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Tamales for lunch in Colorado

A midday break with a tamale is the perfect way to reset during a long, busy afternoon.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Arelita Authentic Cuban Food image 1
Arelita Authentic Cuban Food image 2
Arelita Authentic Cuban Food image 3
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Interior features warm peach walls and decor inspired by South Florida Cuban mom-and-pop spots, creating an authentic Cuban atmosphere with live music enhancing the welcoming vibe. The space feels inviting and family-like, with a large dining area suited for groups. The exterior appears modest, contrasting with the vibrant and detailed interior.

Tamales come in authentic Cuban style and appear in dishes like casseroles. They pair well with plantains and mofongo and stand out alongside beans and yucca.

Lunch features authentic Cuban flavors prepared with care. The setting suits small group meetings and evokes a homey, nostalgic vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with authentic Caribbean flavor."

"The tamales here are outstanding and transport you to Cuba."

"This lunch spot serves the most authentic Cuban food I've had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant features daily specials that change each day of the week.

2

Wednesday is pork ribs night, a popular choice among regulars.

3

Salsa dancing happens after dinner, creating a lively atmosphere.

02
Alameda Cafรฉ image 1

Rustic decor with colorful murals and gothic style creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. High ceilings and an open kitchen add spaciousness, while a full bar serves drinks alongside authentic Mexican dishes. The vibe is inviting and casual, with a focus on flavorful, spicy food and affordable prices.

Tamale breakfast plate offers a big serving size and rich flavor. The tamales come smothered and pair well with huevos rancheros on the tamale platter.

Close to work, it serves good breakfast and lunch options. The spot feels convenient and fits well for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was delicious and great quality."

"I thought the tamale breakfast plate was delicious."

"The service at this Lunch Spot is friendly and efficient."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ offers $5.25 handheld burritos to go.

2

Parking at the cafรฉ can be tight.

3

The cafรฉ closes at 3 p.m. daily.

03
Chivis Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small dining area features self-serve salsa bar and art-covered walls creating an authentic Mexican vibe with a gritty street-food atmosphere. Warm and welcoming energy fills the space, making it feel like home with positive, nostalgic vibes. Late-night hours and a convenient parking lot support a lively, hopping scene.

Moist and fluffy tamales come filled and ready on a plate. They offer a delicious and satisfying bite every time.

Offers great lunch options suitable for groups and families. Serves well for late night bites and casual meals with friends.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is authentic and amazing."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and everyone loved it."

"I found the tamales to be fluffy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Chivis Tacos is open late until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

They offer $2 tacos all day on Taco Tuesdays, except for barbacoa and lengua.

3

Barbacoa and lengua tacos cost $4 regardless of the day.

04
Los Volcanes Authentic Mexican Restaurant image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and homemade tortillas made on site. Atmosphere is casual and welcoming, suitable for groups and families, with ambient music and occasional mariachi band performances. Seating includes comfortable booths and outdoor options, though some chairs lack cushions.

Homemade tamales filled with meat come topped with red sauce and cheese. Combo plates include tamales with tacos, enchiladas, rice, and beans for around $14.

Lunch here features huge portions at a great price. Many different items are available to try in one meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the birria tacos."

"I've never had a tamale this good, it's homemade."

"You get huge lunch portions for your money."

Good to know

1

The price for a can of Coke is $4.00.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegan options.

3

Prices are considered very fair and cheaper than competitors.

05
Los Tamales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Friendly energy fills the space, with fresh ingredients prepared openly. Known for best tamales and breakfast burritos, it offers a simple menu done right.

Tamales come in huge portions with standout options like red pork and green chili cheese. Fried tamales smothered in green chile add a tasty twist, and the hot red tamales deliver solid flavor.

Offers an inexpensive lunch special with straightforward options. Serves both breakfast and lunch, making it easy to visit multiple times in a week.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food here; the tamales were excellent."

"I found the tamales here to be great."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is great, especially the tamales and birria tacos."

Good to know

1

Los Tamales is primarily a takeout restaurant, with limited seating available.

2

Expect fresh food made to order, ensuring quality and flavor.

3

Prices are reasonable, with breakfast burritos offered at great deals.

06
Chapala Mexican Restaurant Castle Rock image 1

Mexican restaurant with two dining areas offers a warm, homey atmosphere that feels cozy and welcoming. The place maintains a lively yet relaxed vibe, suitable for casual meals. Guests enjoy authentic flavors and fresh ingredients in a clean, bright setting.

Tamales come by the dozen at a decent price with chicken tamales featuring green chili, pork tamales with red chili, and cheese tamales flavored with poblano. Calling ahead helps secure specific flavors.

Large group lunch orders work smoothly here. Hispanic staff often join for lunch, adding to the atmosphere. Late lunches can include a prickly pear house margarita during happy hour.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and truly delicious."

"These tamales are fantastic with wonderful flavors."

"This Lunch Spot's chili relleno is so good, even reheated."

Good to know

1

Alcohol will be available soon, but currently, it is not served.

2

The restaurant is gluten-free friendly, accommodating various dietary needs.

3

Prices are reasonable, offering good value for the portion sizes.

07
Tamales By La Casita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic New Mexican atmosphere and family-oriented vibe. Seating is limited but includes outdoor options along a bike path. Known for best tamales in town, it draws steady lines and a lively crowd.

Tamales by the dozen come in red and green varieties with a quart of chile verde. These tamales stay perfect to go and have a reputation as the best in Denver and even the entire world.

Fast service and breakfast burritos smothered with green chile make it a solid choice for lunch. Parking fills up and seating can be tight during peak hours, so takeout is an option.

People are saying

"Their green chili is not too spicy and very yummy."

"I thought these tamales were the best I ever had."

"The tamales here are fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially during lunch hours.

2

Parking is available but can be crowded during lunchtime.

3

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

08
TACOS AY AY AY image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny storefront with minimal indoor seating and a fresh salsa bar creates a casual, authentic vibe. Busy atmosphere centers on quick, flavorful Mexican food with affordable prices. Outdoor shaded spots offer limited seating, emphasizing takeout over dine-in.

Tamales come big and generous with meat filling and a bit heavy on the masa. Pepper and cheese versions stand out, though peeling the chala takes some effort.

Fast service stands out even during busy lunch hours. Meals like taco tortas come in around $10, and ordering burritos in bulk works well for quick meals later.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be consistently great."

"These tacos are fantastic and totally worth it."

"I found the tamales to be awesome and amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco happy hour on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4 pm offers $2 tacos.

2

Expect long wait times during busy lunch hours.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, accommodating only 7-8 people.

09
Los Cuates Mexican Restaurant image 1

Quaint Mexican restaurant with authentic flavors and a tiny, simple dining area featuring lovely murals. Atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, creating a friendly but somewhat subdued vibe. Known for affordable, made-from-scratch breakfast burritos and accommodating larger groups.

Velvety masa filled with juicy chicken and potatoes in a mild red chile stands out. The tamales have a good masa consistency and flavor reminiscent of a Puerto Rican pastelle.

Crunchy tacos stand out as a solid lunch option. A single breakfast burrito can cover both breakfast and lunch needs.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing breakfast burritos here."

"These enchiladas with melted cheese were amazing."

"I was obsessed with their breakfast burritos for lunch."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens at 6 am during the week.

2

Expect extra charges for rice, beans, and sauce not listed on the menu.

3

The restaurant accommodates large parties, such as groups of 18.

10
Sonora's Prime Carniceria & Taco Shop (BARNES LOCATION) image 1

Market-style Mexican spot combines fresh meat counter with small cafe and communal tables inside. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and welcoming, with a lively, slightly chaotic energy that settles once food arrives. Outdoor patio offers spacious seating with umbrellas, enhancing casual dining options.

Tamales here have a really good flavor and come in varieties like pork and cheese and Chile. They are often bought frozen for holidays and praised for being homemade and perfect.

Lunch options include meals with lots of liquid, suitable for those who prefer soups or broths. Service is professional, making it a reliable choice for group orders like Teacher Appreciation Week.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and high quality."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot makes you feel like family."

"These tamales are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The store has a great selection of Hispanic products and groceries.

2

Expect limited seating with only two tables available for dining.

3

Many items are priced lower than typical grocery stores.

11
Salsa Latina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a casual, homey vibe with authentic Mexican atmosphere. Lunch hours bring a boisterous energy, while other times feel quieter. Known for big portions and top-notch green chili, it serves some of the best Mexican comfort food in the area.

Tamales require advance orders to ensure availability. They come with refried beans and have a consistently excellent flavor.

Quick lunches come with very good food here. The spot gets fairly boisterous during lunch hours.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here really good and hit the spot."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I had in a long time."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tasted very good."

Good to know

1

Call in advance to order a dozen tamales for takeout.

2

Salsa Latina accepts credit cards and tap payments.

3

Expect long wait times during rush hours.

12
El Nopalito Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant offers authentic home-style meals with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Frequented for affordable, large portions and notable breakfast burritos, it sits tucked in a busy strip mall with a bustling neighborhood atmosphere.

Pork green chile tamales stand out with a rich, smothered style not listed on the menu. Meaty tamales offer a hearty option alongside other Mexican dishes.

Lunch burritos offer a tasty and affordable option. The small space fills up quickly, showing its popularity for a quick meal.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be ridiculously good."

"The lunch burritos here are delicious and a great deal."

"I loved the pork green chile tamales; they were fire."

Good to know

1

Items are reasonably priced, offering good portion sizes.

2

Parking can be tight due to the busy strip mall location.

3

Breakfast burritos are available at a reasonable price.

13
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small, crowded Mexican restaurant with huge patio and authentic decor creates a vibrant atmosphere that gets loud when busy. Popular for exceptional margaritas and authentic Mexican dishes, it draws a lively crowd enjoying indoor and outdoor seating.

Smooth texture with a good ratio of masa to meat defines the tamales here. They come smothered and sold by the dozen, staying moist and quite tasty.

Lunch features a special with tacos and a margarita offering good value. It suits casual gatherings like birthday lunches or meals after a hike.

People are saying

"The food here is always amazing and full of flavor."

"These tamales were not dry and quite tasty."

"The food at this Lunch Spot tasted great and authentic."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer half-price tacos and margaritas.

2

Parking is easy with a decent-sized lot available at the restaurant.

3

A 4.75% card fee is charged on all credit card transactions.

14
Milagro's Cocina Mexicana image 1

Upscale Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a spacious, elegant atmosphere. Music blends classic Mexican songs with smooth crooners, creating a fun and cool vibe. Known for authentic food and a wide selection of specialty margaritas and tequilas.

Pork tamale comes with rich mole sauce, while the chicken tinga enchilada pairs with green tomatillo. The tamale flight looks appealing and tastes good, though some advise skipping tamales here.

Lunch here features quick seating and amazing service. The Pollo al Guajillo stands out as a memorable dish with strong flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and of very high quality."

"This lunch spot has amazing guacamole and great tacos."

"I devoured the pork tamale smothered in mole sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only in the bar area from Monday to Friday, 3-6 PM.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos at $2.50 each all day.

3

Enjoy $6 margaritas during happy hour.

15
Santiago's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic breakfast burritos and hot green chili with affordable prices under $4. Atmosphere feels like a family store with clean, cozy space and hanging plants. Takeout-only setup gets busy during peak hours, with patio seating available but no delivery.

Smothered tamales come as a filling plate option. Each tamale costs $3.00 and pairs well with guacamole and tostadas.

Burritos stand out as a quick lunch option here. The spot works well for grabbing easy Mexican food during busy school days.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burritos were always so good."

"I loved their smothered tamales plate."

"I loved the burritos here; they were great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers takeout only; no dine-in options available.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early.

16
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.

Pork tamales come with a green sauce that adds a nice kick. Plates include beans and rice, and the tamales offer a good spicy flavor with decent quality.

Quick service suits a layover lunch well. The torta stands out as a solid choice for lunch or dinner.

People are saying

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

"I found the tamales to be excellent and tasty."

"The staff at this lunch spot made my meal fun and took good care of us."

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.

17
Tamale Kitchen Broomfield image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with bright natural light and mountain views creates a peaceful atmosphere. Late-night hours attract those seeking authentic, flavorful burritos and green chili dishes. Remodel features an open dining room with high ceilings and lots of windows.

Tamales come in fresh bundles with options to mix flavors in half or full dozen orders. The chili relleno and veggie tamales stand out for their excellent taste and freshness.

Lunch hours see a quiet dining room with few people around. The spot is about 20 minutes away from the Westminster area, making it a bit of a trip for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was excellent and authentic."

"These tamales are a little small."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is excellent, way better than fast food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers Taco Monday, Tamale Tuesday, and Tostada Wednesday.

2

Expect to pay extra for salsa and toppings like onions and cilantro.

3

The restaurant is one of the few late-night eateries in Broomfield.

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