Introduction
Craving tacos that transport you south of the border? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of enchiladas smothered in wealthy mole sauce? Lakewood, Colorado, a vibrant metropolis nestled close to Denver, boasts a thriving culinary scene, and Mexican delicacies is undeniably a shining star. From humble taquerias serving up genuine road meals to elegant eating places providing trendy interpretations of traditional dishes, Lakewood’s Mexican meals scene is a scrumptious journey ready to be explored.
This information will lead you thru among the finest Mexican eating places Lakewood has to supply, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Put together your palate for a fiesta of flavors, from conventional recipes handed down by generations to revolutionary creations that push the boundaries of Mexican gastronomy. Whether or not you are a long-time resident or simply passing by, prepare to find your new favourite Mexican restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado.
Restaurant Spotlights
El Taco Feliz: A Style of Custom
Nestled on a bustling nook of West Colfax Avenue, El Taco Feliz is a Lakewood establishment. This family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving genuine Mexican meals for over twenty years, and their dedication to high quality and custom is obvious in each chunk. The aroma of simmering spices and freshly grilled meats fills the air, creating an environment that is each inviting and comforting.
El Taco Feliz boasts a menu brimming with traditional Mexican favorites, from scorching fajitas to tacky quesadillas. Nevertheless, it is their tacos that actually steal the present. The carne asada tacos, bursting with tender, marinated steak, are a must-try. The al pastor, slow-cooked pork marinated in a mix of spices and pineapple, is one other crowd-pleaser. Every taco is served on a heat, do-it-yourself tortilla, topped with contemporary cilantro and onions, and a facet of their signature salsa verde, which packs a pleasant kick. Past the tacos, the enchiladas rojas, smothered in a wealthy pink sauce and stuffed together with your selection of cheese, hen, or beef, are a comforting and satisfying choice. El Taco Feliz presents an array of genuine Mexican dishes in Lakewood.
El Taco Feliz is a improbable choice in case you are trying to find Mexican meals in Lakewood. The value vary could be very affordable, making it an reasonably priced choice for households and budget-conscious diners. What really units El Taco Feliz aside is its unwavering dedication to authenticity. The recipes have been handed down by generations, and the elements are at all times contemporary and regionally sourced at any time when potential. This can be a place the place you possibly can really style the center and soul of Mexican cooking. When you’re on the lookout for a style of custom, El Taco Feliz is the proper place to begin your Mexican meals journey in Lakewood.
La Cueva: Fashionable Mexican with a Twist
For a extra modern tackle Mexican delicacies, head to La Cueva, positioned within the Belmar procuring district. This fashionable restaurant presents a contemporary and complicated ambiance, with glossy décor, ambient lighting, and a energetic bar scene. La Cueva is thought for its revolutionary menu, which options each traditional Mexican dishes and inventive interpretations that showcase the chef’s culinary artistry.
Begin your meal with their signature guacamole, ready tableside together with your selection of toppings. The menu then unfolds right into a vibrant array of choices, from flavorful ceviche to grilled steak entrees. La Cueva additionally boasts a powerful collection of handcrafted cocktails, that includes premium tequilas and mezcals.
The Baja fish tacos are a standout, that includes crispy battered cod, shredded cabbage, and a tangy chipotle aioli. The quick rib enchiladas, slow-cooked quick ribs nestled in corn tortillas and smothered in a wealthy mole sauce, are one other must-try. The restaurant additionally presents a collection of vegetarian choices, together with the calabacitas tacos, stuffed with zucchini, corn, and peppers.
La Cueva presents a excessive finish expertise relating to Mexican meals in Lakewood. Whereas barely pricier than El Taco Feliz, La Cueva gives an elevated eating expertise with its fashionable ambiance and revolutionary menu. What makes La Cueva particular is its potential to mix conventional Mexican flavors with trendy culinary strategies. The chef’s creativity shines by in each dish, making this restaurant a real gem in Lakewood’s culinary panorama. When you’re on the lookout for a complicated and revolutionary tackle Mexican delicacies, La Cueva is the proper selection.
Tacos Jalisco: The Taco Truck Expertise
No exploration of Mexican meals in Lakewood can be full with no go to to Tacos Jalisco. This unassuming meals truck, parked completely on South Wadsworth Boulevard, is a neighborhood favourite for its genuine and scrumptious road tacos. Do not let the straightforward setup idiot you – Tacos Jalisco serves up among the finest tacos on the town.
The menu is easy, specializing in traditional taco fillings like carne asada, carnitas, lengua (beef tongue), and pollo (hen). The tacos are served on small, mushy corn tortillas, topped with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. It’s also possible to add a wide range of salsas from their self-serve salsa bar, starting from delicate to fiery sizzling.
The carnitas tacos are a standout, that includes tender and flavorful slow-cooked pork. The carne asada tacos are one other traditional selection, bursting with savory goodness. And for the adventurous eaters, the lengua tacos are a must-try – extremely tender and flavorful.
That is one other improbable choice for Mexican meals in Lakewood. Tacos Jalisco is extremely reasonably priced, making it an ideal choice for a fast and informal lunch or dinner. What makes Tacos Jalisco particular is its simplicity and authenticity. That is no-frills Mexican meals at its most interesting, specializing in contemporary elements and daring flavors. The fixed line of shoppers is a testomony to the standard and recognition of this hidden gem. When you’re on the lookout for an genuine taco truck expertise, Tacos Jalisco is the place to be.
Casa Bonita: A Distinctive Lakewood Staple (For the Expertise)
Okay, let’s be trustworthy, Casa Bonita, whereas well-known, is not primarily identified for its delicacies, it’s nevertheless a Lakewood icon that warrants a point out in any dialogue of Mexican meals in Lakewood, CO. Greater than only a restaurant, Casa Bonita is an expertise. With its cliff divers, mariachi bands, and sprawling indoor “village,” it is a true spectacle.
The meals at Casa Bonita is… effectively, it is Casa Bonita meals. Anticipate traditional (and considerably Americanized) Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. The main target right here is on the ambiance and leisure, reasonably than haute delicacies. However that is a part of its allure.
The cliff divers are the principle attraction, performing thrilling dives from towering platforms right into a pool of water. The mariachi bands add to the festive ambiance, and the indoor village is stuffed with surprises round each nook.
Casa Bonita definitely presents one thing completely different when looking for Mexican meals in Lakewood. The value level is average, and the worth is within the leisure and ambiance. What makes Casa Bonita really particular is its sheer absurdity and nostalgia. It is a spot the place you possibly can let your internal baby run wild and expertise one thing really distinctive. Whereas the meals will not be the principle draw, Casa Bonita is a must-visit for anybody on the lookout for a memorable and entertaining eating expertise in Lakewood.
Honorable Mentions: Extra Mexican Flavors to Discover
Lakewood’s Mexican meals scene is so wealthy and various that it is inconceivable to incorporate each nice restaurant on this information. Listed here are just a few extra honorable mentions which might be value trying out:
- Las Delicias: Recognized for its hearty parts and genuine flavors, Las Delicias is a superb choice for a satisfying and reasonably priced meal. In addition they boast a wide array of Jarritos Mexican sodas.
- Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant: A neighborhood favourite for its pleasant service and scrumptious margaritas. Their glad hour specials are a steal!
- Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant: A Colorado chain, providing fast, reasonably priced and attractive burritos.
Ideas for Selecting Your Mexican Meals Journey
With so many improbable choices for Mexican meals in Lakewood, how do you select the proper restaurant on your subsequent meal? Listed here are just a few tricks to contemplate:
- Set a Price range: Costs differ considerably between eating places. Take into account how a lot you are prepared to spend earlier than you begin shopping. Some are nice for an inexpensive chunk, others for a deal with.
- Take into account Your Cravings: Are you within the temper for genuine road tacos, or a contemporary and revolutionary eating expertise? Do you like spicy meals, or want one thing milder?
- Learn On-line Critiques: Test Yelp, Google Critiques, and different overview websites to see what different diners need to say. This could be a worthwhile supply of details about the meals, service, and ambiance.
- Suppose Concerning the Vibe: Are you on the lookout for a family-friendly restaurant, a romantic date spot, or a energetic place to seize drinks with buddies?
Past the Eating places: A Glimpse of Mexican Tradition
Whereas the eating places are the celebrities of the present, there are different methods to expertise Mexican tradition in Lakewood. A number of native markets supply a wide array of genuine Mexican elements, from dried chiles to contemporary tortillas. It’s also possible to discover scrumptious Mexican pastries and desserts at native bakeries. Hold an eye fixed out for native occasions and festivals that commemorate Mexican heritage, resembling Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Conclusion
Lakewood’s Mexican meals scene is a vibrant and various tapestry of flavors, traditions, and culinary creativity. From humble taco vehicles to elegant eating places, there’s one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. Whether or not you are a seasoned foodie or just on the lookout for a scrumptious and satisfying meal, Lakewood’s Mexican eating places are ready to be explored. So, seize your urge for food and prepare for a culinary journey! Which wonderful Mexican meals spot in Lakewood will you uncover first?
