Best Mexican Restaurants in Boulder, CO

Boulder, Colorado, has some amazing Mexican restaurants. Trust me, I’ve explored them all. From cozy spots to lively venues, each place has its unique charm. If you’re a fan of authentic flavors, you’re in for a treat.

Wondering where to find the best Mexican food in Boulder? Here’s your answer. Top picks include Centro Mexican Kitchen, T/aco, and Efrain’s of Boulder. These spots serve incredible dishes in great settings. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with these choices.

Keep reading to learn more about each restaurant. I’ll share my personal favorites, must-try dishes, and what makes each one special. Let’s dig into the tasty details!

Top 10 Mexican Restaurants in Boulder, CO

1. Centro Mexican Kitchen
2. Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant
3. El Rincón Cocina y Tequila
4. T/aco
5. Verde Boulder
6. Cozobi Fonda Fina
7. Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar Boulder
8. La Catrina Mexican Restaurant
9. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
10. Santo

1. Centro Mexican Kitchen

Centro Mexican Kitchen is a lively place in Boulder. It’s right on Pearl Street, which is super convenient. They have a cool patio where you can eat outside. The vibe is always energetic and fun.

I had a great time there. The staff was friendly and quick. It’s a fantastic spot to hang out with friends. Plus, they offer breakfast to go, which is a nice touch.

The food is amazing. You have to try the fish tacos. They’re fresh and packed with flavor. And don’t skip the guacamole. It’s creamy and seasoned just right. Centro is excellent at mixing traditional and creative dishes.

2. Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant

Efrain’s of Boulder is a hidden gem on Canyon Blvd. It’s a small, cozy place that offers Northern Chihuahua cuisine. The vibe is super casual and perfect for a laid-back meal. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet.

I really enjoyed my time there. The staff was incredibly friendly and made me feel right at home. It felt like a neighborhood spot where everyone knows each other.

Their chili verde is a must-try. It’s bursting with flavor and has just the right kick. And the margaritas are fantastic—refreshing and perfectly balanced. Efrain’s really nails that authentic, homemade feel with every dish.

3. El Rincón Cocina y Tequila

El Rincón Cocina y Tequila is just amazing. It’s cozy and cheerful. The place feels bright and lively. The patio is a total win for sunny days.

The food? Oh, it’s so good. Everything bursts with flavor. Their enchiladas verdes are a must-try. They’re tangy, cheesy, and just perfect.

The vibe is so warm and welcoming. It’s great for any plan—lunch, dinner, or just drinks. Their house margaritas? Pure bliss. Fresh, zesty, and balanced.

El Rincón is just special. They pay attention to every little detail. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. You’ll want to come back. Trust me.

4. T/aco

T/aco is such a great place! Located on Walnut St, it has a funky vibe. The Old West wall art really adds character. You can dine inside or out. Both options are awesome!

When I went, I had a blast. The tacos are super creative and fun. The staff was friendly and made me feel right at home.

What really stands out? The pork belly taco. It’s packed with flavor and so delicious. Be sure to try their tequila cocktails, too. They’re refreshing and the perfect pairing.

T/aco brings together a great atmosphere and amazing food. Every bite is exciting, and I can’t wait to go back!

5. Verde Boulder

Verde Boulder is an awesome spot. It’s on 28th Street. The vibe? Super fun and relaxed. Perfect for any meal. You can sit inside or outside. Both are great.

What makes it special? The creative dishes. Not your typical taqueria. Their margaritas? So good. Craft taps? Yes, please. Plus, easy curbside pickup and takeout. And it’s wheelchair accessible too.

My top pick? Baja fish tacos. So crispy and fresh. Pair with a Verde Margarita. Pure sunshine in a glass! You’ll taste the love in every bite and sip.

6. Cozobi Fonda Fina

Cozobi Fonda Fina is a charming spot on Walnut Street. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I love how it mixes modern and traditional Mexican vibes. You can choose to sit inside or enjoy the patio outside. It’s perfect for any occasion.

My visit was fantastic! The staff was friendly and helpful. They really know their stuff. Each dish here feels special and authentic.

You’ve got to try the Mole de la Casa. It’s rich and flavorful. The sauce is amazing! Pair it with their fresh tortillas. Together, they’re just perfect! Cozobi truly celebrates the flavors of Mexico. You’ll want to come back for more!

7. Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar Boulder

Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar on Pearl Street is awesome. The vibe is relaxed. You can sit inside or outside. Perfect for hanging out with friends.

When I went, I had a blast. The staff was super friendly. The place just felt welcoming and fun.

What makes Pedro’s stand out? Their tacos and tequila! You’ve got to try the carne asada tacos. They are so tasty and juicy. Also, the house margarita is a must. It’s refreshing and hits the spot. Pedro’s offers amazing food and a great atmosphere. You’ll want to go back again!

8. La Catrina Mexican Restaurant

La Catrina Mexican Restaurant is a fantastic find on Baseline Road. The vibe is cozy and welcoming. You can choose to sit indoors or outside. Both are great options!

When I visited, I had a great experience. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They made me feel right at home. The food came out fast and looked amazing.

What makes La Catrina stand out? Their focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients. You’ve got to try the enchiladas. They are rich and delicious, topped with a tasty sauce. Don’t skip the guacamole either. It’s so creamy and a perfect match! La Catrina really captures the heart of Mexican cuisine. I can’t wait to go back!

9. Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant is a fun place on Walnut Street. The vibe is lively and colorful. It feels festive as soon as you walk in. They serve big plates of classic Mexican food and amazing margaritas. Plus, you can eat inside or outside, which is great!

During my visit, I really enjoyed the energetic atmosphere. The staff was super friendly and made me feel welcome. My food came out quickly, and it looked so good!

What makes Rio Grande special? Their margaritas are a must! They’re refreshing and full of flavor. I also loved the enchiladas. They’re rich and delicious. And don’t forget to try the queso fundido! It’s cheesy and so tasty. Rio Grande is a fantastic spot for a great meal!

10. Santo

Santo is such a cozy spot. It feels warm and welcoming the moment you walk in. The mix of rustic and modern vibes is just perfect. Whether you’re inside or out on the patio, you’ll feel right at home.

When I ate there, I was so impressed. The staff made me feel like a guest, not just a customer. My food came out quickly, and it looked like a piece of art. Honestly, it made me excited to dig in.

The flavors here are bold and unforgettable. The stacked enchiladas? Oh, they’re so good! The blue-corn tostadas? Crunchy, fresh, and packed with flavor. If you love New Mexican food, you’ll love Santo.

Map of Mexican Restaurants in Boulder, CO

Choosing the Right Restaurant for You

With 10 excellent places, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Restaurant	Price	Seating	Takeout	Delivery	Wheelchair	Reservation
Centro Mexican Kitchen	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Efrain’s of Boulder Mexican Restaurant	Inexpensive	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
El Rincón Cocina y Tequila	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
T/aco	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Verde Boulder	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	No
Cozobi Fonda Fina	–	Yes	–	No	Accessible	Yes
Pedro’s Tacos & Tequila Bar Boulder	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
La Catrina Mexican Restaurant	Moderate	Yes	–	Yes	Accessible	–
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant	Moderate	Yes	Yes	Yes	Accessible	Yes
Santo	Moderate	Yes	Yes	–	Accessible	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best Mexican restaurants in Boulder, CO?
When I think of the best, Centro Mexican Kitchen and Efrain’s come to mind. El Rincón is also amazing, and T/aco has creative tacos that I love. Each one has a vibe and dishes that celebrate Mexican food.

2. Do Mexican restaurants in Boulder offer vegetarian options?
Definitely! Most places have tasty vegetarian choices. You can find veggie tacos and enchiladas on many menus.

3. Are there any Mexican restaurants with outdoor seating?
Yes, there are some great spots! Santo and Verde have lovely patios where you can eat outside. It’s nice to enjoy the sunshine with your meal.

4. Can I find authentic Mexican food in Boulder?
For sure! Boulder has fantastic restaurants that serve real Mexican flavors. La Catrina and Rio Grande really capture the essence of traditional dishes.

5. Do these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Most places are pretty good with dietary needs. Just ask your server about gluten-free or dairy-free options. They’re usually happy to help!

6. Are reservations recommended at Mexican restaurants in Boulder?
I’d suggest making a reservation, especially on weekends. Popular spots like Santo fill up fast. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

7. What’s the price range at Mexican restaurants in Boulder?
The prices are generally moderate. You can enjoy a great meal without spending too much. Plus, lots of places have budget-friendly options!