La Cueva Restaurant

I've been going to this place since I was a little girl....so for over 30 years. It's authentic food coming from the families passed down recipes is fantastic and consistent. We love love love it here!

When you go there in person, everything is great. If you pick up a to go order or pick from Uber eats they place everything in one box. The chili is absorbed by the beans and rice just very disgusting I ordered the items separately to avoid this and they still do it every time so my tamales are always dry. The burritos are always dry and the chili is absorbed all in the rice. I don’t know if they’re being cheap with the containers or anything, but I don’t mind paying for separate food

The food is amazing! The staff are amazing. I’ve been coming here since I can remember and my family has been coming for even longer. The food has never disappointed. Any time I’m in town I have to come here or my trip isn’t complete.

Great local, family owned Mexican restaurant on Colfax. They've got quite a bit of seating, and a full bar with a HUGE selection of Tequilas, as well as draft beers, and many margaritas! Their food is reasonably priced, about as much as a combo at a fast-food place nowadays, but for healthy, wholesome, delicious, and heartily-portioned food! I particularly enjoyed the smothered chicken burritos, mmm. It's also got a very warm, cozy atmosphere, with low, sultry lighting. Great vibe and atmosphere. The owners and staff are incredible and very friendly! I felt right at home. I'll be back again soon; thanks! =D

Good meal. Always looking for good Mexican food that rivals what I'm used to from Texas. My late lunchtime to go order was the Short Ribs & Chili Rejenos. Both very flavorful. The neighborhood was questionable on Colfax such that I'm not sure I'd feel safe going to dinner at night. Parking was very limited with only the street parking on Colfax.

Really enjoyed our meal here. We both had a combo plate with cheese and onion enchilada, beef taco and tostada. Enjoyed a raspberry beer and house margarita as well. Great service.

I go to La cueva every chance I get. They're like family there. The food is amazing. The hospitality is unreal. It's seriously like my aunt or my uncle's house that will cater to every need. Horchata is the best thing to have with a spicy meal. They have the spicy and they have the sweet. And I always get a to-go order as well not knowing when I'll be back I always take some home with chips and salsa. " I LOVE La Cueva"

My family has been eating at La Cueva for well over 45 years, we moved 80 miles west in the late 80's and to this day will drive down just to enjoy the always delicious food and a Norma margarita! Thank you Alfonso for keeping the traditions of your family alive! La Cueva serves the best food and is our comfort and happy place!

We've been eating at La Cueva for many many years. The restaurant is a several generations family owned restaurant. It's a great place. Food really good and consistent. Spice and temperature always hot. Yum. Located on E. Colfax 1/2 block from Dayton. I think the current climate on E. Colfax has put a damper on the number of people that are frequenting La Cueva. It's too bad. Please get it a try. Not the yellow cheese, bland Mexican food that is all over Denver. Owner is friendly. Works there. We want them to be able to stay in business.

Had the carne asada today and it was very tasty! The family that runs this place is so sweet. I really hope business picks up for them. Not sure why the low ratings; their food tastes deliciously home-cooked and comforting. Plenty of seating and bar area. Great place to hang out.

Nicely surprised by this. My friends liked the margaritas and said they were strong and not a horrible mix. I really enjoyed the tacos Al carbon and my friends had the carne asada and said it was good. The rellanos were subpar but where in Denver are they good? Would like to try them for breakfast

I just had some of the best Mexican food ever! Don't let the appearance fool you--this isn't a fancy restaurant but this place is all about great food and hospitality. Every dish tasted like my Nana herself cooked it--authentic, comforting, made with love and lots of flavor. The margaritas live up to their title as the best in Denver--perfectly balanced, and refreshing. The Sopa Xochil was incredibly rich and heartwarming , and I couldn't get enough! So delicious! The staff is super friendly, and the entire restaurant feels like it's filled with love and good memories. If you're craving real Mexican food and amazing drinks, this is the spot!

Been going there for 40 years - extremely disappointed will NEVER go back !! Service was awful we were treated like it was an imposition to serve us -- burritos were the size of a small taquito - prices outrageous!! Bill was over 50 for 2 burritos and a combo plate - the whole experience was so bad that I'm writing my 1st review ever = ( until now DONT waste your money

This restaurant is amazing! The recipes have never changed and that's because it' has been the same family running it all my life. I've been going in there since I was 4 and I'm 53 now. I moved from Colorado 3 years ago, but still go back a couple of times a year. There isn't a time that I visit Colorado, where I don't stop, have lunch, and then pack a cooler full of food to go. Everything is homemade from the beans to the tortillas. I thoroughly believe anybody that has a negative review, has never really eaten good Mexican food and I would challenge anybody to name a better place!

What a fantastic place I will go to for good Mexican food Their Molé is to die for and they are so nice that they will put it on cheese enchiladas if you are vegetarian Oh, and the owners are sweethearts

I LOVE this place - it's been a staple since childhood and is food I can always rely on (home made tortillas make everything better). Service is always great, I tend to get there shortly after open so I never have any issue or delay on anything. The inside hasn't changed a lot since I've been eating at La Cueva (for 25 years) - so it feels like home. Colorful, and historic. It's ALWAYS my first stop when I fly home.

Our family has been eating here for over 30 years The food is consistently fantastic. The service is family and wonderful and the margaritas are terrific. The place is immaculate. The table are comfortable and not too close together and the bar is charming. But more could you want? This is our go to.

best Mexican food in town. Known the staff my whole life they are the nicest and sweetest.

Have adored this place for years. Family recipes, kind service, excellent food, red chile plate is our favorite.

We were enjoying our meal. The waitress came over and asked how was our meal was. We said it was good. She then stood there with the payment machine expecting us to pay in the middle of our meal - how rude. Put the check down and we will pay when we are done. Not sure if we will be back.

Fuimos a comer, y nos cobraron extra por tortillas que se supone que iban incluidas con el plato, intentamos de hablar con la manager, que se llama patty, y fue muy grosera y sangrona. No no quiso ayudar y no respecta ni el precio de la comida ni a sus clientes. NO COMAN AQUÍ. came to eat here and the manager wanted to charge us extra for tortillas that were included with the plate. Tried to talk the manager patty and she was very rude. DONT EAT HERE VERY UNPROFFESSINAL!!!!

If you're thinking of eating here, my suggestion is look elsewhere. It was the single worst restaurant meal I have had in years--and it was expensive! The margarita was bad, the tortillas were hard and tasteless, the beans and rice were hard and blah, the chile rellenos were substandard, and my husband's combination meal was equally disappointing.

My wife Kim and I have been going to La Cueva for years now! The absolute best Mexican food in town, It is wonderful and worth the drive! See Alfonzo or Patty tell them Kim and Randy sent you! Try the #2 or#3

i do not recommend this place at all. avoid at all cost. small portions and very over priced compared tp others in the area. paying for all the "decorations" inside. not recommended at all. plus, the food is not that good !!!!!!!!!!!

Sadly what was once a favorite of mine, La Cueva has now lost its way. Entirely overpriced with a staff the simply don't care. Just order, eat and leave. They actually dropped this "basket" of chips in front of me...literally 10 chips. Seriously? I'm glad I was eating alone. A basket of a la carte chips cost $3.95 or based on this sampling, .39 a chip, 4.95 if I ordered a small saucer of salsa. Ridiculous. Saturday night and the place was dead. So many other options for Mexican food in this town. Too bad, this was once a great restaurant.

Delicious food, plenty of parking in back of building. Clean and friendly atmosphere.

Very nice staff, good food, and great vibe! I had the shredded beef tacos, which were excellent!

If you are on Colfax and want classic histories Mexican then this is your jam. Eat heat and enjoy the decor and very well executed Mexican cuisine. Great drinks too.

I've been enjoying La Cueva for 20+ years! Family owned, authentic Mexican food. So happy they made it through covid.

I've been a La Cueva fan for more than 20 years. Alfonso and his staff are great, and the green chile sauce continues to amaze! I just wish they would open another place closer to my new home!

I've been coming to La Cueva for around 25 years and believe this is still the best Mexican food in all of Denver. There have been many fancy Mexican restaurants opening up around Denver over the last ten years but none of them hold a candle to La Cueva. To start, their salsa is simply the best. The perfect amount of heat and flavor that I can't even describe. The margaritas are top notch and the food is the absolute real deal. Enchiladas with mole sauce and the chile relleno with green chile are a couple of my favorites. This is a classic gem that you can't miss if you truly enjoy real Mexican food.

This is our go to place and I generally get the same 2-3 options...the Lomo de Cerdo is to. die. for! But trying to expand my horizons, I recently tried the chili rellenos with a half/half red and green sauce upon Patricia's suggestion. It was epic...the comfort food you never knew you needed. Patricia, the manager, treats you like family and suggests all the yummiest dishes. Tonight we tried the special, crab enchiladas-such a delicious way to change it up! Can't recommend this place enough!!!

Enchillada had very little meat. Not good at all! Took forever just to get some water.

It was a lil pricey for what you got BUT if you're into real Mexican food, not Tex mex... it was delicious!

I've been coming here since I was in diapers, they treat you like family and the food tastes like your mom made it. The salsa is the best in the state by far, I can't ever have enough and have to order more to go home with. The enchiladas are amazing, I love everything on the menu and will be coming here with my children as well!

Love this place! Whenever we are in Denver, this is a must for us. We can usually find street parking without a problem. Service is friendly. They even leave carafes for easy refills at your table. The chips and salsa are so flavorful. One of the best salsas ever! We usually start with guacamole. The menu has something for everyone.I love the shrimp in ranchero sauce. The mole is also quite yummy. I love reading the articles on the walls, this place has local history and is well established!

Authentic Mexican fare with a long tequila list and pleasant service. The green chili gets hotter as the week goes on. Huevas Rancheros are solid as is the Mexican hamburger and a host of other dishes. Homemade Guacamole and salsa round out the dinner. And don't forget the Prima marg- it's worth the price. Bonus: truly nice people own the place. Owner is an ex-firefighter

We love La Cueva! We drive there from Castle Pines frequently (which is quite a drive) because the food is authentic and GOOD. Best green chili around if you like spicy. We've become close to the owner and his staff and consider them friends. We La Cueva

Before moving to Denver, I had no idea green chili was "a thing." Like, I knew it existed, but didn't realize how much people lose their minds for it out here. I see it everywhere--on tacos, burritos, mixed into guac, served by the bowlful. Fact is, these chili lovers aren't wrong--they're actually very, very right. I've learned to love this special green sauce and while I wouldn't call myself a connoisseur, La Cueva makes some dang good chili. I checked out La Cueva with some long time Coloradans who absolutely love this restaurant. I already had the warm fuzzies hearing about how they started dining here 20 years ago, and having that semi-personal connection made my experience all the better. I honestly love the outside of this restaurant so much--the sea foamy turquoise is so pretty to me. Inside, the restaurant is divided into two rooms, each with a bar. The front room has a cactus that I had some serious plant lust over, and the whole restaurant is divey/cute. We were here for a later lunch on a Saturday and it was pretty quiet. We were able to grab a table immediately and our server brought out waters and chips and salsa. Their salsa was tasty and extra spicy, just the way I like it. They were still serving breakfast well into the afternoon, so I ordered the huevos rancheros with green chili. I gotta say, all day breakfast is WHERE IT'S AT in my book. Our food came out really quickly and the portions were generous. The green chili was so good and seriously spicy--probably the best I've had outside of Taos. Honestly my only complaint about the experience was that they gave me flour instead of corn tortillas like I asked, which is no bigs at all. I love these sort of old school spots! I'd definitely come back here, especially on a day when I'm in the mood to pair a cocktail wit my meal. Their menu has a ton of options, although I feel like I've found the right thing to order and might just stick with that.

This place was great! The chicken Mole was fantastic! If you're looking for real Authentic Mexican food, look no further! Will be back, without a doubt!

We have had dinner at La Cueva a number of times, always before a show at the Aurora Fox Theater. Here are three reasons why you might choose to go to La Cueva: 1. The people are nice 2. They take reservations 3. It's essentially next door to the Aurora Fox Theater, so when you're going to the theater, you can park once and access both venues. If you're not going to a show at the Aurora Fox Theater, there are a number of reasons why I would not recommend La Cueva: 1. There is very limited parking, mostly on East Colfax and the side streets 2. The food isn't dreadful, but honestly, it's not very good 3. Portions are very small, especially considering that pretty much everything on the menu is significantly overpriced 4. Pretty much everything on the menu is significantly overpriced, especially considering how small the portions are (yeah, I know - 3 and 4 are essentially the same, just converses, but they are both important and each compounds the other). When you're going to a show at the Aurora Fox Theater, La Cueva gives you one option, particularly with a larger group since they take reservations. If, however, you are just with a party of two, three, or four, I suggest trying some of the other options in that neighborhood. Honestly, La Cueva is closer to one star than two - I give them the benefit of the doubt because at least the people are friendly and accommodating.

Pretty expensive for what you get....but the food is good. Ordered menudo, the portion was the smallest portion of menudo I've ever ordered in my life(this is coming from a first generation Mexican American from LA) so that should tell you enough!

Very disappointed... Much of the food tastes like it came straight out of a can. Chile rellenos seemed to be boiled and beans tasted like they were purchased in the chip isle at the local grocery story. Great customer service would have made it better, but they seemed to be fresh out of that as well. Cheese and onion enchilada should be renamed onion and cheese. I think four years in Albuquerque might have spoiled me for good food. Green chile was the biggest disappointment. Probably deserve a 0 star rating.

La Cueva left me in a state of confusion. I want to like it for a few reasons but can't for too many. It certaily has street appeal which is why we drove the distance to give it a try. Upon entering it is warm and welcoming with a colorful palate lit with dancing candle light and individual lights above each table. At this point I was really excited and in the mood for some flavorful Mexican food that was different from the norm of cheesy, greasey mounds of meat with a side of salsa. Ok, here comes the hostess. Uh oh. She is clearly not excited to be seating another table and is is only 7 p.m. I will wait to judge based on the actual table side service. Can you say indifferent? Our waitress really did not seem to care at all that we were in her section and ready to spend some money. Beer (bottled), margarita (good, worth two) and salsa (fresh, mild and packed with onions)...let the food review begin. Wait, stop....what the hell is wrong with this menu? All four or five combos consist of a beef taco, refrito tostado, refrito burrito and an onion and cheese enchilada (all priced at $8.75 not including beans and rice). Yes, it clearly states that other combos can be made from the a la carte menu, buy why? Oh, I see. All the plates you really want to order cost $15.95. Wow. The Carne Asada - Chile and garlic marinated thin slices of tender beef, grilled and served with grilled onion, roasted jalapeño, pico, guacamole, and two flour or four corn tortillas sounds lovely as does the Haga Su Taco - Beef barbacoa (Mexican barbeque) marinated in black chiles, slow baked and grilled with onions, tomato, jalapeño, served with pico, guacamole, two flour or four corn tortillas BUT NOT for $15.95. None of the specialties are represented on the a la carte menu or the combos plates. A real downfall. So we ordered the chile rellenos and a chicken burrito a la carte and beans a la carte. The green chile is quite lovely with its smokey sense of straight forward heat. No pork here, just a wonderous array of fresh ingredients that dazzle with color and texture. Will it be enough? Sadly, no. The service and the food options will not draw us back down Colfax even though it is my favorite road in the state. Maybe we will try Rico Pollo 2 a few blocks to the west. Bummer.

It's just ok...... very limited parking and overpriced mediocre food. If I need a Mexican food fix I'm going to stick to 7 Legus

I judge Mexican restaurants by 2 things. The first is their tacos. The second is their chicken enchiladas. When I went to La Ceuva I was carbing up for a beer festival so I decided on chicken enchiladas to fill my belly. The staff were friendly and the place was kinda dead. A little shocking for a Saturday afternoon. They have a ton of articles and awards on the wall, but they are all from many years ago. Nothing seemed to be recent. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with no rice or beans. It arrived and looked interesting. They cook cheese enchiladas and then throw chicken on top then smother it with more cheese. A little strange to me. This basically tells me that the enchiladas are probably premade and then they just throw it together based on what people order. I actually wasn't a fan. The sauce lacked in flavor and so did the chicken. There was so much cheese that it overpowered everything else. Not sure if I will be back since there are a ton of Mexican restaurants in the area to pick from.

Came here for dinner with friends. I asked the waitress if she could bring us some spicy salsa. She told us "I wish" but that they didn't have anything spicier. We had the Queso La Cueva, which wasn't even queso. It was a bunch of ground meat with some melted cheese on top. We also had the guacamole, which needed more flavor. Then we had the Haga Su Taco and the Fajitas de Camarones. They were very bland and tasteless. We were really disappointed and won't be coming back here. There are much better Mexican restaurants in Denver.

I got delivery today. First time trying this place. I have hear good things about it over the years. I was very disappointed with the carne asada.. Tasted like over cooked steak with a big mouth of chili powder on it. I'm used to a nice grilled and marinated steak cooked medium rare like I asked . It was well done and yucky. At least the Guacamole and salsa were decent. Sorry I wasted 40$. Probably will feed the rest of the steak to my dogs

Best Mexican food in Denver!!!! Hands down!!! I have been eating here for 20 years and I have never had a bad meal .. quite the contrary .. it is always amazing!!!! The food is consistently delicious!!! The staff is the most welcoming staff of any restaurant in Denver PERIOD!! Don't miss this!!

From the house made chips and salsa to your last bite, be ready for a great experience. This is authentic Mexican and it is delicious. Family operated for many many years, you can taste the refinement in every recipe. Try the Mexican hamburger with green chili. Great place!

I've been to La Cueva a few times with groups, always before seeing a show at the Aurora Fox. So far, the service has been pretty inconsistent... no one had been outright rude, but we've had pretty long breaks between visits from waitstaff. Drinks and items from orders have been forgotten, but have been brought quickly upon the second request. Keep in mind, though, that the restaurant is probably busier before a show at the Fox than usual, and I never did see waitstaff just standing around doing nothing. The manager and owner were also quick to jump in when they could see a problem. Overall, the food has been pretty mediocre. As others have noted, many dishes don't come with rice and beans, and to order them as sides ends up pushing the tab above comparable restaurants in the area. Others have noted that the quality of the food seems to have taken a turn for the worse over time, and I suspect that this may be the case. There aren't a ton of dinner options in the area, so there may not be much incentive to want to get better. Others have complained about the salsa being heavy on onions - this is true, but is actually a positive for me. I love chunky salsa, and that at La Cueva has always seemed extremely fresh. Drinks in the bar area, margaritas especially, were pretty darned expensive for the quality - I haven't ordered one since my first time there.

The good, the bad and the ugly First the good. I left there with all of my body parts intact The bad was the service. I had to track down our server to let her know we wanted to order after sitting there for 20 minutes. Then at the end of the meal (meal is being generous in terms) their register system went down. After another 20 minutes I stated that I was leaving so either figure it out or dinner is on the house. I'm sure the number I was given was inflated Now for the ugly - the food. Casa Bonita would have been better. Beans served with an ice cream scoop - and these were old - had been in the warming tray a good two or three days. I honestly think alpo dog food would have tasted better If you're hungry and desperate I suggest you resort to cannibalism before dining here

I love La Cueva, delicious food, friendly staff (Patricia and Kathy). We love hanging out here.

The food is okay. The service is okay The margs are - you guessed it okay. The prices however are not. An entree and two drinks was $30 - not including tip. Beer is priced more than what you'd expect at a chain sports-bar, and margs are as well. Nice people and the service is fine, but value isn't great because prices are too steep for what you get. That is, okay food - but nothing where you'll walk away thinking it was exceptional and worth the premium.

This place was not better than average. It wasn't horrible, but it was not good. Mediocre and maybe not even. Of all the dishes I tried none were done that well. Only the guacamole was even par. Not good but average. The rest was sub par. I don't recommend. I won't be back.

Absolutely the best mex in the Denver area, been coming here since '78! Molly is no longer around to give people a hard time.

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the Denver area and has been for years. Great (and hot!) green chili, deep earthy enchilada sauce, great Margaritas de Oro! Friendly, efficient service; nice family.