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Carnitas dinner spots in Denver

A dinner spot that treats carnitas as a main event rather than just another taco filling.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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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.

Offers an intimate setting for date dinners and a relaxed vibe to unwind with friends. Serves dinner that encourages return visits.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

"The tacos here are unique, tasty, and 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
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.

Quick service suits those grabbing dinner before events. Happy Hour pairs well with casual dinner options near concert venues.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are delicious."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing and perfectly prepared just right."

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.

03
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.

Hours stretch from breakfast to dinner, offering plenty of options. The spot suits everything from date nights to group dinners with friends.

People are saying

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

"The food here is outstanding, packed with bold, authentic flavors."

"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.

04
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.

Good atmosphere makes it a solid choice for dinner. Friends enjoy the casual vibe and the food fits well for a relaxed evening meal.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

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.

Busy Friday nights bring a lively atmosphere for dinner and drinks. The spot serves well for a pleasant dinner or a late-night bite.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were perfect."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and flavorful."

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
Ocho's Mexican Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with a spacious interior and outdoor seating. A salsa bar with multiple options and fixings stands out as a key feature. The vibe is calm and inviting, with good music and a clean, homey feel.

Carnitas come out perfectly seasoned and tender, packed with flavor. They appear in tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all cooked to perfection.

A laid-back spot with a casual vibe fits well for easy weeknight dinners or a family dinner night. It works for both quick meals and late dinners.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

"The carnitas here are perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor."

"I'd go here for genuine Mexican dinner spots if I was craving it."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

The Monday burrito special is priced at $12.99.

3

Expect small portion sizes for tacos, with three costing over $12.

07
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.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas to be delicious."

"Gabby was spectacular, doing everything for our dinner spots."

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.

08
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.

Margaritas, dinner, and dessert create a full evening experience. The setting supports extraordinary celebrations like birthdays with great food and drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The service at these dinner spots is attentive and friendly."

"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.

09
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.

Dinner features rich, spicy salsa options and flavorful Mexican dishes. Staff like Daniel ensure attentive service for occasions like birthdays, dates, or group dinners.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing and wonderfully spicy."

"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.

10
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.

Carnitas tacos come at a low price, around $6.78 for three, which is rare in Denver. Both the carnitas and barbacoa tacos offer great flavor, and the carnitas burrito also stands out as very good.

Crowds gather around dinner time, making seating limited. The vibe feels like sharing a meal at your Tio's house, perfect for family dinners or lunch with friends. Takeout is common due to the busy atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"I really liked the carnitas tacos; they were delicious."

"The tacos here are spicy and amazingly 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.

11
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.

Dinner features well-prepared dishes with a great atmosphere that suits special occasions like New Year's Eve.

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.

12
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.

Dinner options include a Family Enchilada Dinner and other meals suitable for weeknight takeaway. Meals cost around $22 and the kitchen stays well staffed during dinner hours.

People are saying

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

"The dinner options here are fantastic and delicious."

"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.

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Denver, Colorado

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