I've probably been coming here for about 17+ years now and the food here has never been off. Consistently great flavors, always great service. The really cool thing is that all the waiters here pitch in with each others tables which shows great team work and enhances the customer's experience. In 17+ years, coming here has always been a great choice.
Review Source:Since moving to Denver I have been looking for that "go to" Mexican Restaurant that is my favorite for when I crave Mexican food. After trying numerous places the matter is settled. Patzcuaro's is it! The chips and salsa are fresh and flavorful (ok, I am a wimp and the salsa is a little spicy for me, but it is so good it is worth it!). The burrito is probably one of the best burritos ever. Smothered in wonderful cheese and sause plus tender meat with all the extras on the inside to come together for a perfect combination. It is good to be home!
Review Source:Mmmmmexican food, how I crave thee. Since moving to Denver I've been on a never-ending quest to find great Mexican food. I have heard nothing but good things about Patzcuaro's from my fellow Yelp friends, and was finally able to give it a shot.
We arrived just before 9pm and were warned that the restaurant would be closing soon. We got our order in immediately, and chips and salsa were on the table in the blink of an eye. I ordered the Camaron Al Mojo De Ajo - a delicious garlicky concoction accompanied with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas. The shrimp was butterflied and perfectly cooked, and the sauce definitely had enough garlic to punch you in the face (in a goood way).
I will definitely be back, but too bad the restaurant doesn't have later hours for all the bar goers -- I would love to quell my post drinking muchies here, so might be worth starting even earlier!
Great local mexican food.
Just a few blocks up from my mom's house, I read the reviews on yelp and we decided to go here for lunch and it was a great choice.
A simple diner that is well lit and decorated. Â It had a few big screen TVs and lots of comfortable seating.
We sat down and were immediately greeted with fresh hot chips and spicy salsa to start us off.
I ordered my cold beer and the chili/cheese appetizer to start and then the green chili burrito. Â A perfect combination for a cool Sunday afternoon.
The chili was flavorful. Â It wasn't overly spicy, but flavor from the roasted chilis and pork were enough to satisfy me. Â The ground beef in the buririto had some good flavor and the mixed in beans were just right.
Francisco came by and chatted with us for a few minutes. Â Nice man and it was good to see the owner making sure all of the patrons were enjoying their meal.
We had the sopapillas to accompany our meal and they were some of the best I have had - BIG and fluffy!
A definite must go to if looking for an inexpensive but quality meal.
oh, my mom had the menudo and horchata. Â She said the soup was spicy and delicious and the horchata was served the original way it was supposed to be served.
The food here was nothing special.
The entree and side items were actually fairly tasteless and bland.
But, the service was REALLY quick to get us our food and kept waters refilled, etc.
This would be a place I would go on a time crunch, but not a place I would go when looking for a 5 star meal.
A+. Â Absolutely coming back here. Â Not sure what drink the waiter brought, but it was muy delicioso!
Orders came out fast, and I devoured every bit of my and my date's food. Â I am no fan of red sauce, but this was outstanding. Â So was everything else on our plates. Â Most definitely a fan!
I thought for sure I reviewed this place years ago, but apparently I did not!
Definitely one of my favorite places for Mexican in Denver. Â The carnitas here is (almost) perfection, the margs and green chile are delicious. Â You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here.
There is a wait most of the time during dinner hours, but they turn tables over pretty quickly, so hunker down and wait for a few, even if you see a line. Â It's worth it!
oh patzcuaro's, how i love you.
this neighborhood mexican restaurant is my go-to for margaritas the size of your head and salsa that doesn't mess around: it's hot and spicy and i love it!
their patio is one of my favorites in denver. it's private and clean and has water features and ample tables to accommodate lots of guests. we've always been able to get a table and still it's always been busy.
i usually order the chicken burrito deluxe. yummy.
Reliable is how I would describe Patzcuaro's. I have been going occasionally since I moved to Cowtown back in 2001 and it is very consistently... reliable.
Salsa is tasty, fresh and has some legit heat. Tacos are all pretty good if unspectacular. Margaritas and Seafood entress are pretty good too.
Is it amazing? Among the best Mexican in Denver? In my opinion, no. But still worth visiting, and I will again when I find myself over in that part of town.
Hells yeah I love this place! Â I've been for lunch and dinner and am already planning my next outing. Â The margaritas are delicious. Â The only problem is they go down too quickly. Â They don't use a pre-made sour mix which is what makes the marg. Freshly squeezed lime juice, even the pulp got stock in my straw. That's okay though, I didn't mind...I just gulped it down without the straw. Â I ordered the carnitas platter which was so tender and flavorful. Â It came with beans and tortillas..the corn tortillas are made there and you can definitely tell. Â What I loved about my platter is that it wasn't loaded with cheese and sauce. It was simple and the pork was tender and full of flavor. The salsa they serve has a little kick to it but not overly spicy. Â I was also able to try the Tacos Albanil. Now, while the ingredients sound a little nontraditional in a taco, believe me when I say it was anything but. Strips of steak, fried potatoes and jalapeno...that's right, so good. Â My other friend ordered the Bistek a la Mexicana. Now, while I would not choose to order a steak smothered in sauce I'm glad she did because it was worth trying. The flavors were so good, just not my cup of tea. Â This is a truly authentic restaurant in the heart of the Highlands.
Review Source:Tried and true mexican food in the cool (east) side of Highlands. The people that run this place are really nice and service is always solid. The atmosphere is unassuming and authentic. There's a great patio outside about the size of the dining area inside.
The food is pretty good. I like the carnitas dinner with beans and and the shrimp dinner is really good as well. Their queso cheese dip is awesome too. The steak tacos are a winner too.
Swooooon. Â This would have to be some of the best Mexican food I have had in awhile! Â The menu is brilliant actually. Â I couldn't decide what to have, so obviously I can't wait to go back and try something different. Â The value is pretty good for the amount of food you get and the plates include everything you could ever want on a day you are craving Mexican. Â Try their rellenos crispy!
One of things that makes Patzcuaro's charming is the building and decor. Â Feels a little like a Mexican Hacienda. Â I went here the first time last night and was pleasently suprised. Â It never looked that interesting from the outside...inside awaits the goodness!
Queso - yay!
Salsa - yay!
Coin style marg - yay!
Rice - strangely enough yay!
Service - the original waiter - not so good - several minutes more than normal to get water, salsa, menu. Â It was not very busy so seemed strange to wait so long for the basics. Â Somehow we ended up with another waiter and he was much much better. Â
Best Mexican ever - na, but good enough to drive across town for - absolutely. Â I'll be back. Â Need to check out the patio.
Remember when Joey from Friends said his favorite food was sandwiches? Well... my favorite food is tacos.
The tacos at Patzcuaro's do not disappoint. $8 for 4 fully stuffed tacos. No skimping on the meat here, either. I've had them all, and they are all fabulous. I'd say perhaps the Carbon and Adovada are my favorite.
Also, the guacamole is fabulously mild, and avocado flavored, the way it should be. They aren't skimpy with the portions either.
While the inside of this taqueria leaves something to be desired with its grid of picnic table seating, the patio is a lovely oasis: brick wall, potted plants, water fountains, and shade trees create a private, intimate courtyard feel that I quite enjoy. It's also not a patio right on the street so the traffic and passersby are kept out of sight and out of mind. It's one of my favorite patios in my neighborhood, acutally.
What I like best about this place is that it's good, no-nonsense food. It's not pretentious like Pinche taco. It's just good.
My favorite thing about Patzcuaro's was the green, spicy salsa. Other than that, though, nothing really stood out for me. The basic house margarita was huge, and fairly tasty, but not especially strong. The bean burrito itself was pretty good, but the "sauce" they smothered it in was some sort of strange combination of egg flower soup (minus the egg flowers) and the turkey gravy they used to put on the mashed potatoes in grade school. Not flavorless and not inedible, but still somehow vaguely unappealing.
I wouldn't mind going back and trying a different dish--maybe the fajitas (how can you go wrong with fajitas?) or the tacos (which looked pretty yummy)--but I think I'll be picking something that isn't smothered in that sauce.
Shame on you Patzcuaro's. Since i was young child I have been dining at your establishment, but I fear the gentrification of my beloved highlands has tarnished you. Your salsa which was once "hot as balls" and had incredible flavor has now been dumbed down to suit the tastes of young hipster gringos clad in neon and god damn skinny jeans. Upon a recent visit I over heard the owner assuring a young blonde, "the salsa is very mild." I wanted to puke. It is a sad day to see one of my childhood joints change to suit the tastes of the new hipster clientele. Shame on you Patzcuaro's......shame.
Review Source:This place is named after a city in Michoacan Mexico that is famous for their Day of the Dead celebration. It is also near my hometown of Morelia.
I've dined here many times, and I have to say that tacos are the way to go. My favorite are the Tacos al Carbon, served with a cold Negra Modelo. My second favorite is the Carnitas plate with a large side of tomatillo salsa. This place updated their patio within the past two years and its a nice place for happy hour drinks.
Stopped by this little gem before a show at the Stage Theater. We were in a bit of a spot for time & decided Mexican food would probably be the speed we needed. I've been by this place at least 100 times, so we decided to give it a whirl after scanning through the good barks on Yelp.
When we stepped through the darkened door, I was taken back--literally. The interior is like entering a time warp....into the 70's. It literally looks like it hasn't been touched by a decorating hand for at least 30 years. To make it even more oh-so-realistic, there was a guy in polyester shorty shorts and knee-high stripped socks sitting in the middle booth staring back at us like some lost soul...(cue the Twilight Zone theme). I may or may not have been hallucinating from hunger, and despite the nostalgic charm, we opted for the patio in the warm April weather.
Snickering to ourselves on the way out, I was again taken aback by the contrast in styles. The patio is spacious, clean and seemingly back in our millennium--lot's o' brick and iron. Â It's not as pretty as I had imagined after reading the reviews on here & actually nothing to write home about in my opinion, but it was nice to have a seat outside in the lovely Denver eve.
They wasted no time in satisfying my chips & salsa obsession which arrived as we were sitting down. The salsa is A-ok, but I've had better. It's spicy, which is good, but my complaint lies more in preferences of taste, as I tend to like a fresher cilantro flavor in my salsa and this was more of a hot sauce.....but I ate it up just the same.
We got the house margs with a shot of Grand Marnier to top it off. Like mentioned in the other reviews, they were huge. Not the best I've had, but not the worst. At least I could taste tequila.
Our waiter was efficient, but personable interactions were definitely not his strong suit. He barley spoke beside one word answers and then dashed off to the back as soon as he could get away from us. It was somewhat bizarre, but once the food arrived, all was forgiven.
I had the tacos Abanil: steak, onion,  potato & jalapeno. My Fellow ordered the Carbon: steak,  tomato & onion. We also shared a smothered bean burrito. The tacos were absolutely fabulously good with rich authentic flavors and the burrito was swimming in one of the best green chile sauces I've had in a time. I found myself taking chips and dipping them into the green chile sauce flooding the plate. I ate until my belly  hollered, "NACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!Â"  and we definitely had at least another meal of leftovers...could even stretch it into two more.
The bill totaled about $45 for the two of us--not too shabby as I feel as I devoured a small calf for dinner. Sorry friends of PETA.
So, my personal verdict fellow Yelpers: is this ta-tasty Mexican in the 'hood? For sure. Is this the 'Best in Town'? B*tch PLEASE. But we'll be back to stretch the ol' elastic for sure, and you should too if you're craving a taco or two... or four.
Paztcuaro's, I wanted you to earn more stars, unfortunately, I just didn't find it to be an overwhelmingly amazing experience. While Molls and I arrived prior to several tables, we were the last to get chips and salsa, water, and our food. This did not make for a pleasant first impression; however, I am forgiving. With only two servers for a pretty packed Thursday night, we were understanding about things running behind.
We were gonna try a margarita, they are gigantic, but they didn't look overly fresh, so decided against it. The chips and salsa were good, and they offered to get us more chips for waiting so long, but we decided against it. The guacamole was yummy; fresh, cold, but not super fancy/acidy/cilantroy. I had a bean tostada and a flauta, and honestly, they were really good. I really wanted to just add a little something, a dash of hot sauce, something to spice it up because it was rather plain. But no one ever came to check and see that everything was alright, post-receiving our order. The server would not make eye contact with us, and my food was getting cold right before my ears/eyes/nose/mouth. I had to take a bite, and another, and another...until..it...was...gone. Whoops. I was also dying of thirst, and couldn't get my water refilled either.
At the end, it was unclear if our server was our cashier, or if we needed to take the bill to the register. Turns out it was the former, in case anyone was wondering; we waited again for the server to take the bill. Waiting seemed to be the name of the game at Patzcuaro's, and the major annoyance of the evening. While the food wasn't knock your socks off, it is definitely good, and really affordable.
I am sure we will try it again, maybe for a late lunch, so there is less wait and more contact with the server. Also want to try the fabulous looking patio during the warmer months, which may be April, given the weather this year.
Patzcuaro's was originally recommended to me by my real-estate agent when moving into the Highlands. Â He said, and I quote, "it's the best mexican place in town." Â I was a little iffy on that statement since I have been a connoisseur of mexican food since I was in the womb and I'm pretty confident in my taste for great mexican. Â Its definitely not the BEST.
Giving it a shot, I tried the place out with some family and all of us were "meh" about most things in the meal. Â The chips and salsa of all things were a highlight. Â The "famous" margaritas were ok, but again, nothing to write home about. Â The enchiladas were nothing that I couldn't make at home. Â So all in all, it's good, but it's not amazing.
Been back once since the first visit as it is so close to my house, but it's definitely not my go-to.
Again I went to Colorado and found myself at Patzcuaro's about 4 times in a 10 day stay. Sooooo yummy. California really doesn't know a thing about green chili. The food here is amazing and since I am not drinking in the New Year, I almost OD'd on their pineapple liquados.
Love the owner's son Cisco. He's been updating the place and is such a funny kid. I also felt like they stepped their service game up since I was there in August.
Yum yum yum yum! Â This was some delicious food in a restaurant that is a Northside institution. Â The restaurant itself is a little small and has a ramp up to the front door which is very steep and narrow. Â it kind of took us a while to place our orders, but the kitchen must move at light speed because we got our food very quickly. Â So don't lose hope!
The chips are free, the salsa is spicy and the guacamole is awesome. Â I got enchiladas which were tasty. Â Husband got Carnitas Michoacan. Â I don't like pork but after I got a taste of his dish he had to eat fast to keep me away. Â Wow! Â The regular margarita wasn't very strong, but it was VERY tasty (and it was a school night, so really not strong was for the best). Â
They also list very reasonably priced lunch specials on their Facebook page, for what it's worth. Â We are fans and will definitely be back.
Simple, authentic (well really what do I know) good food.
Queso. YUM! GET IT! Thick and delicious.
Chili Rellenos? YUM! Totally not traditional, they looked like taquitos. I was hesitant, but the taste was so much better and crispy. I could eat those all day!
I'm happy I don't live too close, otherwise I'm sure I'd be here every week.
I was craving the chile con queso. Â It seemed slightly different this time. Â I think it had less sauteed vegetables in it and it seemed a little salty this time. Â Actually my Enchilada Patzcuaro were a little salty too. Â I like salt but just don't remember it being that way the last couple of times.
Anyway, I like this place and will definitely be back again!!
Excellent food and wonderful service! Â What a lovely, cozy little place! Â My boyfriend took me here last night and we both had great plates - I had the Milanesa con Papas and he had a Carnitas plate of some sort. Â Both were very tasty. Â I am not sure how long this place has been here, but I know he has been coming here for years.
I only give 4 out of 5 stars because I feel that their prices are bit higher than what they ought to be.. but I guess that is the neighborhood.  $28 for the two of us, no margaritas, just soda.  Not horrible - but aren't decent  Mexican restaurants a dime a dozen?  Must be the yuppy neighborhood. Â
I like this place because it is quiet, no jukebox blaring the same polka beat with some Caballero crying about his broken Corazon - same story, same beat, different song, but you can't tell! Â Sounds like it was the same song played 8 times to me. Â It was nice to have a dinner without the sobbing and weaping, I didn't leave feeling all emotional, like my relationship had just come to a tragic end. lol. Â
My one and only beef, is I wish they made a salsa for white chicks dating Mexican men, something that didn't make your mascara run down your face upon first bite.. ya know, tomatoes, onion, peppers - not a green sauce that even the waitor agreed was "criminal" after seeing my expression. Â But we will be back , I am sure for the good food, great service, and quaint and quiet atmosphere. Â I recommend you give it a whirl.
I took my brother and his girlfriend here while they were visiting from New Jersey. My brother expressed he missed the good authentic Mexican food found in Colorado. After reading the many good reviews of this place, I figured I was making a good decision.
My first impression of Taqueria Patzcuaro was a good one, we were seated at a very nice table on a gorgeous side patio. The ambiance was perfect for a long meal. The waiter was very nice, all smiles, and very attentive. Perhaps this was a reflection of our table's happiness and good attitude.
The salsa that came with the chips was super duper hot, which suits me just fine, but others at the table were unable to eat it, and it was unfortunate that they didn't have a milder option available.
Unfortunately the menu was not vegetarian friendly. There were very few options (which I suppose is to be expected when eating at an authentic Mexican establishment, but still, I've been to many MX restaurants with extensive vegetarian options -- there weren't even any veggie fajitas!). I ordered the bean burrito sans the pork green chile. Even then, I'm pretty sure the refried beans were full of lard, which doesn't go with my diet...but when in Rome. The burrito was pretty bland (likely due to lack of smothering), so I doused it in the salsa, which helped a little. We also ordered nachos for the table, it was a very moderate portion for the five of us, and again fairly bland. Â Everyone at the table ate something different, and the consensus was pretty much the same: meh...not terrible, but I've had way better. Luckily the food was very reasonably priced.
We had a really nice time, and stayed until they closed the restaurant, and they were patient with us as we slowly made our way out. Good service, good company, great ambiance, okay food.
Decent Mexican food and hands down the BEST worst service in the country! Denver should be proud. Â Been here a baker 's dozen times, and they have the best salsa in Denver if you like it hot! Â They are amazingly consistent at sucking with service though...it's never been good. Â I'll keep coming for the salsa but if you're looking for good Mexican food you can find it somewhere else. Â In their defense the bad service is bad enough that I suspect they put some effort into it, so maybe it's one of those places...
Oh yeah, the last time we came they had to halt margarita sales because they had maxed out their daily amount and they forgot to put some of their beers on ice so you had to get them warm if you wanted Mexican beer...therefore if you want Margaritas come in the morning and unless you're British and like warm beer bring your own cooler with ice (don't worry they take so long your beer will have time to get cold).
I've heard nothing but good things about this restaurant, both from my friends and Westword also rated it #1 Mexijoint this year. Another bonus: Â It's in the hood.
For my bday, a couple of us got together for some dinner and drinks. Got a reservation on the patio, which was shielded thankfully from the rain that ensued later in the evening. Â
Their margs are $6 each, HUGE, and STRONG, and light on the sweet and sour mix.
First off, their salsas are SPICY. And we got an order of the chili cheese dip I have been hearing so much about to start off. WHOA! very spicy indeed. The waiter suggested the Carnitas platter so I went with that for my main entree. Everyone ordered something different so I was able to try the green chile platter, red chile enchilada and Matt's chicken fajitas. Â
I was absolutely blown away by the red chile!! So much, that we ordered a side of it and it was eaten up in minutes. Â I am a huge green chile lover. I don't normally like red chile so for me to say I loved it, must be good!! Â In fact, my side of green chile basically went uneaten. Â The waitstaff couldn't be more accommodating to us.
And, for my bday, they brought us a huge sopapilla the table could share! This was the best way to end such an amazing meal. Â
I WILL BE BACK.
This might be up there with one of the most disappointing meals I have had. More so because it's in my neighbourhood.
Having tried most of the surrounding eateries, we decided on a Mexican dinner here. With famed margaritas, patio and food, this looked to be an exciting evening.
We walked in to an almost empty restaurant, and were told we can sit anywhere by a rushing waiter. Decided on the patio. Again, not very busy, but decently full. There were a couple of tables empty, but they all needed cleaning.
Wait to get the table cleaned - 8 minutes
Wait to get a menu - 5 minutes
Wait to get water - forever, we didn't get any
Wait to get our drinks order - 5 minutes
Wait for the said margaritas - sorry, spiked lemonade - Â 5 minutes
Wait to take our food order - probably 20 minutes, but felt much, much longer.
The house nachos were stale, but the salsa delicious and refreshing.
Food arrived and was disappointing. Very. Oh, and they didn't provide cutlery - has to ask, the wait was for ever, so we shared one set.
We ordered -
Steak Tampiqueña
Smothered Burrito
House Margaritas
The patio is definitely a plus - it rained that evening and was magical sitting there.
The service rather mediocre at best.
Food wasn't something I would come back in a rush for.
Drinks - I have passed the age for spiked lemonade.
Down the road is La TaquerÃa Mexicana - no hype, no patio, just good food & solid drinks, with friendly and prompt service.
Three words: Chile. Cheese. Dip.
Try it! It may seem a little underwhelming when it first arrives at your table, but give it a few minutes to sit in that little dipping bowl, and I guarantee that you, your tortilla chips, and your mouth will be extra happy. And your index finger, too, if you run out of chips. Seriously.
Based on the recommendations of many o' lovely yelper, I decided to bring a friend to this taqueria for a quick lunch last weekend while we were out doing touristy things around town. Patz's does not disappoint! The patio is pretty fantastic - it's a strange mix of dorm-room style furniture and wrought iron patio furniture with outdoor fountains, but somehow...it all works.
We sampled the Carne a la tampiquena - delicious - marinated pork tacos - greasy, but good (you can order these ala carte) - and the always-lip-smacking Negra Modelo, although their margs look quite sip-worthy. The menu boasts $6 daily lunch specials M-F (drink included) so the next time I'm here that time of day, I'm definitely stopping in again.
Pretty, pretty, pretty good!
What does it mean when you still think about the lunch you had and its been 4 days ago? (me watching television one night and I think to myself, man, that lunch was awesome...) I went here once with a friend who is a fan.
The outside looks totally different then what you see when you walk inside. We sat on the patio on a beautiful sunny day. The menu is, in a word, compact. You have a few options but are not overwhelmed by it. The seafood menu consist of mostly shrimp. Which to me is a good sign. If you ever go to a restaurant that has one item in the entire menu, chances are its not going to be very fresh or good, unless they happen to sell A LOT of it. But if the item is used in many entrees you can expect a higher turn around in their inventory. (means fresher ingredients)
I had the Albinil tacos. Strip steak with onions, jalapenos, and potatoes. The potatoes are like thick fried potato chips that go in the tacos. FANTASTIC. So simple yet so good. You get three, no side of beans or rice. The drink of choice here is the Jamaica juice. GET IT.
I will definitely go back but I'm nervous it wont be as good as that first time. I feel like I'm reminiscing about a summer fling I just had. Summer dreams ripped at the seams, but oh, those summer nights...
I love Mexican food and Patzcuaro satisfies. Â We went last week and I had the camorones el patzcuaro, spicy shrimp in a broth of tomatoes, onion, potatoes with a kick, I like food that is not afraid to be spicy, this was great.
My partner had the combination plate with a enchilada, relleno and tostada that was equally gratifying, he loved the green chili. Â The house margaritas unbelievably big glasses for 4.50.
You can't miss the house made, yes house made horchata that comes in another huge serving, so much that we actually took ours to go but the flavors will remind you of your childhood so perfectly delicious.
This is a warm neighborhood place, not at all pretentious but what good food it suppose to be
Yum! Â We headed here for dinner this week after realizing we were both craving mexican food.
We had chips and salsa on the table almost before we even sat down. Â The salsa is fantastic, just the right amount of heat and a wonderful flavor.
My boyfriend got a carbon burrito smothered with guac and sour cream and I opted for the Tacos al Cabeza which were served simply with onions, cilantro and lime.
We were both really really happy with our meals, the cabeza was tender and flavorful, as full as I was, I wished that I had more! Â I sampled the burrito and it was excellent as well, the green chile is a bit on the mild side but the flavor is there for sure. Â
We plan on heading back quite soon for a taco feast as we really want to try them ALL. Â With 6 more varieties to go, I think we'll actually be here quite a few times!
This is the REAL deal people!
Best Salsa ever!: great flavor and great heat. Make sure to ask server for extra to put on everything!
Best Prices: you cannot beat an entire lunch for 5.25
Best food: real authentic mexican food, can you handle it?
Recommendations: smothered burrito carbon or carnitas (perfect filling meal, make sure to pour salsa on top), Torta Milanesa (delicious meat, flavorful guac and great crusty bread) and the enchiladas (delicious authentic red sauce and plenty of cheese)
Taqueria is so tasty and affordable that it has become a ritual for my company to come here EVERY Monday for lunch, so come by, try and say hi!
Walking into Patzcuaro, I felt like I was walking into an authentic Hacienda... in 1973. Wood paneling, wrought iron, and brick line the walls (along with framed photos of scowling moustachioed gents). An impossibly huge wagon-wheel-style chandelier hangs from the ceiling. I almost expect something shady and packaged to be slipped in through the back door by a guy with gold zodiac medallions buried amidst thick, 70s chest hair...
...but of course that isn't the case. Patzcuaro is family-friendly all the way, and the only packages coming in the back door are those containing the fresh and delicious food they'll be serving up to their loyal customers that day.
The loyal customers... there are many. Expect a line, but expect it to move fast. The dining room is tiny, but perhaps because it's a neighborhood joint, people don't Camp Out at tables. They respect their neighbors enough to let them eat too... how nice! What a novel idea! There's such a good vibe in this place. The servers are brisk and efficient, but super-friendly. Ours even brought a small plate of shredded chicken for my 11-month-old to nosh on while the rest of our group sipped giant margaritas and awaited our dinners.
Yes, we give our baby Mexican food. That's just how we roll.
And for the record? He loved it. Two baby thumbs up for Patcuaro's shredded chicken.
I had a chicken flauta and a crispy relleno. Both were damn tasty. One thing to note: the crispy relleno comes dry, without a dousing of green chile. However, when I asked for some they were more than happy to oblige! Good green chile. Not too spicy, but that's all good with me.
Another high note: the guacamole. Super-fresh and neon green... like it'd just been made the very second we ordered it. Not overly seasoned or spiced, the avocados really shined through. Guac doesn't get much better than this.
The only low note: my friend's fajitas were supposed to come with pico de gallo and there was none. It was mobbed that night, with a rehearsal dinner in full swing, and it was pretty tough to get the attention of our busy server so we just let it slide. No biggie.
So there you have it! Yummy food, check. Friendly service, check. Good vibes, check. Gold medallions and chest hair...
...thankfully, none to be found.
The family at Taqueria Patzcuaro has found THE way to make your Mexican food dining experience something out of the ordinary. Â I was first taken to this spot by some friends in 2002 and have gone back several times a year since then.
The difference here is the staff is wonderful but the food is just out of this world. Â Even for my wife who was not big on salsa or guacamole (why she married a Spanish/Mexican guy I have no idea) but the Taqueria Patzcuaro converted her in a heart beat.
Their Enchiladas Patzcuaro is the best plate I've had in years. Â Something about a plate of chicken enchiladas covered with three different cheeses topped with lettuce and tomatoes that makes life worth living.
Although parking can be tough at times (street parking only) Â and the wait can be a little much (especially at lunch) this is a great little spot for a taste of old world Mexican food.
In the Colorado Mexican food scene, some places are more scene (I'm looking at you Lola), others more Colorado (don't think I can't see you Rio Grande). But I always have a little place in my heart for the spicy burn of a real Mexican place.
We arrive, slide into the el rancho picnic tables that comprise Patzcuaro's seating area and ask for a drink. "We have Mexican beer and margaritas" our waiter offers curtly, as if to really say, "Comeon guys. Do you have any idea where you are?" My girlfriend asks if they have wine. "Red, white or pink?" he wonders. She already regrets the question.
But things get better as we dip the wispy-crisp chips into the murky brown and red salsa. This is no place for the timid. That stuff burns and the arrival of drinks is a welcome moment. The margarita lives in a giant goblet that must have been stolen from the Pirates of the Caribbean set and the drink itself is a bit too sweet. But it does the trick and it's not light on the tequila.
The food comes quickly and it's just everything Mexican food should be. Layers of heat and spice and hearty flavor, the entrees send your mouth racing around trying to place the flavors. Savoring each mouthful, you figure out the sins of your middle class mother's Mexican food - lack of courage. And as I gaze into the eyes of the Poncho Villa, plastered in black and white on the wall, all braggadocio with a sword and swooping mustache, I tip my imaginary sombrero. I've joined the Mexican food revolution, and life is sweet.
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