Tracking down the best taco in Denver leads you to an unexpected bright orange house on Alameda Avenue.
La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas serves authentic street tacos that earned recognition as one of the top 100 taco joints in the country.
What Makes La Calle the Best Taco in Denver
The secret lies in owner Hugo Santana’s unwavering commitment to authentic preparation methods from Mexico City.
Each taco uses double-wrapped fresh corn tortillas with generous portions of perfectly seasoned meat.
At $3.49 per street taco, La Calle offers tremendous value for the quality and portion size.
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The Story Behind Denver’s Best Taco
Owner Hugo Santana, a Mexico City native, opened La Calle in 2012 after missing the taquerias from home.
What started as Santana’s food truck operation on Federal Boulevard in 2004 eventually evolved into this permanent location.
The transformation from quiet neighborhood spot to citywide destination happened organically through excellent food and genuine hospitality.
Credits to fkndeliciousness
Denver’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Birria de Chivo (Goat Birria): Tender goat meat slow-braised in a rich, tomatoey consommé with authentic spices creates this specialty. The gamey flavor gets balanced perfectly by the slightly spicy broth that works as dipping sauce or standalone soup. 🥘
- Tacos Al Pastor: Marinated pork gets shaved fresh from the vertical rotisserie called a trompo, creating those coveted caramelized edges. The meat arrives with hints of pineapple sweetness and warm spices that transport you straight to Mexico City streets. 🔥
- Lengua (Beef Tongue) Tacos: This tender cut receives proper respect through careful braising until incredibly soft and rich. The texture surprises first-timers who expect something chewy but discover melt-in-your-mouth perfection instead. 👅
- Carne Asada Tacos: Grilled beef arrives perfectly seasoned with no need for excessive toppings or sauces. The meat gets cooked to tender perfection while maintaining a slight char that lets the beef quality shine through. 🥩
- Quesabirria: These cheese-stuffed birria tacos come in stacks of three with consommé for dipping perfectly. The thick tortillas get griddled until crispy, creating satisfying crunch with melted cheese and juicy birria meat. 🧀
- Cochinita Pibil: This Yucatan-style slow-roasted pork showcases regional Mexican cooking at its finest level. The pork gets marinated in citrus and achiote before cooking, resulting in vibrant orange meat with tangy, earthy flavors. 🍊
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The Salsa Bar Experience
After receiving your tacos, you customize them with fresh cilantro, diced onions, pickled jalapeños, and radishes.
The salsa selection ranges from mild to volcanic, with the red varieties packing serious heat that regulars absolutely rave about.
The pickled habanero red onions add perfect tangy kick to any taco combination you choose.
Credits to Yelpcolorado
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies a converted orange house that catches your eye immediately when driving down Alameda Avenue.
Inside, the casual setup features counter service where you order and pay before finding a seat.
Telenovelas play on the TV screens while Mexican music creates a lively soundtrack throughout the space.
Credits to Natalia S.
Bottom Line
Visit La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas for the best taco in Denver featuring authentic preparation methods that mirror Mexico City street corners.
Generous portions at affordable prices, an extensive salsa bar with fresh toppings, and genuine Mexican hospitality create memorable experiences.
The restaurant has earned multiple awards and national recognition for consistently excellent street tacos since 2012. 💯
Address: La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas
1565 W Alameda Ave, Denver, CO 80223
📞 (720) 583-6586