Staples of Summer: Boulder’s Mexican Food and Fare

boulder mexican food
Forgive me — I’m looking for some heat since, well…SNOW.

Having lived in San Diego for four years, harbingers of summertime for me include enjoying fish tacos on the beach, snacking on tortilla chips with guacamole, indulging in Frisbee-sized margaritas, and savoring an ice cold Pacifico. Just because we love craft beer here in Boulder doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a Dos Equis or Corona from time to time (everyone’s got to hydrate!) and the return of summer is the perfect excuse to venture to Boulder’s Mexican restaurants to imbibe in great margaritas and the delicious food that comes along with them.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy street tacos, fresh salsa, a hearty burrito, a sit-down dinner, or that quintessential summer indulgence with a tart margarita, there are restaurants, patios, and rooftops galore in Boulder where you can enjoy the heat outside and the heat on your plate and in your glass.

Taco Mania

My personal opinion is that Taco Tuesday should be a year round tradition. That being said, there is nothing quite like sitting on one of Boulder’s patios and enjoying a selection of tacos with a margarita in hand in the summer sun.

For a selection of traditional Mexican street tacos as well as unique “North of the Border” options, like the Mango Caesar and the Buffalo Chicken, head to T/ACO on Walnut Street. T/ACO is a great place to quickly and deliciously whet your taco craving or to enjoy their wider menu of larger dish items.

The Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace on Pearl Street likewise serves up a variety of unique and creative tacos and entrée items. Stop by and lounge on the patio or in one of their dining room’s cozy nooks and enjoy fresh Mexican fare and a colorful, lively atmosphere.

For when you’re out and about and are suddenly overcome with that taco craving, McDevitt Taco Supply will come to your rescue. With taco carts both on Pearl Street Mall and at Sanitas Brewing Company, McDevitt’s tacos are flavorful and unique creations, from their Green Chilies and Chicken tacos to the Honey Chili Shrimp and Chocolate Chipotle Beef creations.

A Hearty Meal

A patio table under the Colorado sun adorned with a bowl of community tortilla chips, sides of salsa and guacamole, and margaritas all around, is a flat out beautiful sight. Whether you’re inside or outside, sharing an assortment of quesadillas with friends or indulging in a long evening meal, Boulder doesn’t lack in great sit-down Mexican restaurants.

Perhaps the place most synonymous with great Mexican food in Boulder is Rio Grande on Walnut Street. From their expansive seating options in the dining room and bar area to their rooftop patio with mountain views, Rio Grande is a great place for drinks or for a sit-down meal.

Another great local option, Tahona Tequila Bistro on Pearl Street, has been lauded for their margaritas, food, and lively atmosphere. Great happy hour specials (including $2 Taco Tuesdays!) are just extra incentive to visit this great local spot.

With a menu created by connoisseurs of modern southwestern fare, Zolo Grill on Arapahoe boasts a variety of dishes simply too good not to try. You’ll likewise find an expansive, creative menu at Agave just south of Valmont Road on 28th Street as well. Pica’s Mexican Taqueria on Arapahoe also boasts savory menu including burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, while Sancho’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant in North Boulder at the corner of 28th and Iris boasts authentic street style fare. Fellow North Boulder staple Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is likewise committed to fresh and traditional Mexican dishes.

Tequila Time

The heat and tang of great tequila will give you chills on a hot summer day. While the aforementioned Boulder restaurants will more than deliver with whatever margarita style you’re craving, whether it be classic, fruity, or daring, there are a few especially delicious and unique options that Boulder has to offer.

With house cocktail items that are as refreshing as they are dangerously delicious, T/ACO offers tequila drinks like the Grapefruit Mint Margarita and Pineapple Habanero.

For a refreshing and unique margarita with hints of blood orange and pineapple, check out the Zeal cocktail menu. For a strong, traditional margarita, head to Rincon Del Sol on Arapahoe in Boulder, known for their authentic, hearty menu and even more hearty drinks.

Many of these delicious Boulder restaurants are great places for group parties and private events, and many of them also provide catering and to-go options. Get ready to say hello to your old friend “Marg” and enjoy all of these great local Boulder options as we head into summer!

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Lisa Van Horne

Lisa Van Horne

Lisa Van Horne is a writer, editor, and communications professional with a passion for telling the unique stories of people, businesses, and places. Having traded the subways and skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan for the bliss that is Boulder, Lisa has found home in Colorado and writes on topics including architecture and design, craft beer, local businesses, and local lifestyle. When she’s not scribbling away she can be found exploring Colorado’s mountain towns, learning how to play guitar, swimming, cooking, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Colorado Avalanche. Twitter: @LisaVanHorne31 Portfolio: www.lisavanhorne.com
Lisa Van Horne

Lisa Van Horne

Lisa Van Horne is a writer, editor, and communications professional with a passion for telling the unique stories of people, businesses, and places. Having traded the subways and skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan for the bliss that is Boulder, Lisa has found home in Colorado and writes on topics including architecture and design, craft beer, local businesses, and local lifestyle. When she’s not scribbling away she can be found exploring Colorado’s mountain towns, learning how to play guitar, swimming, cooking, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Colorado Avalanche. Twitter: @LisaVanHorne31 Portfolio: www.lisavanhorne.com

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