I haven't written a Yelp review in a while, but Luchador absolutely earned one. I was in Denver with a group of friends and colleagues for just one tonight and asked our server, Rita, a simple question: "If this was our only meal in Denver, what should we order?" She smiled and said, "I've got you." And she absolutely did. Rita wasn't just our hostess and waitress, she was our guide through what turned out to be one of the best modern Mexican meals I've had in a long time. The highlights were unforgettable. The beef cheek tacos were melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavorful. The ribeye taco was perfectly cooked and incredibly satisfying. The fish taco was fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced. And the chicharrón was an unexpected standout... crispy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating. Every dish was thoughtfully plated, every recommendation hit the mark. Think traditional Mexican, combined with a little Peruvian influence and a modern twist. What elevated the evening even more was Rita's hospitality. She made us feel like regulars, confidently steered us through the menu, and genuinely cared that we had an exceptional experience. She had incredible passion! Looking around the table, everyone was sharing bites, talking about their favorites, and already planning what they'd order next time. If this restaurant doesn't already have a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it deserves to be in the conversation. The combination of exceptional food, warm hospitality, and outstanding value is exactly what makes places like this so memorable. If you're in Denver, even if it's just for one night, put Luchador at the top of your list. Ask for Rita, trust her recommendations, and enjoy one of the best meals the city has to offer. I will absolutely be back. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Ribeye Taco - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Came here for a women's dinner after setting up a menu with Chef Z! It's a small but super cozy and artistic with gorgeous pictures on the walls. We were able to try so many different menu items and they were all delicious. The churros, shrimp and of course the Birria tacos were my favorite. So flavorful and juicy. Chef Z was checking on us and also cooking all the food. He was awesome running around and super hands on. All 10 of the women loved their drinks and food many saying they want to come back and it was a great find. Same goes for me! I would love to try a few other menu items. Overall 4.5/5 stars!! read more

Yum. Absolutely worth the visit and I'm only sorry we waited so long to go. We met up with a friend for a Mich needed catch up. We all ordered tacos - I went with rib eye, my husband opted for lengua (absolutely delicious) and a Baja fish taco and our friend went for a pork and rib eye taco. I also opted for the mushroom and polenta dish with goat cheese. The tacos are incredible. I would order two or three next time. Very well done in every aspect. The mushroom dish was also very good. Service was fast and friendly and I'd absolutely go back. read more

We went to Luchador with some friends on Fri night and it was so delicious! We started with guac, salsa, and shrimp causa. We're from Texas originally so guac and salsa is the baseline measurement we use for comparison and this guac was some of the best I've ever had. The salsa was also really flavorful, I just wish they gave you more. The shrimp causa is a Peruvian dish and it was also very good. For entrees, my husband and I split the chicken enmoladas, the rib eye taco, and the cochinita pibil taco. The enmoladas definitely stole the show! The two sauces were incredible and it was just so flavorful. The rib eye taco was good but probably my least favorite; it just needed something extra. Our friends got the pastor tacos and the pescadilla; and raved about the pescadilla. So I think next time we will stick to the plates vs tacos, but everything was so good! read more

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This has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. Small, friendly and a little quirky with really good shareable plates! We take all of our out of town guests here. We've probably tried everything on the menu, but the shrimp causa is always a stand out (make sure to order chips on the side). Also would recommend the hamachi tiradito, the cachete de res (this changed my opinion on mole), the lamb, and of course the churros. read more

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The chef started with a food truck and opened the restaurant just over a year ago. 5280 Magazine included Luchador in this year's list of the 25 Best Restaurants, so we had to give it a try. The space is tiny with seating for 30 plus a couple of stools at a small bar in the rear. Reservations are available and I'd strongly suggest making one. A couple of walk-ins arrived during our meal and they had a long wait. All of the tables appeared to be fully booked. There was only one server, although one of the chefs popped out from time-to-time to deliver dishes and to help clear tables. The server was harried, but took his time with each customer and was very professional, organized, and efficient. There's a Happy Hour Wednesday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with various drink specials and six fairly substantial food selections. There are also shareable small plates on the main menu, but the focus is mainly tacos. Three large plates feature fish, lamb, and beef. We started with house margaritas and guacamole. The margaritas came out too quickly to have been made from scratch. I did not care for mine as it was weak and not fresh-tasting. The guacamole serving was pretty with perhaps a Peruvian slant, but had too much lime for my taste. The homemade chips were a bit thicker than the usual, but crispy and delicious. We skipped the tacos and shared the Branzino (European sea bass). This was perfectly cooked and very flavorful with salsa macha (chilies and garlic) aioli, aji verde (Peruvian green sauce), pickled onions, and avocado. The fish came with a plate of tortillas that were drenched in oil and so floppy and slippery that they were almost impossible to pick up. I'm not sure what the kitchen did to these, but they were very unappealing and we received a very stingy portion of three. I really want to give this review three stars. The drinks were poor, the guac was so-so, and the simpliest item, the tortillas, was awful. However, the service was great and the fish was perfectly prepared and delicious, so I'm grudgingly giving four stars. I hope the chef will put some effort into ensuring that the quality of the side items matches the main event in the future. Note that there is a 3.5% surcharge if you wish to use a credit card. read more

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I 100% count this as a hidden diamond in Denver. Tucked back in Whittier, Luchador is only a five minute drive from me and I had no idea it was there. Now I can't wait to go back. From the drinks to the shared plates and entrees to the dessert, I was blown away. The spicy margarita was delicious and our group also enjoyed the nostalgia of having soda in a bottle. Everything we ordered was mouthwatering and I applaud the amount of dill they used - I'm a big dill gal. My highlights of the night were the Crispty Polenta & Mushrooms and the Chicken Enmoladas. The street tacos were also all delicious. For dessert we had the one and only option - churros - and really it's the only option they need. They were fluffy, melty and mind blowing . Aside from the food, our waiter (who I think it was named John) was incredible. He had great banter and made us constantly feel like we were in on a secret. He was a joy and made amazing recommendations. He also helped us figure out a few of the songs that were playing so now I have new music to listen to. Thank you John! Overall, I could not recommend going to the Luchador more. Now that I know this is here, I will definitely be bringing people back on nights out. I also noticed that birria Ramen is on the menu so I will be back to test that out when I need to feel cozy. read more

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Probably the best spot in all of Denver! Cozy restaurant with incredibly helpful and kind servers! The chef even came out to say hi and I could tell he's proud of his work. Seriously one of the best meals I've had in such a long time and I can't wait to go back! read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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The food was fantastic. Get the beef cheek!!! It was so tender and the sauce was perfect. We also got the guacamole and churros and those were delicious as well. I love that they season the tortilla chips. Can't wait to go back. One of my favorite places I've had in Denver. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Cachete de Res - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

A group and I came and had a reservation at a long table. We got there when it opened and it kept getting busier. It seemed like there was only one waiter, John, for the whole restaurant, but you'd never know it based on the level of service. He was great! I had the quesabirria and margarita and thought both were very good. read more

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We ordered catering for our weekly Thursday lunches and decided to try this spot. Overall it was pretty successful. However, some of the labeling of the individual rice bowls was off from the menu. For instance, Pibi was not on any of the labels yet we had multiple people order it. Instead they gave us their other pork. It was rather confusing as we have a group of 45 people. The food arrived luke warm which is pretty common for large catering orders especially since we are located in downtown denver and it takes delivery drivers a while to find a parking spot. Most delivery drivers have the sleeves that keep the food warm but this one did not, nor was the delivery driver prepared to make a large delivery. Overall the food was decent. I ordered the Asada Rice bowl with verde salsa. It was spicy but had good flavor. It came with steak, black beans, rice, guacamole, roasted red tomatoes, pickled onions and melted cheese. I will say that the rice tasted a bit underdone. On the side was homemade chips that were a bit salty. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This place is well worth a repeat and I do not say that very often. Prices more than reasonable. Food excellent, flavorful and well prepared. Our server john loved the food and was just great- he shared his enthusiasm with us. The place is adorable- very Mexico City like with the masks from lucha libre. We want to go back and try more dishes. The chicken enmoladas dish was our favorite. One reviewer said they felt rushed . I hate that feeling in a restaurant but did not feel that at all this evening. Highly recommend! read more

Holy smokes -- Probably the best Mexican I've had in Denver. Food, drinks, ambiance, service (shout out to Eric) -- All 10/10. Don't miss the Shrimp Causa, Quesabirria, or Chicken Enmoladas, or Mezcalrita. Can't wait to work my way through this menu! read more

Really awesome Mexican restaurant in the City Park/Whittier neighborhood. Service and ambiance are 10/10. The pulpo taco, ribeye taco & shrimp causa were the highlights. Good prices and good vibes. Will def be back. read more

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holy sh*t. i am impressed. and i say that as someone who is incredibly particular when it comes to mexican food. our server john was legendary. he was funny, personable, patient, extremely knowledgeable on each dish, and probably could've sold us anything. you can tell when people genuinely love the concept that they work for. first, we had the papas. big pieces of potato, perfectly crispy on the outside, garlicky, green sauce was killer. the hamachi was outstanding. we all thought about putting a straw directly into the sauce. next up, entrees. al pastor was perfectly smokey, proper street tacos, fluffy tortillas, crispy edges, pineapple chunks, yum. pescadilla was like a mahi fish taco and an empanada had a baby. crunchy slaw on top, torched avocado. wow. quesabirria was so cheesy and flavor was spot on. dripping in consome. WOW. and it's also nice to see places actually filling the tacos up with meat. dessert, we had to have the churros. caramel filled? with tres leches mascarpone mousse and pineapple? iconic. the aguas frescas are made in house and absolutely phenomenal too, hibiscus was my favorite. the restaurant itself is tucked away in the whittier neighborhood. unassuming from the outside but electric on the inside. great music. we didn't experience a wait on Saturday night but it is a smaller space, so i could imagine it getting busy. all three of us were blown away by this restaurant and will absolutely be back. price point was also very reasonable for the quality and portions. zero complaints here! thank you luchador!!! read more

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Wow wow wow! This place is absolutely amazing. First, the place is decorated perfectly for the vibe they were going for. The lighting is perfect. The music pulls you right into Mexico. It's incredible. While the place is a little small, it creates a comfortable vibe. The server and chef were absolutely amazing and so kind. They make you feel so comfortable and welcome you to the restaurant. Service was 10/10. The food is the star of the show! Which is hard to say because everything else was incredibly amazing. Get it all. GET. IT. ALL. It was honestly so so so good. We got the pork belly appetizer too, which I didn't get a photo of and it was so good! I highly recommend this place and will be bringing anyone who visits to it. Or coming back alone because it was so good! Side note - you can make reservations online! Definitely check it out! read more

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If you've got the craving to open your tastebuds to flavor profiles you would have never considered complimentary to each other, eat here. John, our server, kept us laughing, gave the best recommendations, and shared all of the history behind the opening of luchador. We had al pastor tacos (9/10), a pescadilla (11/10), and quesabirria tacos (10/10). The Al pastor tacos were pepper forward with buttery tortillas that were lightly crisp at the edges, ya know like real street tacos. THE PESCADILLA, okay so think empanada-y, then kinda samosa-like texture of yummy filling (who knows the recipe...I need it), and THEN add chunks of buttery, flaky, mahi-like fish. All of that in each bite. The quesabirra tacos re-ignited my faith in consome done correctly. Oooey gooey cheesiness, tendor meat, flavorful consome...everything done right. If just want really good dishes packed with flavor, come here. If you don't love food, stay away. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Al pastor tacos Pescadilla Quesabirria - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Wonderful new neighborhood spot! The food was delicious, lots of creative flavors, and the staff was wonderful! Since they're a newer restaurant, they come around with little free samples of other dishes, which was a huge plus and definitely added to our experience -- because who doesn't love samples?? We will certainly be back soon! read more

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I'll get to the point here, Chef Z and his team are slinging fantastic eats, and I have been blown away time and time again. Let's dig in... What I tried: Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with black beans, melted cheese, roasted poblano corn crema, asada, cilantro, onions & guacamole Quesabirria: Melted cheese and beef birria served with consomé, onion & cilantro Pescadilla: A golden, crispy corn masa pocket filled with spiced mahi-mahi, roasted tomato, avocado, morita, aioli & cabbage Chicken Enmoladas: Three house-made corn tortillas filled with roasted chicken, smothered in pipián verde & pasilla adobo, finished with queso fresco, white onion, crema agria & cilantro Luchador Margarita: Lunazul Blanco, Cointreau, cilantro, lime & mint Best bites: No exaggeration, everything was delicious. The quesabirria was fantastic and easily one of my favorites in the city. And if those nachos were the last nachos I ever had, I'd die happy. BUT... the star here? The enmoladas. WOWWOWWOW. This might be the best mole I've ever had. I want to eat them every day. Twice a day. Actually, make it three times. 15/10, no notes. read more

This spot is a fantastic edition to the Denver food scene. It has both more casual Mexican options as well as elevated Latin American cuisine. I visited during happy hour (Wednesday-Friday 5-6pm) for their great food deals like $10 nachos with your choice of meat, $10 birria ramen and $11 quesabirria with consommé. I have also been for their special dia de lost muertos food event which was one of the best meals I have ever had Free street parking right outside of the restaurant. read more

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I haven't experienced the Luchador food truck but I heard it is great so, when I heard they stated a brick and mortar, I had to stop in. We made a reservation which I highly recommend since the restaurant is small. We were greeted immediately upon entering, sat quickly, and received our drinks fast. We ordered the pork belly app which we devoured, it was quite a unique way to experience pork belly. It was a Tuesday so we opted for the taco Tuesday special. Three of the same tacos - we got asada and pastor. Both were delicious and came with sauces/salsa that paired well with both. We couldn't pass up the churro dessert which was the star of the show. They were very hot, so we both burnt out mouths. Leave room for dessert, it was so worth it! We can't wait to come back and try a few other dishes. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We've been to this neighborhood spot a few times and, while the food and drinks are good, you will be rushed. Don't count on being able to order an appetizer, entree, AND dessert. You won't have time before they're trying to shuffle you out the door. read more

This spot just opened in Denver as the permanent location for the popular food truck from Mexican Chef Zuri Resendiz -- former chef de cuisine under Elise Wiggins at Cattivella. It's a fantastic addition to the neighborhood, as well as to the collection of restaurants that I think make Denver a standout for Mexican cuisine. - Fantastic cocktails, from the margaritas to the mezcalritas - Lively atmosphere with friendly service, and a chef you can see coming around yourself - Fantastic upscale tacos like the Pulpo al Pastor (octopus) and Ribeye - The vegetarian Wild Mushrooms & Polenta was a surprising standout - The pork shank fell apart on the plate and was full of flavor (although there's a lot of cumin and maybe even cinnamon -- so just order based on your flavor preferences there) - Love the Peruvian dishes on the menu (chef's wife is Peruvian) -- such as the Hamachi Tiradito and Lomo Saltado read more

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We had the best dinner tonight at El Luchador! From the moment we sat down, the vibe was fun and welcoming. Our server, John, was absolutely fantastic--hilarious, incredibly informative about the menu, and so personable. He truly made the experience memorable. The food was delicious across the board--fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Everything we tried was a hit. We would 10/10 return and can't wait to come back! read more

A friend brought me to Luchador tonight, and it was AMAZING. Some of the best food I've had in Denver. They started us out with a little ceviche taster - delish. The polenta with mushrooms was so good, I almost licked the plate. Then the tongue and ossobuco (both specials on tonight's menu) were likewise top notch. I can even speak highly of the margaritas, which I rarely drink because they're usually too sugary. Then we polished off the meal with the churros...... I'm basically borderline delirious with how good the food was tonight. Cannot recommend enough! read more

Luchador Tacos & More - Ossobuco - special menu item - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Easily my favorite restaurant in Denver. Chef Z and his team have made a wonderful space to enjoy the best Mexican and Latin inspired food. I love that he still offers his incredible tacos (Al pastor is my go to), but also has elevated dishes which are not to be missed. As others have noted, make sure to leave room for the churros. They are amazing. Their curated cocktail menu is also incredible. The restaurant is a neighborhood gem. Street parking is easily available as well as a small lot behind the building. The place is small so reservations are recommended. read more

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This place is awesome. Food is amazing. 3 or 4th visit right now. The house marg is killer. The owner is so friendly and offers a bite of something the second you sit down. Fish, steak, everything has been so good. I can't wait to try everything on the menu. The music is well fitting which i love. I will continue to be a regular. Love the neighborhood type feel, and location. read more

Luchador Tacos & More - House marg - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Casual friendly and lively atmosphere- good drinks and really good food. Highly recommend for Tacos and More!

Two words. Taco. Tuesday. Get the quesabirria tacos with the cinnamony consome, chips and (trio of) salsas. End on a high note with churros. Heavenly, divine churros with whipped cream from heaven. Excellent service. Delicious food. Go now! read more

Stopped by on a Tuesday night for a quick dinner before the show and were very surprised by food quality, variety, taste and presentation. Definitely recommend trying this great mix of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. We will be back for more! read more

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Being super close to where I live I tried really hard to like this place. After some strike outs, I have come to the conclusion this place is just not for me. The food is good, not much variety in flavor profiles but it's tasty. You can taste the dedication in the food but not the quality. It's small so it gets a bit loud, be prepared for the noise level. For me, the deciding factor was how they charge your bill. They add 3.5% to all item prices printed on the menu. When I asked why I was told it was to cover the credit card fee. Annoying but understandable. But after I accepted it and gave them my credit card, they returned having charged an extra 3.5% to the total as well. So they double charged me for the credit card fee!!! I was super annoyed and just accepted it and left never to return. When I got home I realized a critical detail. When charged the original 3.5% up charge, they didn't even know I was paying with a card. Super Shady. I'm over it all. Great potential but poorly managed. read more

The tacos were so tasty! They were unique and flavor packed. A please surprise and deviation from the typical common modern day offerings. Also, the drinks did not disappoint. I had the Oaxacan Old Fashioned and I was in Tranquilo Mode wearing only smiles on my face for the rest of the evening. Saving the best for last was the friendly and attentive service. Thank you! I'll be back! read more

Food was great! Right about of spice, sweetness, and pure tradition. Great vibes all around

Good food and yummy drinks. Awesome service. Ambiance was cool/ everything flowed from the menu to the drinks, to the food.

I am not a street taco lover but these really knocked my socks off. I got the quesabirra tacos which were incredible. My husband got the asada tacos and wow the meat was so flavorful and they might've even beat out my quesabirra tacos-it's close though. This place is cool on the inside but tight in space so try and make a Resy. Will def be coming back here. read more

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Chef Zuri and Chef Sosa are KILLING IT!! As is Zuri's wife who runs the front of the house ;) Finally got to stop in last night and OMG! If you're looking for super authentic Mexican/South American/Latin flavors, Luchador is YOUR SPOT. Of course we got Chef Z's famous pastor and quesabirria tacos - I mean those are staples, every time. But the real winners here are the hamachi crudo and the fish! We've known Chef Z and Chef Sosa for a while now and know how much they care about and respect the food they're cooking and the people they're serving it to - that's why when I say the hamachi was better AND fresher than any sushi you can get here in Denver, BELIEVE ME! Thin succulent slices of beautifully treated hamachi over fresh avocado, paired with what I can only guess is lime juice, a bit of coconut milk, cilantro chili oil and crispy fried pepinos and hominy. Everything about this dish tantalizes your taste buds - from the freshness, to the flavor to the texture. Soooo good - we even drank the broth, it was incredible! Now for the pan seared fish dish. It comes with tortillas so that you can make tacos out of it and let me tell you, that's the move. Pan seared and fresh, topped with blistered baby tomatoes and greens. Chef Z came up with his own version of an amarillo aji sauce (yellow garlic) that he fell in love with during his travels down to South America. It's soooo good and so refined, you'd think it come out of a fine dining kitchen. We can't wait to go back to try the limo saltado and the pork shank! Well done guys! Freaking delicious! read more

Such a gem. The food here is amazing - fresh, beautifully seasoned, and with unique flavor combinations. The service is great - the team is so friendly, engaging and fun. My son loved his cheese quesadilla, and the polenta with mushrooms was bomb. I also enjoy the cilantro flavor of their house margarita - so good. The ambiance is great too - fun music, cozy space. Already been three times, and plan on making it a regular stop for my family and friends! read more

The best meal I've had in Denver. Seriously. We went for the prefix menu on Valentine's Day and after every course we wanted to lick the bowl clean. The chef came to our table after I finished my Lobster Risotto and I told him "I'm just sad it's over". He went to the back and brought me some fresh chips to use on the rest of the sauce. Great service. Great attention to detail. Great food. We will be back. read more

Our first time there and we were very impressed with the food, service, and atmosphere. Highly recommend this restaurant. We will definitely be back! read more

Had a wonderful experience here ! Really enjoyed the traditional tacos and excellent ceviche. The churros are one of the best very traditional brings back memories of homeland read more