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    Santo

    4.0 (299 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Santo Takeout or Delivery

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    SANTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Santo

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    Reviews With Photos

    Baby Back Ribs
    Cameron B.

    Boulder actually does Mexican food well. There are a ton of 3 Star options but this extra star to Santo was for the perfectly spicy and spiced EVERYTHING!!!! Guac... delicious, umami savory, creamy. Sales rojo....perfect kick.... PERFECT! The lamb tacos.....packed to the hills with shredded goodness!!! The baby back ribs, fell off the bone!!! We came with a big group, including children which means we had the loaded fries and bean burritos, and those were also kicking!! Even the cocktails can be made spicy and every option was delicious.

    Shrimp tacos with rice and beans
    Edie A.

    As a Native New Mexican, I had to try Chef Hosea Rosenberg's restaurant, which pays tribute to Northern NM cuisine. The space is lovely, with a few wood-carved Santos around it. A large zia symbol light fixture is above the bar--the symbol on the NM state flag. We were greeted promptly and told to grab a menu and sit anywhere we wanted. I ordered the La Luna Marg: mezcal smoky notes blended well with the orange liquor and lime. We started with the queso, a blend of savory and sweet with the red pepper jelly, which came with flour tortillas and blue corn chips. My friend and I ordered tacos so we could try a few. The birria beef was plentiful, tender, and marinated in a delicious jalapeno escabeche. The shrimp tacos had a smoky aguachile sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp. The sides of beans and rice were authentic New Mexican--simple yet flavorful with refried beans seasoned with the perfect amount of salt and Spanish rice with just the rice (peas and carrots do not belong in my Spanish rice). Even though I was full, I had to try the small-batch ice cream for dessert. It was a yummy scoop of coconut lime. While all servers pitched in to help out and came to our table, bringing food and drinks, taking our orders, etc., no one checked in on us during our meal. Luckily, we didn't need anything, but a different system might be considered for assigning server tables. Overall, it was a good dining experience at this Michelin-recommended restaurant.

    Erin S.

    An outstanding meal. There is a reason Santo is Michelin star recommended - It is worth the hype. Went on a Sunday and it was not too crowded around the noon hour. I started off with a mango jalapeno margarita as recommended by the bartender. We also ordered Santo queso. The blue corn chips and house made flour tortillas were absolutely to die for! As a main dish, we ordered the birria de res and camarones tacos. Both were very good. The birria was tender and full of flavor. The shrimp tacos were also well seasoned and tasted very fresh. We also ordered the beans and rice on the side. Highly recommend adding the beans and rice to your meal as they are the best I've had in a few months since visiting New Mexico in the fall. To finish off this delicious meal, I opted for the carrot cake ice cream. WOW! I am glad they don't have this by the pint because I would have taken several to go. Very, very good. One suggestion I would make is to the servers rotations. We had about 3-4 different people check in on us, take our orders, and deliver our check. There was some downtown as a result and while we did not need anything during our meal, no one checked in on us. Everyone that served us were very kind and knowledgeable. I will most definitely be back to try some more delicious and authentic New Mexican cuisine.

    Birria de Res
    Michelle L.

    I was expecting the food to be a little more elevated here. We were looking for a place that could accommodate 8 people on short notice. I was excited because I'm a Top Chef fan. We shared chips & guac to start and that was fine. I ordered the Birria Beef Tacos (Braised beef, escabeche de jalapeno, cilantro, cotija cheese, white corn tortillas) for my entree. The portion was generous but the beef was dry. Everyone was pretty satisfied and I am sorry I didn't order the ribs because those looked like the best thing.

    Breakfast burrito
    Gary B.

    Breakfast was mostly a miss. Ordered the breakfast burrito. They are pre-made in a warming box with plastic ware for you to grab as you check out. Green chili is in a tub. It was ok but was expecting a regular restaurant for breakfast rather than a grab and go pickup. Most of the chairs were turned up but there were a few booths open to sit.

    Green chili
    Graham P.

    Very good Mexican food in a nice, laid back space. Service was very friendly, and the food was fresh and delicious. Green chili pork was nice, though maybe a bit bland for my spice taste. Chicken tacos were well spiced

    Birria tacos
    Karin H.

    Visually a colorful space, filled with lots of art and a huge chandelier over the bar in the shape of a New Mexican cross. The guacamole and blue corn chips were delicious. I ordered the birria tacos, and my husband and daughter both ordered chicken enchiladas in green sauce. Everything was yummy and the portions were good sized. We had margaritas and tequila with lunch, visiting our daughter at CU. Our server Abby was attentive and gave good suggestions. The 7% service charge seemed high. It's more expensive to eat out than ever as food costs are at an all time high, that said we typically tip well, but when it's a demand it leaves a bad taste. Excellent food, the flavors were vibrant, spicy, tart, very tasty from the pickled onions and carrots, and fresh herbs on top. Our food was visually beautiful and tasted great.

    slider
    Elaine K.

    A staple in Boulder cuisine. Come for the happy hour--it won't disappoint. Queso: 5/5, could easily down 10 of these. $5 HH (mini-size) Mini-sliders: 4/5, a little green chile pepper action. $5 HH Media Lunas: 10000/10, the refried beans are out of this world. $12 HH

    Alisa J.

    Went here for happy hour on Monday. So convenient that it is until 9 pm. We tried the green salsa, queso, tacos, and the cheese empanadas smothered in beans. The green salsa was spicier than expected but it was good. I love spicy food, but in general the food here might be too spicy for people that don't like it or can't tolerate it. The cheese empanadas with beans wasn't what I was expecting but tasted really good. Also spicy. The queso wasn't spicy and I thought it was too sweet actually. All the vegetables mixed in with the cheese made the texture weird and not that appealing. Was my least favorite thing disappointingly. The taco was so good! Loved everything inside and the meat was spicy and flavorful. Had the horchata which was delicious. My friend loved her margarita. The chili rim was actually some spicy thing and not tajin but apparently it was enjoyable. Service was friendly and decently quick considering how busy it was. After we got our food and drinks our waitress never came back. Ambiance was so cute and loved it in there. The bar was pretty big too.

    Lamb Tacos

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    1 month ago

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    11 months ago

    Fantastic place! Good food, great service, and a super cute place. I'll definitely be back!

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    2 months ago

    So good. Carnitas are a must and the pineapple salsa is so smoky and good. Great la cumbre beers too and good mezcal

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

    The entrees are all fantastic as are the appetizers. The posole soup! Wonderful staff enhance the wonderful experience.

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    9 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Delicious! So happy I found this place. Love the burrito and quesadilla plus salsas and guacamole. Very fresh and good.

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    1 year ago

    They closed before their scheduled hours and didn't offer me any food. Why say the restaurant is open when your kitchen is closed?

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    1 year ago

    This place is amazing! I highly recommend the pescado tacos! Service was so fast and the mescal was affordable yet satisfying!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Santo

    What kind of vegan options do they offer?

    Hi Celia, We have a number of vegan options. Posole, veggie tacos, a number of salads, starters and sides. Just ask your server to walk you through your options. Cheers!

    View All 2 Questions

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    (517 reviews)

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    I had been to the Lafayette location more than a decade ago and never returned. It simply did not…read moresuit me at all. I recently saw that a different family group operated this one in a very convenient part of Boulder so I decided to give it a try. A favorite classic family run restaurant with a similar menu had closed in 2014 after being in operation for 20 years. We missed that sort of menu. This is it, all the way to type of sopapillas and the classic plates with rice and beans , sauce and melted cheese. The family appeal carries through from hosts to servers to clearing staff. The menu is large though it appears that most only vary by central item. The entrees all come with the same sides and a sauce. Next time I will ask for light sauce as it pretty much buried my tamales. They need to stand out and shine and I love the taste of masa. The server was right on the spot with our drinks and we had a comfortable and clean booth. Chips and salsa were at the table as we were seated. They are plainer than some in town but still fresh and classic and free, just like Casa Alvarez, our old classic. The place was buzzing with customers young and old a perfect place for a comfortable and swiftly served meal. The space filled up quickly and though they have an enclosed patio and an open patio, not a soul for takers including us, on a 30° degree evening with a "breeze" so there was a line for tables as we left. We'll be back in a warmer weather and customize our plates a bit. It's friendly and filling and for anyone. And easy on the wallet too. Nice to have a family friendly spot like this in an easy to park shopping center with McGuckins in the lead.

    Since changing locations, the portion sizes are significantly smaller, with incredible price…read moreincreases. The economy is not at total fault for the portion sizes and increased costs. And the quality has decreased substantially, comparing this to the former location. Overall, so disappointing!!!!! Service has certainly gone downhill, as there seems to be entitlement involved. The servers attitudes have also gone the wrong way. The ambiance has certainly gone away!!!!

    Venalonzo's Tacos

    Venalonzo's Tacos

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    Venalonzo's Centennial, CO · Street-Style Tacos…read more The Best Tacos in the Denver Suburb Area -- Full Stop. Venalonzo's is precisely the kind of establishment that rewards those willing to look past first impressions. The Centennial location is compact and the line can stretch, but do not let that deter you -- this kitchen operates with a velocity and precision that puts most full-service restaurants to shame. "Plates emerge from the kitchen in a near-constant stream -- the kind of efficiency that only comes from genuine mastery of the craft." The Quesabirria (order of 3) is the undisputed centerpiece of the menu and my standing order without exception. Crisp, cheese-lacquered tortillas enveloping deeply braised birria -- accompanied by a rich consommé for dipping -- it is the sort of dish that renders all other taco conversations irrelevant. A word on logistics: the Centennial location is ideally suited for a solo visit or a small group lunch -- it is my go-to for a quick, exceptional midday break. For larger parties or those who prefer a more relaxed setting, the Parker location offers considerably more space and seating without sacrificing quality Ratings: Food: 4.5/5 ; Quality: 3.5/5 ; Price: 3.5/5 Service: 4.5/5 ; Ambience: 2.5/5

    Mezcaleria Alma - Costillal de Res (braised short ribs with fresh corn tortillas)

    Mezcaleria Alma

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    This spot is small and intimate with only a few tables, and the vibes were great…read more Feels lively but still cozy. Service was amazing. Super attentive, checking in often without being too much. 9.5/10. The loud music makes it tough to hear other tables, but since the seating is close and intimate, you can still easily hear the people you're with, which I actually liked. Food was elevated across the board. The tostada de toro was the standout. So fresh, perfectly balanced, creamy from the avocado with a nice crunch from the shell and sesame seeds. 9.5/10. Everything else was solid and flavorful, just not as memorable. Around 7.5/10 across those dishes. Drinks were good too. The daiquiri had a fun bubble gum flavor that I actually liked. 8/10. The corn sour was interesting with the mezcal base and surprisingly worked. 7/10. Loved that the drinks were strong. Overall, a really solid Michelin experience with great vibes and standout bites.

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    Santo - newmexican - Updated May 2026

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