So I had heard some pretty good recommendations for Pica's Taqueria in Boulder, but be forewarned, I like really good Mexican food. The more authentic, the better. I unfortunately tend to match up every Mexican meal I have with some of the best I've experienced in Mexico, New Mexico and ... probably the best collection of Mexican restaurants here in Boulder County -- Lafayette, Colorado. I'm not really a big fan of the fast-food Qdoba-style giant burrito ... yes, it's filling but is it really that good? Let's face it, competition is stiff in the Mexican restaurant world, but I'm always open to some place new. I will admit up front that my first and only visit so far into Pica's was a stop for a carry-out dinner. I was there early around 5 p.m. so service was excellent. The atmosphere was pleasant, the menu well-displayed as you walk in (which got me worried since really good Mexican restaurants give you a menu stained with red sauce) and a good selection of beers and margaritas was available -- a must for a good Mexican meal. But after I brought dinner home, and made up my own margarita (just real lime juice, tequila, triple sec and ice thank you.. no mix at all), things started to go down hill. First, I had ordered the Puya Chicken baby spinach salad for Polly. No cheese whatsover, always a challenge at Mexican restaurants. The waitress told me it was a good choice, one of her favorites. When I got home and opened the box, the first thing I noticed was there was no chicken at all. Oops, maybe the cook is into the tequila already. So how do you judge a Puya Chicken salad without any chicken? Low marks here. Next, for myself, I ordered the Carne Asada burrito. OK, right away I know I've picked something that few restaurants seem to get right. The best real Carne Asada I've ever tasted is in a streetside restaurant in La Paz, Baja, Mexico. With large charcoal grills and meat grilling right in front of you, warm tortillas and fresh vegetables and chiles ... well, you get the idea. Pica's Burrito reminds me ... sadly ... of the fast, pile-it-on-em Qdoba burrito. Maybe not that bad, but very similar. It was so big ... I ate only half. I did save the other half for lunch ... so obviously the food was OK, just not memorable. Yes, I did get the "wet" burrito ... topped with a sauce, sour cream and Mexican cheese. But I still prefer the "smothered" burrito ... and that was not a choice here at Pica's. I will give Pica's another chance. Outside it looks like they have a very nice patio for a summer lunch. They have daily specials including tortas, rellanos and salads. No restaurant deserves a bad rating just one a single, to-go order. On the other hand, first impressions can be pretty important. And my first impression is Pica's will have a tough time against some very strong Mexican food competitors in Boulder. read more

Expensive! Overall, good food but too high of prices to go back. They are a self-service establishment on the outskirts of town in a strip mall, but charging Pearl Street prices. We decided to try Pica's on a livingsocial coupon. Overall, the food was excellent but the portions were very small. I took my wife and two small kids for lunch. It was $34 before tip and three of the four of us were still hungry afterwards. We had the mahi mahi tacos and the tacos al pastor - which were both very flavorful. The kiddos got a quesadilla and a rice bowl. The rice bowl was good, but the quesadilla was really overpriced - just a tortilla and cheese. read more

I tried Pica's for the first time yesterday and I loved it! I had the Grilled Mahi Tacos with guacamole added. They were extremely fresh and full of flavor. I would also highly recommend splurging and getting an order of chips and salsa with your order. The chips are homemade and again so fresh. My only complaint was that I ordered my food at the counter at the same time as the friend that I dined with. Her food arrived almost 10 minutes before mine and she had finished eating by the time my food made it out. They seemed to be a little low on people bringing food to the tables as plates were lined up just waiting to be taken out. All in all, the food was great. They just need to work out a few kinks in their system for getting the food out. I'd recommend: Grilled Mahi Tacos, chips and salsa read more

My cousins loved the veg options: beet taco + grilled mixed veggie taco. I had the baja fried shrimp & carne asada. My cousing was super impressed with the Maine Root orange soda. I'm also a fan of Maine Root sodas, so props for having them. Not a super quick place, but definitely a nice lunch spot. Pricier than I'm used to for tacos, rice & beans, coming from Texas, but it wasn't pricier than it ought to be for the quality. We came mid-afternoon on a Sunday and there was plenty of parking space. Good food, friendly approachable employees. read more

Pica's is somewhere between a Chipotle/Qdoba and a sit-down Mexican restaurant, the kind of place where you order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. My meal was good with homemade tortillas (restaurant-made? Whatever--they weren't tortillas from a package) and fresh salsa. I had great watermelon juice, and their ice tea was fresh. The prices were reasonable, about $7 for two chicken tacos, beans and rice. Cute decor, friendly staff, and I appreciated their mellow musical selection (Smiths, Joy Division). They had a big patio in the back. They had a lot of gluten-free options, which was welcome! Pica's is close to my house and the food is good, so I'm sure I'll be back frequently. read more

My buddy and I have been searching Boulder and Longmont for the best Tacos http://www.yelp.com/list/boulder-and-longmont-taco-search-boulder Current Ranking: #4 out of 9 Food: What makes the tacos amazing here is that they take the traditional tacos and just make them a little more fancy. My buddy and I had a range of tacos here and all of them were full of flavor great. Service: Food came out quick and the staff was very friendly. Atmosphere: Sit anywhere type of seating, clean restaurant, and there is even outdoor seating for those wonderful Colorado outdoor days. read more

What a treat. Feel like this place is going to always be packed once the word gets out on just how good it is. Best tacos in Boulder, 2nd best (to Torchy's in Austin) that I have ever had. Fresh and creative dishes, great prices and there is a staff that just cares. Beautiful design all around. From the chairs, to the patio, to the menu. read more

This is the first time I've gotten their takeout and the experience was beyond disappointing. I've eaten in the restaurant and the experience was 4+ stars so I expected a similar experience with take out What made it a bad experience? For $10.90, I got a small burrito in foil in a brown paper bag. Nothing else. No drink. No salsa. No sour cream. No napkins. No rice. Really? There was a place I used to get burritos from down in Lakewood that charged $4 and they even gave you two types of salsa. Unfortunately that's the last time I will have their take out. Too bad because I would have been a regular having just taken a new job down the road. read more

Amazing shrimp burritos & a great spot to watch fútbol games. Their menu is great, I haven't ordered anything that didn't taste great at Pica's. read more

Love these Baja fish tacos! Good light batter on fried fish, tortillas not too heavy or chewy. Sauce is light and plentiful. My newest fave taco joint. read more

I have put in several large orders for catering here, and I have loved how they work with me to get the order correctly even when I have community members changing up the order on me. People in my neighborhood apparently really liked the Mexican rice and the beans that can be chosen to go with the catering orders. read more

The people were slow. The salsa was nasty and the chips were like brick. No toilet paper and foggy water

Check out this hidden treasure! We went here with a coupon to try it out and we were blown away by how good everything was. I had the veggie quesadillas, and added a dollop of their very tasty guacamole. They use mexican cheese instead of the more standard mozzarella and/or cheddar. It was fantastic. Not so intensely gooey-cheesy but with a great texture and slight tang. The dish also came with sour cream and perfectly flavored black beans and rice. B got the Carne Asada Enchilada, which he also thoroughly enjoyed. Their margaritas are also very tasty and very strong. Our server was very patient and friendly with me as I took my sweet time trying to decide what I wanted to order. With our coupon, it was a slammin' deal, but, even at the regular prices, this place is an affordable and cute place hidden in an otherwise drab strip mall. I hope enough people discover how great it is soon so that they can stay in business! read more

Great food, greater watermelon lemonade! Friendly service and a super patio out back. Kid friendly too. So why only 3 stars? The prices are astronomical! I know this is boulder and rent is high, but come on- Picas serves beans and rice- the staple food of people who don't have any money to spend on food! I go occasionally, but it always costs way more than I think would be reasonable. read more

We love the atmosphere and friendly staff. Delicious soups and salads. Not heavy snd always full of flavor.

Came here on a recommendation from a friend. Got greeted by the very friendly staff, and got to meet the manager Mat. Now, not being very fond of Mexican food, I had my wife order. We ended up splitting a steak Carne Asada. Wow! Talk about Ono!!!Dang, was it ever! Topped that off with a custard dessert. If I ever past thru this area again, I'll be sure to stop by. read more

Pica's Taqueria - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Tasty! I had the Al Pastor Taco plate which was, I think, $9.50 and I ate every morsel on my plate. The tacos were very good. The rice and beans were fine but not outstanding, but I was starved and I was wishing there was a third taco on my plate. There were many things on the menu that looked delicious, so I can see coming back and trying something different, although I would definitely recommend the Al Pastor. The tacos seemed pretty pricy as an a la carte option. read more

Yay for cheaper eats! My limited budget dictated Pica's, a great suggestion by a friend. Located at 5360, be sure to turn right into Conestoga (5400 block). Don't be like me and furiously make the turn with wheels screeching. Located at the far left corner, Pica's was slow Saturday. Maybe I missed their happy hour crowd. Well, yelpers were saying try the Wet Burrito, so I inquired about their Tinga Wet Burrito Special. They described as beer braised and it was their most popular. Boulder's known for their craft beers, so why not? Huge, smothered, flavorful. Definitely use your knife and fork on this one. I easily finished it and it was a delight especially that sauce. Other notes: Good chips (housemade?) and guacamole. My friend commented that the margarita was good. They also offer watermelon juice (not quite time for that with rain on the horizon) and a 1/2 lemonade, 1/2 watermelon juice concoction. They have an attentive and pleasant staff. read more

I like Pica's. Their food is fresh and well prepared and it usually doesn't require a terrible wait. It is pricey but they are trying to do their best to source local, cruelty-free and/or organic. They have nice, bright, sunny decor and a secluded patio with both sunshine and shade in proper ratios for outdoor dining. I generally enjoy the soccer games and Eurosports they broadcast on the TV. Their parking lot will make you want to kick puppies, but thankfully I don't drive. I want to love Pica's, but I feel like their service culture works against them. They're a taqueria with a basic cafeteria service approach, yet the attitude I receive from the staff when I don't tip full 20% grates on me. For what? You have to buss your own table, you are expected to sort your own trash and recycling, you have to get your own beverages, napkins and silverware. The single thing they do is run food. Which, ok fine, but that's not full meal service, and you don't get a full tip for it, sorry (I waited tables for many years, before you ask). Their register crew can be a tad spotty. Most of the time they're fine, sometimes they make with the attitude. Save the snarky comments and language for your hipster classmates, preferably not while you're on the clock. It isn't cute or sassy, it's just obnoxious, especially with the mixed crowd you get in there (business people, moms with kids, etc.). All in all, a solid average. I find they tend to have either great days or terrible days on the service front, depending on who's working, so it kind of evens out. read more

I really liked the vegetarian enchiladas. The enchiladas were filled with veggies that were flavorful and tasted good. And, you got big chunks of veggies. It seems usually the veggies are tiny and mushy. Also, the sauce was flavorful and enough that I could taste it-but it didn't drown the enchilada (which I do like sometimes). We ordered the chips/salsa/guac. To me, the salsa and guac weren't very flavorful. I only had a few bites-it wasn't worth the calories-usually this is one of my favorite parts of the meal. I appreciated the vegetarian options on the menu! read more

It's hard to find good kid-friendly restaurants here in Boulder. Ironic, since there are a lot of families in this town! Pica's was obviously opened with families in mind. As you walk in, there are games for kids (or adults - happy hour Connect 4 challenge anyone?) and when you head out to the patio, you are greeted by countless smiley-faces and kids names spelled out with chalk. Our kids were so entertained we actually got to sit back and relax and enjoy our meal! We tried the chicken tinga wet burrito, which was really good. The sauce has a bit of a nice bite to it. Saved half the burrito for lunch tomorrow ... bonus. I have also tried the shrimp tacos and they were really tasty too. The chips were really delicious - thick and flavorful - and the guacamole was very good and fresh with bits of red onion. I enjoyed my margarita and my husband liked his local beer. I --obviously a mom-- also enjoyed the presence of the changing table in the bathroom. Finally, love the bright colors on the walls and the cool wood furniture. The location is a bit out there for us, but there is a bonus - no wait for the patio! read more

I'm not what you would call a picky eater, but 3 visits of very mediocre food made me want to write. I want to love the food because the location is so convenient for me and the people who work there are very nice, but it's not happening so far. First visit: a Puya Chicken salad. The chicken amounted to maybe 2 oz. which is a very small portion for $9. It was a bit bland, too. Not asking for anything huge, but 6 small bites of chicken is unacceptable unless it's a side salad. Second visit: tacos. It took 15 minutes for a simple one-person to-go order, so that made me think the food would at least be very fresh. Got a chicken al carbon taco, and it was really bad. The chicken was absolutely BONE dry, so dry that i couldn't finish it. Next up was a carnitas taco. The meat texture and moisture level were fine, but there was zero flavor. No salt, no pepper, spices, all i could see were onions. It's as if pork were simmered with onions and then that was it. The mahi taco was good though! The fish was moist and decently seasoned. On the 3rd visit I had a pork adobado burrito. The pork was tender, again flavorless (i guess their recipe is super bland), and was smothered in something that tasted like Open Pit BBQ sauce. I don't know if that's what "adobado" means, but I'd never get it again. Also, the server never checked back with me even once to see if I liked my food. I guess I'll just have to stick with the fish. read more

The wet burrito was highly recommended to my friend and I upon our arrival. The burrito was roughly $12 and was easily the worst Mexican food I've had in my entire life. My friend and I both instantly determined that the burrito with "chipotle sauce" tasted exactly like vomit. 0/10. Do not recommend. read more

I would eat the smothered wet burrito every day. Chips and salsa are amazing along with the spicy margaritas

This is based on my first and only visit there-- honestly there was nothing really awful about Pica's; but I didn't find it very good either. I got the Carne Asada tacos w/rice and black beans. Positives: Seemed like (relatively) fresh and good ingredients and it wasn't greasy at all; plus things seemed cooked nicely (nothing dry/burned etc). Negatives: nothing had any taste.. if I were to close my eyes I almost wouldn't know what I was eating. Tried adding red sauce and a bit of salt.. helped slightly but still not good. Clean, nice place on the inside.. but too much $$ and not enough taste for me to go back read more

I have been here a few times in the last few months. The food is good, although kind of basic and unexciting. The prices are very reasonable and the staff are friendly and attentive. The main reason I like to go here is the atmosphere is always upbeat and all of the seating gets a lot of natural light, which is really nice here in Colorado. The outdoor area is adequate, and on the quiet side of the building away from the street and parking lot. Which reminds me, the parking lot is a nightmare due to the Wendy's drive-through next door. read more

Been going to Pica's since it opened and I've finally decided to pen my review. Haha. Pretty cool to see this place grow as much as it has. I frequently go here with my co workers and we've never been disappointed. I generally get the taco plates (chicken is good, carne asada is really good and the al pasor ones are the best) but if I'm feeling really hungry I get the chicken tinga wet burrito. I need to branch out more here because every time I've tried something I've always liked it and it enters my regular rotation. Staff has always been friendly and it seems like they have a few regular lunch staff folks that really have it down and have always been on point. Fair warning (and I know everyone says this about every mexican spot) but the margaritas are truly high octane. Maybe my tolerance has come down a little, but 2 of those bad boys gets you in a real fine mood. Awesome place, love to go here with new people because they always have a good experience and always want to come back. read more

This place rocks! Food is awesome staff are super nice and cool. They have great beer! Check it out for sure read more

What a gem! I am a serious NY foodie who has converted into a full fledged Boulderite and I certify this place as charming and delicious! The grilled shrimp tacos were so good. The setting, the staff, all so, so good. Anyone who says they should have combination platters to be considered a Mexican place obviously hasn't been to Mexico! A definite must try if you're looking to eat in this part of town. read more

We went to Pica's in Boulder last night for the first time. I was quite happy with the whole experience, and I'm generally underwhelmed by Boulder food options. The margaritas were great -- the house margarita and the special spicy margarita. We ordered the poblano enchiladas and rez burrito, also both on the specials list and thought both were very well done and flavorful. Enchiladas sometimes come out as a brick of melted cheese but these instead had a nice lightness to them. The back patio space is charming and will be a great space to lounge as summer heats up. We look forward to adding Pica's to our regular restaurant rotation. read more

I somehow always missed this restaurant because of the location. My friend invited me to lunch at Pica's. I was very impressed. The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. The green chilli has a nice kick to it. read more

Very delicious, but a bit pricey given the fast-food setting.

Delicious healthy food. Loved it! Gluten free friendly. Fresh and wonderful ingredients.

My wife and I enjoy Pica's in Boulder- good food, reasonably priced, and delightful staff! My request: The men's room door does not work properly. It slams on me when I come or go. Please fix the door closing mechanism so this does not happen. Thank you. With this repair, I could give you a 5 out of 5 rating. read more

By far one of the best Mexican restaurants on the front range! The staff is awesome, funny, personable and sharp. Say hi to Matt, Robbie and Lauren, they and the cooks make this place what it is. The food is next level Mexican, always fresh and the cooks make it worthwhile every time. I've been coming here since 2015 and it's only gotten better. And don't forget to try their margarita. Not an extensive drink menu, but what they put out is quality! Reasonably priced and quick service. Check it out read more

Well, I hate to write bad reviews, but if it's earned that's the breaks so to speak. We ate there last Saturday night (today is Wednesday, 11-9-16). Within hours of eating a burrito at Pica's, my son was very sick. He spent the next afternoon at the hospital. I'll spare you the details. My mother also had a burrito. Was very ill yesterday. Just barely managed to avoid the hospital but spent hours this morning at Kaiser on an IV to rehydrate. She has kidney disease so this was scary. I've done little besides nursing sick family members for days now. This was the only meal we have shared as a family recently. I'm filing a complaint with Boulder County Public Health. read more

I really want to love this place. The concept is great, the people there are nice and the place has a beautiful patio. That said, I was a bit underwhelmed by the food. I ordered the Wet Grilled Shrimp Burrito, which promised grilled, marinated shrimp, creamy lime cabbage and red onion chile de arbol salsa, smothered with a chipotle cream sauce. Unfortunately the food didn't live up to the mouth watering description. It was fine, but the cabbage really overpowered the rest of the burrito to the point where you couldn't taste the shrimp at all. In addition, for the price there should've been far more shrimp (mine had five smallish shrimp in a very nice sized burrito). To drink, I had the Pica's Margarita. At first I thought it was a bit on the small side, but it really sneaks up on you and was an extremely solid marg. I'll sure I'll give it another try at some point, but I was disappointed. read more

Pica's, located in a small strip mall, had been open for months when I tried them out, but they still had that just-opened-and-still-figuring-things-out vibe, with a drop-ceiling, fluorescent lighting, and way too much empty space that made it feel like a retail store that had just been converted to a restaurant--which it probably was. Nevertheless, I was excited to try a new Mexican place in Boulder, so I ordered the carnitas and Baja mahi tacos, two of my favorite items at other restaurants. Huge, huge disappointment: both were extremely bland, and the salsas no help. I gave up halfway through. I was going to give them another chance and order something else, when I overheard the cashier talking to another patron. The customer said she didn't like Mexican restaurants in Boulder, but she liked Pica's, but she wasn't sure why. The cashier said something to the effect of all those other restaurants are run by Mexicanos, and Pica's wasn't, therefore the quality was much higher. The woman heartily agreed with him. The dark-skinned cook in the kitchen was too far away to hear. I got up and left, never to return again. read more

WAY OVERPRICED!!!! Food is decent but basic. Multiple options for folks with dietary restrictions or lifestyles... But pricing definitely makes this the most overpriced burrito joint in town. Plus, they got my order wrong and when the woman brought it out and I told her my order was incorrect she accused me of not ordering what I said I did. Are you kidding? I have a dairy allergy so I'm pretty sure I ordered my meal without dairy! You will not get quality food for your money here, they bring out your food but don't bring you any silverware or napkins, then when you ask if there's anything else you need and you ask for a drink they point to where the water is. Ridiculous pricing for terrible service, bland food, and small portions. Drive another three to five blocks and go to any other Mexican place in town! I recommend Illegal Pete's. read more

One of the few restaurants with a patio/outdoor dining area that's NOT on a street or parking lot. It's tucked behind the restaurant with trees. It's outdoor eating minus cars and traffic. Excellent margaritas at Pica's with good but pricey food. Staff could be more friendly (and that's not just from one visit, I've been a few times). It's a small, busy parking lot shared with the busy Ozo, Snarf's and Wendy's so avoid Pica's during weekday lunch rush; best at happy hour, evenings, weekends. read more