25 Best Latin American Restaurants near Wheat Ridge

“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!!!“

“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 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.“

“Went to Lazo before heading to the airport. Got the spicy chicken and beef quesadilla- both AMAZING. Empanadas were freshly warmed when we ordered and we got to union station, waited for our train and opened these up on the train. They were still warm! Now I’m back home and I’m still thinking about these and wishing I got some extras to heat up later.“

“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.“

“I always forget they do not offer their full menu before 5. I’ll get there! Brunch also looks solid. The vibe of this place doesn’t really scream $60 steak entree, but maybe? Overall, I find the food/service very good in general (although only sat at the bar) and it does fill up quickly. The drinks are more than terrific and fresh. 20% service fee. Gordo crunch and seafood tostada are delicious. Great prices on HH. Please change your soap dispensers.“

“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.“

“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!“

“🎉Happy Cinco de Mayo 🇲🇽🇲🇽😋😋“

“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!“

“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=)“

“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!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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. ☺️“

“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!!“

“Overall, we had a great experience at Toro Steak. My skirt steak and lobster were amazing—both were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. All of the sides were really good too. The only downside was my wife’s filet. It was cooked well, but it didn’t have much flavor and was a little plain. Thankfully, the chimichurri sauce really helped and made it much better.“

“Absolutely a great local spot! Had the QuesiBirra tacos and was very impressed. So impressed, that I got them twice. We also had the Cali Burrito and chilli cheese fries, which were also very good. If you're nearby, absolutely come and check out this family owned spot! Oh and they recently remodeled and it looks great!“