I have this weird Pavlovian response to Ranchero music... when I hear it, I instantly crave Mexican food. The Boy and I were driving around taking care of some morning to-dos when a car drove past blaring a traditional Mexican tune. The Boy asked if I wanted to go somewhere for breakfast, and I said, "Yeah, but now that I've heard Ranchero music, there's only one place I want to go." That place? El Tejado, about a 15 mile drive from our house. Shockingly, he agreed, so we beelined it over to our old haunt on South Broadway. This was a Sunday, so the place was hoppin'. Luckily, we seemed to have been spared the normal Mariachi band. I ordered my old usual - Chorizo Ranchero, which I've yet to find at any other Mexican restaurant in Denver. The Boy ordered his favorite - eggs divorciado. They were every bit as good as I remembered and we ate every bite. Turns out sometimes, you CAN go home again! read more

We love this place! Everything I've ever ordered has been delicious, great salsa, solid margs, great service. The place is huge and even when they're super busy we always manage to get seated right away. Definitely recommend for large groups. read more

Food is sooooo good! Never had a meal here i didn't like. Been coming here for 20+ years and it is always so yummy!! Fast and Fantastic Mexican food and the staff is always great too. read more

Food was wonderful, excellent service. My sister and I split the bill. Next morning we found that we had the amount for our bill taken out of our account ( fine) and we each had an extra $20.79 charge taken out as a separate charge as well. When I went to talk to the restaurant about it, they said they couldn't find it and it was my bank's fault, but since my sister banks at a different place than I do, I don't think so. My bank said it will take forever and they aren't sure the restaurant will refund it, my sister filed a dispute. So did I, but because it is a smaller bank, they were not encouraging. I am sad because this is the only restaurant I have found in Denver that has the kind of Mexican food I like. But the manager was not at all interested in helping me so I probably won't go back. read more

This WAS a great place to eat..... now 2 times we are dissatisfied with food quality and poor attitude from the normally friendlay staff. the owner needs to know that things are amiss. make it worth the trip! read more

I found a bug in between my tortillas when I ordered the pozole to go. Effing disgusting. I'll never eat there again.

FINALLY! I rarely give five stars, but for years I have ordered Chili Rellenos the first time I try a New Mexican restaurant in hopes I will find one that makes them as good as my mother did....I have been diligent in my decades long search (30 years) Every restaurant feels they need to smother their peppers in some combo of sauce and cheese. Not El Tejado!!! The Chili Relleno is lightly battered and an equally light fresh sauce garnishes the side and it was so good. (See attached photos) We'll be going back there again and again! read more

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The queso came out cold so we kindly mentioned it to the waiter and asked for something else like guacamole. The waiter never came out with a replacement and when the check came out, our bill still showed the queso. We mentioned the error and the manager Marcos the Narc came out to tell us that they were not taking the queso off. The entire conversation with hotdog head (he's bald) was him blatantly being condescending and implying that we were trying to make out like bandits with the queso priced at $8.95. The food was mediocre, queso tasted like your grannies azz, go down the street to Adelitas and save yourself an argument with a grown a-- man over 8 dollars. The server and the individuals working the establishment were sweet and attentive. Marcos Mr.Subdivision-wide (he's bald) if you're reading this, learn how to communicate. You're single handily the reason, in addition to the disgusting queso for the terrible experience. As petty as this review sounds, we still tipped our waiter 20%. read more

Do NOT eat here!!! They're extremely over-priced!!! I was charged $13 bucks for 3 tacos with Horrible salsa verde! Then I was charge $5 bucks for a side of beans rice!!! Not only that but this place rushes you to order! read more

This place is always on point. Fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas are all bomb. Never left disappointed. They're also still doing takeaway during this C-19 craziness including margaritas! read more

I had driven by this place so many times, but the outside really doesn't do this place justice. And I always wondered why the parking lot is almost always full anywhere close to a mealtime. So we gave it a try today. Please note the parking lot is VERY tight. There's a side parking lot and another lot behind the building. DO not park behind the building unless you want to get blocked in. There are parking spots and a telephone pole in the middle. Park in a couple oversized pickup trucks and you'll need a chainsaw to cut down the phone pole or dynamite to blow up the big ass trucks. Luckily I get a chance to remember the parking situation everyday as I look at my bumper that lost the battle with the pole. Inside is nothing special; just a typical Mexican restaurant decor. The staff was courteous and seated us right away. We were seated for less than one minute and chips & salsa arrived along with waters. Drink order in and delivered and we weren't there more than 5 minutes. The service was prompt yet not pushy as we didn't feel like they were trying to turn the tables. My wife grabbed a margarita and mentioned it was alright. This was a full size margarita that most places charge $7 - $10 or even more, all for $5. I ordered the carnitas tacos and they were delicious. It comes with salsa verde that was sweet with a little heat, pico de gallo that had little bits of jalapeño that was fresh and delicious, and some lettuce. The tacos come on either flour or corn tortillas and are topped with a little onion and cilantro. After my wife's food arrived she commented on how nice the refried beans so I ordered a side as well. Wow so good and a side is enough for two people. The beans are not the healthy no-fat type, know you're getting a good dose of lard with that dish. YUM. The wife had the special - steak fajitas. There was plenty of food for two people with that dish. The fajita meat was a little tough but had good flavor. The onions and green peppers had just enough char to impart flavor while maintaining the sweetness of each. Overall food was good. As far as value - we had food enough for 3 or 4 people and a margarita for $30. That's endless chips & salsa, a margarita, two entrees, and a side for $30! Great service, good food, okay atmosphere, and great value earn a solid 4 stars. Give this place a try if you want to fill up on solid Mexican food. read more

El Tejado Mexican Restaurants - Tacos carnitas with salsa verde. YUM! - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Not to sound like a hipster, but I've been going to this place since before you heard about it. Before the new stone upgrade which seems to kill the cell phone reception inside better than a faraday cage. Before the super saturated paintings with scenes from a mythic Mexico. Before the hot pink geckos were crawling on the walls. Before the bar had a Stella Artois tap and still had a dusty tile faux roof on it. Even before the marlin and parrots and Mexican masks adorned the walls. The decor has changed a lot over the years but the food remains the same. A great spot to stop for a full plate of Mexican standards, lots of combination plates, and thin chips and salsa to devour while you wait (usually only a few minutes) for your hot food. It's always a good sign when you're the only English speaking native in the place, or when there are usually a lot of Cops eating there too. It usually means that you've found the best kept secret in the neighborhood. Now when I go there, it seems like the secret is out. Still hasn't changed the food, though so grab those crispy chile rellanos and tamales and get the sauce hot. read more

Having spent some time in the southwestern US, many Colorado Mexican food just doesn't seem to even get close to matching the flavors of Arizona, New Mexico and California. I swung through this place while down in the University of Denver neighborhood. Was able to catch the tail end of happy hour and they refused to honor for me. Strike 1. Two, I understand that hiring employees from Mexico helps boost the restaurant appeal and "authenticity" but our drink waitress couldn't understand our drink order. Strike 2 I was able to place my order with the second waitress that came out and waited around 20 minutes and the food was ready. They brought out the correct plates for my uncle and cousin but brought out the completely wrong food for me. Strike 3? But Maxwell, why the 4 star rating? The waitress immediately apologized and had my correct meal out in 3 minutes... the "Mexican Steak." A large chunk of carne asada cooked to a tender, melt in your mouth level. It was smothered in pork green chili... incredible! Rice was exactly what I would expect out of Mexican rice, cooked well with plenty of flavor. All in all, the service has room for improvement, but the food is quite good! read more

I actually hesitate to write this review. The people were so nice, and the building was so beautiful, the only thing missing was great food. I just moved to Denver and have been on a quest to find Authentic Mexican food. A good friend suggested this place, but he obviously does not know what I'm looking for. No one here seems to know what a chili Riano is. They wrap in Anaheim chili and cheese inside a tortilla or, God forbid, an egg roll wrap, and deep fry it till it's crispy. Looks just like a chimichanga. Then they pour Colorado's finest green chili over the top, no relleno sauce. Don't get me wrong, it's good. The green chili in Denver is beyond compare. It's just that is not a chili relleno! read more

Yes yes yes. We usually go to adelitas for our fajita fix but someone recommended this place and we're so glad they did!! The shrimp fajitas have not disappointed; my husband and I can share them and an appetizer and be full and happy. And the $5 sangria is delicious We will continue to come back-with fantastic food and great service (thanks, Rudy!!) who wouldn't?? read more

Great family-based authentic Mexican restaurant. 30 years and running. Resilience and flare. The combination Steak/Chicken Fajitas are the best! Great for social-distance take-out meals and sharing with others. I miss not hearing the mariachi band, but love knowing the food will always be delicious. Thanks! read more

We love this place and we drive all the way from Central Park. I like mild but my husband liked hot-hot and we are always very satisfied. We have ordered from all sections of the diverse menu. The prices are reasonable, the decor is nice and the wait staff is attentive and hospitable. Thank goodness this place was recommended to us 12 years ago. read more

Today's service was quite different from previous visits. I like the place and I stop by after a long day at work two to three days out of the week. Today I felt rushed to leave with the ticket and was ignored at the bar for about 18 minutes. I'm not sure why today was any different. I thought I tipped well when I was going. I guess not. I still tipped today, but it was in the form of two cranes made out of a one-dollar bill along with 10 cents. If it's one thing I dislike, it's poor customer service. I won't be in this establishment for quite some time or perhaps never again. I still think the place is great. However, it's not for me. read more

Food is a lot better than the service! If you Go take a little patience with you and definitely try the corn tortillas! Huevos Rancheros are good if you're on a time crunch and are one of our go-to's. They should probably have public wifi as the cell service inside the restaurant is horrible. read more

El Tejado Mexican Restaurants - Huevos Rancheros! Ask for the sliced potatoes or you'll get hash browns. - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Mariachi band on Sundays - oh yeah. Those handsome bastards in charro outfits with all the piping and shiny studs and trumpets. Oh my. They are the firemen of musicians if you ask me. Menudo. It is a real sized bowl, no little micro servings. The broth is rich and beefy, the tripe is abundant and tender and just cooked so perfectly. Very tripey. Nicccceee. The posole is done to perfection. Fresh chopped onions, limes, oregano and red pepper flakes are served on the plate which also holds the bowl of soup. Fresh hot flour tortillas are on the side. This is a fantastic bowl of menudo just like my aunties used to make. The ball-n-chain happily munches the carnitas or breakfast burritos. The chips and salsa are very good - the salsa fresh and the chips are deep fried in house, the only complaint I have is the is salsa is served in a little dainty fluted glass cups and I have always had to ask for more. Salsa deserves a more macho bowl, especially with the Mariachi in the house! Service is pretty good, not really overly friendly but hospitable. You pay at the door and they are always very nice and wish you back. Great place. read more

My wife and I are always looking for our next favorite Mexican restaurant. We just cruised Broadway and stopped in the first place we found. We both enjoyed it. Food was good and served piping hot and very quick though it was obviously cooked to order. As usual we both had green chile smothered chile rellenos. They are offered either traditional soft or crispy. Had the crispy and they were delicious. Green chile was also excellent being neither too mild nor too spicy. We will return to sample more of the menu. Oh, ice cold beer too! read more

Ever been really hungry and craving a nice medium rare steak? Sitting there in the restaurant, smelling the food coming out around you, salivating at the aromas of delicious Mexican food. Cool, same here. So that's where my friend was tonight when we rolled into one of my favorite restaurants. The night started out fine. So when my friend ordered a medium rare steak, she was expecting exactly that. What arrived was not nearly medium rare. In fact, the only rare thing about that steak is that the dry, dessicated, tough piece of meat would have been quite at home in the depths of a Mayan pyramid shrine. When Alejandra, the server, dropped the food off, she literally dropped it off and ran. When my friend realized she needed a knife to eat the steak, Alejandra was nowhere to be found. For minutes. When she finally appeared and we raised our concerns, she looked at the plate of a steak torn apart by hand to try and find an edible piece, and said "well, it's mostly eaten, so I don't know what we can do." I should bring up at this point, that my friend is not a pterodactyl. We then asked for a manager, to which Alejandra said "you can talk to him on the way out." in other words, she expected us to pay full price and leave her a tip before talking to the manager. In the end, only at our insistence, a "manager" came around and didn't do much better. In the end, no apologies were offered and the only consideration that was made was that my friend got the "police discount" - about 30% off. So sad to say goodbye to you El Tejado. Looks like I'm only eating Tacos Rapidos until El Tepehuan reopens. read more

Been eating here for 15 years and today is the last time. Service was sub par, and the portion size is about two thirds what it used to be. Upon exiting after paying I was asked by the hostess how our visit was. I told her it wasn't nearly as good as it's always been. I asked her if there was new management or or ownership and she hesitantly replied "yes". Sad to see such an old favorite fall so short. read more

A couple friends recommended this place on south Broadway and a couple more friends knew of the recommendation and endorsed the recommendation. Put simply, El Tejado's is old school and is an historic establishment of Denver with some great Mexican food. First off, the parking lot was packed, good sign. The wait staff barely spoke English, even better sign. The menus had things I've never heard of, five stars. I had some pork and some xangos and some sopapillas and some fajitas. And then I totally had to work out the next day. But all of it was quality Mexican food and affordable prices and large quantities. This may be my new go to Mexican restaurant. read more

Love this place. My favorite Mexican restaurant in Denver. The staff is very friendly and the food is fantastic if you're looking for more authentic Mexican. read more

There are so many Mexican restaurants in Denver and environs it's hard to figure out why you'd drive a couple of extra miles to one. But El Tejado used to be that good, with great service, solid food and a friendly and hospitable atmosphere. Not so much anymore. The previous owner apparently sold it to his kids. The food quality is down, the service isn't as welcoming or attentive, and it's just not what it was in the past. It's still a pretty restaurant once you get in doors (the exterior is less than a vision, but it never has been). They do have a really good selection of tequilas. read more

One of the best Mexican places we've had in Denver. We were at a nearby hospital looking for good food. Definitely did not disappoint. We actually ate there twice it was so good! We had a little bit of everything: burritos, fajitas, combo plates and the best Queso. Definitely will be back if in the area. read more

There food is really quite good. I would give them 5 stars but they removed ALL of their combination plates and only serve a la carte. $18 for three items with no rice, no beans, no garnish etc is just crazy. That same money will buy you a combination plate and maybe even a cheap bear at nearly every other Mexican restaurant in Denver. read more

This place keeps getting better, I cant believe it has taken me this long to get the oysters and best flan I've ever had. Great crispy Carnitas tacos! read more

Whenever we have a hankering for some authentic Mexican food, this is the no-brainer destination. El Tejado is small and not ostentatious in its ambience and presentation, but who cares? I adore enchiladas and these guys can deliver, piping hot and flavorful, to my booth within 10 minutes of ordering. The staff is quick and capable and always very pleasant whether serving us as a couple on a date or when we have our 2-yr old in tow. I haven't had a margarita there in a while (pregnant until November 2008), but I'll post back once I've sampled one. Hmmm, I think I have a hankering for enchiladas right now! read more

Pretty decent food. Service was great and the portions were great. The salsa was delicious and they have many yummy margarita options. Loved the atmosphere and was happy with the experience over all. It didn't blow my mind but they can hold their own for a Mexican restaurant in Denver! read more

I avoided this place in years gone by because the taxidermy filled walls made me sick to my stomach. Losing you appetite in a restaurant is obviously not optimal. However, my friend asked to go there for her birthday, and I was DELIGHTED to see that they had redecorated at some point. The place looks great now with nice stone walls and non-taxidermy decor. Now that I could maintain my appetite, I was also delighted by the food, and super pleased with the fact that they offered a vegetarian green chile choice available on all entrees. I have been back several times since my friend's birthday, and my order has always been correct, and the service has always been good. I will definitely continue to visit. read more

Well the visit started off bad. We were seated and a whole fifteen minutes later someone came over and finally took our drink order. Additional ten minutes waitress came back and finally took our orders!! The food came out quickly so that's one good thing! I ordered the carnitas with flour tortillas and my wife ordered the chicken chimichangas. My plate came out with no tortillas and I asked the waitress for a few flour tortillas. Half way through my meal the waitress came back with my container of tortillas. I opened the container and I had a few cold corn tortillas. Unfortunately the waitress did not come back the entire time to tell her about the tortilla and about out empty drink glasses. Food had no flavor and the rice was very hard and super dry. read more

El Tejado Mexican Restaurants - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

This has been my favorite mexican restaurant for the last 15 years! Had the steak and shrimp and I have to admit it was not as awesome as it usually was, but I hope that was a one time issue. Still very good. Usually alternate between the steak and shrimp, carnitas or shrimp cocktail, as they are all the best I have had. Servicce was great as usual. Usually I would rate 5 stars, have not been here for a while and hope that next time we are back to 5 star quality. read more

Just moved into the neighborhood and remember eating here 15 years ago and loving it. Boy have things changed. Been twice, but that's it. No more wasted money here. Anyone who thinks this place is "delicious," likes overpaying for cheeeeeeeap gringo Mex. Combination plates run on average $9-12 and feature flavorless beans, out-of-the-box tostada and taco shells, out of the freezer rellenos and out of the bag shredded iceburg lettuce. The salsa tastes like tomato sauce and tobasco, with some chopped onions thrown in. The chips are out of a box. The green chile is flour-thickened Mex gravy, yuck. Very disappointing. read more

Well it was good while it lasted... after El Tejado's recent renovations I figured the prices would increase. However, we came in to a whole new menu where all of the prices are $2-$3 more an entree. Also they are now charging $1 for cheese on top of a smothered burrito.. uh excuse me? Isn't this part of having the burrito smothered? And a burrito that was $6.50 previously,is now $10.50, FOR THE SAME SMALL BURRITO. They have done away with nightly specials which is also highly disappointing. El Tejado used to be a weekly stop for us and now I don't plan on ever going back. I will stick to other Mexican food restaurants that offer better food and portions for a better price. read more

Incredible authentic Mexican/Tex Mex food. Although I grew up in Denver, I spent the last 7 years in Texas. After moving back, I found it super hard to find really good Mexican and TexMex food. El Tejado then entered my life and I am so happy to have it. This food is delicious, the staff is so sweet, the portions are huge. I believe they are doing to go orders during COVID19, so please make sure to support them!!! read more

This is my FAVORITE mexican restaurant in Colorado. I've been coming here for years with my family. The salsa is amazing! ..which is how you always know the food is going to be good! I religiously order the shredded beef chimichangas here and its 1 of the most heavenly things i have ever put in my mouth. Great, fast, friendly service. Priced perfectly! Awesome music, awesome food.. what more do you need?!? read more

El Tejado...why do you make me come back weekend after weekend for your amazing Sunday breakfast that we just can't get in the burbs!? We've been coming to El Tejado for a few years after discovering them one evening while driving along S. Broadway. Living in Parker there is no one that does a solid Mexican breakfast so we pack up the car and drive to El Tejado. We are always promptly sat either in the main dining room or the side dining room if they are busy and chips and salsa are on the table immediately following. The service is always great even if it's one person to seat you, one person to take your order and one to bring you the check, but who cares...I'm here for the food! My fav breakfast dish is the Huevos al Albanil, which is two eggs scrambled with onions and smothered in our special flavored tomato salsa - topped with cotija cheese. Served with beans, rice, and corn tortillas. A SOLID plate of food every week and the full basket of corn tortillas to scoop it all up with are just perfect. For those that don't want to get blasted by the Mariachi band on Sundays, get there before 11AM and you'll be just fine. With a full bar the bloody mary's are awesome and a gathering of folks taking in an assortment of Mexican and Domestic brews....they are keeping customers well hydrated. I see no reason we won't be back again this weekend. read more

Stopped in for a light dinner with 2 friends as we got to Denver a bit early for a show at the Swallow Hill Music Hall. It's an easy little walk across Broadway and a bit North from there. The vegetarian green chile was excellent. If I had it to do again, I'd order just a bowl of that green chile and a few tortillas. The relleno, although decent, was unneccessary in the grand scheme of things. My dining companions enjoyed their food. The staff here was kind, patient, and accomodating despite the slightly high-maintenance requests from our table. I would definitely return here if I'm in the neighborhood again. Nice place. read more