Welcome back to the Madness, taco fans. Today we’re announcing the Elite Eight competitors in our bracket, narrowed down from your votes over the past week.
Moving forward, we’ve got Tacos Selene, which received a whopping 79% of votes against La Calle. El Taco de Mexico had a 67% turnout in its match-up with Comal. Los Dos Potrillos, a 64% win against Los Carboncitos. Garibaldi took 63% of the votes, playing El Taco Bron. Kike’s (pronounced kee-kays) won with 61% of votes against Mister Oso. Mexico City Lounge received 57% of your votes against Tocabe. Xicamiti won its round versus La Doña with 56%. And La Diabla beat Comida with 54%.
Take a look at the next round of matches below (or at dpo.st/3I9jDyS if you’re following in print), and vote for the Final Four by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 21. Remember to play fair and keep these taco games (relatively) clean.
Click here to get a printable version of our March Madness bracket.
The Elite 8 Taco matchups
Tacos Selene vs. Garibaldi Mexican Bistro
Simplicity is key at Tacos Selene, which has locations in Littleton and Aurora. Garibaldi is similarly inconspicuous — tucked beside a gas station on South Broadway. They’ve both garnered loyal followings for their authentic taco varieties.
El Taco de Mexico vs. Los Dos Potrillos
El Taco is a success story — enduring since 1985 when it first debuted as a food cart — that churns out some of the most beloved toppings and tortillas in Denver. The Ramirez family’s Los Dos Potrillos has restaurants in Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch and Parker.
Kike’s Red Tacos vs. La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal
Kike’s raises the taco game by serving quesabirrias with melted cheese and consomme-dipped meat. La Diabla gets decadent with flavors like beef and bone marrow, or red snapper plus pineapple butter.
Mexico City Lounge vs. Xicamiti La Taquería Bistro
Mexico City Lounge is a six-decade staple serving fried tacos that taste more like burgers with tender asada and melted American cheese. Xicamiti is a no-frills shop helmed by a chef with no previous professional cooking who has built a cult following.
The Denver Post Taco Bracket is sponsored by , a local gourmet meal kit service. on its website to get two free meals using a la cart.
