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Local picks

Carnitas and bar spots in Denver

A cold drink and a plate of carnitas are the only things that make sense after a long day.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar - LoDo image 1
Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar - LoDo image 2
Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar - LoDo image 3
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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.

Bartenders like Karina and Sebastian deliver personable service and handle busy nights smoothly. The bar offers flavor-packed tacos and well-crafted cocktails to enjoy while seated at the bar.

People are saying

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

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

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

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.

02
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.

Inside offers a nice bar area with comfortable seats and tables. Custom drinks can be made to order, and the staff provides attentive service.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and authentic, especially the birria tacos."

"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.

03
Lady Nomada - Mexican Kitchen image 1

Upscale Mexican kitchen with stylish decor and a light, airy space creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere full of character. House-made margaritas and elite tacos complement the inviting vibe, while outdoor patio with heaters and fireplace offers a comfortable hangout spot.

Carnitas appear in several dishes like the kids' bowl, fajitas, and a combo plate. They come with birria fries or as tacos, offering a variety of flavors across meals.

Smooth transition from bar to table happens with teamwork. Bartenders like Sherri and Cisco craft signature margaritas that stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"I found the carnitas to be delicious."

"Roberto, our server, was so attentive and kind."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 2 PM to 5 PM with great deals on drinks and snacks.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Lunch specials are available for $14, offering excellent value.

04
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.

Bartenders like Silvia, Julian, and Wilmer provide outstanding service with a personable and kind approach. The bar offers a great variety of cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The bar staff here is so kind and accommodating."

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

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.

05
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.

Joaquin and Sergio provide excellent service at the bar. Tony offers fun drink suggestions, making the bar experience lively and engaging.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"Joaquin at the Bar provided excellent service and was always kind."

"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.

06
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.

A decent size bar offers plenty of seating with two TVs for watching sports. The bar emphasizes quality ingredients and includes a nice outdoor patio along with additional indoor seating.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were perfect."

"The bar staff are wonderful people; I had a great time talking with them."

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.

07
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.

Happy hour features $5 margaritas at the bar. It serves as a neighborhood spot with excellent food alongside drinks.

People are saying

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

"The bartender Eli was the best, making sure drinks were strong and fresh."

"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.

08
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.

Atmosphere features a great playlist, live sports on screens, and a chill bar setup. Seating options include outdoor, bar, and booths with fun decor. Bartenders like Mel provide attentive service.

People are saying

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

"I loved the generously overloaded burritos, they were huge."

"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.

09
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.

Friendly bar staff like Juanita, Vanessa, and Sergio provide excellent service that makes the atmosphere welcoming. The bar handles busy times well, with staff like Lizbeth ensuring guests are taken care of even during rushes.

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.

10
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.

A bar with a pool table and sports on TV creates a casual vibe. Wings come with a smoked, crispy texture and a 14 cholula butter sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The pork belly bites with jalapeno add-on 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.

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