Tacos El Metate

Great restaurant! We came to Denver for vacation and a friend recommended this place. We are so glad we went! The food was amazing and clearly made by someone who knows how to cook. We got the barbacoa burrito, barria tacos, and the enchiladas verdes de pollo. Everything was so good but beware the food was spicy and my wife who got the enchiladas struggles to eat her meal because the verde salsa was so hot. But hey they was more for me and although the were spicy it was delicious. We will be back for sure.

Food was warm and delicious. The service was awesome. I was visiting from south Texas (Brownsville) for a business trip. And I was craving some tacos. And these tacos are authentic. Just missing the cheese and avocado on them but they were yummy. Would recommend 👌

Place was super busy, which is a good sign. The service was friendly and fast. The tacos and burrito were really delicious! Will definitely be back to enjoy more!

This place is legit. The absolute best Mexican food in the greater Denver area IMO. Can be very busy on the weekends/evenings. My favorite are the fish tacos with creamy green sauce, and the breakfast burritos are killer! I usually hold the green chile sauce and add their creamy green sauce again. This place is my kryptonite, being from South Texas, it brings memories back. The staff is super nice as well. Restaurant is always super clean.

Had the usual craving for tacos, and I've seen this place and passed it a few times and have been wanting to come here for a while now. The place was amazing and authentic. One up from street tacos with good value and portions on each taco. I had great service from Yazaira, and the place had a nice humble taco joint atmosphere yet modern. I had the following tacos and ratings accordingly Tripa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Al Pastor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Barbacoa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Buche ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lengua ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Carnitas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Solid tacos totally recommend this place. The 4 stars for my taste just needed a tad more flavor or marinade, but nonetheless amazing tacos.

This place never disappoints. We got the carne asada fries (one of our favorites) and the al pastor, barbacoa and pescado tacos. Everything was delicious and the staff are always so friendly. Food comes out fast and there is a sauce bar! The green salsa is our favorite. Must try!!

Breakfast at Tacos El Metate was really good. Smothered Green Chile Breakfast Burrito was good, a little smaller than I would have liked. The green chile had a great flavor and complemented the burrito well. Smothered Green Chile Fries were plentiful and came out crispy and smothered with a good amount of green chile. Fries were just the right size, so you got the taste of the fries and green chile. I enjoyed it a lot. Roasted jalapeños were free and delicious! There are a lot of salsa options and they are awesome. However, the complaint I have is about the salsa bar which is self serve. The containers were small and people are reaching over other salsa and pouring salsa into small container and it looks like some people get it on their finger and it drips down. I wish they would use ketchup bottle instead because I don’t like the thought of the salsa dripping off other peoples fingers.

This place rips!! Just driving through and needed a spot for dinner and this did not disappoint. Some of the best tacos I’ve had in a long time. Carne asada and shrimp tacos were fire. Only downside was the line moved slow but food was worth it!

The first time we visited was very good atmosphere and staff was friendly and helpful to take our orders and served us with lightning speed! We will return as soon as possible!

This is a great restaurant. The restaurant is clean and the ambience is really cool. I like the menu written on the black chalk board with all of the different ways a person can order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and anything else. The staff is really kind and nice. They have excellent customer service. I enjoy the salsa bar. The first time I went, I ordered the Carne Asada burrito with no beans. I did not get a receipt so I had to guess what number I was because they were busy and I accidentally grabbed someone's burrito because it had beans in it. The quality of the burrito was still good even with the beans. The second time I went, I ordered the Carne Asada quesadilla. It was seasoned so well and delicious. This is definitely the Mexican restaurant. I will frequent in Aurora.

I went to Metate for lunch again today--on a bank holiday with unlimited time to go further. There aren't many reasons I brave the city of Aurora's civil engineers' sadistic I-225 crossings. They resemble the Great Wall of China, keeping Denverites at bay. Metate is worth enduring the fecklessly timed traffic lights on 6th, Alameda, and Mississippi. But I digress. My last review here came several years ago. This place deserves another star. While the asada, pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, and shrimp tacos can't lose, new items have been on my plate lately. The menu's expanded nicely. Two weeks ago, enchiladas verdes came Mexican-style w asadero and verde sauce. No green chile, No yellow cheese. Just delicious. Today, birria tacos took sabroso to new heights. Birria is trendy and found all over the Metro. I can't say I've had better. Five Front Range stars for overall taste, quality, and friendly/efficient service.

We called our order in. They require payment for ordering ahead which is fine, but the ask for how much tip to leave at the end had me LOL -- We had to go in and grab the order ourselves. When we got back to the vehicle we noticed there was no sauce so my wife had to go back in and grab the sauce at the sauce bar. So tell me what exactly are folks tipping for? The tacos were good. My wife ordered the Carnita Quesadilla and said it wasn't fatty. I enjoyed the Pastor. We picked this place because they had good reviews and the street taco prices seemed reasonable. Not a bad choice.

This place is great! My barbacoa quesadilla was fantastic, with a generous amount of meat in it. The chips, salsa, and guacamole were also delicious. Service was fast and there is plenty of seating available, even on a Saturday during the lunch rush

One of the best meals I've had in Colorado. The fish taco is amazing, and the pineapple agua Fresca nearly made me cry from joy. Service was great as well.

Super good place. Huge fan of their food. It's a tad but in the pricier side but they don't skimp on meat at all. So overall, yes it was worth it. Place is relatively clean and service is quick and friendly. It can get pretty busy during the dinner rush so keep that in mind. They have a self serve salsa bar but they used the tiniest ramekins for it which makes no sense. Their soft drink machine was also broken so that sucked. Overall would absolutely go back.

We've been on the hunt for amazing tacos. So far, federal and alameda wins. This place is good, but I wouldn't come back because I do not live close by. The Birria tacos are bland and a hard pass, pretty disappointed. The barbacoa were really good and would get those again. If I ever did come back, I would try the menudo and fish tacos. I was also disappointed the cashier didn't have any recommendations when we asked. Like just tell us the most popular items. That was also disappointing. I would rank this place a solid 3.5 stars.

I've been going to this place over the past 6-7 years and it has progressively gotten worse and I was sure to take pics before throwing my food away. Whenever I've gone, I've ordered the same items (either Carne asada fries, with shredded cheese not nacho; camaron tacos or asada tacos). I can't even tell you how disappointed I am. The fries were limp, so either undercooked or an old batch of fries that they had sitting. The tacos were literally cold. I let them know the time of pickup (25 minutes out), but the food had been so cold, it seemed like it was made immediately with stuff that had already been cooked. I had a feeling I should've just cooked, but this will be my last time. I had a meeting scheduled for here next week and I can't have my name attached to this experience. Please get it together, y'all.

Unbelievable salsas, excellent fish and shrimp tacos. We were disappointed by the meat tacos ( all of the meat was quite dry) but are guessing that it may have been an off night because our friends rave about the meat tacos and have not had the same experience. Very nice space and ambiance, quick service.

This is the second time we have come to Tacos El Metate and unfortunately we did not have as good of an experience this time as we did on our first visit. Last time we went with a quesadilla...this time we decided to try their asada fries. They were very busy on a Sunday at lunchtime and it took quite a while for our food to come out compared to others, but we figured it was because of the french fries as opposed to basic street tacos. However, after getting our fries we were confused as to why it took so long. At first the presentation was nice and we were excited. After taking our first few bites however, we realized that the fries were very undercooked, it was swimming in a not-so-flavorful cheese sauce which didn't help the texture of the fries at all, and there was not nearly enough asada to offset the ocean of cheese. It is rare that we don't just power thru and eat our meal...but neither myself or my son could bring ourselves to eat more than half the basket...and that was with us starving and sharing. I'm not sure if we will be back anytime soon, and if we do go back, we will make sure to just get safer choice of street tacos.

Amazing tacos! Great salsa bar as well! Fair price and good quantities of food. I come here at least once a week!

I'm so blessed to have found this hidden gem! The burritos are fantastico as well as the homemade salsa bar. The girls and the staff always great you with a smile and go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience. I'm so glad i only live 5 min away, take my money!!

I've been several times. They have never really disappointed but holy smokes, the barbacoa quesadilla is amazing tonight. cheers to the chefs in the back. and shout out to the girls who run the front, they are always sweet

Literally came in and asked for two orders of birria tacos. One with no cheese and one with an extra birria taco not only were there cheese in both but we got charged for the extra taco just to not receive it.

The chicken burrito tastes consistently but instead of the old way of putting a dollop of sour cream they drizzle it and it seems watered down. Considering they charge you for the supreme deluxe I was really offended because it was very sparse I was offended because they wanted to charge me for drizzling more. There carne asada fries don't come smothered so they are dry and without the great flavor of the green Chile sauce. If you want it smothered they charge additional. The cheese product the top it with is like something you'd expect from a kids cafeteria. The last complaint I have is the plastic utensils which are the cheapest I've ever encountered. The fork is so flimsy it broke on me last time and it was extremely difficult to cut through my burrito with it bending so much; the knife was not much better. This is a chain and they need to do better than this so people don't get frustrated trying to eat in. I do take out a lot so forgot about the utensils until today.

Unfortunately after supporting this business almost daily for five years we will no longer be supporting them after a terrible experience this morning. After taking my payment and waiting 30 minutes for my order and watching all other customers be served I requested an update on my order. I was then told the order was never received and that they can't refund me. I asked for an update as to when my food would be done then. The worker smirked and picked up her phone to "call a manager" she walks away, comes back I ask again what is going on. She said "they are making your food" I said " I want a refund it's been 40 minutes" she relied "you are here every day, you know a manager has to be here for that" I responded "keep the money since this is your customer service. I won't be back." I mean not even a single apology for the inconvenience of a customer you KNOW is there daily. Also after leaving I received a voided order text message. Clearly they did have my order the whole time.

Unbelievable fantastic flavor! I ordered the El Pastor and the Barbacoa tacos and they were amazing. This place was recommended by the Doubletree hotel and he said he knew the best place for tacos and that the El Pastor meat was 'the best' and he was 100% right. Ok so don't be expecting some fancy sit down restaurant that you have elite servers waiting on you. You walk up to the counter order, you can sit,stay and eat there or go. But either way the flavors are worth it. Just go!! Oh but if you are ordering food to go, you have to grab your sauces. So don't let other reviews sway you from trying this place.

My fiancé and I love to come here and order 2 bacon breakfast tacos, 2 breakfast burritos (1 asada and 1 chorizo) and 2 agua frescas! Everything is delicious. We prefer their breakfast burritos/ tacos to their regular, but both are great! We also find that the service here is good, which helps keep us coming back!

Everything on this menu is super good so glad they got their beer license. I don't know why I have to have at least 85 characters.

Looking for a place to enjoy some Tacos? This place is delicious. Everything is always cooked to order. Food is always seasoned and cooked properly. They have everything taco you can think of from beef, cow tongue, seafood, chicken. I always get a shrimp taco, a fish taco, and asada or some type of beef taco. They always have sauces that you can self serve. Also really good flavors of homemade lemonades. This place has workers who look happy to be at work! They are very polite and always work together to get the guest in and out.

I just want to leave an up date on "Tacos El Metate". They have their liquor license now. So I gave them another star for that. So now you can have a beer or 2 with your tacos. They are expanding their menu now. More tasty Authentic Food . The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable .

This place never disappoints! The service and food are always spot on! I go anytime I am in the neighborhood and sometimes that still a half hour drive just to get my fix.

Food is excellent, establishment is a descent size and the wait time is minimal. Absolutely love their lengua street tacos and my husband loves the green posole. We just tried the quesobirrira tacos (which is new) and they were great. We have definitely been there several times and will continue to go back. The price is two $$ but is worth it for the quality of food.

We stopped by one night after furniture shopping. It was almost closing time and the place was hopping. We knew we needed to stop in to see what was drawing people in. May I say, a taco place at Mexico and Chambers seemed like a good sign? We shared a (large) asada quesadilla and each chose a single taco to accompany it. Mine was al pastor. Juicy and perfectly seasoned.

they taking forever to serve your food it's better ordering before coming in july 7/2024 I got here at 10:20 and it's 11:37 and haven't got my food yet

This was my second time here and I enjoyed both times. The food is fresh and amazing. My favorite so far is the barbacoa tacos and the fried shrimp tacos. Delicious.... I love that they have grilled jalapeños right there for you take have and you don't have to pay for them. The juice I tried was PEPINO (cucumber juice) very refreshing and good. The place is clean and cute. The employees are welcoming and polite. Next time I'll post pictures!! I posted on my instagram.. go follow if you'd like russian_savage

Amazing tacos, quick service, easy to order ahead online and pickup. I love their horchata and all of the agua frescas

I was recommended to this place by my friend after I asked for an authentic taco place. I couldn't get myself to eat the tacos because on the table next to me, there was a crumpled up tissue paper that had a COCKROACH LEG sticking out of it.

It's been a bit since we've been by but this spot never disappoints! Haven't had the pineapple agua fresca & that was definitely worth it! If you know you know & if you don't, you better find out!!

Excellent food shuffle! Aurora's prime folic acid free place to dine.

Wonderful food. Quick and friendly service. It's a small place and gets loud. It's busy for a reason.

Worse place to wait for your food Order a steak burrito And the conversations with the cooks were more efficiently that taking care the orders?!

Came here to buy the boys some breakfast burritos after a night out drinking. We're all disappointed after paying for the extra meat and extra egg to have something so skimp. Needless to say we all had to go to taco mex a block away and buy another burrito that was actually worth what we paid for. Do yourself a favor and skip this spot if you're planning on stopping here for a breakfast burrito.

Pescado Taco is the all star here. Pricing is bit higher $2.75 per taco but the quality is there. The Aurora location has better parking than DU location. El Metate (the grounding stone used in traditional Mesoamerican culture) Use 'Toast TakeOut' app to order pickup.

So let's be honest. The young cashier girls can be very rude. I get prices have gone up but $12 for a burrito and $5 for a water. You know their up charge is a lot and they making a lot of money. It's places like this that's not good for our economy. I will admit the food is good but not worth the price. The burritos shouldn't cost more than $7 bucks. Got a burger meal with a coke and fries for $11.59 at Culver's the day before. Do better. Stop and think of your customers instead of the money in your purse. Just wanted to also not the salsa bar was empty and filthy. You he girl behind the counter was rude and lazy. I asked for a manager and she said they didn't have one. No wonder these teenage girls are rude. Poor owners that don't care.

Was considering bringing my family here today for lunch, but after reading the reviews left us with us finding a better option. The simple fact that the owner/s can read the reviews and yet make no attempt to make things right with the customer. Just let me know they simply just don't care. I've been in the restaurant industry for over 18 years. Customer service has always been our priority. Sad that something are simple to make right, yet some owners make it so difficult.

I can't even tell you how many times I have past Tacos El Metate without ever eating there. I can finally say that I have. I was really impressed with the tacos. I got the al pastor, pollo and camaron tacos. I especially loved the camaron taco. It was so flavorful and delicious. They do not skimp on the food either. At first I thought it was a bit expensive, but seeing how much meat and toppings you get I understood. Overall, they make really great authentic tacos here.

I've been coming to this place for sooo long but this is my first time posting a review. Why? I have no clue. BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try their fish tacos. I haven't had any fish tacos in Colorado that have beat these ones. The fish tacos at 3 Margaritas downtown comes pretty close, but other than that UNBEATABLE!!! These tacos were literally sent from Heaven, we were blessed with these. They also have other amazing food but I don't think I could ever get anything besides the fish tacos, unless it was on the side. Please try them :)

Hands down, they have the best fish tacos in town! Portions are decent, so you should get full and the staff has been smiling each time I visited.

Tried the Al pastor tacos no pineapple and dry and not flavorful at all, carnitas was also disappointing as it was also dry and lacked flavor had to hit it with a ton of salt and lime. The fish taco surprisingly was actually pretty good and so were the salsas. I also tried tripas bien doradas and they tasted burnt and over done. I didn't eat one of my pastor and one of the carnitas not because I wasn't hungry anymore just the food wasn't good. Paid $40+ for 10 tacos and a coke overpriced and very low food quality.

Shrimp tacos are fire! So good! Came here with a couple coworkers and they are out of the state and definitely liked this place so good!

Finally a Taco joint that I can honestly say is just as good as the Tacos back home in Aurora Illinois. This place is small but I like how they have there tables set up. Not crammed together. Has a simple vibe going on and is pretty clean. There taco selection is pretty big. I don't think I have ever seen such a large variety of tacos on a menu. They have burritos and quesadillas too. I tried the Fish Taco, Asada Taco and Pastor. All were great especially the Fish Taco. Crunchy and full of flavor. There sauces are very good and very spicy. Only one thing I think there on the pricey side.. We had a party of 4 and it cost over $70.00 with out tip. I think that's a lot for Tacos, drinks, and some chips but there Tacos are good and you pay for what you get. You won't be disappointed. There cashiers are very polite and on point. This is my number 1 taco joint In Colorado I will return for more.

Finally! A legit taco spot in Aurora. The food is consistently amazing. I go to this location a couple of times a week. The staff it always friendly and welcoming. I don't know where they found their cashiers but it's amazing to see such a young crew who is as professional and courteous as they are. Wow, just wow. I always have a great experience here! My favorite menu items are tacos de barbacoa, pozole, breakfast burritos, carne asada fríes, and the agua de pepino!

This place has me really disappointed. I love this places food, and we have been going here often for years, but their customer service really let me down. We ordered tacos from here on Valentine's Day and then realized we accidentally sent it to the wrong location. we called the store as soon as we realized (like 2 minutes after ordering) and they refused to refund, or help with getting the food at the right location even though we called almost immediately after ordering. again, really disappointed that a place with good food has such inconsiderate service policies. We were frequent customers for the last 5 years and they were not willing to cooperate on a 16 dollar mistake. What a shame.

Really great tacos, recommend the shrimp, Barbacoa, and steak. They have great and fast service. Also have really delicious salsas and pineapple and strawberry frescas.

Get the fish tacos . We live about 20 minutes away from here and they were still as crispy when we got home as they would have been if we stayed and ate in restaurant! This is a very great place to get delish food

Food was great at beginning of opening now food gets worst and worst over time. Dedication of cooking is fading Way to expensive

This place is awesome. I had the carne assada fries and it was excellent. It is way too large of a serving. They also provide free green chile peppers. There is plenty of seating, parking is easy, and the takeout is fast. I highly recommend this place.