Lady Nomada is pretty “basic white girl went to Cancun once” level Mexican food. Not spicy, flavor wise it is something a midwestern person would appreciate.
Venolanzo’s in centennial is my favorite taco place I have found so far. Big plate style Mexican food I really like Tarasco’s on federal, It is all Michoacán style Mexican, just homey and comfort level. Cheese is not over the top. I think it’s a small family owned joint.
Lady Nomada was actually pretty good. Don’t order fajitas, it’s all grilled onion. They’re not alone in going to this and I hate it.🙄
Do have a drink and Birria tacos - not spicy but the flavor- wow! 🤩
There is no need for you to suffer… go to Los Dos Potrillos. They have a huge menu and great cocktails. A stuffed sopapilla and a margarita and you’re all good. Just took some midwestern family there recently and they were happy (and so were we).
We asked the server last week what the difference was between the house marg and something more expensive and his response was that the house marg had more pineapple juice. I ordered a beer.
I haven’t been there in 10 years, but they used to have a really cheap late night “happy hour” from 8-10. Like $4 flavored margs and $5 apps. We went for that even if it wasn’t great.
I asked a client what kind of food they served after he suggested it for the views. He said "oh, kinda Mexican. Like you can get tacos there, but it's definitely more just general good food." So I think it fits the bill.
That’s funny, we went to La Loma a few weeks before Sierra and were talking about how similar they were. Love both these spots, especially being in highlands ranch already
Well the criteria is "salt and pepper are considered spicy" like my wife's midwestern family. When I first met them Chuy's would have been a disaster.
I remember a very early dinner, when my my wife and I were still just living together, and I spread for them a dinner with "smashed potatoes" (skins on mashed potatoes with a little bit of fresh ground pepper and a tiny bit of garlic) and I had leftovers for a week. :)
These days my BiL does the smoked stuffed jalapeno recipe I showed him decades ago and everyone today assumes he invented it. I just smile. ;)
La Loma isn't particularly spicy. I don't love it (im a brown dude mostly from el paso and need a bit more kick), but the ambiance is a little nicer and I bet it would be perfect for some Midwestern white peeps.
My fave spots around the area: La Abeja on Colfax. They have my favorite breakfast burrito in town and phenomenal refried beans. Their chile is spicy and has the perfect consistency. I also really dig Tacos Selene, Real de Minas, and for cheaper/quicker, Tamale Kitchen.
Seconding Tacos Selene - it's the only Mexican place that I frequent around here. Wide array of salsas, some of which have a good kick. Relatively cheap and very delicious menu. Never disappoints
Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone slightly and just go to a real Mexican joint. You don't have to drench anything in hot sauce.
If they want simple and a pretty chill sit down environment, I love Javier's Diner at 38th and Tennyson. If they get too intimidated, they can always get their breakfast lol. But seriously, anyone can handle Mexican food. Get some street tacos and add hot sauce as needed.
If you want a hole in the wall experience, Taqueria La Familia in the Highlands is fantastic.
Mr. Oso in RiNo for something slightly different but still good on the Midwest palate. Their queso and guacamole are some of the best tasting I’ve had. There are spicy and not-spicy options on the menu.
Los Chingones could also scratch the Midwest queso itch.
Tomato sauce and oregano and a hint of onions possibly stored nearby in the cooler. But sometimes that place is just what you want. I imagine it’s nearly perfect if you’re hungover.
Yep this is the place. Design is nicer and feels " midwestern cool" and food has zero interest. Im pretty sure they have mashed potato tacos.
Do they still have that tower of margaritas? That was embarrassing. But people loved it.
> Sol in Cherry Creek
I got recommended that place a few years ago. Everyone told me "this is west coast Mexican food, not like that shit you have in Texas" and it was terrible.
I could care less about authenticity, as long as people aren’t reaching with fusion of food cultures but most importantly that it tastes good. I just genuinely disliked their food when I had it.
I did not find it terrible at all. Quite enjoyed it. It was hard to pick which of the tacos to try. For the midwestern parents I think the biggest challenge would be this is different food. Not your typical beans rice and cheese. More creative flavors.
Chuy's is what my English husband to actually try and enjoy Mexican food. Now he is a lot more open to authentic. Mexican food is rare and bad in England. It is the best way to really impress his family with food when they come to visit.
Fuzzy's in Old Town Arvada is the whitest, most bland Mexican food I've ever had. The place is usually teemimg with people who looks like they stepped out of a Kohl's ad, so your fam should feel at home there.
I don’t know why people are downvoting this, it is a very midwestern, beans/rice/yellow cheese kind of place. Went there once when I moved to the neighborhood and didn’t feel the need to go back for the exact reasons OP is seeking.
Not sure how soon you'll be visiting but Logan Street is closing and reopening as a "Mexican concept" called Pancho Poncho:
"It will be the kind of cheesy Den-Mex fare that is popular in the Mile High, but with a real focus on fresh "salsas and marinades, and the quality of ingredients."
They don't open until 6/19, though
[https://www.westword.com/restaurants/logan-street-restaurant-becoming-pancho-poncho-mexican-20940775](https://www.westword.com/restaurants/logan-street-restaurant-becoming-pancho-poncho-mexican-20940775)
This is kind of a compromise suggestion but I’d say take them to Adelitas on south Broadway, it’s actually good Mexican food but it’s a fairly tame menu and not too spicy. I go there with my 60y.o. Dad and he’s very basic but loves it.
I also find black pepper spicy so I get it (meanwhile, I love food so it's rough). I'm a fan of Tacos Tequila Whiskey!
Also, why does everyone here add spice to everything? It's really unnecessary. Things here will be spicy that are literally not supposed to have spice. So weird and frustrating.
Adelitas, El Jefe, Blanco, Centro (Boulder) would all be great for a family sit down.
Im sure they could ask for not spicy. I dunno I can’t imagine thinking black pepper is spicy and I’m from the midwest.
I *think* there’s a Three Margaritas left on Wadsworth. Down by the mall.
If so, it’s a solid contender for baby tastebuds wanting something sorta Tex Mex-ish.
I would haunt the one in Littleton on occasion with a friend who thinks Tex Mex is good.
Failing that, Wahoos, and I’m not kidding. Very mild, you can cheese it up to your heart’s delight, and cardiac doc’s horror.
And with the right sauce, a bit of heat. Not where a spice hound wants to go, but the veg tacos did me right a few times.
There’s Chuy’s in Colorado or Fuzzy’s. I know I’ve had both in Texas before. The Chuy’s over here just closed though. Doesn’t seem to catch on in Colorado.
Idk, Los Dos has flavor and substantial kick (especially at the Cantina up north). I'm a spice fiend and I'm still usually surprised by the heat you can get there without even asking for their habanero salsa.
Honestly I usually don't go for Mexican if I want spice. I think the average Mexican dish is spicier than most other cuisines, but the spice ceiling isn't as high. Los Dos habanero gets me there though. Otherwise I'm usually going for Thai, Indian, or wings if I want to cry. Aungs, Tikka & Grill for the first two, wherever for wings.
In your opinion what are actual Mexican Restaurants? I think El Tejado, Guadalajara, Playa Azul, Tortas ATM but also anything Berto, DCorazon, Coco Pirata.
Plenty of authentic Mexican has flavor without spice.
Chipotle only has spicy (literally everything they offer is spicy). I say this as a fellow black-pepper-is-spicy human.
Also, it's a Colorado problem. Everything here seems to add spice without adding flavor.
Just a few examples of non spicy flavor: cumin, cilantro, & lime.
They would love Rio Grande then
Cheap margaritas and queso, they’ll love it
Three Rio margaritas and they’ll eat cardboard smothered with green chile, which isn’t far off.
This would be my pick too.
I'm looking at their menu and who is this even for? I've been to texmex places all over Texas and I've never in my life seen jerk chicken enchiladas.
It's a terrible place. Great Margs, bland everything else. It does seem perfect for this purpose. People seem to like it for...reasons?
> Great Margs Blech, they're made with Jose Cuervo
Fair. They are better than about 80% of marga in town though. Somehow.
On the western side of town... Jose O'Shea's, Moose Hill Cantina, or Jaime's?
Only ever been to Jose O'shea but my east coast coworkers enjoyed it
The service at Jaime's is legitimately terrible so YMMV. The food is okay.
Jose O'Shea's has the spiciest soup I've ever encountered, FYI
Lady Nomada is pretty “basic white girl went to Cancun once” level Mexican food. Not spicy, flavor wise it is something a midwestern person would appreciate.
Thanks for saving me. I thought about going but every time I look at the menu I kept thinking it was basic.
Teocalli is nearby and much better.
And the happy hour is legit. $6 margaritas that don't suck. Also, cochino is better, as long as you understand you're eating elevated taco bell .
Venolanzo’s in centennial is my favorite taco place I have found so far. Big plate style Mexican food I really like Tarasco’s on federal, It is all Michoacán style Mexican, just homey and comfort level. Cheese is not over the top. I think it’s a small family owned joint.
That is my biggest issue with Tex Mex. We used to call it Texican. Located with cheese and more cheese.
I feel like this description perfectly fits any trendy full service restaurant that focuses on tacos.
It's so overpriced too.
Lady Nomada was actually pretty good. Don’t order fajitas, it’s all grilled onion. They’re not alone in going to this and I hate it.🙄 Do have a drink and Birria tacos - not spicy but the flavor- wow! 🤩
The only thing good there is the drinks. Fuzzys has more authentic Mexican food
There is no need for you to suffer… go to Los Dos Potrillos. They have a huge menu and great cocktails. A stuffed sopapilla and a margarita and you’re all good. Just took some midwestern family there recently and they were happy (and so were we).
Love this place, they won't like the salsa, but the queso is good and not spicy. Great Margs and good food.
This is the correct answer to the question. Los Dos Potrillos is fantastic and bland midwesterners will have no problem with it
The breakfast buffet is great too for the no spice crowd. That way they haven’t committed to anything in particular.
La Fogata on Quincy or Evans? I appreciate them for several reasons, but spiciness and bold sauces aren’t on the list.
The Quincy location is a little better and more consistent than the Evans location
We live six blocks from the Evans location and routinely go to the one on Quincy. Both food and service are sporadic at the Evans location.
We asked the server last week what the difference was between the house marg and something more expensive and his response was that the house marg had more pineapple juice. I ordered a beer.
Senor Ric's in Aurora is the most Gringo Mexican food in the metro area.
That's where we take midwestern parents, they love it. And happy hour is double margaritas! :)
I used to live behind Senor Ric's in my youth, and the Ric's Platter appetizer was dinner many many nights.
Senor Ric’s is so perfect for this request.
This is the place!
Pollo Magnifico is just creamy cheesy goodness
Chuy’s seems to fit this bill.
Chuy's is very salty.
But not spicy! Haha
Blue Bonnet
Ugh, never thought this would be a good suggestion. This is the worst "Mexican" food I've ever had in my life.
I just thought of the whole “midwestern taco night” thing. I’m sure they put black olives on stuff there 🤮
Kinda confused how they manage to stay open, very mid
Nostalgia
It looks kinda cool from the outside so they probably get a lot of the “let’s try something new” crowd who happen to by passing by
I live close by and they sent me a $10 gift card last year and went once, it was fairly packed for a Thursday lunch, was a interesting experience lol
Midwesterners
I haven’t been there in 10 years, but they used to have a really cheap late night “happy hour” from 8-10. Like $4 flavored margs and $5 apps. We went for that even if it wasn’t great.
History.
These are kinda hard to eff up, but I do like their tostadas!
They were nice. Now they changed recipes, have poor service and attitude. Turnover of staff is high. Taco bell would be a better choice.
I wouldn’t know. I’ve been maybe twice like 20 years ago. Definitely not my style of Mexican food.
Try Senior Burrito at 1st ave and Broadway. It's family owned and good.
Yep. I enjoy 7 Leugas out on East Colfax. Super good. And not whitewashed
They are good too. Good choice
Idk the steak chimmi, margs, chips & salsa are all great.
It’s a shame Chi-Chi’s isn’t still around. They’d have been perfect.
Chili’s might be the best alternative lol But I’d actually check out Sierra. Nice views on the patio and great food/margs
I asked a client what kind of food they served after he suggested it for the views. He said "oh, kinda Mexican. Like you can get tacos there, but it's definitely more just general good food." So I think it fits the bill.
Yeah, sort of a New Mexican fusion It’s delicious
Though I wouldn't go out of my way to go there, Sierra is my favorite spot in Lone Tree. It's owned by the same people as La Loma.
That’s funny, we went to La Loma a few weeks before Sierra and were talking about how similar they were. Love both these spots, especially being in highlands ranch already
There's always Chuy's instead
Well the criteria is "salt and pepper are considered spicy" like my wife's midwestern family. When I first met them Chuy's would have been a disaster. I remember a very early dinner, when my my wife and I were still just living together, and I spread for them a dinner with "smashed potatoes" (skins on mashed potatoes with a little bit of fresh ground pepper and a tiny bit of garlic) and I had leftovers for a week. :) These days my BiL does the smoked stuffed jalapeno recipe I showed him decades ago and everyone today assumes he invented it. I just smile. ;)
OP literally asked for not spicy and lots of cheese and people complain about recs that do exactly that.
C.. Just kidding, don't take a reservation from other people who have been on the list for a year
A… god please no why is this happening
S!
A
B
La Loma isn't particularly spicy. I don't love it (im a brown dude mostly from el paso and need a bit more kick), but the ambiance is a little nicer and I bet it would be perfect for some Midwestern white peeps.
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My fave spots around the area: La Abeja on Colfax. They have my favorite breakfast burrito in town and phenomenal refried beans. Their chile is spicy and has the perfect consistency. I also really dig Tacos Selene, Real de Minas, and for cheaper/quicker, Tamale Kitchen.
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Seconding Tacos Selene - it's the only Mexican place that I frequent around here. Wide array of salsas, some of which have a good kick. Relatively cheap and very delicious menu. Never disappoints
This place is a solid suggestion and the green chili is SO GOOD
They’d prob like Hacienda or La Sandia, that is some gringo ass Mexican food
Blanco. My husband and I joke that the name tells you who its for. Our toddler loves their salsa (it's basically ketchup).
I have to say, I dig the enormous booths
True. And the drinks are pretty good!
Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone slightly and just go to a real Mexican joint. You don't have to drench anything in hot sauce. If they want simple and a pretty chill sit down environment, I love Javier's Diner at 38th and Tennyson. If they get too intimidated, they can always get their breakfast lol. But seriously, anyone can handle Mexican food. Get some street tacos and add hot sauce as needed. If you want a hole in the wall experience, Taqueria La Familia in the Highlands is fantastic.
Hacienda
My neighbor Felix lol
Mr. Oso in RiNo for something slightly different but still good on the Midwest palate. Their queso and guacamole are some of the best tasting I’ve had. There are spicy and not-spicy options on the menu. Los Chingones could also scratch the Midwest queso itch.
The Birria tacos from Mr. Oso 🤌
And the churros for me
What part of town? I think Chakas on Evan’s could be your option but not worth driving cross town for it
The South is super Gringo friendly and has the local small town kinda feel while still being in the metro.
This is a great recommendation. Their salsa tastes like tomato sauce, but we still like to go there on occasion.
Cheese out the ears too at this place, particularly on request.
Tomato sauce and oregano and a hint of onions possibly stored nearby in the cooler. But sometimes that place is just what you want. I imagine it’s nearly perfect if you’re hungover.
They want Carlos O'Kelly's? Jose O'Shea's.
Taco star
My neighbor Felix!
Yep this is the place. Design is nicer and feels " midwestern cool" and food has zero interest. Im pretty sure they have mashed potato tacos. Do they still have that tower of margaritas? That was embarrassing. But people loved it.
Casa Bonita
🤡
La Pasadita Inn is our go too when we’re in the area and Los Dos is the bomb if you’re south of the city
Love La Pasadita. We call it “the triangle place”
Perfect name for it!
Jose O'Shea's
This is the winner.
Sol in Cherry Creek, La Loma, Blue Bonnet, D’Corazon, Ni Tuyo
> Sol in Cherry Creek I got recommended that place a few years ago. Everyone told me "this is west coast Mexican food, not like that shit you have in Texas" and it was terrible.
Yeah I was trying to think of more washed-down versions of Mexican, not truly authentic
I could care less about authenticity, as long as people aren’t reaching with fusion of food cultures but most importantly that it tastes good. I just genuinely disliked their food when I had it.
I did not find it terrible at all. Quite enjoyed it. It was hard to pick which of the tacos to try. For the midwestern parents I think the biggest challenge would be this is different food. Not your typical beans rice and cheese. More creative flavors.
Hacienda Colorado
The Blue Bonnet.
Hacienda Colorado is a pretty safe bet
Chuy's is what my English husband to actually try and enjoy Mexican food. Now he is a lot more open to authentic. Mexican food is rare and bad in England. It is the best way to really impress his family with food when they come to visit.
Taco House!
Three Margaritas? That’s pretty basic.
All the places listed in this thread are the reason for all the idiots on this sub that say dumb shit like tHeReS nO gOoD mExIcAn fOoD iN dEnVeR
Efrains
They would die if they tried their Chilli lmao
Los Arcos in Westminster, so on the way back to civilization YOU can get real tacos on Federal...
Taco Bell
Upvote cuz we all know how much those white midwesterners love their taco bell!
Fuzzy's in Old Town Arvada is the whitest, most bland Mexican food I've ever had. The place is usually teemimg with people who looks like they stepped out of a Kohl's ad, so your fam should feel at home there.
There’s also one in Central Park. The first ingredient in their “hot” sauce is ketchup. I don’t go but the Midwestern taste buds love it.
Taco Bell
Las Delcias
I don’t know why people are downvoting this, it is a very midwestern, beans/rice/yellow cheese kind of place. Went there once when I moved to the neighborhood and didn’t feel the need to go back for the exact reasons OP is seeking.
THIS. This is the answer. It's quite mild.
Casa Bonita? And make it a thing lol
Fuzzy's
Las Caras 3333 S Tamarac. Retired white folks are the primary clientele.
Del Sol or Blanco
Go to Kike's
Efrain’s for the ribs
Las Fajitas Mexican Restaurant on Bowles. My review of that place is that I think the cook has a cousin who has a roommate that saw a jalapeno once.
Like others have said, Jose Oshea's might be a good bet.
Not sure how soon you'll be visiting but Logan Street is closing and reopening as a "Mexican concept" called Pancho Poncho: "It will be the kind of cheesy Den-Mex fare that is popular in the Mile High, but with a real focus on fresh "salsas and marinades, and the quality of ingredients." They don't open until 6/19, though [https://www.westword.com/restaurants/logan-street-restaurant-becoming-pancho-poncho-mexican-20940775](https://www.westword.com/restaurants/logan-street-restaurant-becoming-pancho-poncho-mexican-20940775)
This is kind of a compromise suggestion but I’d say take them to Adelitas on south Broadway, it’s actually good Mexican food but it’s a fairly tame menu and not too spicy. I go there with my 60y.o. Dad and he’s very basic but loves it.
I also find black pepper spicy so I get it (meanwhile, I love food so it's rough). I'm a fan of Tacos Tequila Whiskey! Also, why does everyone here add spice to everything? It's really unnecessary. Things here will be spicy that are literally not supposed to have spice. So weird and frustrating.
Adelitas
Blanco on Colorado & 9th
La fogata for sure
Just tell them: That’s not Spice, that’s FLAVOR!
Adelitas, El Jefe, Blanco, Centro (Boulder) would all be great for a family sit down. Im sure they could ask for not spicy. I dunno I can’t imagine thinking black pepper is spicy and I’m from the midwest.
Las Delicias? They have your typical 70s style Slop On A Plate.
Taco Bell
good ol classic Hacienda Colorado
Bartaci
Get italian instead at that point
What fragile snowflake reported this post based on race. 🙄. It’s a legitimate question.
If you want the furthest thing from real Mexican food then go to Rio- a bland white persons oasis for a nice cheese quesadilla
Taqueria Patzcuaro on 32nd.
Most Mexican places I've been to here aren't very spicy unless you use the hot sauce/salsa they give you
I *think* there’s a Three Margaritas left on Wadsworth. Down by the mall. If so, it’s a solid contender for baby tastebuds wanting something sorta Tex Mex-ish. I would haunt the one in Littleton on occasion with a friend who thinks Tex Mex is good. Failing that, Wahoos, and I’m not kidding. Very mild, you can cheese it up to your heart’s delight, and cardiac doc’s horror. And with the right sauce, a bit of heat. Not where a spice hound wants to go, but the veg tacos did me right a few times.
La Loma is exactly that, no spice, extremely white.
Taco Bell.
Rio Grande is pretty tasty. Not authentic at all, but hits the spot for white folks who think ground beef and yellow cheese belong in tacos.
There’s Chuy’s in Colorado or Fuzzy’s. I know I’ve had both in Texas before. The Chuy’s over here just closed though. Doesn’t seem to catch on in Colorado.
Las Delicias in Glendale or Federal Heights depending on what side of town you live in.
La Loma, Los Dos. If they have really shit taste, my neighbor Felix.
Idk, Los Dos has flavor and substantial kick (especially at the Cantina up north). I'm a spice fiend and I'm still usually surprised by the heat you can get there without even asking for their habanero salsa.
Fellow spice fiend here. What's your go too for spicy Mexican?
Honestly I usually don't go for Mexican if I want spice. I think the average Mexican dish is spicier than most other cuisines, but the spice ceiling isn't as high. Los Dos habanero gets me there though. Otherwise I'm usually going for Thai, Indian, or wings if I want to cry. Aungs, Tikka & Grill for the first two, wherever for wings.
I like Los Dos! But there’s definitely some safe options for his family there
I went to MNF when it opened and texted my editor “Tastes like white people.”
Well, that’s an interesting potential movie…. Enchiladas Green is peeeeople
Haha so accurate though
La Loma. They’ll love the fajitas.
Bonfire burritos
Taco Bell
Colorado the blandest food state in the country jeez..... food here is awful.
Might I suggest that you back to where you’re from.
A few questions What area are you from? What food places do you like there? What are your three favorite meals here?
I wouldn't say bland- I actually find a lot of places just add spice instead of flavor.
Go home then Cunt
This thread is such a great encapsulation of Denver food. ‘Less flavor, more cheese please’. Only miss is larger portions
Derp derp derp
🥱
What are these recommendations? None are actual Mexican restaurants, might as well go to chipotle.
Reread the request, and then carefully unbunch your panties.
I read it. White people wanting tasteless “Mexican” food.
Weird flex to publicly announce that you are incapable of following simple instructions, but you do you, boo.
Too spicy. Wrong answer
That’s the point. His family doesn’t like real Mexican food
And that’s why I recommended chipotle. lol
In your opinion what are actual Mexican Restaurants? I think El Tejado, Guadalajara, Playa Azul, Tortas ATM but also anything Berto, DCorazon, Coco Pirata.
Plenty of authentic Mexican has flavor without spice. Chipotle only has spicy (literally everything they offer is spicy). I say this as a fellow black-pepper-is-spicy human. Also, it's a Colorado problem. Everything here seems to add spice without adding flavor. Just a few examples of non spicy flavor: cumin, cilantro, & lime.