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Top picks in Denver

Affordable tamales

Made for those who appreciate the labor-intensive craft of a traditional tamale and want to find it without overpaying.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chivis Tacos image 1
Chivis Tacos image 2
Chivis Tacos image 3
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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 affordable Mexican food with authentic flavors. Meals, including tacos, come at a budget-friendly price without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food was super tasty and very affordable."

"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.

02
Alameda Café image 1
Restaurant

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.

Offers affordable prices with handheld burritos at $5.25 and reasonable costs for breakfast or brunch. Food and service maintain excellent quality while keeping the café inexpensive.

People are saying

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

"I found the prices to be affordable for the quality and amount of food."

"I thought the tamale breakfast plate was delicious."

Good to know

1

The café offers $5.25 handheld burritos to go.

2

Parking at the café can be tight.

3

The café closes at 3 p.m. daily.

03
La Pasadita Inn image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant feels like sitting in a kitchen with home-cooked food. Cozy, intimate atmosphere with traditional decor and a pleasant outdoor patio. Known for authentic dishes and great margaritas.

Tamales come with green chile and pack a spicy punch. They taste homemade and pair well with a cold beer on the patio.

Small spot with inexpensive prices and affordable pricing. Food quality and service speed match the friendly, prompt vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The green chili here is mild, flavorful, and made with love."

"I thought the tamales and green chili were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street or in the nearby Safeway parking lot.

2

Expect to pay more than the menu prices for some items.

3

Dogs are not allowed on the patio.

04
Sarahi's Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Huge space with a large well-stocked bar and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like family. Music and upcoming karaoke add to the lively yet comfortable vibe. Known for authentic Mexican dishes and superb margaritas, it offers an inviting experience without a liquor license yet.

Chicken green chile tamales stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with roast beef and fresh passion fruit water, making the tamales the highlight of the meal.

Food comes at very inexpensive prices while staying delicious and tasty. Everything on the menu is affordable without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and flavorful."

"Sarahi's tamales are made with such amazing skill, you'll want to give her a raise."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.50 each, making it a popular deal.

2

Reservations are not required, but call ahead for tamale availability.

3

The restaurant is currently waiting on their liquor license.

05
Cafecito image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with a Latin aesthetic and colorful, bright interior featuring floor-to-ceiling glass. Spacious and cozy seating options include couches, high tops, and large tables, suited for working or socializing. Atmosphere is clean, comfortable, and lively with good music and free wifi.

Tamales here stand out for their delicious flavors and variety, including pork and cheese options. They pair well with drinks like cafe de olla and cafecito.

Drinks and food items like the breakfast burrito and tamales come at a very affordable price. Portions are healthy and the price point stays consistently low.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and robust."

"These tamales are incredible and soul-healing."

"I found the drinks and breakfast portions to be pretty affordable."

Good to know

1

Cafecito opens early at 6am, perfect for early risers.

2

Parking is easy to find, but can fill up during busy times.

3

The cafe has many seating options, suitable for groups or solo work.

06
BRAVO CAFFE image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers welcoming colorful decor and natural light that creates a cozy warm atmosphere. It stays quiet and relaxing, making it suitable for work or casual chats. The space features ample comfortable seating and plays Spanish music to enhance the vibe.

Tamales smothered with green chili come with rice and beans, making a full meal. Plates cost about four to six dollars and offer spicy, flavorful tamales consistently.

Prices stay low while offering high-quality items. Drinks like the horchata latte come at an affordable cost in a cozy setting.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and great."

"The horchata latte is creamy, sweet, and delicious."

"It's a cozy, welcoming spot where everything is affordable."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at BRAVO CAFFE.

2

BRAVO CAFFE serves coffee, pastries, burritos, empanadas, and tamales.

3

The café does not have outdoor seating.

07
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.

Pupusas and breakfast burritos come at very affordable prices. The restaurant keeps costs low, making meals accessible for everyone.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing breakfast burritos here."

"These enchiladas with melted cheese were amazing."

"I found the breakfast burritos and pupusas to be really affordable."

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.

08
Tonantzin Casa de Café image 1

Colorful café doubles as an art gallery with local artwork displayed throughout and a secluded patio that feels like a private courtyard. Atmosphere blends creative energy with relaxing vibes, attracting people who enjoy both art and quiet spaces. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate a mix of casual visitors and those working or socializing.

Weekend tamales offer pork and cheese varieties with a distinct Latin American flair. The red pork tamale stands out as a popular choice, paired well with specialty drinks.

Food and drinks come at very affordable prices. Both taste and cost make it a solid choice for budget-conscious visits.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican coffee drinks with fun twists."

"I found the weekend tamales here to die for."

"The coffee and tamales here are delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Tamales are only available on weekends.

2

The entryway is ADA compliant for easy access.

3

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

09
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.

Prices stay consistently affordable across the menu. Breakfast burritos with green chiles and tamales come at inexpensive rates without sacrificing flavor.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the prices to be very affordable and the food delicious."

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.

10
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.

Prices stay consistently affordable across the menu, including the breakfast burritos. Food comes out fast and tastes good without costing much.

People are saying

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

"The hot green chili here is intense and flavorful."

"I loved their smothered tamales plate."

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.

11
El Chalate Restaurant image 1
Salvadoran restaurant

Salvadoran restaurant offers authentic dishes with affordable prices and large portions. The space is well lit and clean, creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Pupusas stand out as a signature item, praised for their flavor and size.

Corn tamales taste simple but very good with flavorful beans and perfectly cooked plantains. Combo plates often include a tamale paired with beans and rice or other items.

Offers very affordable prices with great value for authentic Mexican and Salvadoran home cooking. Food is consistently tasty and budget-friendly.

People are saying

"The pupusas here taste like home, just like I remember from El Salvador."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and a great value."

"I found the food here to be very tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Salvadoran dishes at reasonable prices.

2

Expect to pay around $9 for a filling meal.

3

The restaurant has a reputation for cleanliness issues.

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