"Maderas makes you feel comfortable the minute you walk in. The dining room of Maderas Kitchen & Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Montrose, which is lit by the flicker of what feels like hundreds of LED candles, could easily be a Bachelorette venue. Because despite being housed in a bland strip center, the interior is cozy and overflows with tropical plants and massive floral murals. The approachable menu casually blends staple Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes together. Sure, you can get chips and queso to start, but you can also snack on paprika-spice trompo de pulpo tacos or serrano-spiced flor de calabaza quesadillas. Cocktails spiked with habanero syrup, tamarindo, and aged tequila feel like a tailored suit with a colorful handkerchief: classic, yet playful, and designed to compliment the food. Even better, a meal at Maderas doesn’t cost an entire paycheck. In fact, you might feel like you’re getting away with something when the bill arrives, especially after splitting a couple toasted marshmallow carajillos and fluffy churros with rich leche quemada. Service is fun and friendly, somehow balancing being attentive but not overbearing, as though you’re at a familiar neighborhood spot. More dressed up than most , but considerably less expensive than other high-end Mexican restaurants, like , Maderas is unpretentious yet stylish. You could literally bring anyone here—a coworker, a grandmother, a third-tier friend—and have a fantastic time. And with plush booths perfect for snuggling, the romantic and colorful Maderas is a great spot for date night, whether it’s your third or thirtieth. " - Chelsea Thomas
