Best of Denver
The 10 Best Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Food Spots in Denver
Craving bold flavors and vibrant atmospheres? Denver’s best Mexican restaurants serve everything from classic green chile and birria tacos to inventive cocktails and shareable small plates. In this guide, you’ll find family-run institutions, late-night spots with rooftop patios, and trendsetting newcomers led by passionate chefs.
Whether you seek a table for weekend brunch, a happy hour haven, or a top-shelf tequila experience, this curated list highlights flavor-driven venues that stand out for service and setting.
🌟 Most Creative Cocktails: Alma Fonda Fina — Avocado margaritas and shareable seasonal plates in Highland.
🌞 Best Taco Truck Experience: Kike's Red Tacos — Quesabirria tacos and salsa bar with fast outdoor service.
🎶 Best Live Music + Ambiance: Encanto Cocina & Cantina — Nightly music and chef-driven fare in a festive setting.
🍸 Signature Cocktails: The Avocado Margarita is a must-try, often highlighted as refreshingly unique and a perfect companion to the meal.
🍽️ Sharing Style Menu: The menu is designed for sharing; guests recommend ordering one dish per person from each section to fully experience the flavors.
🎟️ Reservation Strategy: Reservations open 90 days in advance; setting reminders and booking early ensures access to prime dinner times.
👀 Chef Counter Seating: Sit at the counter for an immersive experience watching chefs craft each dish, enhancing the meal's enjoyment.
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🌮 Wednesday Specials: Enjoy 2 tacos and a margarita for just $5, a popular midweek deal that locals rave about.
🍹 Cocktail Recommendations: Don’t miss the mezcal margarita, a standout drink that enhances the authentic Mexican dining experience.
🚪 Hidden Entrance: The restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem with small, subtle signage; look carefully and expect a cozy, intimate space.
🍽️ Shareable Portions: Many guests recommend ordering several tacos and sharing alongside guacamole and pozole for a satisfying, communal meal.
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🍸 Extensive Mezcal Menu: The drink list is four times larger than the food menu, perfect for cocktail enthusiasts eager to explore unique mezcals.
🌮 Must-Try Tostadas: The tuna tostada and uni tostada are crowd favorites recommended by locals for bold and balanced flavors.
🎉 Cozy Bar Seating: Guests love sitting at the bar for a personal experience with friendly bartenders who offer expert drink pairings.
🕓 Evening Visits: The restaurant opens at 4 PM daily, making it ideal for dinner or night out rather than lunch.
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🌮 Homemade Tortillas Are a Must-Try: Patrons rave about the freshly made corn tortillas which are integral to their authentic dishes.
🍹 Early Happy Hour Perks: Visit Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 6 PM to enjoy discounted cocktails and mezcal in a lively setting.
🎉 Book Ahead for Dinner: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a spot in this popular Uptown spot.
🌿 Vegan and Organic Options Available: The menu thoughtfully includes vegan, vegetarian, and organic selections to satisfy diverse preferences.
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🍹 Happy Hour Highlights: Visit Monday through Friday from 3–6 PM for the best deals on margaritas and small plates.
🥘 Signature Green Chile: The green chile is a must-try staple, with many guests returning just for its rich, authentic flavor.
🚗 Parking Tips: Valet parking is available and street parking is paid; arriving early helps secure easier parking spots.
🌿 Vegetarian Options: Several dishes are vegetarian-friendly, including fresh guacamole and small plates, ideal for varied group tastes.
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🌯 Order Ahead for Speed: Calling in your order can cut down wait time significantly, especially for popular items like the chile relleno burrito.
☕ Try the Horchata: The horchata is a fan favorite and pairs perfectly with breakfast and lunch dishes.
🌞 Early Bird Breakfast: Arriving at opening around 7 AM helps avoid peak crowds and ensures fresh breakfast burritos.
🚗 Parking Tips: Free parking lots and street parking are usually available but can get busy during peak meal times, so plan accordingly.
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🌮 Try the Quesabirria Tacos: Highly recommended for a flavorful twist on traditional birria tacos, paired with their famous consome.
🍹 Happy Hour Cocktails: Visit during happy hour to enjoy great cocktails alongside your meal at a great value.
⏰ Best Times for Shorter Waits: Arrive early for lunch around 11 AM on weekdays to avoid the busy midday rush.
🌞 Outdoor Seating Vibe: The casual outdoor seating area offers a cozy, trendy spot to enjoy meals with friends or solo dining.
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🍸 Happy Hour Highlights: The happy hour features fantastic drink specials and snacks like the Gordo Crunch, perfect for casual outings.
🌮 Try the Birria Tacos: Widely regarded as the best item on the menu, especially when dipped in the accompanying consommé.
🥞 Weekend Brunch: Brunch is served only on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM, reservations recommended due to popularity.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Outdoors: Outdoor seating welcomes dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners to dine comfortably.
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🌮 Taco Tuesday Highlights: Taco Tuesday is a beloved event, featuring special deals and a festive crowd eager to enjoy a variety of tacos.
🍹 Happy Hour Perks: Daily happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM offers great deals on drinks and appetizers, ideal for after-work gatherings.
🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly: The menu features ample vegetarian and vegan dishes, making it a go-to spot for plant-based diners.
🌯 Tamale Thursdays: Thursdays feature $2 tamales, a perfect affordable treat for regulars and new visitors alike.
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🍹 Happy Hour Perks: Visit between 4–6 PM for discounted cocktails and drinks, a great way to sample their extensive tequila selection.
🌮 Share the Molcajetes: Molcajetes are hearty and filling, perfect for sharing between two to three people.
🚗 Parking Tips: While there is a free parking lot, finding a spot can be challenging during busy evenings, so plan accordingly.
🎉 Casual Yet Special: The vibe strikes a balance between casual and trendy, making it ideal for both friendly catch-ups and special visits.
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🌮 Try the Chile Relleno Taco: Highly recommended by locals as the best taco on the menu, a must-order item.
🍹 Happy Hour Deals: Daily happy hours from 2–6 PM with great deals on drinks and small plates; weekends start early at 9 AM.
🌞 Outdoor Seating: The patio is a favorite spot for enjoying tacos and cocktails in the warmer months.
📺 Sports Fans’ Spot: Plenty of TVs at the bar make it a lively place to watch games while enjoying your meal.
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🌮 Taco Tuesday Draw: Popular spot for Taco Tuesday, but expect a lively crowd and potential wait times. Reservations recommended.
🍹 Bartenders Make the Experience: Regulars rave about bartenders Spencer and Joaquin for their exceptional cocktails and friendly service.
🎶 Live Music Vibes: Evenings feature live music that enhances the cozy, trendy atmosphere—great for groups and celebrations.
🅿️ Parking Tips: Paid parking is available nearby and street parking is usually plentiful, easing access even on busy nights.
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Alma Fonda Fina stands out for its chef-driven menu featuring regional specialties like lamb birria and sourdough tortillas, while La Loma is beloved for a family-style, green chile-centric menu. Both excel in flavor and hospitality, making them local staples for traditional and creative Mexican fare.
Kike's Red Tacos is top-rated for quesabirria and birria tacos served at their lively food truck. Tacos Tequila Whiskey consistently draws crowds with its queso de la plancha taco and wide range of fillings, while Los Chingones RiNo delivers inventive options in a dynamic rooftop setting.
Alma Fonda Fina’s signature avocado margarita and Mezcaleria Alma’s expansive mezcal menu cater to serious cocktail fans. Machete Tequila + Tacos also features creative tequila-based drinks, perfect for pairing with their inventive tacos and lively bar setting.
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina is well-known for accommodating vegetarians and vegans with dedicated plant-based dishes and options like tamales and mole. Machete Tequila + Tacos and Chivis Tacos both offer inventive vegetarian tacos and sides that please a range of diners.
Encanto Cocina & Cantina is ideal for groups, thanks to lively music, attentive service, and accommodating seating. Los Chingones RiNo’s energetic rooftop and fun taco menu also make it a go-to for celebratory dinners or larger gatherings.
Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina and Chivis Tacos both feature Taco Tuesday specials, with discounted tacos and festive crowds. Encanto Cocina & Cantina is another popular Taco Tuesday destination, but reservations are recommended due to demand.
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