El Noa Noa opened in is a longtime neighborhood favorite -- it opened way back in 1980 -- that's survived not only the encroaching trade of the Santa Fe Arts District, but a location next door to El Taco de Mexico, Denver's most authentic Mexican lunch-counter taqueria. El Noa Noa has charms of its own, though: breakfast served all day, a beautiful shaded patio (complete with a waterfall and occasional wandering mariachis), comfortable dining areas and a big menu full of comforting dishes like fish tacos, mole enchiladas and pepper-stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon.