Pica’s is one of the amazing places that is helping East Boulder to make a name for itself. The taqueria is located in a strip mall (which follows my theory) at Arapahoe and Conestoga, across the parking lot from Ozo Coffee and across the street from Dizzy’s Donuts.
Pica’s is in the corner of the shopping center, giving the restaurant a spread-out feeling and a sweet back dining patio. With reasonable prices and a friendly environment, Pica’s is the real deal.
Trent, Pica’s owner and chef, can frequently be found working in the kitchen or running food out to tables and talking with customers. His toddler son can also be found often running around the restaurant.
With the success of his first restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Trent decided to bring to Boulder a high-end taqueria featuring quality ingredients and unique updates to traditional Mexican food.
I’ll be honest. I’ve been spoiled by the tacos at Pica’s. Maybe it’s the creamy lime cabbage coleslaw on the grilled shrimp tacos or the pineapple in the tacos al pastor, but it’s been difficult ordering tacos elsewhere. And if you’re not as taco-crazy as I am, there are plenty of enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas on the menu to choose from as well.
The drinks at Pica’s complement the tacos nicely. In addition to making their own horchata and margaritas, Pica’s offers Mexican beers, watermelon juice (!) and Mexican Coke. So whether you feel like getting a buzz or not, they have you covered in the beverage department. They also have a happy hour Monday through Saturday. The only bad news is that Pica’s is closed on Sundays.
Sitting on the back patio is perfect if you have kids or just want to enjoy the gorgeous Boulder weather. With a daily $8 lunch special, European soccer (I believe it’s called football) on the flat screen TV and games like Scrabble available to play, there’s no rush to get out of Pica’s. Unless, of course, someone in the line of people waiting is glaring at you. In that case, definitely take your time, savor that marg and enjoy every last bean.
