Where to Find the Best Mexican Food in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs might be known for mountain views and outdoor adventures, but it’s also home to some amazing Mexican cuisine.

From family-owned establishments passed down through generations to innovative spots putting fresh spins on traditional recipes, the city offers plenty of options for authentic flavors.

Whether you’re craving street tacos, enchiladas smothered in homemade sauce, or a perfect margarita, these eight restaurants deliver the best Mexican food in town.

1. Jose Muldoon’s: Tex-Mex With a Fun Atmosphere

Celebrating over 45 years in downtown Colorado Springs, Jose Muldoon’s vibrant cantina atmosphere makes every meal feel like a fiesta. Colorful murals, string lights, and an energetic staff create the perfect backdrop for their famous sizzling fajita platters that turn heads as they cross the dining room.

Generous portions define the Tex-Mex menu, with house specialties like chimichurri steak tacos and loaded queso earning devoted followers. The restaurant honors its 1974 origins with old-school classics while incorporating contemporary flavors.

Their bar program deserves special mention, featuring over 100 tequilas and mezcals. Happy hour draws a diverse crowd of downtown workers, tourists, and regulars who come for the two-for-one margaritas and stay for the lively social scene that has made Jose’s a Colorado Springs institution.

2. Dos Santos Tacos: Modern Twist on Mexican Street Food

Bringing Mexico City street food aesthetics to downtown Colorado Springs, Dos Santos stands out with its minimalist industrial design and hip vibe. Exposed brick walls display contemporary Mexican art while the open kitchen showcases chefs hand-pressing tortillas and grilling meats to perfection.

The taco-focused menu elevates street food to culinary art. Standouts include the carnitas tacos with pineapple habanero salsa and the unexpected but brilliant Korean short rib option topped with kimchi.

Craft cocktails complement the food perfectly, with the smoky mezcal old fashioned and cucumber jalapeño margarita earning praise from mixology enthusiasts. What began as a small taqueria has evolved into a dining destination where traditional techniques meet modern creativity, proving that Mexican cuisine in Colorado Springs continues to evolve in exciting directions.

3. La Casita: A Local Staple for Generations

Family-owned since 1958, La Casita stands as Colorado Springs’ oldest Mexican restaurant, serving recipes that have remained unchanged for over six decades. The cozy interior, adorned with colorful papel picado and vintage photos, immediately transports diners to Old Mexico.

Their green chile has achieved legendary status among locals, with many claiming it’s the best in the state. Handmade tortillas accompany every meal, still prepared daily using the founder’s original technique.

Located in Old Colorado City, this unpretentious gem often has a line out the door during peak hours. Their signature dish, the stuffed sopapilla with shredded beef, showcases the perfect balance of textures and flavors that keep generations of families returning year after year.

4. Crystal Park Cantina: Mountain Views and Authentic Plates

Perched on the western edge of Manitou Springs, Crystal Park Cantina offers stunning views of the foothills along with some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in the region. The restaurant occupies a historic building with stone walls and wooden beams, creating a rustic yet elegant dining environment.

Chef Maria Contreras brings recipes from her childhood in Oaxaca, specializing in complex moles and regional specialties rarely found elsewhere in Colorado. The black mole chicken, simmered for hours with over 30 ingredients, demonstrates her commitment to culinary tradition.

Seasonal ingredients from local farms enhance dishes like squash blossom quesadillas and roasted poblano soup. The restaurant’s back patio becomes magical at sunset when the mountains glow pink and purple, providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying their house-infused tequilas and regional Mexican wines.

5. Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill: Known for Fresh Ingredients

Founded by a Colorado Springs native who fell in love with Mexican cuisine during extensive travels through Mexico, Salsa Brava has built its reputation on uncompromising freshness. Every morning, staff arrive hours before opening to hand-chop vegetables, slow-cook meats, and prepare their famous six varieties of salsa from scratch.

The bright, airy restaurant features an open kitchen where diners can watch the culinary magic happen. Their award-winning green chile won the city’s Chile Fest three years running, with locals particularly loving the pork-studded version that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor.

Beyond traditional offerings, health-conscious diners appreciate their innovative cauliflower tortillas and protein-packed power bowls. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability extends to compostable takeout containers and a robust recycling program, making it a favorite among environmentally conscious food lovers.

6. Quijotes Mexican Grill: Family-Owned With Classic Recipes

Grandmother’s recipes take center stage at Quijotes, where the Hernandez family has been serving northern Mexican cuisine since 1998. The restaurant’s warm terracotta walls, hand-painted tiles, and family photos create an intimate atmosphere that makes first-time visitors feel like regulars.

Their signature chile rellenos follow a recipe that dates back four generations, featuring hand-battered poblanos stuffed with queso fresco and topped with a light tomato sauce. Homemade tortilla chips arrive at the table still warm, accompanied by roasted tomato salsa prepared throughout the day.

Located in a converted Victorian house in Old Colorado City, the restaurant features separate dining rooms that once served as bedrooms, creating cozy nooks for intimate meals. Owner Carlos Hernandez still visits tables nightly, sharing stories about the dishes’ origins and ensuring every customer leaves satisfied with their authentic northern Mexican dining experience.