One of my absolute favorite things is to discover great food in unexpected places. Denver certainly is a place you expect great dining options. But in the middle of a hotel development area near the airport? Totally a delicious surprise! Renegados Tacos and Margaritas is the ultimate street taco lunch spot!
Renegados Tacos and Margaritas
This amazing one-off restaurant specializing in tacos and margaritas is just 13 minutes by car from the airport on Tower Road. This neighborhood seems to be all hotels (over a dozen in a one-mile radius) and two miles from the infamous Gaylord Resort and Conference Center. It’s basically in an amenities desert when it comes to food and drink — Ruby Tuesdays and McDonalds are just about the only options here amongst all those hotel properties (outside of whatever options they may offer on-site.)
This spot is a very cool gem in a great location for travelers flying in and out of Denver International.
Renegado Tacos – Menu Favorites
From the Tacos ala Carte menu, Kevin and I tried SO many and they all rocked. We actually ate here twice, despite having the entire mile high city to choose anything under the sun! These were the stand outs:
My favorite: Tropical Chicken taco
Kevin’s favorite: Classic Carnitas
Appetizers:
We ordered the Chips and Salsa and the Elote. I can never turn down elote on a menu. The chips and salsa were homemade and the tomatillo salsa was made with extra heat. The elote is two full cobbs of corn and it’s delicious and beautiful in presentation.
Drinks
There is a good array of tequilas and margaritas are the menu mainstay. However, being a beer person, I ordered a Mexican lager that was really great. There are a few draft beers but the can and bottle varieties are eclectic but track with the Southwest and Latin vibe.
Atmosphere at Renegados Tacos
There were adrenaline soaked extreme outdoor sports videos playing on the televisions and the music while good, was a little loud for daytime lunch conversation. The restrooms were super clean and the entire space is open and comfortable. It was too windy to sit outside, but there is a large outdoor patio seating area which would be lovely in the summer!
Planning to Round Two
Renegados Tacos and Margaritas is one of those places I think about and wish I had the time to experience more of the menu (or that I lived down the street to frequent it daily!) I even made some carnitas at home just this week and though they were good (if I do say so,) they were NOT the same. I guess I should start looking for tickets to Denver again!
This spot is a place you NEED to elevate to the top of your Denver dining checklist! It’s also PERFECT for lunch before heading to Golden, CO for a Coors Brewery Tour! Make sure to read my recommendations for how to plan the perfect tour!