Denver, Colorado is a haven for Mexican cuisine lovers. From the elegant Maven Hotel in Denver's Dairy Block to the modernist and hipster Mexican destination inspired by Baja California in the heart of Washington Park, there is something for everyone. Chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval presents a progressive and eclectic wave of global flavors at Toro Latin Kitchen+ Lounge, while Tamayo specializes in giving creative twists to traditional Mexican cuisine. La Loma is a Colorado-style green chili hallelujah, and Perdida is home to Mexican street corn cobs sprinkled with cotija cheese.
Finally, Teocalli Cocina offers a true regional favorite with its Mexican burger. The namesake restaurant from the original Kachina Southwestern Grill is home to the elegant Maven Hotel in Denver's Dairy Block. The Denver outpost also has a separate cocktail lounge called Poka Lola Social Club, which features an ostentatious, retro-romantic atmosphere. The main dining room is a mix of adobo details, marble tables and orange and turquoise banquettes that pay homage to the colors rooted in the Southwest. Chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval presents a progressive and eclectic wave of global flavors at Toro Latin Kitchen+ Lounge, the new dining destination of the elegant Clio Hotel in Cherry Creek. Sandoval's menu clings to ingredients from Brazil, Argentina, Asia, Japan, Venezuela and Mexico, resulting in a melting pot of vivid flavors that dazzle on the plate.
The contemporary benches and dark wood tables share space with murals of hand-painted bulls (“toro” means “bull” in Spanish), private lockers for tequila and a bar dedicated to ceviches. A large outdoor patio is an ideal spot for happy hour. Tamayo specializes in giving creative twists to traditional Mexican cuisine. Dishes such as tuna tartar, guacamole, smoked brisket tacos, crab and shrimp enchiladas, and grilled striped sea bass wrapped in corn leaves are all available. The decor is striking, and the artisanal cocktails are modern and daring.
Watch a legendary Colorado sunset at Tamayo's elegant rooftop lounge while enjoying bottomless margaritas during Tamayo's popular weekend brunch. La Loma is a Colorado-style green chili hallelujah with gigantic margaritas, nachos and fajitas. Since its creation in the 1970s, the restaurant has occupied three different locations including its current residence in the heart of downtown Denver. The rustic space is adorned with exposed red bricks, Southwestern art with gold frames and wrought-iron details. There is also a second outpost in the suburbs of Castle Rock. Birdcall, Homegrown Tap & Dough, Park & Co., and Park Burger are behind Perdida - a fun modernist Mexican destination inspired by Baja California in the heart of Washington Park.
The magnificent neighborhoods are attractive to the environmental view with sea-colored tiles, bar stools covered in cowhide leather, lamps built with reused motorcycle parts and kaleidoscopic murals. The elegant seaside club is combined with sophisticated urban glitter. Dishes such as smoked swordfish sauce combined with market margarita with tequila infused with jalapeño, passion fruit and hibiscus and rosemary foam are available as well as Mexican street corn cobs sprinkled with cotija cheese; ceviche with citrus touches with snapper, shrimp and bay scallops; carnitas tacos with chili crust with charred pineapple and adobo sauce; roasted meat combined with a sweet potato enchilada; and zarrandeado striped marinated sea bass combined with chayote and papaya salad. Finally Teocalli Cocina offers a true regional favorite with its Mexican burger - a grilled burger wrapped in a tortilla with fried beans and topped with its green chili with pork. No matter what kind of Mexican cuisine you're looking for in Denver there is something for everyone! From traditional Tex-Mex classics to creative twists on traditional dishes there are plenty of options to explore.
