This is SERIOUS!! Mexican Food? (Denver, Colorado Springs: appointed, hotel, lawyer)

[COflower]

I don't recall seeing mention (and there's a lot of pages to go back through) of the Bean Bandit. I haven't been there in probably 20 years but as far as Mexican food goes, it's hard to tell what people like and dislike. We used to frequent that place a lot when I was a teen. Is it still there? (located on the west side of Circle, south of Platte)

There are so many regional differences even from city to city that one person's divine Mexican inspired food is another person's wish for a barf bag. I like the variations from one restaurant to the next and that goes across cuisine. For example, the chinese restaurant closest me is only marginal, then there's the one across from Chapel Hills that I can't seem to get enough of - but for the $ and calories. But there's something about Mexican, Southwesetern and TexMex that brings out the "purists".

Huh, I may have to try to Bean Bandit again, just for grins and nostalgia if nothing else. I do miss the Cafe Rio off Arapahoe and University in the Denver Metro area. Not spectacular but I felt just fine going there with a book and eating by myself. I haven't found a Mexican restaurant here in C Springs that fits that for me.

Now I am hungry for Mexican and it's not even 7:00am yet!

[summit21]

I think there are a few worth mentioning, Salsa Brava, Casa Diego's, Sonterro Grill.

[Zulu113]

My wife and I tried the Bean Bandit on a lark, expecting the worst. Instead we were pleasantly surprised, and we'll go back again at some point.

The best we've found since moving here is La Casa Fiesta in Monument. It reminds of the places I used to frequent in Las Cruces many moons back like Little Nellies and El Comedor.

We gave Three Margaritas a whirl, and were not impressed, seemed uninspired and contrived. Salsa Brava seemed like mexican food for the yuppies.

I also spent time in San Diego, and I do miss a good Carne Asada burrito from Santanas ...

[RockyMtMom]

I second the Salsa Brava recommendation. Not sure why the previous poster thought it was for yuppies.
I loved both of their salsas they provide with the chips- a fresh pico and a warm peppery one. Margaritas were good and the the food was excellent.
Located on Briargate, just to the East of the Shops, in the same parking lot as the library branch.

[Zulu113]

I actually enjoyed the meal I had at Salsa Bravo. It's just not really the type of fare I associate with mexican food. Coconut shrimp? Portobello quesadilla? Spinach enchiladas? They're probably pretty good, but they also struck me as a bit pretentious, hence the yuppie comment. It just felt to me like a mexican food place for people who want a nice meal with a little bit of mexican to it. Just my honest $0.02, no offense meant.

[el borracho]

i lived in denver for 6 years and i searched far and wide for a good plate of gorditas ,never found one ,my cousin lives in the springs and he had no luck either for those of you that dont know what gorditas are have a look Little Diner and remember it's not a burrito if you have to eat it with a fork

[janetjanetbobanet]

Originally Posted by manitou_chick

By far the best Mexican food I have had is at the following:

La Unica Authentico, W. Colorado Ave. **Unbeatable service and tasty-ass food! Best Chile Rellanos made with POBLANO peppers NOT Anaheim... super yummy..prices are a bit high..but well worth it...

I tried this place yesterday evening and found they had probably the best fajitas I have ever eaten. It appears to be a family operation, and, as you say, the prices are a little higher than some but well worth it to us. We ended up there because the parking lot was full at Amanda's down the street and were glad we got diverted.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by janetjanetbobanet

I tried this place yesterday evening and found they had probably the best fajitas I have ever eaten. It appears to be a family operation, and, as you say, the prices are a little higher than some but well worth it to us. We ended up there because the parking lot was full at Amanda's down the street and were glad we got diverted.

Agree, La Unica Authentico on W. Colorado Ave in Old Colorado City has good food. I believe chile relleno's are available only on weekends, best to call ahead (we went on a Thursday night and they made me a couple since I asked for them). It seems a family place in the old-school manner, with a grade-schooler sitting at a table and doing her homework while Momma waited tables or cooked.

I also happen to think that Amanda's is over-rated, having been there twice and not being at all wow'd by the food. Though it was decent fare it did not strike me as worth going back. I suspect the big draw at Amanda's is being able to sit by the flowing stream to sip margarita's, it's large parking lot and it's proximity to Manitou Springs (where parking is always a nuisance for restaurant goers).

[caliegirl]

i'm surprised no one has mentioned the loop in manitou springs....black orchid is the best

[westernhalf]

We like Pueblo Viejo on North Academy. Not sure, but it looks to be family-owned, and I loved my mole dish when we were there the other night. I've heard good things about the Three Margaritas restaurant at Austin Bluffs and Academy, too. Particularly their fried ice cream.