Colfax Location of Local Taco Joint Closing After a Decade

The ongoing BRT construction on East Colfax Avenue has claimed another local business, according to its owner. Machete Tequila + Tacos was founded in Cherry Creek in 2011; a Union Station location was added in 2014, and a third outpost debuted at 3570 East Colfax two years later. (Fun fact: Machete’s first executive chef was Jose Avila, who now owns his own concepts, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand eatery La Diabla and one of last year’s best new restaurants, Malinche Audio Bar).

Now, a decade into its run, Machete on Colfax is shutting its doors. In a January 20 announcement posted to Facebook, the business saysit “decided to unfortunately, not move forward with a new lease,” and will instead focus on its other two locations, as well as a stand at Red Rocks that it hopes to bring back this concert season.

Machete’s last day on Colfax will be Saturday, January 24.

Machete occupies a large space off Colfax and Monroe Street, complete with a spacious patio. But for much of 2025, the view from the patio was taken over by construction, which blocked sidewalks as one of the new white arches along the bus route was installed. Owner John Wallrath told BusinessDen, “We appreciate what’s going on with the city and the attempt to beautify the area, but it just didn’t work for us,” adding that business has been down 70 percent from an initial post-pandemic increase in sales.

On the same block as Machete, the former home of a Milkroll ice cream shop has been vacant since 2024. Nearby, the former Q House space is also still empty following its September 2025 closure. But new businesses have also opened in the area, including Mama Jo’s, which debuted last February and is among our Top 50 Restaurants in Denver right now, and Japon, located next door to Machete.

The taco joint is offering all-day happy hour on January 24, starting at 4 p.m. for its last service. “It’s been a wonderful experience and we will miss our amazing customers who have supported us from the beginning,” its farewell post concludes.