They shouldn't advertise Uruapan Michoacán cuisine. I had a less than mediocre, under cooked in the middle, with a sparse serving of al pastore meat and giant chunks of straight from the Can pineapples flat piece of masa dough huarache. Had the fries smothered with chili, cheese and meat but the fries had a freezer burn after taste. The agua fresca was more agua than fruit. Very disappointed from a fellow Michoacán. read more

Very cute spot. You walk into a small restaurant with a few tables and booths with colorful decorations and inspirational sayings in English and Spanish throughout the restaurant. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. We had read that they had vegan options and the waiter was awesome in showing us a full page that has all of the vegetarian dishes, most of which can be made vegan. We started with guacamole and each of us had a separate dish (I had enchiladas that were amazing) and washed it down with a zucchini fresca (SO GOOD!). Everything was wonderful and we will be back. read more

Came to Denver for a week from Chicago and am so glad we found this little gem. I'm Mexican and have tried several Mexican restaurants in Denver and was never pleased. I lived in denver for a year last year and was so tired of trying mexican restaurants that never lived up to my expectactions, but this place blew my mind! Thank goodness for Yelp! This place serves truly authentic Mexican food and aguas frescas. We cleaned our plates licking fingers and all. The enchiladas en mole are so yummy and so are the enchiladas en salsa roja de tomate. The mole has a nice smoky spice kick! The guacamole was fresh and we ate every bite. The agua fresca de avena was so healthy and delicious. The service was incredible! The waiter who we believe was the owner explained each dish to us and recommended me the agua fresca. you can tell he is passionate about his food and appreciates his customers. If I lived back in Denver I would eat here as often as possible. This will always be the spot for me each time I visit Denver. No kidding left extremely happy and full! read more

Tarasco's - Enchiladas en salsa roja - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Best Mexican Restaurant in Denver! The owner is from Michoacan in central Mexico, so a lot of the items here have not been seen in other restaurants owned by northern Mexicans. For starters, try the Tamal de Elote, a soft, fluffy delight stuffed with sweet corn...a dollop of cream on top (this makes a nice desert, too). Or, you could start with the Nopal Asado: the grilled cactus paddles come sliced on a wood plank with lime and chile dipping sauce. The entrees are varied and not found elsewhere. My favorite is the Mole de 7 Chiles: very rich, dark, and indescribably yummy. You will mop up every drop of this mole with a tortilla! Some other unusual, but tremendous dishes are: the Enchiladas de Espinica (stuffed with spinach and covered in a spinach sauce), the Mole Amarillo, the Mole Verde, the Chilaquiles, the Chiles Rellenos, the Birria, and the Pozole. These are classic dishes, revered in Mexico, but rarely seen here. Noe, the owner, takes pride in serving these great World Cuisine dishes to a new clientele. If you are unfamiliar with a dish, ask him what's up with that. He will describe it (enthusiastically), but will not "force" anything on you. To accompany your meal, please try one of the 24 or so Aguas Frescas (mixed fruit blends) or 12 or so Licuados (fruity milk shakes). I hope you go; I know you will enjoy! read more

Oh my lawd, this place is amazing! Growing up in the Southwest gave me the need for authentic, hot, spicy Mexican food. It's been a challenge for the man and I to find a place here in Denver that has any kind of spice. Apparently people here don't like spicy food? Anyhow... We found the love of our life and it is called Tarasco's. The mole is super spicy, probably the best mole I've had in a VERY long time. Enchiladas are kick ass and who can pass up a smoothie bar? Their vegetarian menu is HUGE for those non animal eaters. Keep an eye out for Vietnam Bay right next door, Tarasco's is small and hidden, looking for Vietnam Bay is the only way I can ever find it. But anywho... highly recommend this place for authentic, hot, spicy Mexican food. Yum yum yum yum read more

This place is great. The food is good, the smoothies are delicious, and the two guys who are working every time we go are so kind. As a gluten-free vegan, finding a good place to eat is challenging, and finding a place that knows about restrictive diets is even harder. These two guys are awesome. We love the nopales asados and all the moles. The Quinto Sol smoothie is silly good. I'm sure there's tons of other amazing stuff on the menu, too. read more

This place is great every time we've gone. Great service, great food, from enchiladas (both roja and verde) to mole.

Writing a review for our blog thegayvegans.com and don't want to give it all away. Amazing food and way friendly service. Blog review will go live August 28th. read more

I would slather their Mole sauce on my body and bathe in it...that is how good it is. And the Tamal de Elote makes me wanna bend over and beg for buttermilk. Definitely get yourself one of their Aguas Naturales. Although it seems that every time I go there is no one there, people should be lined up out the door. A very satisfying meal indeed. You should go there. read more

Best food ever with the most extensive vegan menu this side of Federal! Their mole sauce is very authentic! I haven't found a dish there I don't like. The drinks are also super good and made on the spot out of fresh ingredients! read more

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We ate lunch there today and the food was exquisite. Especially noteworthy was the owner's hospitality and friendliness. He was very hands on and engaging and obviously very interested in our having a wonderful experience. Let's not forget the food, however. My partner and I got two different vegan dishes both covered in delicious moles. I got the vegan chimichanga with mole amarillo and she got the vegan spinach enchilada with 7 chile mole. Both were delicious. We were also brought a tantalizing tamale, that was piping hot, sweet, and satisfying. My partner indulged in spinach pineapple smoothie / juice that was fresh and tasty. As vegan diners, it is very difficult to find delicious, freshly prepared and authentic mexican food. Tarascos is terrific. read more

Oh the beans yummy. Would give five but they got my to go order really wrong but everything tasted good. Especially the beans!!!! I miss the old crinkle fries. They use to make the chili cheese fries with Chrinkle fries. But I would go back for the beans any day!! read more

Amazing menu! Go here to experience genuine and love-infused recipes from central Mexico!

Amazing vegetarian food! I was so excited to discover this gem on Federal. Mmmmmmmmm. My only complaint is that it isn't closer to my house!

The vegetarian menu is awesome. It's my go to mexican food place. The service is always great and the so is the food. The chilaquiles are my favorite! I have tried several things off the menu and have yet to find something I wasn't crazy about. My lady friend loves the bean soup. I always have to have a bite. We never leave hungry or broke which is always a plus in my book! Go check it out! There are only like 5 tables in the place but somehow we have never had to wait very long. read more

Great food, great service, cute atmosphere. They have a whole menu dedicated to vegans. Love that. And, yes, the leftovers were delicious too. read more

I am so thankful for yelp, as that is how we learned of Tarasco's. The place is definitely not upscale, but the food is incredible and the staff is very friendly. They also have an extensive vegetarian menu, which was very welcomed by me. The owner is amazing and I have the utmost respect for his customer service skills. We were there on a night with terrible thunderstorms and flash flood warnings. The owner actually surprised me by running out to the car with us, covering me and my 10 mos old with a newspaper to try to keep us from the heavy rain. I genuinely hope that this restaurant finds great success, not only because of how nice the owner is, but also because it's the best Mexican food that we've had in Denver. read more

Full vegetarian menu, delicious food, fresh juice, beautiful ambience and cleanliness. Fabulous hole in the wall - one of denvers hidden gems! read more

Shrimp tacos we're fried and indistinguishable. No flavor. Fly's in restaurant. Good portions.

How do you please a vegan, a couple that has lived in Mexico and knows authentic cuisine and a picky Yelper? Answer, head to Tarasco's. All parties were equally wowed! Where do I begin...Is the best part the extensive juice menu? The fact that each dish is made to order? The consideration of the chef in leaving dairy sauces off the corn tamales (a must order, by the way)? The perfect portion sizes? The delicious freshness of the food? It really is hard to say. We had corn tamales, cactus, a steak taco, and enchiladas between us and no one left a crumb on his or her plate. The exterior of Tarasco's may not look like much, but the food is pure magic! read more

Best Mexican food I've had in Denver after living here for several years. Plenty of delicious vegan options including horchata. Staff is friendly and welcoming. So happy we discovered this hidden gem, we will definitely be back for more! read more

Best tamale I've ever had. One of my new favorite restaurants in all of Denver. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options.

Small restaurant on S Federal. Excellent, authentic food, generously prepared with fresh ingredients. Extensive vegetarian options. Delicious fruit waters/juices that you can mix and match. Tonight we had an excellent guacamole appetizer (freshly prepared upon order) a nopales appetizer (nicely marinated and grilled) and street tacos (chicken and pastor). Everything was delicious, service was quick and attentive. read more

Have been wanting chiliquiles for a while now and this is Def the spot for it. A cute little place w friendly staff and I had the iron man juego.... well be back. read more

The best mexican restuarant in the Denver area. Especially for vegetarians and vegans. I love this place.

We went to Tarasco's with a vegetarian couple, we are serious carnivores. When we first drove up I was rather leery of going in, but I'm SO glad we did. This was one of the best Mexican meals I've ever had. We started with grilled cactus which fairly disappeared from the plate. I had carnitas enchiladas that were sensational. Smothered in the most delicious green chili and finely grated cheese and crema. Simply delectable! My husband had a taco plate and said they were tender and delicious. The vegetarian dishes looked so fresh and beautiful and our friends said their dinner was wonderful. We topped it off with cool, refreshing smoothies that were sensational. The woman who does all the cooking is an artist. We'll be back! Only negative is there is no air conditioning so go in the evenings! read more

Let me start by saying this was my second visit. When we first arrived it was pretty full and I could tell one guy was running the floor. We stood at the door for about 5 minutes before we were seated. I was already planning to write my first yelp review on this place. At first it bothered me that we stood at the door before being acknowledged. But damn was that far in the past once I took my first bite. This place puts love in the food. I judge a Mexican place a lot based on their salsa. Only the great places have great salsa. The salsa was on point here. This is the best Mexican place I've had in town...this is coming from a Mexican. I felt like my mother was in the kitchen making these dishes. I want this place to get exposure, it is well deserved. read more

Very delicious food and plenty of options for everyone and very tasty natural fruit water...

I will be honest and say that I am not a very adventerous eater but Riza H. has never steered me wrong. I probably would never venture into Tarasco's on my own but now that I have tried it I will be back. The sauces are flavorful and when asked to turn up the heat; they presented us with freshly roasted green chilies. Yes, please! The corn tamale and the freshly made carrot and orange juice were my favorites. Tarasco's menu is so extensive that everyone will find a favorite. Excelente! read more

This place is excellent. If you want good Mexican/Southwest food, try this. Although a little tricky to find, the hunt down Federal is worth it, for the mole alone. You definitely get a different variety of food than you would at a typical Mexican restaurant, though there are still many staples for those looking for burritos, tortas, etc. The mole here is very good, and has yet to be topped by mole I have had elsewhere. The fruit/veggie drinks are also very nice, and a great alternative to beer and margaritas. The place is small, casual, and friendly. read more

Yep, the mole is amazing as are the aguas frescas. The mole is a little rich for me, but is great to share with another entre. My husband had some really great chilequiles. I can't wait to go back! read more

Legit. This place was really really good. We had to drive by twice. Completely missed it the first time. Salsa was just OK. I had carnitas chimichunga and he had the steak enchilada. Mine was amazing!! The presentation was great. Not expected from this hole in the wall. There were some big chunks of carnitas that melted in your mouth. The chimi was not greasy. Green chili had good flavor. The steak enchilada was unlike any I had seen before. Thinly sliced steak layered under a corn tortilla that was baked?? With enchilada sauce and topped with cheese lettuce and tomato. Hard to explain. And hard to stop thinking about! No bar but a juice bar. The one we tried was AMAZING! It was watermelon. I will be back just for the juices alone! read more

By far the best Mexican food I've had in Denver so far, which is a huge statement. I'll tell you why. The flavors are deep and not overdone. Their basic red queso fresco enchiladas taste like they were made at home. Their guacamole is top-notch. The owner cares about the way people feel in the restaurant. Introducing many people to out and excited to do it. read more

Great food! The mole is awesome and I was very impressed with the huge vegetarian section on the menu. Will definitely be back!

Absolutley Fantastic. The Mole Carnitas, was exactly how it is all through Mexico. In-fact it is one of the best I have had. Excellent depth of flavor, perfect spice and extremely Authentic. I lived in Mexico for 5 years and can say this place has saved Denver from the terrible Mexican food it has. I thank god for this place. I can either get something like the Mole or some other authentic dish that most do not want to attempt or hit up 4 tacos like Birria, Cochinita, adovada.... All for an excellent price. This is a Jewel and the owner/chef and people who work there are nice as can be and concerned that you are enjoying your food. Thats what I am talking about. Typical Latin way and actually should be the way of any establishment but all know well enough that is hardly ever the case. This is a rare and great place! Enjoy it. read more

Okay, finding the place wasn't exactly hard, but it was hardly what I expected. Kind of a hole in the wall, right on Federal and it would be easy to miss. ONce inside, though I discovered a very great selection of vegetarian, mexican dishes. A great menu! Our server, Julian, took great care of us, allowing substitutions. I had the spinach enchiladas smothered with an exquisite mole sauce (not on the menu, but I'm trying to stay low-fat). I'm partial to mole sauce and this was some of the best I've ever had. Not too hot, just right. My wife had the tacos with chicken and some pork meat that she can't remember the name of and it looked great. Good portions. Free chips and salsa. The server took time to talk to us and explain why they have a complete vegetarian menu, which I was surprised to see. All in all, I'm definitely going back to try some of their other dishes, like maybe the green chile! Prices very reasonable. read more

I am SO excited to find this place!!! If it wasn't highly recommended from a friend I would have NEVER found this gem. It's tucked away on Federal and, to say the least, it doesn't look very appetizing from the outside. HOWEVER, they have fan-freaking-tastic food!!! Especially if you're vegan! Yummy options galore! It's so rare to find a menu that satisfies the vegan and non-vegan alike but this place NAILS IT!!! Super friendly service and great food. The inside is full of inspirational saying in both spanish and english, which makes for a really fun game for me and my hubby - trying to translate everything... I want to give them 5 stars but, since the ambiance leaves something to be desired, I have to go with a 4. GO THERE. GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY/SUPPORT AND ENJOY A DANG CHIMICHANGA LIKE YOU'VE NEVER HAD BEFORE!!!! YUM. read more

Okay food, service was also not very helpful or friendly. Add that to a wait time of 20 minutes for 2 tacos when there were only 4 customers in the restaurant and I would say this place is solidly okay. I do appreciate the cleanliness read more

I had been wanting to try this place for a long time and I'm glad I finally did. The place had kind of a hippy, off-beat feel to it which made it really unique and chill. I loved its specials vegetarian section--a rare find in most authentic Mexican places. I was wary for that reason, but they pulled off classic veggie twists on lots of different meals and they were all great. My party of three sampled 5 different entrees. The Huarache Vegetariano had a delicious, thick homemade tortilla on the bottom and was topped with beans, nopales (cactus leaf), salsa and cheese. It had the perfect amounts of all of them and just enough spice. The cheese enchiladas de mole were also awesome--very flavorful, intense mole, also with some kick. The flavorful chorizo burrito was also awesome, and the mole amarillo on top was super tasty and spicy. We also tried a traditional michoacan dish with rice, beans, veggies, crema and cheese. It was very authentic, but a bit mild. Last, the potato flautas were perfectly crispy and fresh, covered in cabbage, cheese and salsa. I will definitely be back! read more

The mole siete chiles is worth 5 stars alone. Noe and crew do it up right here.