Maderas - Kitchen & Cantina

"Maderas, a romantic (and colorful) Mexican restaurant in Montrose, is a great spot for a third or thirtieth date. Located in a strip center, Maderas feels unpretentious, yet still stylish with tropical plants, massive floral murals, and plush booths. And the food is full of flavor, from plates of crispy golden flautas in a pool of salsa verde or blue corn tortillas lying beneath charred octopus tentacles. Plus being surrounded by what feels like hundreds of LED candles makes any last-minute date night feel special, even if you’re just wearing a T-shirt." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas

"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