Arriba! If you gusta Mexican food, there’s no shortage at all in this fair hamlet of ours, with nearly a dozen restaurantes cranking out burritos, enchiladas, tacos, tortas and more, bring flavor from south of the border to Steamboat. Below are few of our faves. Buen provecho!
Cinco De Mayo
Word on the mountain is there’s a full-blown burrito battle royale happening on the PSIA office whiteboard—and guess who salsa’d their way to victory? Cinco De Mayo’s Toncino Burrito. This heavyweight champ is deceptively simple: eggs, bacon, peppers, onions, cheese… aka, the breakfast dream team. It’s all wrapped in a warm hug of homemade tortilla goodness, made from generations-old recipes. Catch breakfast until 11 AM—because dreams (and burritos) don’t wait forever. www.cincosteamboat.com
Vista Hermosa Grill
They say you can’t please everyone… but Vista Hermosa Grill is trying anyway— with four kinds of meat in one sandwich. That’s right, the Torta Cubana is a meaty masterpiece loaded with sausage, ham, barbacoa and steak. Not into fullon flavor fireworks? The Mexican Hamburger throws down with pineapple, crispy onions, fried jalapeños and fries, because why not toss the whole party onto the plate? And if you’re feeling tortilla curious, their hand-pressed corn tortillas are the real MVP—perfect for when you want something lighter but still muy delicioso. www.vistahermosagrill.com
Tacos El Charro
On the corner of Downhill Drive—also known (by absolutely no one but locals) as “The Napa Valley”—you’ll find Tacos El Charro, the little food truck that could. Now boasting a legit walk-up window and charming outdoor seating, they’ve leveled up but kept the vibes deliciously low-key. Feeling classic? Grab the Asada Tacos. Craving something bolder? The Burritoro Barbacoa is basically a flavor freight train. And for those who think breakfast should come with a kick, the Chilaquiles are calling your name. Every order comes with two house-made hot sauces and a side of cabbage soup—because why not keep things caliente and classy? www.facebook.com/ElCharrofoodtruckmexicanfood/
Vaqueros
At Vaqueros, the rooftop is where the magic happens—grab a seat, order a margarita, and take in the views of Main Street and a peek at Steamboat Resort. Chips and dip are practically mandatory up here, whether you’re team salsa, guac, or going all-in with their fresh ceviche. Feeling hungry? The steak fajitas are a sizzling fan favorite, and with a bar as stacked as theirs, you’ll never go thirsty (or unsatisfied—just be careful if you order the grande margarita). Whether you’re kicking off the night or soaking in the sun après-style, Vaqueros is a must for rooftop vibes and full plates. www.steamboat.vaquerosmexican.net
Fiesta Jalisco
Fiesta Jalisco is where authentic Mexican flavors meet mountain-town hospitality. With locations stretching from Avon to beyond the Front Range, they’ve built a loyal following one sizzling plate at a time. Locals love it, visitors crave it, and the service is always on point. Their carne asada is the stuff of legend—grilled to perfection and served with pico, guac, green onions, and a fried jalapeño for that extra kick. Whether you’re swinging by for a quick lunch or settling in for dinner with friends, Fiesta Jalisco serves up comfort, flavor, and that warm “welcome back” feeling. www.steamboat.fiestajaliscoco.com
La Fiesta Grill and Cantina
At La Fiesta Grill, the flavors are bold, the plates are beautiful, and the rave reviews aren’t just hype—they’re well-earned. This cozy spot dishes up comfort food with a fresh twist, and locals can’t get enough. The veggie enchiladas— stuffed with squash and zucchini—are a garden party on a plate, while the bacon chicharrón guacamole is next-level creamy, crunchy goodness. Craving something with a little heat? The stuffed poblano with grilled chicken and pico brings the flavor, and the crispy chile relleno, topped with green chili and chipotle aioli, might just steal the show. Each dish comes with cilantro lime rice and charro beans, because even the sides here know how to shine. And while it’s known as the best happy hour in town—we’ll leave that review up to you (but don’t be surprised if you end up sticking around for round two). www.fiestagrillandcantina.com
Taco Cabo
Nestled right by the river (where the view is as fresh as the guacamole), Taco Cabo is where Mexican fusion flavors meet the laid-back vibes of riverside dining. It’s got everything you want—homemade street tacos, tamales, burritos, and hot sauces so good they should be bottled and sold as a luxury item. Seriously. Craving something a little extra? Their fresh-baked bread will have you questioning why carbs are ever frowned upon. And the guacamole? Let’s just say you’ll be “accidentally” ordering extra. Pull up a chair on their patio and catch some live tunes (because tacos + music = peak relaxation). Wash it all down with a blackberry mojito or a mezcal mule—your taste buds will thank you. And, if you’re lucky, you might catch owner Kent stepping in with his harmonica for an impromptu riverside jam. It’s like dinner and a show, minus the whole “needing a ticket” thing. www.tacocabo.com
Del Mezcal Tacos and Margaritas
Just off the main drag, Del Mezcal Tacos and Margaritas is where bold flavors and smoky cocktails come to play. From the slow-braised Plato de Birria to the sizzling Molcajete (grilled pork and chicken smothered in green chili), this spot knows how to do comfort food right. Taco lovers, rejoice: the Pollo Asado and Copechano are local legends, and the Enchiladas Divorciadas—one red, one green—bring serious flavor and zero commitment issues. On the drink side, the Cadillac Margarita is a smooth classic, the Spicy Mezcalita brings the fire, and the Smokey Grill Mezcal Ahumado is pure, smoky bliss. Basically, it’s the kind of place where you come for a quick taco… and end up staying for three margaritas. No regrets. www.delmezcaltacosymargaritas.com/
Salt & Lime
We know S&L has some of the best margs in town. But they also have great grub from south of the border, from its queso fundido, chorizo vampire, and Toritos Poppers (pineapple and cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped jalapeños, cascabel bbq) apps to main courses like Baja shrimp, quesadilla barbacoa, and steak ranchero. Want something lighter? It has some of the best tacos in the state, which don’t break the bank. And come for the ambiance, whether it’s on its rooftop bar or open dining area downstairs. www.rexsfamily.com/salt-lime
