23 Best Latin American Restaurants near Arvada

“carne empanada was incredibly delicious, it came with a chimichurri that had amazing flavor. the al pastor has huge pieces of pork belly that were so tender. The quesabirria was very underwhelming, very small amount of meat that didn’t provide much flavor nor did the consome, honestly just tasted like tortilla.“

“Fantastic dining experience. Worth the trip every time!“

“Perfect snack/coffee stop at Denver Airport! Great service and amazing empanadas!“

“Amazing food and friendly family business. The pork super areas are so tasty!“

“absolutely delicious food and the best staff ever!“

“I made a large catering order for my crew to have empanadas after work. They were a HUGE hit. My crew could not believe how good they were. They were packaged amazing, everything was labeled nicely and every one we had was amazing. Don't sleep on the dessert options. They were amazing!“

“I don’t say this lightly, but I think I’ve been emotionally altered by a piece of pastry.

My work ordered from Lazo Empanadas one random day months ago, and I genuinely have not been the same since. What I thought was going to be a “quick lunch” situation turned into a full-blown obsession that I was not prepared to manage. These empanadas are on my weekly calendar at least once a week.

Let’s talk about the spicy beef empanada, because that thing is borderline dangerous. The seasoning? Insanely bold. The heat? Perfectly balanced—not trying to destroy you, just convincing you that you need another one immediately. The filling is rich, juicy, and so well-composed it feels unfair to other lunch options that are just… existing in its presence.

The crust deserves its own paragraph. Golden, flaky, crisp without being dry, and sturdy enough to hold the filling without betraying you halfway through a bite. It’s basically the structural engineering marvel of handheld food.

What really gets me is how something so simple can taste so intentional. Nothing feels lazy. Nothing feels “mass-produced cafeteria snack.” It tastes like someone actually cares about your day getting better.

I’ve tried other empanadas since then and honestly? They’ve all been compared against Lazo and lost immediately. That spicy beef set the bar and then took the bar home with it.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “it’s just an empanada,” respectfully—you are not ready.“

“Just recently moved to Denver! This was an awesome spot with a great happy hour. Every day from 3-6 including weekends !! Chris Pratt (“like the actor”) was our bartender! He was so phenomenal and gave us great recs. He made delicious drinks and was so easy to chat to“

“The food and atmosphere are great, and this is a perfect spot for a date night or to meet up with friends. I just wish they put a little more effort into their vegetarian tacos. The flavor is delicious, but a roasted carrot really isn’t a protein substitute. It would be great if they had one or two more vegetarian tacos and preferably at least one with a protein like tofu, beyond, seitan, etc. I would definitely be a more regular customer if they made that change!“

“gooooood food especially the menudo=)“

“For a small place this place was amazing. The tall cashier was very pleasant and greeted us as soon as he saw us coming. The place is very clean and the empanadas? They are out of this world! I will definitely be back for that authentic taste and great atmosphere!“

“Just discovered Zocalito this weekend!!!! DELICIOUS 😋 The service was top notch, the menu was unique, and the prices are very fair. I had the Chicken Relleno and there was not a bite left. Highly recommend!!!! I will most certainly be returning, as this may be one of my new favorite restaurants!“

“I just ate the 2 best tacos I've ever had. The sauce is phenomenal. They didn't even give me a hard time about wearing a Packers shirt in Bronco country! Highly recommend!!!“

“The absolute best coffee shop in Denver! I ordered the Horchata Latte which was served hot in a traditional red clay mug. My beverage was smooth had a delicate body, a gentle sweetness and fruitiness, and an acidic snap to finish off the experience. There was ample, clean space to sit with friends in the courtyard right outside with chairs and tables. The shop was colorfully complimented with locally made goods, homemade Mexican pan dulce, and offered so much more than coffee. They even make atole which takes me back to my childhood! I can't wait to try everything on their menu. This is my new favorite place in Denver and will quickly become yours too!“

“Crossed off my fourth new (to me) restaurant of the year and first in February tonight. Thanks to Lady Nomada in Arvada for such a delish meal! Their specialty taco - fried avocado - was mouth watering. I also had a Baja fish taco and couldn’t help but sneak in a carnitas taco, too. Super cool vibe and friendly staff; I’ll definitely be back again!“

“I love their food. The staff is very friendly and go above and beyond. The food is delicious and the best steak fajitas I’ve ever had!!!!“

“Picante's is Great. Amazing Latin food at a good price. Im never disappointed wether its a Breakfast Burrito, Asada Frys even the Motza sticks are on point. ☺️“

“PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE! Jay the manager was so well prepared to share history, chef details and menu choices. Viviana our waitress was honestly, one of the most exceptional waitresses we’ve ever had. The tortilla soup was filled with so many delicious ingredients, perfectly balanced spices, and the presentation was perfect. The taco selections were glorious. Crispy exterior corn tortillas, rich with flavors inside! Tender beef, chicken, savory cheese selections. Truly Baja style tacos!!! The churros were stellar. Homemade vanilla enhanced batter, perfectly fried… premium cinnamon and sugar lightly dusted outside, served with warm carmel and chocolate sauces. This place is the most hidden, beautiful gem in the North Thornton/ Westminster/Northglenn area. Gorgeous Interior and seating areas. Very upscale feeling. Perfect meal.“

“Mojo taco… delicious… patio was great“

“My wife and I had 2 breakfast burritos. We know the 2 gentlemen that own and work together. The burritos were the Best we've had! They make their items from scratch. The chef was trained as a Mexican chef in Mexico and his cooking shows it. You'd make a mistake if you don't try their varied and scrumptious items!!“

“Hidden Gem, and amazing date night hangout. Excellent food, good portions, and live music on certain days“

“I came to check out this place based on a recommendation, but the service is extremely slow; you have to order a drink 30 minutes in advance. If you need utensils or if they promise you a sauce that never arrives you have to go find them yourself. They served us water once, and throughout the entire time we were dining despite our repeated requests for more ,no one brought any until we were on our way out. However, the food is excellent delicious! It was truly the highlight of the experience. I recommend the *Lomo Saltado* and the grilled octopus, though as for the service, there was nothing worth noting.“