tender, and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos and $3 tacos with $2 beers.

2

Wings and beer are $0.75 during happy hour on Wednesdays.

3

Comedy Night takes place every Thursday at 8pm.

21
Chula on Broadway Cocina Mexicana image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with a dog-friendly patio and clean, beautiful interior offers a fun, family-like atmosphere. The vibe is lively and welcoming, with daily BOGO margaritas adding to the experience.

Tender and spicy Carnitas with Green Chile stands out with fresh flavors. The Carnitas plate offers a rich, satisfying taste that many find memorable.

Queso fundido stands out with its rich, melty texture. Queso Blanco chips and dip offer a very cheesy flavor that pairs well with the steak quesadilla.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and honestly some of the best."

"These carnitas are tender, spicy, and fabulous."

"The queso blanco here is so cheesy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6 PM with $5 appetizers.

2

They offer a buy-one-get-one margarita deal all day.

3

Lunch specials are available for $10 plates from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM.

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