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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Denver

Carnitas and chili

A bowl of chili topped with tender carnitas is the kind of comfort that warms you up from the inside out.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Abeja Restaurant image 1
La Abeja Restaurant image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small, unassuming space with a hole in the wall vibe offers a homey, chill atmosphere that feels like authentic Mexico. Quiet and comfortable during early hours, it draws those seeking generous portions of phenomenal Mexican food known for its authenticity and value.

Carnitas come out crispy and caramelized with a soft texture. Burritos and tacos filled with carnitas taste rich and satisfying.

Green chili stands out with its creamy consistency and balanced heat. It ranges from seriously spicy to mild but always delivers rich flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought their green chili was the best I've ever had."

"I believed their carnitas tacos were the best in Denver."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to ongoing construction on Colfax.

2

The restaurant closes daily at 3pm.

3

Prices are reasonable, with generous portion sizes.

02
Tacos El Huequito image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican tacos with fresh ingredients and gluten-free options. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming with loud cute music and a big screen showing football. Drink specials include notable margaritas enjoyed alongside made-to-order dishes.

Carnitas appear in tacos and burritos with rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with other meats like Barbacoa and Al Pastor in various dishes.

Chili cheese fries stand out with rich flavor and generous topping. The green chile smother on crispy chili rellenos adds a spicy, delicious kick. Red chili serves as a solid, flavorful option.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the carnitas tacos delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the chili cheese fries were the best in town."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature special deals on tacos every week.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Prices for tacos are significantly lower than other street-style taco places.

03
El Patrรณn Grill and Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with classy decor and comfortable booths creates a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Latin rhythms play throughout, complemented by TVs showing football games. The space feels clean and inviting, with attention to detail in presentation.

Pork carnitas come out delicious and well-seasoned. Carnitas tacos feature tender meat paired with cheese and beans.

Green chile shows up as a side and a plate option with a noticeable but mild spice level. Spicy Chicken Tacos come with green chili that adds a kick without overwhelming heat.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The carnitas here are the best I've ever had."

"The green chili here is extra spicy and did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an extensive breakfast menu starting at 10:30 AM.

2

The menu features many unique dishes and large portion sizes.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

04
Tacontento image 1
Restaurant

Tiny restaurant offers authentic Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine in a clean, cozy space with good music and comfortable seating. The vibe is adorable and inviting, attracting diners who appreciate great margaritas and generous portions. Hidden location adds to its hole-in-the-wall charm.

Juicy and tender meat defines the carnitas here, served on thick, crisp, homemade corn tortillas. The carnita tacos balance crispy edges with a juicy interior, making the plate very filling.

Spicy and crispy veggie green chili tops dishes like Chili Relleno and adds bold flavor to burritos. The green chili is flavorful but not extra hot, which some might want for more spice.

People are saying

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

"The green chili is spicy and delicious."

"The Carnitas here are so juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 2-for-1 drinks, making it a great deal.

2

Late happy hour is perfect for after-work gatherings.

3

You can pay your check using the QR code on the receipt.

05
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.

Both red and green chile feature prominently across dishes like the carnitas plate, smothered burrito, and chili rellenos. The Colorado chili and green chili stand out for their rich flavor and complement items like birria tacos and guacamole.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were perfect."

"You've gotta try the smothered burrito with green chili."

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.

06
Javier's Diner image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a colorful, festive patio featuring string lights and a cool fountain creates a lively atmosphere. Loud Spanish rock music fills the space, contributing to an energetic vibe. The place draws a crowd enjoying authentic Mexican dishes and large, flavorful cocktails like margaritas and micheladas.

Carnitas Tacos stand out for their rich flavor and tenderness. The carnitas plate offers a generous portion of fresh meat, and small amounts appear on other dishes like enchiladas.

Green chili stands out with its great taste and balanced spice level. Vegetarian options and dishes like Huevos Mexicano topped with green chili highlight the menu's comfort food appeal.

People are saying

"The Chef's Breakfast is a greasy, glorious holy land."

"The pozole here is authentic and tastes like my grandmother's."

"I loved the green chili; it had great taste and wasn't too spicy."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect to pay around $20 for a basic breakfast meal.

3

The diner has a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages.

07
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.

Green chili stands out with rich flavor and generous portions. Both red and green chile appear in dishes like the Christmas smothered burrito and fries, offering bold, authentic taste beyond typical chili cheeseburgers.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The pork belly mac and cheese at these dinner spots is delicious."

"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.

08
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.

Chili comes in several forms here, including chili cheese fries and a vegetarian green chili that stands out as a rare option. The green chili pairs well with chips and offers a solid flavor profile.

People are saying

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

"I found the green chili to be excellent with my chips."

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

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.

09
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.

Cubed potatoes stand out in the vegan green chili. Barbacoa pairs well when smothered with green chili. The green chili cheese mix adds a rich flavor.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas were juicy and tender."

"You have to try the green chili with cubed potatoes."

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.

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.

Carnitas come with green chili or beans and appear in dishes like flautas. Barbacoa with red sauce also pairs alongside carnitas in some options.

Green chili stands out for its perfect heat and spicy kick. Meat is tender and well-seasoned, paired with fluffy tortillas.

People are saying

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

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

"I enjoyed the carnitas and green chili."

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
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.

Crispy chile relleno stands out with vegetarian green chile that lifts the flavor. Steak fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, and chile rellano all bring wonderful taste and texture.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The green chili here has a nice, subtle spice."

"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.

12
El Taco De Mexico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a diner vibe and authentic old school feel offers simple booth seating and a nice outdoor patio. Atmosphere is lively and welcoming, filled with joy and laughter from the kitchen. It feels like a neighborhood institution known for its genuine Mexican experience.

Perfectly seasoned carnitas deliver a burst of flavor in tacos. Options include carnitas alongside Al pastor and carne asada, often enjoyed with tamales or smothered chili relleno.

Smothered burritos come with pork green chile and chorizo, offering an authentic and rich flavor. The green chili relleno burrito stands out for its amazing sauce that many find worth traveling for.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here set my standard for Colorado Mex."

"I thought the smothered breakfast burrito was next level."

"I enjoyed the perfectly seasoned carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; order at the counter upon arrival.

2

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

3

Parking is limited; consider arriving early to find a spot.

13
El Zarape image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, utilitarian space with a lively, authentic atmosphere and family-owned vibe. The place feels unpretentious and welcoming despite some loud kitchen noise. A drive-thru window adds convenience for quick, authentic Mexican meals.

Carnitas here have a rich, great flavor and come mixed or by the pound. They are often enjoyed on weekends and pair well with chicharrones for a tasty meal.

Chile colorado stands out as a rich, flavorful dish here. The crispy Chile relleno offers a satisfying texture, and the green chili holds its own with solid taste.

People are saying

"You have to try their breakfast burrito; the flavor is great."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I've ever had."

"The chili here has hearty, good potatoes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but arriving early is recommended to secure a seat.

2

The location stops serving food at 3 pm daily.

3

Drive-through service is available, but it doesn't have a menu displayed.

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