Savor Authentic Mexican Flavors at These 17 Top Spots in Aurora, Colorado

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Aurora’s Mexican‐food landscape stretches from long-time family spots on East Colfax to sleek cantinas near Southlands. Whether you fancy birria tacos dripping with consommé or a giant molcajete bubbling with queso and salsa verde, the city has you covered. Below you’ll find reliable, currently operating restaurants that locals rave about for flavor, friendliness, and value. Consider this your roadmap for carne asada, enchiladas, and more—no matter which neighborhood you’re in.

1. La Cueva Restaurant

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Opened in 1974, La Cueva is one of Aurora’s oldest Mexican eateries, known for its house-roasted Hatch green chile. Regulars swear by the pork carnitas and the green-chile margarita, a subtle nod to the kitchen’s signature sauce. Portions are hearty, so come hungry or plan on taking leftovers. Service is personable, and the room fills quickly at lunch, especially on Fridays.

2. Tacos Selene

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

This humble counter spot on East 6th Avenue keeps the focus on fresh tortillas and deeply seasoned meats. Tacos come simply dressed with cilantro and onion, letting the smoky flavor of the meat shine. The salsa bar offers everything from mild tomatillo to fiery habanero, so pace yourself. Cashiers move fast, making it a great choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.

3. El Camarón Loco

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Seafood fans flock here for Mexican coastal classics such as shrimp caldo, garlic-butter lobster tails, and tostadas topped with octopus. The bright orange building on Colfax is hard to miss, and so are the huge micheladas rimmed with chamoy and Tajín. Portions can feed two, especially the molcajete packed with grilled shrimp, steak, and cactus. Weekends see live música norteña, adding to the fiesta vibe.

4. Los Dos Potrillos

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

This family-owned mini-chain started in Highlands Ranch and brought its fourth location to Aurora’s Southlands area. Expect crowd-pleasers like fajitas, smothered burritos, and a chile relleno that stays crisp under its blanket of sauce. The bar shakes up a solid coin-style margarita using 100-percent agave tequila. Patio seating is available, but the cozy dining room is where most diners dig into those sizzling skillets.

5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Just off Parker Road, El Tequileno turns out homey plates that taste like Sunday dinner at abuela’s house. Try the weekend-only pozole or menudo if you’re looking for comfort in a bowl. Combination plates let guests sample enchiladas, tacos, and tamales all at once. Friendly servers keep refilling chips and salsa, making it easy to linger.

6. Guadalajara Buffet

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

One flat price grants access to trays of slow-braised carnitas, chiles rellenos, and made-to-order tortillas. The buffet also sports a salsa island with more than ten varieties, plus aguas frescas like horchata and jamaica. Go early for peak freshness—the kitchen restocks often, but the first batches are best. Families appreciate the casual vibe and spacious seating.

7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

A cheerful mural and tequila-lined bar welcome diners to this Chambers Road favorite. The signature molcajete arrives sizzling hot, its lava-rock bowl keeping meats and cheese molten for ages. Breakfast is equally popular—think chilaquiles drenched in salsa roja and coffee strong enough to kick-start any morning. Daily happy-hour deals on house margaritas draw an after-work crowd.

8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Operating since 1986, Señor Ric’s pairs classic combo plates with a laid-back cantina bar. The chimichangas are crisp yet flaky, and the kitchen doesn’t skimp on filling. Diners rave about the complimentary sopaipillas drizzled with honey at the end of the meal. Service is speedy, making it ideal for weeknight dining.

9. Tacos y Salsas

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Part of a small Denver-area group, the Aurora shop maintains generous hours and a menu anchored by tacos, burros, and tortas. Salsa options run the gamut from mild avocado to tongue-tingling chile de árbol. The asada fries—crispy spuds piled with steak, cheese, and guac—make a shareable starter. Pricing stays gentle on the wallet, even after adding extra meat.

10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Open 24 hours on weekends, El Chubby’s has your late-night cravings sorted with enormous burritos and loaded nachos. The green-chile sauce leans medium-spicy and comes in either pork or vegetarian versions. Breakfast burritos are especially popular at dawn, when shift workers swing by for fuel. Drive-thru service moves briskly, though the cozy dining room is perfect for a sit-down bite.

11. Casa Vallarta

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Casa Vallarta adds coastal Jalisco touches to Aurora’s dining scene, including shrimp enchiladas and ceviche tostadas. The dining room sports vibrant artwork that mirrors the lively plating. Margaritas come in classic lime, mango, or spicy cucumber varieties. Regulars vouch for the attentive service and consistent food quality.

12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

This national chain’s Aurora outpost remains a dependable pick for bottomless chips and made-to-order guacamole. Fajita mesquite grills perfume the air, letting diners know sizzling platters are en route. Seasonal margaritas—think blood-orange or strawberry—keep the drink menu fresh. Kids eat free on select weeknights, making it popular with families.

13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora)

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Hacienda Colorado brands itself as “Mountain Mex,” blending Colorado ingredients with Mexican recipes. Tableside guac remains a must-order, prepared to your preferred spice level. The menu features bison enchiladas and ancho-chile steak, nodding to local tastes. A broad tequila list supports an equally wide range of margaritas, from skinny to smoky mezcal-based versions.

14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Tucked into a small strip mall, Azteca surprises newcomers with bold flavors and attentive service. The carne asada earns high marks for its char and tenderness, especially when paired with the house salsa verde. Lunch specials, offered daily until 3 p.m., include rice, beans, and a drink at budget-friendly prices. Parking is ample, so drop-ins rarely wait long for a table.

15. El Fogón

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

El Fogón’s name translates to “the stove,” fitting for a kitchen that cooks meats over an open flame. The al pastor arrives caramelized around the edges thanks to its time on the vertical spit. Housemade aguas frescas change daily; ask which fruit is being blended fresh. The casual order-at-the-counter setup keeps service snappy.

16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

Seafood is the star at La Costa, from sizzling shrimp fajitas to fish tacos drizzled with chipotle crema. A modest dining room belies the kitchen’s skill with seasoning and heat. Weekday lunch combos hit the sweet spot of quick, tasty, and affordable. Guests often finish with the silky flan, made in-house every morning.

17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

1. La Cueva Restaurant, 2. Tacos Selene, 3. El Camarón Loco, 4. Los Dos Potrillos, 5. El Tequileno Family Mexican Restaurant, 6. Guadalajara Buffet, 7. Real de Minas Mexican Grill, 8. Señor Ric’s Mexican Restaurant, 9. Tacos y Salsas, 10. El Chubby's Mexican Restaurant, 11. Casa Vallarta, 12. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, 13. Hacienda Colorado (Aurora), 14. Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 15. El Fogón, 16. La Costa Authentic Mexican Food, 17. Taqueria Jalisco Mexican Grill

This spot leans into Jalisco specialties such as birria de res and carne en su jugo. Birria tacos come griddled until crispy, ready for dunking into deeply spiced consommé. The salsa bar includes a smoky morita option that pairs beautifully with the beef. Seating is limited, so many locals opt for takeout.

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