El Costeno Mexican Restaurant

Small place, not the most amazing atmosphere, but great stop for a casual lunch.  Had the steak tacos and they were great.  All salsas are made in-house daily and were delicious.  Very friendly staff.

Just moved to CO from Southern CA, where I grew up, and have not been able to find much authentic Mexican Food (have had to make it myself).  Until now.  This place is very good; I am so happy to have found it - and even more happy that they deliver.  Only thing missing from the menu is Taquito's (El Costeno if you're listening, hint hint).

El Costeno has joined forces with Stevo's Pizza to become the independent version of a Ken-Taco-Hut.  Except here you can get bbq, pizza, and the rarely seen (in Denver) Mexico City favorite, tacos de canasta.  Literally meaning basket tacos, tacos de canasta are a version of steamed tacos that are available with a variety of fillings like refried beans, chicharrones, pollo con mole, barbacoa, and papas con chorizo.  While I have heard of these steamed tacos before, this was my first time trying them - and let me tell you - it was not what I was used to.  I was at a lost whether I should grab a fork or get my hands dirty - so I combo ate these suckas.  The flavors were fantastic, though the sogginess was something that took me a few bites to get used to.  The papas con chorizo came as a mash; like an incredibly flavorful baby food consistency.  The barbacoa was bursting with flavor.  The mole - I could have lived without it.  All in all, I liked the food here, but my vote is swinging between a 3 and a 4.  Since the bathroom was straight out of a horror film set, I'm going with a 3 star review for now.