Mexican food is festive food. With bright-colored plates often adorned with lettuce, tomato and guacamole and bold, spicy, smokey and citrus flavors, it may as well be a party for your mouth. This trio of family-owned restaurants in the south metro area each deals in its own unique brand of south-of-the-border cuisine. Pull up a seat and celebrate.
Address: 3866 S. Broadway, Englewood, Sister location at 5950 S. Platte Canyon Road, Littleton
Hours: 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Contact:303-789- 4444,
The scoop: 4G’s is a family-run place that has been around for 43 years in one location or another in the south Denver metro area. It started as a little cafe at Hampden Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive serving Mexican favoritesto truckers. It opened in a new space on South Broadway in Englewood earlier this year. The staff proudly proclaims the margaritas are to die for and the crispy chili rellenos are the best in Denver.
What the owner says: “We host a lot of big groups. From churches, from schools… We’re very friendly. We don’t need reservations. If you have a party of 10 or 15 or 20, we will accommodate you. We’re also famous for our huevos rancheros.” — Alfonso Gonzalez
Address:8800 S. Colorado Blvd., Unit G, Highlands Ranch
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Contact:720-379-7968,
The scoop: Casa Caliente has been dishing out big plates of the good stuff near the Arapahoe-Douglas counties border since 2012. It features an exceptionally well-stocked cantina (a more festive word for bar!) and recently hosted a special event dinner pairing off-menu items with Patron tequilas. A house favorite is the “Gigante Burrito,” which comes with a handmade chili relleno wrapped inside.
What the owner says: “We make everything in-house, from our chips and salsas to our chicken and shredded beef. We have over 115 different types of tequilas in our cantina, and not a lot of places carry that many.” –Tim Rasmussen
Address:562 E. Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Pines. Sister location at 2680 S. Havana St., Unit A, Aurora
Hours:10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Contact:303-755-3366,
The scoop:Founded in 2005, Las Fajitas is the outgrowth of owner Alberto Granados’ years of experience in the restaurant biz, starting as a dishwasher at age 14 and working his way up. The eatery prides itself on making sure each customer is satisfied with whatever flavor they come in seeking. Bet you can’t guess what the house specialty is.
What the owner says: “We’re a local business and family owned and operated. We are ‘Home of the Best Fajitas in Town.’ Our name is Las Fajitas, so we have to make them right. We invite everyone to come in and try them and let us know what they think.” — Alberto Granados.