Hot damn this place was good. Well what I had anyway. I'd never been but I was visiting my brother and he said this place was one of his favorites since it had tasty food. He was right! I didn't mind the service, didn't have any issues with not being doted on. There's a crowd! Also they didn't laugh at me when I went through the revolving door twice because I love them so much and never get to use one. I didn't see the drink menu but my brother ordered the big margarita. I said "Same" in my ignorance. He didn't tell me how big these things are! I'm not even sure of how many ounces are in them but they are comically large and enough for 2 people...or just one girl who is trying to kick off her little vacation right. I don't remember if it's 20 or 22 bucks but it was suitably strong, had a properly salted rim, and I got to look like a big boozer on FB and IG. Worth it! The menu is huge but it's not as descriptive with the meat as my San Diego Mexican food spots. I wanted something new for me so I went with a molcajete. The Tapatio one to be exact. What's that? "Molcajetes come with your meat of choice, chorizo, monterrey cheese, grilled onions, radishes, peppers, jalapenos, and special house salsa. Side of guacmole, Pico de Gallo, cheese, beans, and sour cream. $28.95 for the Adobada (marinated pork), steak, chicken, and 4 shrimp." Was it worth it? Oh yeah! It was amazing. Except the whole jalapeno. Do NOT bite into that. Agony! But the meats were tender and since they serve these with corn and flour tortillas you make yourself some meat and onion/pepper slice tacos loaded with your cheese and guacamole sides. The shrimp tacos weren't nearly as impressive but servicable. We also had the queso for an appetizer which was decidedly velveeta like, but hey I'm never going to turn down melty cheese-like products and tortilla chips. I'd go back to El Tapatio if I was in town. Maybe I'd get a smaller drink. Maybe I'd try a different appetizer. But I'm definitely getting another Tapatio molcajete. read more

See all

Great food service and ambiance. Went in for my hour dinner break was in and out in 35 minutes. The vegetarian burrito was great. Very good salsa! read more

El Tapatios website states that they close at 10 pm on Sundays . We drove from Westminster to Arvada and we were told they close it was 8:56 pm . We watched 2 other families get turned away also. One family parked next to us said they came from far as well. Please update the time on your website online . read more

I came in at 2pm on a Sat since I had a two hour wait at discount tire down the street. There was a lot of seating available. The hostess was polite and accommodated my request to sit outside even asking if I would like to be in the sun or shade. My server Blas was very attentive and on the spot with chips and drinks and food. Medium house marg was much bigger than expected and delivered a punch. Good bang for your buck. I cant imagine how big a large is. Food was pretty standard faire for a Mexican restaurant. I got a smothered shredded beef burrito with beans and rice. The green chili was flavorful but quite mild and could have used some more heat. I didnt expect much from a chain restaurant but everything was pretty good and I will return. read more

The restaurant personal were all great! the Hostess, the Wait staff, were all excellant! I ordered a Mexican Hamburger, and a Chili Relleno, The Chile Relleno was delicious but The Mexican Hamburger, I think, didn't have enough spice! Maybe it was just me! read more

had a few crappy house margs that made me wheeze - figured out top shelf skinny worked until 1st week april 2024. Got poisoned by either dirty margs or food but here I am April 20 still stomach sick. Eaten and tipped well here for 15 years. Never again. Sad. read more

Sometime back I ate at the location at Flatirons and it was actually quite good (I had simple chicken enchiladas). But this time I was at the Arvada location, and I just hafta say that I was disappointed. I ordered Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, shrimp cooked in garlic sauce. Well, I don't know if it was cooked in garlic sauce, but it was certainly accompanied by a cup of melted something, with garlic at the bottom, so virtually inaccessible. The worst thing was that while visually stunning, the shrimp were not peeled, so I so had to peel each one by hand, while my tablemates were enjoying their delicious entrees. It was accompanied by two little slices of avocado and a slice of tomato. Toast took up the other half of the plate. Did I say I was disappointed? It was just a fail. I wish that I had ordered something else. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

We had lunch and an excellent experience. We ordered from the restaurants specialties menu 1. Carne adobada plate 2. The Friday steak special plate Both meals we plentiful and delicious and we counted not pick which was the best - it was a tie! The staff was super helpful and friendly. Several tables we seated while we were waiting for our food and the staff was delightful to all - we almost didn't come in because someone reviewed the staff as bad - I call bs. Our food cane out quickly and our drinks were refilled in a timely manner. We are coming back and next time I am looking at there seafood cocktails. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

See all

Ordered a pickup order for a few people and tipped 20%. The chips and salsa wasn't included with our order which happens, so we called and asked to have this removed from our order. Was told over the phone that they're not responsible for anything as it's an online order. They encouraged us to drive back and ask for our salsa we already paid 6 dollars for. Just terrible customer service and ridiculous attitude over the phone. I guess people should just untie the bags and verify El Tapatio is not stealing from you. Wish I could do zero stars read more

The place here is very clean and the staff was nice. I recommend do not get that much food. I order a taco and it was 8. I shared with my stepdad. Now I'm going give you the reason WHY I gave 3 stars. I saved the food and decide to take it home and eat it for the next day. When I did I decide to have the salsa and the chips. A few minutes after my stomach started to hurt. Same with the food I had while I was there but I thought it was because I was full and I ate something earlier. I also got a nasty after taste from the chips & salsa. I honestly wanted to eat more but I had to stop cause it was hurting that bad. read more

http://via.kdvr.com/dB0UM Restaurant Report Card: Cockroaches crawling on prep line at 'F' establishment in Arvada. MIND BLOWN: HOW IN THE HELL IS EL TAPATIO STILL OPEN? There are 6 of these in Denver, and they all have 3 stars or less on every ratings site. Some have much less. I have been to 2 (The second one was against my will for a meeting). This has to be literally worse than Taco Bell. They have ALL had health inspection issues (public record if you research it). read more

This place is lit. The service is great. Honestly, you should come here and if you do come here you should ask for Oreana or your missing out read more

Food is bland, service was not good. Would not recommend to anyone looking for authentic Mexican food. read more

Might be a good gathering place for drinks and snacks, but don't order any food. My first time litmus test for Mexican fare is a chile relleno plate and El Tapatio did not deliver. read more

My family have been coming to the Arvada restaurant for years, but the last couple of times have gone downhill. I took my elderly mother Saturday evening as she loves this place and Mexican food, but were sorely disappointed. The new menus no longer have combinations. The service was sorely lacking - I nearly had to tackle a waiter to get refills of iced tea and water. I ordered chicken and steak fajitas but only received steak. When I asked about it, I was ignored. I waited over 15 minutes for someone to take our card to pay the tab, and running out of patience, finally walked up to the bar to pay the tab. Sadly, my 88 year old mother said she will be searching for a new go to Mexican restaurant. read more

We've been wanting to try this place for years and unfortunately we did last night. Completely disappointed with the food and service. The chips tasted stale to start with. We had to ask our waiter about 4 times for our order of queso. My daughter got the soft tacos which tasted like dog food. Literally. Can get better ones at Casa Bonita. The chimichanga was more flour tortilla than anything- and who puts beans in them? The green chilli was gross. The best was the bottle of beer and sopapilla. Would never recommend it. Sorry. read more

This was the worst mexican food restaurant that I've ate at. Service was only thing that was outstanding. There was 7 family members present, the bill was over $145.00. They charged us for refill of a coke, charged for cheese on my burrito, $14.00 for a margarita and so on. I'm from Arizona and know what mexican food should taste like. Tacos didn't even taste like a taco, enchiladas had no taste at all. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, go to Taco Bell instead and way cheaper. read more

Best of this chain in Colorado w all the NFL games on! Best coin margarita and Carne Asada in or around Denver, trust me I've tried just about all of them... I like mine rare w all beans cuz yeah the beans are delicious and I love protein! I've had a lot of food here, mostly all good but this is the bestest. read more

El Tapatio - REAL CARNE ASADA! - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

See all

I was craving cheese enchiladas. Went to El Tapatio. The cheese enchiladas were just OK. They were hot, cheesy. The sauce was lacking good flavor. The beans and rice were decent. Warning: when ordering cheese enchiladas, I was asked if I wanted Onions. I was thinking that perhaps some people don't like onions and the server was clarifying. I said yes, because all cheese enchiladas have onions. Get the bill and there was a $0.75 up charge for onions. Buyer beware. read more

Welcome to Bennigans! I mean, el Tapatio ! So this was my first time here. This was an old bennigans restaurant. The changeover was something. The whole place seemed to scream bennigans at me and made me really confused I wanted to order fish n chips instead of a Mexican combo meal. Anywho... the food is just meh. Beans are gross don't get those. There wasn't really any flavor to any of the meals. The wait staff seemed... a bit... grouchy, just subtle but grouchy. There is good news ... the prices! The prices are pretty good when compared to like a 3 margs or whatnot. I probably won't be back unless it changes back to bennigans in a magic trick. Instead I'll be across the street at chipotle. Thanks! read more

See all

My hubs and I are guilty of having a love affair with Mexican food ! I love my crispy chili rellenos. Whenever we really want cheese and grease we come to this place . Ok so the people working here are not friendly usually, but they keep the chips coming and the soda flowing !! The food comes out fast and hot . Cheese melted and crisp rellenos , yum My mouth is watering and my tummy hurting thinking about it , lol . Not sure what else I got for this except we will be back ! Thanks read more

Toddler taco tour 2019 stop number 10! Not my favorite thus far... The service was actually awesome, Alejandro was amazing with my two year old. Very unfortunate that the tacos were subpar and the kids meal was not very good. I will give them one star for great service and one star for having dos Equis lager on draft, very frequently having dos Equis lager on draft warrants two Stars but the food subtracted from that. I feel like this place gets a lot of business because it is on a busy part of Wadsworth, but there are many other places I would recommend first, sorry El tapatio! read more

First off salsa was very good. Happy hour drink prices were also good. Tried cheese enchiladas, tamales, crispy chile releno, beans , & rice. All we're excellent. The green chile topping on the tamale was bit quite hot though, great for me, but most couldn't handle it. Service was fast and very attentive. Honestly better than I thought it would be in a Chili's like suburban building. read more

The food was great but the service was bad the lady kind of throw are plates on the table hard didn't ask us if we need any thing never came and check on us the table next to us had a guy waiter they got refills and check on and finally I ask the guy for the check and the lady finally came back with the ticket and the guy got the plates. When we first got there we were the only ones sitting in are area by the time we left there was like 4 tables in total being served so i don't if it's the lady having a bad day or still learning. If you can get the food Togo and avoid the bad service do it the food was great service was bad read more

It's a sad day when the mixed drink you order is better than any food item you ordered. Seriously, boxed taco shells and tostada shells? Overpriced and flavorless is the bottom line. read more

See all

We haven't been here for a few years but our dinner was still delicious. I had chicken enchiladas and a taco. Mom had chicken nachos and a peach margarita ! The servings were large and the salsa was superbly spicy . It has a charming Mexican decor and very good service. They have a large menu selection. A great place for family or friends. read more

Service great. Seasoning on food great. Drinks great. Over all, no complaints. Everything great, nice and yum yum

Service is the one good thing I can say except I was brought the wrong vino. Food was wretched. Had a chicken and bean burrito. Chicken tasted boiled and gross. Beans lacked flavor. Salsa was super salty and yuck! Carne asada lacked any flavor. Just go anywhere else. read more

Food is good. Service is good. They've started charging for extra chips which is kinda disappointing if you have four people in your party and they go quick. Other than that. Place isn't bad read more

How do you screw up a silver coin margarita? Ohh yeah u add a bunch of junk and not use Cointreau. (Which the margarita is actually named after!) FYI - silver tequila, Cointreau, lime juice. Silver, Coin, Margarita; three ingredients. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

We came here a few months back and did a Togo and it took almost 30 mins to get just chips and salsa We tried again today by going in and sitting down and this time our meals came out very very fast and we never had to ask for drink refills. We still had issues though. We asked for chips and salsa twice from two different men and never received them and finely gave up and asked for boxes to take our food togo. When we got the check I noticed the guy kept our change. It's not the fact that it was only 47cents it's the fact that he kept it so we did not leave him a tip. Figured he could keep the change as a tip if he wanted it that bad. Also when I ordered my nacho supreme I expected it to be large but it was all spread out to look big but it literally had 11 chips on the plate! That is not a supreme! I get more at taco bell lol So on that we will Not be giving this place another shot. read more

Horrible service. they got my food wrong and came back with the same order. They gave me horrible attitude . Ill never be coming her again

We've been to many of your locations, And the one in Arvada is by far the best. The staff is excellent, The food is always fresh, The restaurants always clean, Bathrooms are spotless, The salsa rock, Good chips they are always fresh, We will definitely be back. read more

I have been to the El Tapatio location in Littleton and my experience there was superb due to the delicious Chimichanga that I ordered. So, I went to this location since it's closer to my house because I couldn't stop thinking about the bussin chimichanga and I wanted it again. However, my chimichanga from this location was not even close to the yummy deliciousness I fell in love with at the other location. I was heartbroken and very let down. Now I know that I will need to drive the extra bit to the Littleton location...but it's worth it. read more

Quite a disgusting place. My boyfriend called it a glamorized Taco Bell. Although we did not have high expectations given the terrible reviews, this place managed to even disappoint our already ridiculously low expectations. I have never had stale worm corn chips in my entire life. Yup, stale warm corn chips. It's beyond my comprehension how El Tapatio, given the high volume of customers, manages not to have fresh corn chips. Heck, even if I leave a bag of store bought corn chips out for 2 months they still don't taste nearly as bad. Now what's the best way to cover up the staleness of the chips? That's right, warm them up. Unfortunately, this created quite a nasty combination. The salsa that comes with the chips is equally gross. The house margarita tasted like a terrible cheap, high corn fructose loaded mix with a splash of tequila. Now lets move on to our entrees. IMHO chimichanga should be crispy. Our chimichanga was mildly warmed up in the frying pan and covered in green chili. Green chili was probably the only edible thing in the whole dish. The ground beef was a bit questionable. No wait, I questioned its origin and quality a lot. The 15 dollar mixed seafood cocktail was gross at best (vuelve a la vida). Yeah, what did I expect? They did have a lot of seafood dishes on the menu, so I assumed it was going to be decent. The tomato sauce tasted rancid. The scallops were not even cooked, oysters tasted like they came straight from a 10 year old can. The shrimps were okish. Oh well, here is what we get for not listening to Yelpers! read more

El Tapatio - Seafood cocktail - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

See all

12/09/2011 Down to 2 stars from me. Our service was slow and indifferent. You know how sometimes you get the feeling that your mere presence as a customer has ruined their day? My daughter asked for some extra lettuce and they charged us $1 for a small portion of shredded lettuce. In my opinion, when Dad is drinking the high-margin beer, you don't charge for a smidgen of lettuce. It is not the $1, it is the principle. I went outside the envelope and order a burger medium rare. It came that way with a huge amount of crisp fries. 11/28/2011 If Mexican-Americans decided to re-create Chili's Grill & Bar Restaurant, this would be it. Large bar and cutesy photos from Mexico instead of Texas. I ate the bean burrito with chicarron on top. It was OK. The service was pleasant. read more

See all

Not good. I went in there for Drinks and Appetizers and the service was terrible. No Hello, Thank You or even a smile. There are alot of places to wine and dine in Arvada and if the owner cares about his staff and business he or she will train the staff to treat people with respect and dignity. If I ever go back I will expect nothing but. I hope things do get better at this location. I was going to bring my business clients there but now???? read more

El Tapatio is what La Fonda, Holly Inn etc, ought to be. Yes, it's like the Tex-Mex version of Chili's (okay, full disclosure here - I like Chili's). It's contrived but I can forgive that because the food is very, very good. My standard Mexican test is a smothered bean burrito and El Tapatio gets a solid B+/A-. It's the right size, the beans are flavorful and it's smothered in spicy, well seasoned green chili. I've been there twice and had a great experience both times. read more

El Tapatio - Smothered bean burrito - Mexican Near Me - Arvada, Colorado

This place was awesome. The chips are thin and crispy with just the right amount it salt. The salsa had the perfect level of spice and a earthy depth of flavor. I had the burrito lunch special that come with one chicken and one beef and are smothered in green chili sauce. It was great to dip my chips in this. I was craving a meal like this and was very happy with everything. read more

See all

Would give 0 stars if I could. So I decided to try a new place in my area and all I have to say is the salsa and queso are the best things I got. The salsa and chips are free when you dine in, better fill up on that because you will be disappointed. I got the Rod jr burrito it was awful no flavor just mushy rice and the chicken was bad. I got many hard pieces of I don't know what, from the chicken. The burrito also had the after taste of old grease. The waiters were nice but only came to the table to give us our food then we didn't see them till the bill came. Honestly I would only go back here for the queso and salsa so not worth it. The bill was 48$ definitely not worth it. Save your time and taste buds. read more