Unearth The Voyage
Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, and its food scene is just as impressive as its mountain views. The city has become a hotspot for authentic Mexican cuisine, from family-run taquerias to modern cantinas serving creative twists on classic dishes. Whether you crave sizzling fajitas, handmade tortillas, or a perfectly crafted margarita, you will find something delicious at every turn.
1. Dos Santos Taqueria y Mezcaleria (Downtown)
Downtown Colorado Springs buzzes with energy, and this spot matches that vibe perfectly. Dos Santos brings a fresh, contemporary spin to traditional tacos, blending bold flavors with creative presentation. Weekend brunch here is legendary among locals who line up for chilaquiles and breakfast tacos paired with bottomless mimosas.
The OMFG taco lives up to its name with layers of unexpected ingredients that somehow work together beautifully. Margarita flights let you sample multiple flavors at once, making it easy to find your favorite. The mezcal selection is impressive too, with options you won’t find at typical restaurants.
Reservations fill up fast on weekends, so plan ahead. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between trendy and welcoming, making it ideal for both date nights and group celebrations.
2. Monica’s Taco Shop (E. Fillmore)
Some restaurants chase trends, but Monica’s has stayed true to its roots for years. This East Fillmore institution serves the kind of comfort food that keeps customers coming back decade after decade. Rolled tacos arrive crispy and golden, topped with fresh guacamole and cheese that melts into every bite.
Breakfast burritos here are stuffed so full that finishing one counts as an accomplishment. The late hours make it a lifesaver when hunger strikes after a concert or movie. Online ordering makes grabbing food even easier when you’re in a hurry.
Locals swear by the carne asada fries, which pile seasoned meat and toppings onto a mountain of crispy potatoes. The casual atmosphere means you can show up in jeans and feel right at home.
3. Tlaquepaque (N. Murray Blvd)
Comfort food takes center stage at this North Murray Boulevard gem. Tlaquepaque has built a loyal following thanks to generous portions and flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals. Birria tacos have become the star of the menu, with tender meat that falls apart at the slightest touch of your fork.
The rich consomme for dipping adds another layer of flavor that makes each bite memorable. Takeout and delivery options work perfectly for cozy nights at home when you want restaurant-quality food without leaving your couch. The menu covers all the classics, from enchiladas to chile rellenos, each prepared with care.
Prices remain reasonable despite the quality, making it a great choice for feeding the whole family. The staff treats regulars like old friends, creating a warm neighborhood vibe.
4. La Casita Mexican Grill (S. 8th St; multiple locations)
Handmade tortillas make all the difference, and La Casita proves this with every meal. Watching them press and cook each tortilla fresh adds to the experience, filling the restaurant with an irresistible aroma. Their green chile has achieved near-legendary status among Colorado Springs residents, who debate whether it’s the best in town.
Multiple locations mean you can find one convenient to wherever you are in the city. Catering services bring their quality to your events, from office parties to family reunions. The menu balances traditional recipes with Colorado favorites, creating dishes that feel both authentic and local.
Combination plates offer great value when you can’t decide on just one entree. The salsa bar lets you customize your heat level, from mild to mouth-burning.
5. El Padrino Mexicano (Voyager Pkwy)
North-side residents don’t need to drive downtown for excellent Mexican food anymore. El Padrino Mexicano delivers a full sit-down experience with attentive service and a menu packed with familiar favorites. Classic combo plates let you sample multiple items at once, perfect for indecisive diners or first-time visitors.
Margaritas arrive in generous glasses, mixed with quality tequila rather than cheap shortcuts. OpenTable reservations take the stress out of planning dinner, especially on busy Friday and Saturday nights. The dining room feels spacious and comfortable, with booths that offer privacy for conversation.
Lunch specials provide excellent value for those watching their budget. Fajitas arrive sizzling on cast-iron plates, creating a dramatic presentation that never gets old. The location near Voyager Parkway makes it convenient for a meal after shopping or running errands.
6. Por Favor Tacos & Tragos (Centennial Blvd)
Family-run restaurants carry a special warmth that chains can’t replicate. Por Favor brings generations of recipes together with creative craft cocktails they call tragos. Cochinita pibil, a Yucatan specialty featuring slow-roasted pork, showcases flavors you won’t find at every Mexican restaurant in town.
Birria options satisfy those craving the trendy dish, prepared with traditional techniques rather than shortcuts. The cantina atmosphere encourages lingering over drinks and conversation rather than rushing through your meal. Each trago is crafted with attention to detail, using fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations.
The menu explores different regions of Mexico, offering variety beyond the usual suspects. Portions are sized right, filling without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed. Staff recommendations prove helpful when exploring unfamiliar dishes, guiding you toward flavors you’ll love.
7. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (Interquest Pkwy)
Baja vibes meet Colorado convenience at this Interquest Parkway location. Fuzzy’s embraces a laid-back beach-town atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a mini vacation. The patio offers mountain views while you munch on tacos, creating a uniquely Colorado Springs experience.
Drive-thru service means you can grab quality food without leaving your car, perfect for busy weekdays or when you’re heading to the trails. Happy hour specials posted online help you plan visits around the best deals. The menu leans toward lighter, Baja-inspired flavors rather than heavy, cheese-covered plates.
Fish tacos arrive crispy and fresh, with cabbage slaw adding crunch. Breakfast tacos fuel early mornings, especially popular with hikers heading to nearby trails. The casual setup means kids are welcome and nobody minds a little mess.
8. Miguel’s Mexican Bar & Grill (S. 8th St)
Appetite not an issue? Miguel’s serves portions that could feed a small army. This South 8th Street spot leans toward New Mexican flavors, with green chile appearing in nearly every dish. Fajitas arrive on platters piled high with sizzling meat, peppers, and onions that perfume the entire dining room.
Chile rellenos are prepared the traditional way, with real poblano peppers stuffed and battered rather than taking shortcuts. The bar area stays lively, especially during sports games when locals gather to cheer and snack on appetizers. Combination dinners provide incredible value, often leaving you with leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
The restaurant has that comfortable, lived-in feel of a place that’s been serving the community for years. Service stays friendly even during rush times, with servers who remember regular customers’ favorite orders.
9. José Muldoon’s (Downtown, Tejon St)
Since 1974, this Tejon Street landmark has been pouring margaritas and serving Tex-Mex favorites to generations of Colorado Springs residents. Walking through the doors feels like stepping into local history, with photos and memorabilia covering the walls. The central downtown location makes it perfect for meeting friends after work or before a show.
Margaritas here are taken seriously, mixed strong and served in glasses that require two hands to lift. The menu sticks to Tex-Mex classics done right rather than chasing every new food trend. Nachos arrive loaded with toppings, perfect for sharing while you catch up with friends.
The lively atmosphere means this isn’t the spot for quiet, intimate dinners, but rather for fun group celebrations. Parking downtown can be tricky, so allow extra time or consider walking from nearby spots.
10. Hacienda Colorado (University Village)
Tableside guacamole preparation turns appetizers into entertainment at Hacienda Colorado. Watching staff mash avocados and mix in fresh ingredients right beside your table adds a special touch to the meal. The large dining room handles big groups easily, making it popular for birthday parties and celebrations.
Fajita combos let you mix proteins, trying steak, chicken, and shrimp all in one meal. The University Village location offers plenty of parking and easy access, removing common restaurant frustrations. Margaritas come in creative flavors beyond the standard lime, from mango to prickly pear.
The menu covers crowd-pleasers that even picky eaters will enjoy, making it family-friendly. Lunch specials during weekdays provide smaller portions at lower prices for those eating solo. The festive decor creates an upbeat atmosphere that puts everyone in a good mood.
11. Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant & Taqueria (Prominent Point)
Big describes everything at Vaqueros, from the menu to the margaritas to the portions. Located conveniently near Powers and North Gate, it serves as a perfect stop after shopping or running errands on the north side. The menu sprawls across multiple pages, offering everything from street tacos to elaborate combination dinners.
Margaritas arrive in glasses that seem designed for sharing, though most people tackle them solo anyway. The taqueria section provides quick, casual options while the restaurant side offers full table service. Prices remain reasonable considering how much food you receive.
The location makes it accessible without fighting downtown traffic or searching for parking. Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where kids can be kids without worrying about disturbing other diners. Happy hour deals extend beyond drinks to include appetizers, stretching your budget further.
12. Moctezuma Mexican Grill (N. Union Blvd)
Birria lovers have found their paradise at Moctezuma Mexican Grill. The Savage Birria special has developed a cult following, with people driving across town specifically for this dish. The small, fast-casual setup means you order at the counter and find a seat, keeping things quick and efficient.
Online ordering lets you skip the line during busy lunch rushes when nearby office workers flood in. Despite the casual atmosphere, the food quality rivals sit-down restaurants charging twice the price. The rich, flavorful broth accompanying the birria begs to be sipped long after the tacos disappear.
The North Union Boulevard location provides easy access from multiple neighborhoods. Menu prices won’t shock your wallet, making it perfect for regular visits rather than special occasions only. Staff work quickly without sacrificing attention to detail in food preparation.
13. Tacos El Amigo (E. Boulder St)
Late-night cravings meet their match at Tacos El Amigo. Operating from 8 a.m. to midnight daily, this East Boulder Street spot saves hungry night owls from resorting to fast food. Street-style tacos keep things simple and authentic, focusing on quality meat, fresh toppings, and soft corn tortillas.
The no-frills approach means your money goes toward food rather than fancy decor or elaborate presentations. Prices stay low enough that you can order extra tacos without guilt. The late hours make it popular with service industry workers finishing shifts after other restaurants close.
Authenticity shines through in every bite, with flavors that transport you south of the border. The casual counter-service setup keeps things moving quickly even when lines form. Regulars have their orders memorized, rattling off combinations while newcomers study the menu board.
14. Zapata Mexican Taco Shop (Dublin Blvd)
Quesabirria has taken social media by storm, and Zapata delivers this trendy dish with skill. Cheese melts into the crispy tortilla while the birria meat adds rich, savory flavor that justifies all the hype. Tortas provide a different vehicle for similar flavors, with crusty bread replacing tortillas.
The kids’ menu makes family dinners easier, offering familiar options that picky eaters will actually eat. Dublin Boulevard location keeps it accessible from multiple neighborhoods without requiring a long drive. Hours accommodate both lunch and dinner crowds, with consistent quality throughout the day.
The shop atmosphere feels welcoming rather than pretentious, encouraging repeat visits. Staff patience with children and families creates a stress-free dining experience for parents. Prices reflect the generous portions, providing good value for groups or hungry individuals.
15. Azada Mexican Grill (E. Bijou St, downtown)
Build-your-own burritos put you in control at Azada Mexican Grill. Watching them press fresh tortillas for your order makes the counter-service experience feel special rather than rushed. The downtown location near Acacia Park serves office workers, tourists, and locals all looking for quick, quality Mexican food.
House-made tortillas elevate even simple ingredients into something memorable. The assembly-line setup moves quickly during lunch rushes without sacrificing personalization. Prices compete with chains while delivering superior freshness and flavor.
The casual atmosphere works perfectly for grabbing food before exploring downtown attractions or heading to nearby parks. Vegetarian and vegan options accommodate various dietary preferences without feeling like afterthoughts. The compact space fills up fast, so timing your visit slightly before or after peak hours helps avoid crowds.
