From roadside food trucks to strip mall mainstays to the cutting edge in culinary trends, chefs of all stripes are constantly pushing the boundaries of what Mexican food tastes and looks like in Denver. Via his Instagram account @thecoloradofoodies, Mario Martinez — a former cook and lover of the Mile High’s most beloved cuisine — tries it all.
Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, we ask him to share some of his favorite Mexican eats across the city. Here are just a few of them:
Luchador Taco & More | Whittier
Food Network’s “Chopped” champion chef Zuri Resendiz started Luchador Taco & More as a food truck back in 2022, before opening his brick-and-mortar location in the Whittier neighborhood. From its twist on lamb chops to innovative takes on tacos, Luchador is one of Mario’s top spots in Denver right now.
Pollos El Guamuchil | Commerce City
As the name implies, it’s all about the chicken at this hidden gem in Commerce City. Charred and juicy right off the grill, this protein packed with flavor is simple and satisfying, served up with tortillas, grilled hot peppers, and more.
Xiquita | North Cap Hill
At Xiquita, Mario loves the tlacoyos — a traditional dish found in Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca composed of black beans, cotija cheese, crema, and a variety of toppings on masa. Before opening last year, Xiquita landed on Bon Appétit's most-anticipated restaurants list. It’s helmed by chef Rene Gonzalez Mendez and Erasmo Casiano, who also co-owns Lucina in Park Hill.
La Loteria | Speer
Mario’s go-to is tacos at pretty much any restaurant, but at La Loteria, he says the California burrito is where it’s at — stuffed with carne asada, french fries, Mexican cheese, crema, guacamole, pico de gallo, and then smothered in green chile (Colorado-style, of course!).
Chivis Tacos | City Park West
There’s a lot to love about Chivis, from tacos to enchiladas to chilaquiles and more. But Mario recommends this Colfax spot’s flan — which is perfectly rich, creamy, and syrupy sweet.
El Lucerito Jr. | Aurora
Green chile is Mario’s fave, which you can get on anything and everything at Lucerito. Colorado classics like combination plates, fajitas, and smothered burritos dominate this family-owned mainstay.
Pssst! There’s much more where these came from! Listen to the full podcast episode to get even more local Mexican restaurant recommendations from Mario 👇
