We love, love, love El Tapatio. It's in our neighborhood and we can walk to it, so we're there almost weekly. The staff is incredibly kind and accommodating, and the food is always top notch, fresh, and generous. Prices are reasonable. However... At least 80% of our visits are tainted with the *overwhelming* and stomach-turning smell of Fabuloso. It's such a detractor to the rest of the experience -- sometimes we can barely taste our food because of the Fabuloso wafting through the restaurant. They should really wait to clean until after hours -- or at the very least, switch to a different cleaning solution. It's enough to write an entire review on the subject. That said, I'm keeping my rating as 4 stars because we love everything else about this place! read more

I love that they give you chips and salsa to start. Super friendly but almost overly attentive during the meal. The vegetarian burrito was meh. Minimal beans, the red sauce on it was bland, the vegetables were nicely charred. My boyfriend did enjoy his chicken with Mexican potatoes, rice, and beans though. read more

El Tapatio - Vegetarian burrito and chicken with potatoes, onions, rice, and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

The service was extremely fast- free chips and salsa. The enchiladas were $18 which is kind of expensive.. the location was quiet and it was nice and clean in there. The chicken was slightly dry but there was a good amount inside of the enchiladas. I would definitely come back but not the most incredible enchiladas of my life read more

El Tapatio - Enchiladas Suizas Plate - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

Food & service were both total failures here. DO NOT underestimate the other reviews of fabuloso cleaner flavor in the food and overall restaurant. Other locations have not had this issue, in my experience. When the cold and soapy food was brought to the attention of the server, it was simply shrugged off without any attempts of correction. The only reason I am justifying the one star is because the patio ambiance is hard to beat.. but that is based off location and Mountain View's alone. read more

Came for a quick late lunch around 2pm and ordered a margarita flight (banana, watermelon, mango, peach) and egg/cheese/potato burrito. Service was good, waiter had a little trouble understanding our order at first? The flight was okay- I enjoyed banana the most - I don't think I've ever had a banana flavored marg before so that was interesting! The burrito was massive (and our waiter asked if we wanted the small or large and we said small). Flavor wise, it was okay, didn't really pack a punch. The decor here is more traditional feeling, and it's in a good complex near other coffee shops, stores, businesses etc. @azfitfoodfun read more

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Love their Molcajetes. We've had them in different places around town and by far the be read more

El Tapatio - Best Molcajete in town. Just get it. - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

Came in with my family of 5, Attended us immediately and got sat down within seconds entering the restaurant even though it looked full. We got seated and our server was very friendly & patient when we selected our beverages. Looking through the menu, I noticed there were a variety of different foods. All the food sounded appealing from the descriptions. We ordered our food & less than 15 minutes our food arrived. Everything came how we expected and wanted. The food was fantastic & tasty. Whilst eating it was very quiet & we enjoyed eating in peace aswell as others were talking. They had T.Vs running but we're not loud. Our food was fabulous and not pricey for a family of 5. Definitely recommend for family or friends.! Tasty food & it's not pricey. Amazing service. read more

I enjoy their food and fast service! My only complaint is that when you order take out food they do not give you chips and salsa like they do when you dine in. I'm paying the same amount for the food and tipping for my take out. I would be coming in regularly to pick up on my way home if they included chips and salsa with the order. I don't want to be charged for something that's free if I sit down in the restaurant! Ty read more

Camarones El Tapatio was soooo good. This was the special of the day and I'll def be coming back for this one. Cadillac marg was also a hit. read more

El Tapatio - Camarones El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

Excellent food, attentive service and an unbeatable view. Prices are very fair and staff are very kind and welcoming. We're coming back asap!!! read more

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Best fajitas in town! You won't regret adding shrimp. Attentive service. We have been here many times over the years and haven't been disappointed. read more

Good food (as always), nice place, always good experience with employees, been coming here for years read more

El Tapatio - Yum! - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

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Felt like enchiladas for lunch so I decided to try this place out. The service was great. My service was very nice. The enchiladas tasted ok. The beans did not look appetizing. I enjoyed the music as it was not too loud. read more

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Super good food always for a good deal, right by the mountains can't beat it try the fajitas

With the best view in town this place should go bye bye. Sorry but it was just the slowest worst service. Food was dry. Margarita was a neon green disaster. read more

The food and service is exceptional!! We ordered the Molcajete with steak and chicken. It was amazing! Golden Margarita using Herradura tequila was delicious and affordable. Definitely coming back!!! read more

I needed to grab lunch quickly and El Tapatio is near one of my offices. I ordered a chile relleno burrito to go and it was actually pretty tasty. When I arrived although the restaurant was not very busy I waited about a while (over 10 minutes) for someone to take my order. This was a bit frustrating as I need to get back for a meeting. So I would have to say the service was 2 star and the food was 4 star so an average of a 3 star. Perhaps if I go back and get better service I will upgrade the overall rating. read more

When you are headed north on the 6 highway into Golden look to your left up on the hill and you will see El Tapatio. Turn left at Heritage Road. When you go in you will be greeted by a very welcoming staff, authentic music and great art that makes the experience memorable. Let's not forget the food. Everyone had something different and everyone enjoyed their food: Chicken fajitas, Carnitas Burrito El Tapatio Special and many other dishes. Come and try them out; you will have a great time and eat really good Mexican food too!! read more

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Chips were cheap and not tasty, carne adobada was not good, overcooked and flavors were not good. I would not recommend

I see the reviews widely vary on this Mexican restaurant, but everything was great for my first ever visit tonight. I sat on the patio with a beautiful view towards Golden and the foothills. My male server was "Arturo V" and he was great. In addition to him, two other staff members checked on me. They serve breakfast all day and I had the huevos rancheros. My breakfast for dinner was traditional Mexican Green Chile delicious with large portions and really good price for the area. Chips and salsa included and were delivered without asking. read more

El Tapatio - Parking next to the Patio. View from patio. - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

I had to come back and give this place another chance, especially since it's been a few years. I have to say, they have improved so much! They truly have some of the best fajitas I've ever had. The service was excellent and I had a great experience. Their margaritas are delicious and they were even willing to mix flavors (I had mango with strawberry). The food was hot, fresh, and well seasoned. I love how the chips come out warm. The views from the restaurant are gorgeous. The inside is clean and the music is not too loud. It is a great place for families or for a large crowd. I'm glad I gave it another chance! read more

El Tapatio - Chicken fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

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Hey girlies for a cheap Mexican restaurant this was DA BOMBBBBBB (during and after). Food was super deece for like $12. Margaritas were fruity just how I like it ;) The ambiance had a very lovely catholic grandma look too. Love that for them. One of my girlfriends got some carnitas that were more like carniMAS (because moreeee yes please) (mas=more). My carne asada burrito had me and a small village fed for the winter. Service was where this establishment starts losing points. Our waiter or at least what I think was our waiter asked perhaps two dozen times: "are you okay?" Little guy even had the audacity to ask if we were doing okay while we were standing up to leave. THE NERVE! Lesson: hot girls do to go! Anywayyyyy XOXO Ben read more

My favorite Mexican restaurant in golden. Food is always delicious, great atmosphere, and service is outstanding.

First timer at the Golden location. The food was sub par. The entire wait staff congregated around us constantly asking if we were done. The whole time they were yelling loudly in Spanish, going in and out of the patio door. After they cleared the table they all disappeared. We had to hunt down our server for the bill then again to pickup the bill, then again to return our credit card. Oh yeah, I was sick to my stomach for 2 days afterward so good luck if you try this place. read more

I love this place. I get the fajitas and a Cadillac margarita most of the time. The staff is wonderful.

If you're coming for the beautiful patio, don't bother! My family and I specifically came to this restaurant, drove 20 minutes out of our way after an hour drive to come sit outside and eat. It was 4:00pm on a Sunday, and we were told we couldn't eat outside because there weren't enough waiters. I even specifically told the host we came here for that reason. When we were sat, we were two tables from the outside door. It was extremely slow in the restaurant, and you could hear all of them laughing and joking in the back. Zero sense of urgency or customer service. I will never be back. It's no wonder why they had zero service on a beautiful Sunday afternoon! read more

If I could give them a zero, I would. I had a horrible experience on Saturday April 6, 2023 in the early evening hours. 3 of us played golf at Fossil Trace, but decided we wanted Mexican Food and decided to try El Tapatio. Big mistake. We sat at the bar and 2 of the 3 of us ordered drinks. We also ordered food. The food was delivered and then the bar tender disappeared and never came back. I had to go find them to get a refill on my water and to get boxes for our food. We asked to speak to the manager and he was not much nicer than the bartender. I had been told previously from my golf league gals, that the service was bad and the food was just okay. I would not recommend going to this location. read more

My last meal here was very enjoyable. Attentive service, good food, with the patio as a bonus. Tonight: ugh. Something in the food (additive? Preservative?) made me feel gross; my energy tanked mid-meal. Service was meh, though there was plenty of staff around. And the highly chemical smell of the cleaning solvents that were being used added to the sensory overload. The salsa was delicious, and the views are great, but I can't see going back. read more

The cheese enchiladas were not even warm. I ordered a watermelon margarita on the rocks and the brought it frozenthere were so many ice chunks and whole cubes you couldn't even use the straw! And on top of that they put a spicy rim that was gross with the flavor of the margaritado not waste your money or time here. read more

El Tapatio - Frozen margarita all these ice cubes and a spicy rim - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

I haven't really seen too many places with molcajetes on their menu so this place gets an extra star just for having that (and a damn good version of it too). I really don't get all the negative reviews..I have been here a few times now and the service has always been good. Price isnt too expensive either. Sure its not fancy but I would rather get full on reasonably priced good food than spend $40 on three tiny tacos at some trendy spot and then still have to eat later haha! read more

Good was fantastic! Awesome service and the fried ice cream was an added delicious bonus!

The service was incredible. Our waiters were very attentive and friendly. The food was amazing and we felt like we got so much for our money!! We're definitely going back!! read more

My family and I always pass this restaurant since we go to Blackhawk every weekend ! I was honesty not expecting the best due to the reviews. But boy ... this place is delicious . I am Mexican and can definitely say this place is authentic . My husband loved his mixed cóctel de camarón y pulpo, ceviche and i got the large house Margarita yes it's for sure a shareable it's HUGE! I ate the mojarra mixta it was delicious. Beautiful breath taking view to eat outdoors! great service from the GM TONY! Thank you will be coming back !! read more

El Tapatio - a bowl of soup and a drink - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

Good food, muy bueno, el yum yum , bonito enchiladas , la lady is muy eh-nice . .....

My daughter took me here for lunch today. My smothered burrito was horrible tasting. I took 3 bites and didn't eat any more. My daughter liked her food. I will not go back or recommend it. read more

As Alissa R. reminded me upon my check in here, a 2.5 star rating can be a bit scary, but I just had to try it. I often crave fish tacos. It's not a normal crave. It's an 'I absolutely need them and nothing will stop me until I've found some' crave. So making our rounds through Golden, we decided to try the fish tacos here. From 6th street there's a big sign that says "best seafood in town".. OK, that's one opinion, absolutely not mine... We were greeted with fresh warm crunchy tortilla chips and spicy salsa that I couldn't stop shoveling down my gullet. The roof of my mouth was scarred from this episode for a few days, but generally worth it. Of course I ordered my fish tacos. I was being optimistic. The 3 corn tortillas with heaping piles of fish was anticlimactic. Definitely not the best seafood in town. The seasoning was tasty, the fish chunks were big, but it was hard to tell it was fish and more like lumps of mush... Going with our servers recommendation, we also got the carnitas plate. This was hit and miss. You're asking yourself "how can 1 plate be hit or miss?" Well some parts were juicy. Some parts were dry. Mix it together and you have hit or miss. The pico de gallo for both dishes comprised of a sad soggy tomatoes. The beers were generous and served in fun mugs. El Tapatio resides on a hill and it doesn't feel like Golden. So for kicks, I imagine myself coming back to this 2.5 star joint only for HH priced drinks (margs and beer) and maybe some chips and guac, while pretending I'm the Queen of Golden. Or at least Queen of that little hill. read more

El Tapatio - Carnitas plate - Mexican Near Me - Golden, Colorado

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My wife and I went here after a weekend camping trip. We were craving chips, salsa and good Mexican tacos. First off, the place was dead quiet at 2pm on a Saturday. Then, they brought us a basket of stale chips (the salsa was okay), and we noticed that "refills" were $2.00...no thanks. I ordered the tacos al carbon, which were okay, and washed them down with a diet coke. When the check came, I realized that this place is very proud of their food, and the prices reflect this. I would much rather eat at Tacos Patzcuaro in the Highlands, or Mi Cocina in Littleton. We added this to our list of "restaurants to avoid". read more

Yelpers have pretty much nailed this El Tapatio location. The food is mostly Tex-Mex and generally pretty good - 3.5 stars. The service, on the other hand, is polite and friendly enough but slow and inattentive - 1.5 stars. Example - last night (they were not busy) - slow to take our order (10+ minutes until our wait person greeted us), slow to bring our order (4 people, 3 combinations and 1 breakfast burrito - nothing complicated), and never refilled our water even after we specifically requested "may we have some more water, please." I have every confidence that getting our check would also have been brutally slow except that I lassoed a staff (other than our wait person) walking by and asked for it. Actually, everyone except our wait person seemed concerned about providing some customer service. Here's the saddest thing - the location - 5+++ stars - no Mexican restaurant in the metro area has a more panoramic view than the hill on which this El Tapatio sits outside of Golden. If it only delivered average service and average food, this restaurant should be 4 stars based on it's killer location and views alone. This should be an easy fix, but given the consistently negative reviews (mainly focused on poor service) going back literally years in time, I don't see any reason to expect that it will change. Too bad - it could be special. read more

The service is horrible. We've been quite a few times To this place, it it seems increasingly worse. As an example, we went there yesterday for Cinco de Mayo, it was still early so the place was not crowded, at all! We ordered two drinks and also asked for our tab along with it. By the time we finished our drinks, our tab was still not there and our waitress has walked by us multiple times. W hade also reminded our waitress in the middle of our drinks when she had checked in on us. 20 minutes after we finished our drinks she brought us our check. Awful!! read more

Margs and food are good, but I just can't overweight, misogynistic servers that upsell you without a bit of guilt, who recommend excessive amounts of food to try to bring your bill up so you can "give a good tip to support your beautiful daughter" ew desperate service maybe if you want a good tip you should be honest and not a scene you person? Not ever coming back to this establishment. read more