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Best of Colorado

Salad and salsa spots

A salad should be more than just greens, and a sharp, house-made salsa is the only way to give it the necessary bite. You know that the right heat makes the entire meal.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pantera Mexican Grill & Cantina image 1
Pantera Mexican Grill & Cantina image 2
Pantera Mexican Grill & Cantina image 3
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Elegant interior with a hand-painted mural and an upper patio creates a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. The space feels relaxing and home-like, attracting those who appreciate authentic Mexican vibes. House margaritas stand out as a popular feature alongside flavorful, traditional dishes.

Salads here include Chicken Caesar and grilled chicken salad, both served fresh and flavorful. The Taco Salad offers a hearty mix with carne asada and other toppings.

Homemade chips and salsa come warm, crispy, and thin. The salsa is fresh and pairs well with refillable chips.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos and enchiladas, was amazing."

"The salsa here is amazing and tastes so fresh."

"I found the Chicken Caesar salad amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located inside a mall, making parking easy and free.

2

The bar is not operational due to the lack of a liquor license.

3

They will be getting a liquor license soon.

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.

Salads here feature fresh, vibrant ingredients like mango and jicama. The mango jicama salad with chicken offers a hearty serving and a delicious mix of flavors.

Salsas stand out with chipotle, tomatillo, and a habanero pineapple option that pairs well with chicken tacos. They bring strong, bold flavors that complement the tacos perfectly.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are tender and delicious."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos with the avocado salsa."

"I loved the mango jicama salad; it was delicious."

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
Mamacitas image 1
Restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with extensive salsa bar and dedicated air conditioning creates a clean, relaxed atmosphere. Small dining area feels welcoming and well-maintained, with multiple TVs showing football games. The vibe is low key and family-oriented, emphasizing respect for food and service.

Salads feature a good salad bar with several options. The carne asada salad stands out among the choices. All salads are consistently delicious.

A salsa bar offers six different fresh and refrigerated salsas, including a green salsa with coriander and lemon that balances spiciness and citrus. The salsa options are varied and kept very clean.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is amazing and huge."

"The salsa bar has so many fresh, amazing options."

"I found the salads delicious."

Good to know

1

Mamacitas only offers delivery through Doordash from 1pm to 5pm.

2

There is sometimes a 15โ€“30 minute wait during peak hours.

3

Ample parking is available in the strip mall.

04
Bellota - Boulder image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers bustling and energetic atmosphere with a festive decoration and lovely outdoor patio. Music plays in the background while TV screens show sports silently, creating a lively yet conversational space. Guests enjoy an extensive mezcal list and house margaritas praised for their balance and strength.

Salad comes as a green salad option that pairs well with tacos and guacamole. It is affordable and fits into an authentic menu with other Mexican dishes.

Chips come with three excellent and very distinct salsas, including a notable orange and green salsa. All salsas are made from scratch and have a fresh, tasty flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The staff here make the Mexican food experience fantastic."

"The salsas here are incredible, especially the orange and green."

"I found the salad to be affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4:30 to 5:30 pm with great food and drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended for the Tequila Tasting & Margarita making class on Fridays.

3

Street parking is easy to find on Sunday afternoons near the venue.

05
Tia's Taqueria image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful, lively atmosphere and cozy indoor seating alongside a spacious outdoor patio. Family-oriented spot with friendly, energetic vibe and ample parking. Known for healthy, flavorful Mexican food including standout gluten-free burritos and top-notch margaritas.

Chopped salad stands out with its fresh ingredients and generous size. Adding shrimp boosts its flavor, making it a Mexican-influenced dish that exceeds expectations.

Salsas offer a balanced kick that pairs well with fajita vegetables and tacos. Chips and salsa come with distinct flavors that complement dishes like chili rellenos and carne asada tacos.

People are saying

"I thought the gluten-free burrito at this Mexican food place was great."

"I thought the salsas were bomb."

"I loved the chopped salad; it was so fresh and generous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited inside.

2

The restaurant offers a gluten-free tortilla option for burritos.

3

Expect to pay around $50 for two people without drinks.

06
Danny Ray's Food & Spirits image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Space combines sports bar energy with cozy diner charm, featuring over a dozen TVs for game watching. Atmosphere stays lively and friendly, with a light, open layout and a comfortable outdoor patio. Drinks like spicy Bloody Marys complement the vibrant scene.

Taco salad offers a delicious mix of flavors. Cobb Salad stands out as a top choice with a unique, tasty dressing. Spinach salad adds a fresh option to the menu.

Freshly made salsa comes in red and green varieties, with the green salsa offering a good, hot spice. The salsa pairs well with chips and enhances dishes like the West Colfax omelette with its house made salsa verde.

People are saying

"The breakfast food here is delicious and came in good portions."

"The homemade salsa here is so fresh and has the perfect spice."

"The salad was okay, and the dressing left a little to be desired."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3 pm to 6 pm.

2

They offer daily specials that change regularly.

3

Outdoor patio music is available on select nights.

07
Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Spacious dining areas feature beautiful Turkish glass lanterns and soft music, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant ambiance for meals under the stars. The setting reflects authentic Turkish hospitality with clean, comfortable surroundings.

Salads come with Greek salad featuring fresh vegetables and tablacฤฑ salad offering a unique twist. They often accompany kabobs like chicken shawarma and koobideh, adding a crisp, refreshing balance.

A fresh, tangy-spicy mix of tomatoes, onions, parsley, cucumbers, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and red pepper paste defines the Turkish salsa here. It pairs well with tender lamb and beef shish-kebab and offers a flavorful, slightly sweet dip option.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, delicious, and authentic."

"The side salad here is fresh and perfectly complements the dish."

"You have to try the Turkish salsa; it's flavorful and tangy-spicy."

Good to know

1

Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill has a fully halal menu.

2

The amount of food served is generous.

3

Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill is dog friendly.

08
Supreme Chicken image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space offers a quiet, friendly vibe with a hole-in-the-wall feel. Modest prices and large portions attract those seeking authentic Mexican flavors. Known for best chicken, birria tacos, and street tacos, it stands out as a neighborhood gem.

Pasta salad includes cabbage, corn, celery, and onion for a unique twist. Macaroni salad appears often and varies in appeal, with some finding it delicious and others less so.

Salsa comes in big portions with options like red and verde that many find delicious. It pairs well with dishes like chicken and tacos.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos at this Mexican food spot were top-notch."

"The macaroni salad here is delicious and has a different touch."

"The birria tacos and quesadillas are phenomenal."

Good to know

1

The prices at Supreme Chicken are modest and reasonable.

2

The portions are large and can easily feed a family.

3

The restaurant is always clean and well-maintained.

09
3 Margaritas Co. Springs / Fountain image 1

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate, quiet setting with pleasant decor and a family-owned atmosphere. Guests enjoy authentic food and gourmet margaritas praised for their balanced flavor. The space feels classy and clean, making it suitable for family dinners and casual gatherings.

Shrimp salad features red and yellow bell peppers with onions and optional jalapeรฑos. Taco salad comes with a generous amount of guacamole and sour cream. Caesar salad offers a twist, including options like grilled chicken.

Chips arrive quickly with fresh salsa and a bean dip. The salsa stands out as very tasty and among the best from Mexican spots around.

People are saying

"The Mexican food service is so fast, I got my drinks in under three minutes."

"Jerry was so funny and fabulous, it made the night go by."

"I loved the taco salad with its blend of spices and vegetables."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

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

3

Cash is preferred for payments to avoid potential extra charges.

10
Piramides Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor featuring blue walls and Mexican table tops creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels lively and inviting. The space includes an awesome patio area and offers Wi-Fi. Large, well-made margaritas complement a menu praised for dishes like birria tacos and queso fundido.

Salads feature avocado, tomato, and orange slices for a refreshing mix. The beef taco salad appears as a common choice alongside combos like the Piramides.

Chips come with fresh, sturdy salsa that has a good kick. The salsa tastes rich and flavorful, making it comforting alongside the chips.

People are saying

"The food here is always great and packed with authentic flavors."

"Their salsa is really good and has a nice kick."

"The service here is fast and friendly."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a great variety of dishes to try.

2

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and welcoming.

3

The portions are very generous; many take food home.

11
El Pollo Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with immaculate cleanliness and a fast food ambience that feels cared-for. Atmosphere is light and inviting but can get a little noisy. Offers easy-to-use kiosks and a drive-through with street tacos, serving fresh, well-seasoned grilled chicken and healthy options.

Salads come with generous chicken portions and fresh ingredients. The double meat salad with cilantro dressing and the taco salad stand out for their flavor and crunch from tortilla chips.

Salsas come in several fresh varieties with a notable avocado salsa and a green guacamole salsa that has a good kick. Chips pair well with these superfresh salsas and complement dishes like chicken.

People are saying

"The food here is hot, delicious, and flavorful."

"I loved all their salsas."

"The double meat salad with cilantro dressing was awesome."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

2

Drive-thru service is quick and efficient.

3

Prices are affordable with generous portion sizes.

12
Fuzzy's Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Large bar area with multiple TV screens creates a lively setting, especially during game time. Friendly staff and hand-mixed margaritas add to the inviting, small-town vibe. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant space with mountain views enhancing the atmosphere.

Salads come in big portions with crunchy-fresh lettuce and sweet tomatoes. Options like grilled chicken and shrimp salads balance protein and dressing well, sometimes with added guacamole.

Chips come with freshly made salsa that tastes very good. Happy Hour offers $2 chips and salsa specials.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The salsa here is great and freshly made."

"I ate the grilled shrimp salad probably once a week."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour specials include $2 tacos, $2 chips and salsa, and $3 domestic drafts.

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos all day.

3

A 3% service fee is added to all checks for staff wages.

13
Mister Oso Boulder image 1

Large open space with panoramic windows and bright colors creates a lively, exotic vibe inspired by Oaxaca and Cartagena. Music adds a fun, tropical atmosphere that feels relaxing and family-friendly. The setting combines a jungle theme with sleek, inviting decor.

Brussels sprout salad stands out as a surprise hit with a shockingly good flavor. Salads cost $17, with an option to add crockpot-style chicken for $6.

Trio of flavorful salsas pairs well with chips and tacos. Green salsa offers a more gratifying dip than the consume, enhancing the crispy birria tacos and empanadas.

People are saying

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're made with real meat."

"The birria tacos were crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with salsa."

"I was shocked by how good the salad was."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 PM every day and all day Monday.

2

Valet parking is available for guests.

3

A 5% fair wage surcharge is added to the check.

14
La Hormiga (MACHETES & BIRRIA) image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant offers extremely loud music louder than clubs and a full salsa and condiment bar with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables. The atmosphere is welcoming but tables fill quickly, requiring sharing during busy times. Known for authentic Mexican tacos including large birria machetes and a variety of fresh toppings.

Fresh salad and condiment bar offers a variety of options. Sauces and salads have delicious flavors that stand out.

A full salsa and condiment bar offers a huge assortment of salsas and toppings. Options include extra spicy salsa, radishes, cucumber, and grilled jalapeรฑos to add flavor and heat.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've had in Colorado."

"I like to add extra spicy salsa to my tacos."

"The salad vegetables were always so fresh."

Good to know

1

Cash payments are required; no credit cards accepted.

2

Tacos are $0.99 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

3

Expect to share tables during busy hours due to limited seating.

15
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.

Salads feature super fresh lettuce. The steak salad stands out. Other salads are just OK.

Salsa comes with amazing guacamole and fresh vegetables. The rojo hot salsa adds a spicy kick for those who like heat.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is so friendly and accommodating with the salads."

"The salsa here is so friendly and helpful."

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.

16
Taqueria Columbine image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco truck with wooden picnic tables offers an authentic Mexican atmosphere with loud music and a cute aesthetic. Food service is fast and efficient, focusing on four-piece taco orders with generous portions. The spot draws those seeking true Mexican street tacos in a casual, grab-and-go setting.

Every meal includes a fresh salad paired with fruit, often sprinkled with tajin for a spicy kick. The salad adds a refreshing touch that complements tacos and burritos well.

Salsa here is nice and spicy and comes with tacos. Some orders include salsa in the bag, but sometimes it costs extra.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be delicious and flavorful."

"I found the tacos to be amazingly delicious and authentic."

"I found the carne asada tacos and quesadilla to be very flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

They only serve a 4-piece one-meat taco box with no options to mix.

2

The least expensive item is $12 for sausage and bread.

3

I was advised to pay with cash due to internet issues for card transactions.

17
Chili's Grill & Bar image 1

Newly built restaurant features modern, bright decor with a family-friendly, warm atmosphere that becomes loud and electric during sports events. Multiple TVs show all games, creating an energetic vibe. The space is smaller and cleaner than typical locations, offering quick service and reasonable prices.

Crunchy and filling, the Quesadilla Explosion salad lives up to its name. Staff share crucial details about the salad before serving.

Chips and salsa arrive quickly and stay fresh. The salsa pairs well with assorted appetizers and comes with meals like southwest egg rolls and cheese dip.

People are saying

"The food here was fresh, fast, and delicious."

"I loved my Quesadilla Explosion salad; it was so filling."

"The chips and salsa were delicious and served right away."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and there is usually no wait to be seated.

2

The restaurant offers a quick service, ideal for lunch within an hour.

3

Pickup orders are prepared in about 4 minutes using the side entrance.

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