23 Best Latin American Restaurants in Denver

“I did some research on local restaurants before my 3 day trip to Denver and was so happy to have found Lucina Eatery. Let's start with the vibe and atmosphere. I felt right at home. The staff was fantastic from Alexander Moon (GM) to Billie (bartender with the right amount of sass, playfullness and desire to please). NOW FOR THE FOOD. Well I went back 2x over the 3 days the food was so good, I sat at the bar (a lot of fun since I was by myself) and felt totally welcome and comfortable. THE CEVICHE and BROCOLLI were to die for. I have 4 orders of Ceviche. I love this place and will be back“

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

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

“absolutely delicious food and the best staff ever!“

“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.“

“Muy delicioso! You have to try these amazing fresh empanadas. We had steak, spicy beef and spicy chicken with chimichuri. The service is on point. There is indoor or outdoor seating. A very quaint and quite little place. The ambiance is energetic, invigorating, lively but quiet but full of life and peace. Thank you so much for your hospitality.“

“Four of us do a monthly dinner club and this place checked a lot of boxes! None of us drink so we're always thrilled when there's a solid selection of mocktails. Every drink we tried was delicious. We do 'family style' sharing of plates and got 4 small plates, 2 large plates, 2 sides, and 2 desserts. It was a tad too much food. Stand outs for me were the short rib, tuna, asparagus (great flavor though a little spicy for a few of us), and the brown butter caramel with the churros.“

“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!“

“Delicious food and service tonight. The arepas were to die for and my empanadas were very hot and fresh. Frescolita was ice cold and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. This is one of my new favorite neighborhood restaurants. I look forward to my next visit already. Very clean restaurant and patio tables. 10 stars for service. Equally impressive food quality.“

“Great stop if you're looking for really good food and a casual atmosphere. My favorites were the sides- elote and potatoes. I could have eaten just that with my happy hour marg and been happy, but was glad I tried other menu items too. We sat outside and enjoyed the rain and great weather. It was also a lot quieter outside. We would have loved for better service- clearing tables when done, water jug refills, explaining the menu and maybe some recommendations would have made this a great experience, but was lacking.“

“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!“

“🎉Happy Cinco de Mayo 🇲🇽🇲🇽😋😋“

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

“gooooood food especially the menudo=)“

“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.“

“Rica comida de El Salvador y Honduras las mejores pupusas y pollo entajadas. Ambiente familiar y un agradable servicio.“

“Mojo taco… delicious… patio was great“

“Ordered the Mojo Pork tacos (coconut braised pork shoulder, mojo salsa, fried plantain, pickled red onion!) — SO good! And with the house marg?! Excellent pit stop in the C terminal when you’re stuck at DIA! (So good, I gobbled everything down before thinking to take a photo! 😬)“

“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. ☺️“

“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!!“

“Tried this place for the first time. Staff is friendly and nice. I got a smothered bacon breakfast burrito. It was huge. Good portions. The green chili is mediocre. It’s more like a green tomatillo sauce rather than green chili. I’ll be returning to try out their street tacos.“

“The lomo Saltado and the quinoa poblano were fantastic. Food was great. Service was great. Bar was a little off as I ordered a Buffalo Trace with one small ice cube and received a whiskey on the rocks the first time and second time was poured over a big rock. Nothing a fork and side plate could not resolve for a do it yourselfer but otherwise everything was really good. Would dine here again.“

“Best empanadas argentinas mendocinas in Miami area!“