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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Denver

Tamales and salsa

The heat of a fresh tamale needs the sharp bite of salsa to balance it out.

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.

Chips come with a yummy salsa bar featuring salsa with an authentic flavor. Prices stay great for the chips and salsa.

People are saying

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

"You have to check out the salsa bar; it's a great addition."

"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
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.

Red salsa stands out as exceptional and pairs well with the bacon breakfast burrito. The green salsa at the condiment station also offers a solid flavor.

People are saying

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

"These tamales are incredible and soul-healing."

"The salsa here is delicious with the breakfast burrito."

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.

03
Alameda Cafรฉ image 1

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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that tastes yummy and pairs well with other dishes like a Mexican hamburger and rice.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tamale breakfast plate was delicious."

"I found the Salsa here to be really good and tasty."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ offers $5.25 handheld burritos to go.

2

Parking at the cafรฉ can be tight.

3

The cafรฉ closes at 3 p.m. daily.

04
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.

Salsa here is super spicy and flavorful, often served with crisp chips. Some find it a bit watery, but it consistently brings a hot kick to the start of the meal.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing breakfast burritos here."

"These enchiladas with melted cheese were amazing."

"The salsa here is super spicy and flavorful."

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.

05
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.

Salsa comes fresh and homemade with complimentary chips. It stays mild, not too spicy, and pairs well with daily made tortillas and guacamole.

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."

"The salsa here is fresh and spicy."

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.

06
Tortilleria Panderia Abarrotes La Pasadita image 1

Small family-run bakery offers fresh homemade tortillas, variety of traditional breads, and authentic salsas. Atmosphere feels local and welcoming with a focus on quality and affordability. Regulars come for fresh pastries and tamales, making it a hub for casual family gatherings.

Tamales here taste like homemade classics with fresh tortillas and flavorful fillings like rajas and chorizo. They keep tamales refrigerated for freshness and accept WIC cards, showing care for families.

Four delicious salsas offer a range of flavors, with some being very hot. The salsa stands out as even better than the already excellent homemade tortillas and chips.

People are saying

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

"These tamales taste as good as my mama's."

"I found the salsas here to be the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of fresh flour and corn tortillas.

2

Multiple pastries can be purchased for less than $10.

3

Parking is ample and easily accessible.

07
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.

Salsa stands out as addicting and amazing here. Chips come with salsa, making it a solid start to the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

"The chips and salsa here are excellent and fresh."

"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.

08
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.

Salsas here stand out for their spicy heat and bold flavors. The habanero hot salsa ranks among the most intense and flavorful, with a red salsa that is very hot and delicious.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the salsas here were great and sometimes spicy."

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.

09
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.

Salsas come in green, red, and habanero varieties, each well seasoned and flavorful. The Salsa de Chile de arbol pairs well with chorizo queso, and grilled serranos add a spicy touch to the tacos.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is amazing and perfectly seasoned."

"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.

10
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.

Salsa comes fresh and sealed in prepackaged options that taste great. Burritos include salsa, and the fresh tortillas, pico, and salsa all stand out together.

People are saying

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

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

"Their tortillas are always warm and tasty."

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.

11
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.

Handmade salsas offer nice spice and complement dishes well. They come on request rather than served automatically with chips.

People are saying

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

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

"You have to try the breakfast burrito with nice spice and side salsas."

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.

12
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.

Salsas here range from broth-like with onions and cilantro to rich salsa roja and green salsa. Chips come with a cup of salsa water, and the salsas pair well with dishes like sopes, tostadas, and guacamole.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is so delicious, especially the green one."

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.

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