Los Farolitos

lunch buffet was available but looked nasty
food was typical and boringly flavorless
nice waitress, very friendly, but could not comprehend the review that gave this place 4 stars
lo siento, no bueno

Westword chose Los Farolitos Green Chile as their 2011 Winner. I think not. They also recommended the buffet and I would say this place isn't even trying.

The Green chile was watery and flavorless and the cheese enchiladas were rubbery at best. The buffet consisted of crusty old refried beans, so shady colorless watermelon, questionable menudo, mole w/ an unrecognizable meat, and countless other dishes that were not what I consider common mexican faire.

The rice was the highlight, but I expect more from a buffet. We attended on a Friday afternoon and the food looked like it had been out since Wednesday. I spoke to the hostess about the lack of choices. I felt like there should AT LEAST be some grilled pork or carne asada or chicken to put into the toritllas so I could make my own tacos. I literally asked her, "Where is the meat?" She pointed at a  tray with some rib bones in it. She then brought some out later, but by then it was much too late.

Save yourself the time and trouble. Westword, I love you, but you blew it on this one. I trust the reader's choice as Denver's #1 Green Chile, Santiago's never lets me down.

Friendly service. Food was good but I wouldn't call the green chile the best of Denver as Westword did. I had smothered chile rellenos (green chile) and they were very tasty but the breading was thin and sliding off.  The salsa was pretty bland. All in all, I could have used a little more kick. Lots of harder to find, authentic dishes. They apparently must serve alcohol now because there were signs everywhere advertising shots and margaritas.