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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Denver

Tamales

Authentic tamales that taste like a kitchen staple instead of a seasonal novelty.

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.

Mexican food stands out with amazing flavor and excellent quality. Food pairs well with convenient parking for quick pickup.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was super tasty and delicious."

"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
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 here is consistently fresh and delicious with a strong focus on Mexican flavors. Every dish tastes excellent and well-prepared.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

03
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.

Food features high quality and flavorful Mexican dishes that reflect authentic tastes. The meals show clear attention to detail and care in preparation.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

04
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.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with a variety of dishes that appeal to all ages. Service is consistently very good, complementing the flavorful food and welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The food here is authentic and amazing Mexican cuisine."

"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.

05
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.

Authentic Mexican dishes like carne asada and shrimp stand out here. The food is consistently delicious and reflects traditional flavors well.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing breakfast burritos here."

"These enchiladas with melted cheese were amazing."

"The food here is really great and tasty."

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.

06
Malinche Audiobar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant blends Japanese fusion with authentic Mexican atmosphere and vinyl DJ spinning Spanish rock. Intimate space features special sound system and clever soundproofing, creating a warm, nostalgic vibe. Unique mezcal selection and inventive dishes like Tempura de Hoja Santa and chilmole octopus define the experience.

Rabbit tamale stands out with its fig mole that adds a unique sweetness. The dish captures authentic Mexican flavors and leaves a memorable impression.

Food features Mexican-inspired flavors with mezcal drinks and mixes tastes in unique, confident ways. Dishes offer authentic, interesting combinations that stand out.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, with unique flavors."

"The drinks here are unique, with special mezcal batches I didn't see everywhere."

"You have to try the rabbit tamale with fig mole."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with solid drink options.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the small and cozy space.

3

You can order tacos from the taco truck outside to enjoy inside.

07
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.

Coffee and food come with full flavor and freshness. Pastries, breakfast burritos, and corn tamale stand out, with gluten-free options available.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are incredible and soul-healing."

"I found the coffee and food here to be excellent."

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.

08
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.

Chicken tamales stand out with amazing flavor. They taste different from traditional Mexican tamales but remain delicious and exceptional.

Mexican and Guatemalan dishes come out fast and taste amazing. Chips come with three bold salsas: green, red, and habañero, adding a spicy kick to the meal.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the tamales here were delicious and exceptional."

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.

09
Antojitos Salvadoreño Restaurante image 1

Cozy space offers authentic Salvadoran cuisine with freshly made pupusas and affordable hearty meals. Atmosphere feels pleasant and comfortable with a small, quiet crowd. Traditional dishes pair with Salvadoran beer for a genuine experience.

Small, thin tamales look like flutes and melt in your mouth. The tamales de elote offer a sweet corn flavor with a good portion size and solid taste.

Food features authentic Salvadoran flavors with fresh preparation and balanced greasiness. The Plato de Casa offers a variety of items in one order, including vegetarian options suitable for families.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are so authentic and melt in your mouth."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 9 pm on weekdays.

2

Prices are considered great for the amount of food served.

3

The menu includes a variety of traditional native foods beyond Pupusas.

10
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 features unique flavors and tasty coffee served at reasonable prices. The dining area doubles as an art gallery, adding a creative vibe to the meal.

People are saying

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

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

"The food and drinks here are delicious."

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.

11
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.

Food comes out fast, making it convenient. The menu mixes Latin American themed coffee with Mexican-inspired foods like wonderful tamales priced around four dollars.

People are saying

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

"The coffee drinks here are rich, smooth, and flavorful."

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

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.

12
Tortilleria Las III Americas image 1

Tortilla shop buzzes with steady lines and quick service despite a tiny entrance. Freshly made tortillas stand out as best in town, paired with authentic Mexican staples like menudo and tamales. Prices lean toward the higher side, but quality and daily freshness keep demand high.

Cheese and chili tamales stand out for their flavor. Fire tamales add a spicy twist. Menudo pairs well with tamales here, both surpassing typical restaurant quality.

Food here is consistently amazing and delicious with a variety of dishes like raja tamales worth trying.

People are saying

"I found the tortillas to be fresh and delicious."

"I thought the burritos here were amazing and delicious."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

They make tortillas fresh daily, ensuring they're warm when picked up.

2

A dozen flour tortillas costs $4.75, offering great value.

3

Ordering ahead helps ensure you get exactly what you want.

13
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.

Food features excellent New Mexican flavors with just the right spice. Portions come generous and affordable, often under $12, delivering consistent quality and great service.

People are saying

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

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

"The food, especially the tamales, is fantastic and flavorful."

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.

14
Los Robles Mexican Food image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a rustic vibe next to a gas station. Atmosphere feels cozy and friendly with a cheerful mood for dining in. Known for authentic Mexican food and generous portions.

Tamales feature tender masa and chicken with a perfectly spicy green chili. They come with fresh pico de gallo and lettuce, adding brightness to the dish.

Food here is authentic Mexican with consistently delicious flavors. Plates like the carnitas and breakfast torta stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is really flavorful with amazing salsas."

"I found the food here to be really good, especially the amazing salsas."

"The tamales here are tender with spicy, flavorful green chili."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early at 6:00am for breakfast options.

2

Parking is available across the street or at the connected gas station.

3

Carry-out options are available for those staying at nearby hotels.

15
El Nopalito Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant offers authentic home-style meals with a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Frequented for affordable, large portions and notable breakfast burritos, it sits tucked in a busy strip mall with a bustling neighborhood atmosphere.

Pork green chile tamales stand out with a rich, smothered style not listed on the menu. Meaty tamales offer a hearty option alongside other Mexican dishes.

Food here is authentic Mexican with a homemade feel and perfectly spiced dishes. Breakfast burritos, burros, and tamales come out quickly and taste genuine, reflecting the care of a family-owned kitchen.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burritos here to be ridiculously good."

"I found the food to be delicious and at good prices."

"I loved the pork green chile tamales; they were fire."

Good to know

1

Items are reasonably priced, offering good portion sizes.

2

Parking can be tight due to the busy strip mall location.

3

Breakfast burritos are available at a reasonable price.

16
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.

Pork tamales come with a green sauce that adds a nice kick. Plates include beans and rice, and the tamales offer a good spicy flavor with decent quality.

Mexican dishes stand out with excellent flavor and wonderful quality. Service complements the food with friendly and attentive staff enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"Jenny and Lizbeth at the bar will take care of you."

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

"I found the tamales to be excellent and tasty."

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.

17
Pochitos Tortilla Factory image 1

Tamale shop with counter service and occasional views of tortilla production offers heritage corn and flour tortillas alongside large, homemade tamales. Atmosphere feels charming and inviting, with a focus on quality that justifies higher prices. Street parking is limited, and a nearby park provides a spot for picnics.

Huge tamales stuffed with lots of meat stand out here. The tamales are delicious and filling, often paired with cheese enchiladas or chili for a complete meal.

Food here is consistently authentic and fresh, with homemade dishes that taste really delicious. Prices are reasonable, and the menu includes great desserts alongside the main offerings.

People are saying

"I thought their tamales were some of the best."

"I thought the handmade flour tortillas were the best I ever had."

"These tamales are the best food I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The price for a dozen tamales is $26 in-store, despite online listings of $17.

2

Parking is limited; expect to find street parking if busy.

3

The restaurant operates on a counter service model for takeout.

18
La Popular Food Company image 1

Cozy mom-and-pop tamale shop with authentic Mexican flavors and award-winning breakfast burritos. The atmosphere includes great music and a small bakery offering classic baked goods. Customers appreciate the handmade tamales and tortillas, with a steady flow of locals valuing quality and tradition.

Handmade tamales feature great masa and fillings that taste like traditional family recipes. They are made from scratch and hand wrapped, offering a consistently delicious, authentic flavor.

Tamales and breakfast burritos stand out as popular dishes. Food offers a mix of authentic flavors with options to prepare your own masa or buy pre-made items like tortillas and fresh cookies.

People are saying

"I traveled 400 miles for these delicious tamales."

"The green chili in their burritos is divine and transcendent."

"The tamales here are so delicious, especially the green ones."

Good to know

1

They offer to-go salsa, tortillas, tortilla shells, and chips.

2

Tamales are made from scratch, enhancing their flavor.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

19
Camargo Tamales Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a small, unassuming space tucked behind a liquor store. Atmosphere feels local and authentic, mainly serving take-out with homemade tortillas and classic tamales that draw a loyal crowd. The vibe is straightforward and unpretentious, focusing on traditional flavors rather than trendy or upscale dining.

Tamales here get a lot of love for their pork and red Chile versions. Texture varies, with some tamales being hard or overly soft, but many find them outstanding and a local favorite.

Food features fresh, homemade Mexican dishes with homemade tortillas that capture an old school DenMex style. The quality stays consistent and tastes like it comes straight from grandma's kitchen.

People are saying

"I found the Camargo's special burritos delicious and amazing."

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

"I thought the tamales here were outstanding."

Good to know

1

Prices for items like a beef burrito can reach $14.75 after tax.

2

Everything is made in-house, ensuring freshness.

3

Camargo's is primarily a take-out joint.

20
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.

Food features green chili and New Mexican flavors with generous portions under $10. Service and food quality stay consistently excellent.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was really delicious."

"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.

21
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.

Food here is authentic Salvadoran and affordable. The dishes are consistently delicious and well-prepared.

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."

"The tamales here are huge and very tasty."

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.

22
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.

Green chicken tamale smothered in sauce stands out with rich flavor. The menu offers massive variety including tamales paired with carnitas tacos or chicken enchiladas.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with excellent tacos prepared fresh in front of you. The menu offers no frills, traditional dishes that stay consistently good over time.

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 loved the green chicken tamale smothered in sauce."

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.

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