Even As the restaurant scene in Boulder comes back to life, after my experience last night at Centro I decided to come back again for the lobster enchiladas. I love the fact that I am back at an old hangout, there is a great vibe with a lot of people, but the handling and care of customers during this tenuous Covid period makes me completely comfortable. This is the way to open a restaurant and keep the customers and staff safe and healthy. Masks don't hide the staffs courtesy and respect. And personally I am eternally grateful for them allowing me to dine out on a beautiful summer eve. Oh, and the enchiladas? Fire! Put that with a don julio marg from Ezra, the talented bartender, and , well ....(drop the mike). read more

This place is amazing! We are visiting from out of town but a friend recommended Centro so we decided to check it out. The margs are g delicious, the guac is great and the fish tacos are some of the best I've had. My husband got the burrito and it was so tasty!! Highly recommend! read more

I had a great dinner at Centro this past weekend. My mom and I came in Friday night and got delicious spicy mezcal margaritas and chips and guac to start with. Our server Bella recommended the baja fish tacos and the jackfruit tacos. We ordered both and could not have been more pleased with our meal. For dessert, we got the espresso martini with ice cream. Great food, amazing drinks, and PERFECT service. My new favorite restaurant and I'll be sure to request Bella as my server every time I come in! read more

We had the best time with our server Ava! She was so helpful with choosing items off the menu and gave us the best recommendations. Would definitely come back and all because of her! Love it here. read more

Had an amazing dinner!! Ava was the most amazing waitress and she was so helpful with everyone. Food and service was amazing as always but Ava really made the experience and dinner more fun. Thanks Ava!! read more

Ava's service was awesome! She was so helpful and went out of her way to help our big party

Had an awesome dinner here! We came in with 9 people and were accommodated so well! Ava was the best waitress ever!!

Awesome food!! Ava was the best waitress and provided the best service! So accommodating and kind!

We have had three or four exceptional meals at Centro. Thus, it's high time I contribute a review. On this occasion, it was Easter Brunch. What a treat! We had a reservation, which I'm not sure we needed; it was pretty quiet and we were seated about 15 minutes early. Perhaps Mexican isn't the first cuisine to come to mind when folks are searching Easter Brunch spots. I'd argue, however, they're missing out. Our cheerful waitress greeted us immediately and took our drink orders. My husband went for the Centro Bloody Mary, which arrived nearly as a meal in itself, and I opted for a simple, refreshing tequila & soda with lime. The Centro Bloody featured Breckinridge Bourbon adding a unique twist to the traditional Bloody. The bourbon definitely came through. Since Hubbs loves his bourbon, that was a-okay! Both drinks were served promptly and they were delicious way to kick off brunch. For appetizers, we ordered the salsa trio, which was served with house chips. We tacked on the free Yelp check-in treat, Queso Fundito, a wonderfully rich, comforting cheese dip accented with spiced pepitas and served with warm flour tortillas. Both were outstanding and quite filling. We could have stopped at this point, frankly. But, ahem, Easter Brunch! For our entrees, I ordered the CarneAssada & Eggs, which came in a cast iron skillet with the steak cooked perfectly and the eggs to my liking, over easy. It had a side of delicious salsa and a green chile hash brown. It was YUM! Our daughter opened for the veggie-friendly Centro Cazuela, a yuca-plantain hash served with fried eggs, arugula, mole verde & cotija. She loved it! Hubbs went for the biscuits & gravy, which, of course, had a Mexican flare with smoked cheddar-green chile biscuits and chorizo gravy. Again, he reported it was outstanding. All three of us were full by the half-way point (and remained that way for the rest of the day, I might add). My visits to Centro have mostly been the same caliber in terms of service and food quality. I highly recommend this place if you've not yet checked it out! read more

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Service was good, food was good but nothing off the charts, flavors were a bit bland, and prices were steep for what you get. I think for the area it's expected. read more

I have been to Centro in the past, and it has always been a disappointing experience, making Centro my least favorite Big Red F restaurant. However, a recent happy hour experience makes me want to return to try more of the menu! Service was really slow, and the server was not very knowledgeable and lacked confidence, but the food was worthwhile even for happy hour! My boyfriend and I didnt drink, but I tried the Horchata which was nicely balanced, not overly sweet or cinnamon-y. We shared the nachos (which are gluten free) adding lamb barbacoa to them. Though there was not enough guac or sour cream, the meat portion was generous and the flavors of all the components were great! The beans were spicy, but everything else was nicely balanced in flavor. I wanted to try the side of calabacitas, but they were out. So we ordered the glazed carrots which were charred, soft and delicious! For a side, the portion was generous, and the pickled fennel played beautifully with the sweet yogurt sauce and the char flavor, making for a decadent, slightly sweet yet savoury dish that could be a light meal in itself. I definitely want to return to Centro to try more menu items and drinks! Its possible that the recent head chef change was what the kitchen needed. read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Happy hour nachos with lamb barbacoa - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Our memories of Centro before Covid were stellar, but last night was a total disappointment. We had out of town guests, including a couple of people we didn't know, and chose Centro for the outdoor seating area, which remains a great atmospher. But I was literally embarrassed by the food. The enchiladas, which we remember as being amazing, were tasteless and dry, and we recommended them to our group. The bacon-wrapped filet was just okay. Ceviche was tasty but not plentiful with seafood. Sadly, we won't be going back. read more

Service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly and helpful. My husband is a salsa fanatic and loved their apricot habanero salsa that came with the salsa and chips. All 3 were great but that one topped them all. He put it on his grilled fish tacos and was in heaven. read more

The best friend suggested Centro for brunch. Neither of us have been here. It was amazing. The service was great. The bestie and I both got the country fried steak with chorizo gravy. One of the best fried steaks I've ever had. I'm a boy from Oklahoma, we know chicken fried steak. Check out the brunch service. I want to go back for dinner. read more

The atmosphere of the restaurant is what makes it. Super fun, dynamic, and lively. The food was was pretty decent, i got the enchiladas and they had a unique flavor in a good way (a bit sweet). The margaritas were good but a bit on the small side for the price. Overall, a good experience and is a really quality Mexican restaurant in downtown Boulder. read more

Our hostess Ava introduced me to the Corozon sour, which was awesome! Appreciate the personal touch!

So we were seated right away- greeted. Server brought waters, about 10 min later drink orders, another 5-8 I flagged him down to order food. Still no drinks. Another 5-8 min finally get our drinks.... mine was SO STRONG AND NASTY. Couldn't even take more then one drink, able to send it back. 5 min later food comes.... ANOTHER 10 until I finally get my drink. Empanada was over cooked. Nachos were Awesome. Queso was different but still good. read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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The couple of hosts at the front desk just had a bad attitude. So the lunch started off badly. Then they served us our dish in a hot skillet. There was no warning about the plate and when I burnt my hand handling it, they did not seem to care. of the server commented that he cannot be bothered as he had not served me. Just a shit show. The server who served us was nice and brought me some burn spray. When the overall service (Except our server) is sucks then I am sure no one is going to enjoy the meal. read more

This was an amazing stop! They wait staff were all pleasant and helpful, to begin with. The whitefish ceviche was amazing and just the right amount to start off dinner. I had the beef burrito and better half had chicken enchiladas. I preferred mine but his were outstanding as well! The only less than stellar thing I could put in is, the happy hour drinks were not very strong, but I think they were up to par with everyone else's version of happy hour concoctions. Try this place, it was amazing and I left with my rumbly tummy very happy and full! read more

Very marginal food....friendly service and nice space! The average review does not match the food, limited options, not authentic, flys inside the restaurant.... read more

The food has gone downhill so much. Centro was previously one of my favorite places to eat and now I refuse to go there because the food is inedible. read more

I think of their breakfast burritos every single day. It is such a challenge not to walk over and order one every morning. I don't know what makes them so delicious, but this place is a hot spot in Boulder. I'd be willing to bet that their entire menu is just as phenomenal. My only regret is that the only thing I've tried so far is the veggie breakfast burrito. I can't coax myself into ordering anything besides fhaI can't wait to venture out one night and try their dinner menu. **UPDATE** Tried lunch for the first time today after consuming 42 million breakfast burritos. I'm stunned. It was phenomenal. I tried the Sangria and LOVED it. I also tried the queso fundido and the vegan bowl and I loved both of them. It was too much food for me, so I had to take a to-go box. Server (I think her name was Leah?) was outstanding. read more

The food and service here was fast and efficient. The waitstaff was always available and more than willing to serve. The food was hot, tasty, well proportioned and also pleasing to the eye. After my meal a quick pop in to the restroom showed me that no place here was overlooked or neglected, as it was clean and everything functioned as it should. As most people have told me, give a quick good luck rub to the wooden statue in the main dining hall. Overall good place to go for a quick lunch. read more

Posters everywhere for $4 margaritas on Saturdays but "didn't offer it because of the game". Said it was happy hour instead but didn't honor those prices. Everything took FOREVER and the food wasn't even that good. They tried to make up for it by giving us the appetizer for free. Tables next to us got their food before us even though we got there at least 20 minutes before them. Not impressed and will not go back. read more

Ordered the chopped salad and I could not tell you why they call it a chopped salad- nothing in it was chopped. It was tasty, but the toppings were very scarce. If I'm paying $11 for a salad, I'd hope to see more than some sprinkled toppings on a medium bed of leafy greens. We sat on the patio and, even though it was covered, flies were everywhere. Our server was sweet, though. read more

MIXED FEELINGS. When I first started eating here years ago, they had an awesome brunch menu. They had three different choices for avocado salsa. More than any other restaurant I've been to in Boulder, Centro has been constantly changing their menu over the years. Which, on the one hand I appreciate because it shows they're trying to calibrate...but it feels a little less intentional and more dysfunctional than that. I personally disagree with some of the menu changes they've made. And they are one of those places that is not worth the price if you don't hit happy hour. DO try the posole. I noticed that after Santo moved into the area, Centro's menu went a little more New Mexican and they also do posole. It's good and I'd recommend...I love Santo's posole on a good day but it is hit or miss. Centro's was less tomato based and I almost want to say I liked it better. The last time I ate there I got a taco plate. They included a side of hot sauce (a LARGE side), and it was SO HOT. So hot. And I'm not a wimp. I was confused by the amount they provided because I can almost guarantee you that no human is built for that quantity of a hot sauce that was that intense. I was a little annoyed by it frankly because there was no warning. I can't imagine people haven't complained. I've included a photo in hopes that I will save someone from the pain I experienced. read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Was waiting outside for my wife and our drinks on the outside patio. I told them they were or drinks and she looked at me, took them inside and threw them away. Didn't ask us to move them just took them and threw them away including the drink of a 2 year old. How incredibly rude, wouldn't consider eating there read more

Food Was delicious! The service was great. I was in Boulder for the day and stopped in, I will be bringing my family back!

Delicious food! Margarita was awesome! Our waitress Ava was friendly, attentive and very helpful choosing and explaining our apps and entrees. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

We arrived slightly before the noon rush hour and were seated quickly on the patio; the sunshine was irresistible compared to the dark interior of the restaurant. The menu items looked promising and wait service began well... til we didn't order beers or cocktails. Eventually our food order was taken and we found the wait reasonable. Free chips and salsa are provided to help guests bide the time. In the meantime, the number of lunch guests increased. Thankfully, our server let us know the food was on its way. Plating was decent, taste ok but nothing northward toward excellence. Additional details since Bobby Mitchell of the restaurant contacted me to learn more: We visited in mid June, 2019 on a Friday. My husband and I are accustomed to eating at high quality Mexican restaurants. Centro's lunch menu looks very comparable to the menus at those establishments; so kudos to your executive chef! Unfortunately, the salsa was neither flavorful nor spicy. The chicken was basic, barely seasoned and nothing special. I got a jackfruit chorizo taco and snap peas; both commendable vegan options, but flavor and excellence were still elusive or missing. (We typically order margaritas too, but we opted only for ice water that day since we found it unpleasantly hot.) read more

We live about 40 minutes from Centro, so typically go once a year to celebrate my birthday. (In fact we have come here for my birthday the past 5 years!) I am bummed to write this review. Since our last visit the menu has been totally revamped, and not for the better. It felt like I was at a completely different restaurant and I honestly was sad to have to celebrate there. Had we not been a party of 9, I might have left after seeing the new menu. Pros: -The pomegranate margarita was yummy -The waiter was nice -When my steak was overcooked, they quickly fixed it and took it off the bill Cons: -The new menu is lackluster and dishes weren't flavorful or cohesive We might try again for happy hour, but that menu is different too, and many of the things I would have considered a "signature dish" are missing read more

Left very happy after orders of fun dido, guac, shrimp and skirt steak tacos & margaritas, all with wonderful service for my special guests! read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

This was by far worst food we had in Boulder. Server was very fast . Rice cold, terrible cheese enchiladas and sangria totally watered down. Very disappointed. read more

While visiting boulder we wondered in here for dinner on a Tuesday and were sat right away. Our server was very friendly and got everything right. The red sangria was perfect. We ordered guacamole, queso, shrimp tacos, steak tacos, fish tacos and everything was just the right flavor and portion. Tasted very fresh and flavorful. read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Sangria and guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Great place for brunch! I got a vegetarian version of their breakfast burrito and it was delicious. The meat was replaced with a jackfruit "chorizo" witch was really yummy. They have multiple other vegetarian and vegan options for those interested. Our server was very nice and the rest of the staff was very friendly as well. I would highly recommend for those who find them selves on pearl street:) read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

My review is based on the food considering it requires no skill to pour a shot of tequila. We arrived at night with a full restaurant but had reservations and were seated almost as soon as we arrived. Our waiter was new but brought everything out quickly and took our drink orders without delay. We had the queso to start with, which had a good flavor. It was a tad bland for my liking but I did enjoy the depth of flavors. I know that may sound odd, but it did taste good. It just didn't "pop" like I would have expected. More salt and heat would have helped. I ordered the Butterfish Tacos and my friend ordered the Carne Asada atop a black bean puree. The blackened fish tacos were packed with flavor and were difficult to put down. They were a bit messy but what do you expect with soft tacos? The Carne Asada had a good flavor, was tender, and cooked just right. It could have used more heat for my tastes but was good overall. Price wise, Centro is a tad on the high-end and you better pay attention to the receipt versus what is on the drink menu. We had a couple of tequilas that listed for $17 each but were $19 when the bill came. read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Carne Asada - Dinner Menu - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Great food, margs, and service! Our server Kelly was so awesome! Great spot for a perfect taco Tuesday read more

Centro Mexican Kitchen - Dessert heat cocktail and townie beer - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Wow. After we were seated, we waited 45 minutes to get our first beverage. Then we ordered multiple taco plates. You have to assemble your own tacos, and there was no sauce or salsa, no limes, no dressing on cabbage, no taste. I had the fish tacos - my first bite tasted like dirt and bones. I looked at the inside of the fried fish and it was dark grey and completely inedible. Needless to say I left hungry as I no longer trusted anything from this kitchen. To be fair, the drinks and my fish tacos were taken off the bill. But I would never return. I don't know how this place is in business. read more

Pretty dang good! Found this place after a hike at Chautauqua (thanks, Yelp!) and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't completely packed (because Pearl St definitely was). We sat down on their open but heated porch--such a treat for a November day in Colorado--just in time to catch the end of brunch (which goes until 2 pm). There were four in our group and we each ordered drinks--I tried the bloody mary. It was decent, but not my favorite ever. My sister ordered the bloody maria with house infused spicy pepper tequila, which made me wish I was a tequila drinker. The other two in our group ordered The Post Townie Ale in a can and a Corona (always a solid choice). Now for the nosh! I ordered a centro cazuela--a hearty bowl of sweet potato-plantain hash, spinach, two fried eggs, chile rojo, and guac (I had mine without cotija). This was a little on the salty side, but tasty and filling. The rest of the group ordered the breakfast burrito (only $5--such a steal!), the baja fish sandwich, the hash browns, and two of their tacos. I'd have to say the hash browns were the most interesting part of the meal--two scone-shaped cakes doused in green chili and sprinkled with cheese. Their shape made them sort of like getting that perfect corner of the brownie--the crispy edges made them way better than your average hash browns. I was really impressed with their accommodations statement on their menu. They aim to please vegan, raw, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and paleo diets, which is a huge feat. With so many people working with an allergy, sensitivity, or personal choice these days, it's cool to see a restaurant go the extra mile to be inclusive to their diners. Props to you, Centro! read more

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We had regular and apple spice margaritas. Both were very good. Guacamole and chips were delicious. Looking forward to coming back for dinner. read more