Best Taco 2005 | Mezcal | Best of Denver® | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Denver | Westword
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Best Taco

Mezcal

Danielle Lirette
Simplicity counts, and Mezcal's kitchen re-creates the simplest of Mexican street fare with its tacos. Owner Jesse Morreale and Sean Yontz (who consults in the kitchen) don't overreach, don't try to make a taco anything more than what it should be: an edible envelope stuffed with meat and greens. But the components -- soft corn tortillas, grilled meats, fresh salsas and shredded cabbage -- are top-quality, and the atmosphere adds all the extra flavor you could want. Sometimes the best things are the most basic -- and that rule was never truer than at Mezcal.

Best Taco

Mezcal

Simplicity counts, and Mezcal's kitchen re-creates the simplest of Mexican street fare with its tacos. Owner Jesse Morreale and Sean Yontz (who consults in the kitchen) don't overreach, don't try to make a taco anything more than what it should be: an edible envelope stuffed with meat and greens. But the components -- soft corn tortillas, grilled meats, fresh salsas and shredded cabbage -- are top-quality, and the atmosphere adds all the extra flavor you could want. Sometimes the best things are the most basic -- and that rule was never truer than at Mezcal.

Best Burrito

El Taco de México

Molly Martin
El Taco de México doesn't do much to attract customers. It doesn't take credit cards. It doesn't advertise. It doesn't serve liquor. It doesn't provide more than a scant few places to sit. And still the customers keep coming -- because the one thing this taquería does do is offer the best taste of real Mexico available north of la frontera, served by a crew of ladies tougher and more serious about their business than an entire culinary-school graduating class put together. One of our particular faves (although not one of the house's more authentic offerings) is the smothered chile-relleno burrito, which is downright addictive. You can't stop eating it no matter how full you are, and you can't stop yourself from ordering it again the next time you come in. And return you will.

Best Burrito

El Taco de México

El Taco de México doesn't do much to attract customers. It doesn't take credit cards. It doesn't advertise. It doesn't serve liquor. It doesn't provide more than a scant few places to sit. And still the customers keep coming -- because the one thing this taquería does do is offer the best taste of real Mexico available north of la frontera, served by a crew of ladies tougher and more serious about their business than an entire culinary-school graduating class put together. One of our particular faves (although not one of the house's more authentic offerings) is the smothered chile-relleno burrito, which is downright addictive. You can't stop eating it no matter how full you are, and you can't stop yourself from ordering it again the next time you come in. And return you will.

Best Green Chile

Jack-n-Grill

Chile importer turned restaurateur Jack Martinez has been verde, verde good to us. Jack-n-Grill turns out a green chile that's a magical mix of heat and sweet and smoky charred flavor that goes perfectly with everything from burritos to breakfast cereal. This green definitely follows the New Mexican model of diced, whole pods turned into sauce with as little intermediary fussing as possible, eschewing any of those corrupting Colorado influences that turn a proper verde from a dressing into a stew. But while Martinez is a purist, he's quickly making converts who fill his recently expanded restaurant and spill outside. During chile-roasting season, the house sets up tents and roasters there so that customers can see the start of that great green they'll enjoy all year long.

Best Green Chile

Jack-n-Grill

Chile importer turned restaurateur Jack Martinez has been verde, verde good to us. Jack-n-Grill turns out a green chile that's a magical mix of heat and sweet and smoky charred flavor that goes perfectly with everything from burritos to breakfast cereal. This green definitely follows the New Mexican model of diced, whole pods turned into sauce with as little intermediary fussing as possible, eschewing any of those corrupting Colorado influences that turn a proper verde from a dressing into a stew. But while Martinez is a purist, he's quickly making converts who fill his recently expanded restaurant and spill outside. During chile-roasting season, the house sets up tents and roasters there so that customers can see the start of that great green they'll enjoy all year long.

Best Colorado-Style Green Chile -- Chunky

Brewery Bar II

Kenzie Bruce
As green chile made its way up from New Mexico to Denver, it became thicker by the mile. And it reached stew-like perfection at Brewery Bar II, a classic dive on Kalamath Street that's renowned for its giant "Tiny" beers and crunchy chiles rellenos. But those rellenos wouldn't be nearly as good without the thick layer of green chile that smothers them, a mean green so filled with chunks of tender pork (an ingredient that's unheard of south of this state's border) that a few bites are more than enough for a meal. Some like it hot -- and Brewery Bar II is the place for them.

Best Colorado-Style Green Chile -- Chunky

Brewery Bar II

As green chile made its way up from New Mexico to Denver, it became thicker by the mile. And it reached stew-like perfection at Brewery Bar II, a classic dive on Kalamath Street that's renowned for its giant "Tiny" beers and crunchy chiles rellenos. But those rellenos wouldn't be nearly as good without the thick layer of green chile that smothers them, a mean green so filled with chunks of tender pork (an ingredient that's unheard of south of this state's border) that a few bites are more than enough for a meal. Some like it hot -- and Brewery Bar II is the place for them.

Best Colorado-Style Green Chile -- Smooth

La Fiesta

Mark Antonation
Ravenous crowds from all over town flock to La Fiesta for their mid-day meals -- and a chance to eat and party hearty. They're drawn by the convivial vibe of the huge dining room (this was once a Safeway), the friendly family that runs the joint (weekday lunches only) and the huge portions of delectably cheesy, greasy, addictive Colorado-style Mexican food. Topping it off, of course, is a quintessential Colorado-style green chile, packed with pieces of pork, tomatoes, peppers...and heat.

Best Colorado-Style Green Chile -- Smooth

La Fiesta

Ravenous crowds from all over town flock to La Fiesta for their mid-day meals -- and a chance to eat and party hearty. They're drawn by the convivial vibe of the huge dining room (this was once a Safeway), the friendly family that runs the joint (weekday lunches only) and the huge portions of delectably cheesy, greasy, addictive Colorado-style Mexican food. Topping it off, of course, is a quintessential Colorado-style green chile, packed with pieces of pork, tomatoes, peppers...and heat.

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