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Denver / Dining / Mexican


 

This is a no-frills, neighbourhood place that’s widely considered Denver’s best. The atmosphere is casual yet festive because Benny’s packs them in. People come to fill up on good basic Mexican food, drink beer or margaritas, and have fun. The menu has more than 50 items, from fish tacos to the legendary steak burritos. Combination platters enable the uninitiated to sample three or more items. Reservations are taken only for groups of six or more, so expect a wait.

 

Lola doesn’t take reservations so expect to wait. Settle in at the bar with an exotic cocktail and ogle Denver’s hip, beautiful people. The atmosphere is lively and the decor feels like a New York art gallery. Once seated, start with the guacamole, which is prepared at your table. Food is surprisingly reasonable. You’re likely to spend more on drinks. Seafood is the speciality, so try the cerviche or fish tacos. Skip dessert and take a stroll around the neighbourhood – an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants, cafés and refurbished homes.

 

A new addition to Denver’s many Mexican restaurants; Mezcal is patterned after a casual neighbourhood cantina adorned in vibrant Latin pastels, vintage Mexican movie posters, and photos of Latin starlets and masked professional wrestlers. The traditional menu features chicken, beef, burritos, chilli rellenos, and mole sauce. The crowd is diverse: from families to a late-night, hipster crowd. The bar is worth a visit, 100 tequilas and an unpretentious, knowledgeable staff who are more enthusiasts than aficionados.

 

Tamayo truly can lay claim to the moniker 'gourmet Mexican’. You won’t find tacos or burritos at this distinctive, upscale eatery. You will find tuna, halibut, rack of lamb, and chicken delicacies prepared with authentic Mexican cheeses, polenta, plantains, zucchini blossoms, crispy aubergine and pumpkin sauce, and wine pairings are available with all. The atmosphere is modern and sophisticated, and for a romantic evening, try the rooftop terrace on a warm summer night.